Top Flite TOPA0950 - Manual (Page 26)

26
SET THE CONTROL THROWS
Use a Great Planes AccuThrow (or a ruler) to
accurately measure and set the control throw of each
control surface as indicated in the chart that follows. If
your radio does not have dual rates, we recommend
setting the throws at the low rate setting.
Note: The throws are measured at the widest part of
the elevators, rudder and ailerons.
These are the recommended control surface throws:
High Rate Low Rate
ELEVATOR: 5/8" [16mm] up 3/8" [9.5mm] up
5/8" [16mm] down 3/8" [9.5mm] down
RUDDER: 1-1/8" [29mm] right 7/8" [22mm] right
1-1/8" [29mm] left 7/8" [22mm] left
AILERONS: 11/16" [17.5mm] up 1/2" [13mm] up
11/16" [17.5mm] down 1/2" [13mm] down
FLAPS: 1-1/4" [32mm] down 5/8" [16mm] down
(full fl ap) (1/2 fl ap)
IMPORTANT: The P-51 Mustang ARF has been
extensively fl own and tested to arrive at the
throws at which it fl ies best. Flying your model
at these throws will provide you with the greatest
chance for successful fi rst fl ights. If, after you have
become accustomed to the way the P-51 fl ies, you
would like to change the throws to suit your taste,
that is fi ne. However, too much control throw could
make the model diffi cult to control, so remember,
“more is not always better.”
FLIGHT NOTE: The high rate elevator is more than
enough throw for normal fl ight. However, the extra
throw helps keep the nose up when taking off from
rough grass. Once the plane is in the air, the low
rate elevator is recommended. Also, 20% to 30%
exponential can be put in the high rate elevator to
reduce the sensitivity.
BALANCE THE MODEL (C.G.)
More than any other factor, the C.G. (balance point)
can have the greatest effect on how a model fl ies,
and may determine whether or not your fi rst fl ight
will be successful. If you value this model and wish
to enjoy it for many fl ights, DO NOT OVERLOOK
THIS IMPORTANT PROCEDURE. A model that
is not properly balanced will be unstable and
possibly unfl yable.
At this stage the model should be in ready-to-fl y
condition with all of the systems in place including
the engine, landing gear, and the radio system.
❏
1. Use a felt-tip pen or 1/8" [3mm]-wide tape to
accurately mark the C.G. on the top of the wing on
both sides of the fuselage. The C.G. is located 5-5/8"
[143mm] back from the LE of the wing where it meets
the fuselage sides.
This is where your model should balance for the
fi rst fl ights. Later, you may wish to experiment by
shifting the C.G. up to 1/4" [6mm] forward or 1/4"
[6mm] back to change the fl ying characteristics.
Moving the C.G. forward may improve the
smoothness and stability, but the model may then
require more speed for takeoff and make it more
diffi cult to slow for landing. Moving the C.G. aft
makes the model more maneuverable, but could
also cause it to become too diffi cult to control. In
any case, start at the recommended balance
point and do not at any time balance the model
outside the specifi ed range.
❏
2. With the wing attached to the fuselage, all parts
of the model installed (ready to fl y) and an empty
fuel tank, place the model upside-down on a Great
Planes C.G. Machine, or lift it upside-down at the
balance point you marked.
❏
3. If the tail drops, the model is “tail heavy” and the
battery pack and/or receiver must be shifted forward
or weight must be added to the nose to balance. If the
nose drops, the model is “nose heavy” and the battery
pack and/or receiver must be shifted aft or weight must
be added to the tail to balance. If possible, relocate
the battery pack and receiver to minimize or eliminate
any additional ballast required. If additional weight is
required, nose weight may be easily added by using a
“spinner weight” (GPMQ4645 for the 1 oz. [28g] weight,
or GPMQ4646 for the 2 oz. [57g] weight). If spinner
weight is not practical or is not enough, use Great