Top Flite TOPA0130 - Manual (Page 4)

6. You must fly the model only with the
competent help of a well experienced R/C pilot
if you are not already an experienced R/C pilot
at this time.
Remember: Take your time and follow
directions to end up with a well-built model
that is straight and true.
DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE EARLY IN THE
BUILDING SEQUENCE
ENGINE AND MOUNT SELECTION
The recommended engine size range is
as follows:
.60 to .91 cu. in. 2-stroke
.90 to 1.20 cu. in. 4-stroke
The AT-6 Texan will fly well with any of
the recommended engines. The 4-stroke
engines and most .90 2-stroke engines will turn
a larger prop at lower RPMs. This is often
desirable for scale realism. Many .60 2-stroke
engines produce about as much horsepower as
the popular .90 2-stroke engines and will fly the
Texan very well. If you use a .60 2-stroke, a
Schnuerle por ted engine is preferred. The
prototype AT-6 with all of the options, including
flaps and retracts, was flown with an OS .61 SF.
This engine provided excellent performance and
more than enough power, even in gusty winds.
Although larger engines can be used to power
this model, the extra horsepower is not needed.
The mount selection is up to you; if you
use an O.S. 120 4-stroke, the plans show (and
the firewall is spaced for) a J-tec No. JT-122 SV.
The included mount will hold many 2-stroke
engines such as the OS .61 SF.
A special Top Flite header and muffler is
available that will fit inside your cowling. It is
primarily designed for 2-stroke engines mounted
inverted, or at a -45 degree angle as used on
our prototype.
Header for O.S .61SF (TOPQ7920)
Header for SuperTigre S61K, S75K &
S90K (TOPQ7925)
Muffler for above (TOPQ7915)
Hobbico Exhaust Diverter (HCAZ1084)
RETRACTS
The choice of fixed gear or retracts is up
to you. Retracts look good and offer great flight
realism but require some expense and additional
work. The model is designed to use any popular
90Þ pneumatic retract. The Robart #605TFT6
pneumatic retract includes a 3/16" wire strut
specifically prebent for use with the Top Flite AT-6,
and therefore offers the easiest installation.
More information on retracts can be found in the
"Other Items Required" section of this instruction
booklet.
WHEEL SELECTION
The true scale tire size is 4" for the
mains and 1-1/4" for the tail wheel. The
recommended range of tire sizes is 3-1/4" to
4". If you use fixed gear, you may choose to use
the smaller tires to reduce drag while flying. 3-
1/4" Robart main wheels are very close to scale
for a Texan and work well for use with retracts
because they fit into the wing easily.
FLAPS
This model is designed to incorporate
split flaps that are very scale. They are not
difficult to assemble, but they do require good
craftsmanship if they are to fit well. They add a
good deal to the model's flight characteristics
and scale appearance while causing no bad
effects. No trim correction of any kind is needed
when they are used with the recommended
throws. The flaps add drag and lift to the model
on landing approaches, which gives the plane a
very steady, locked-in feel. The flaps require one
channel, a Y-harness, and two standard servos.
They are highly recommended for those who
wish to install them. More information on the use
of the flaps may be found in the "Flying" section.
DUMMY RADIAL ENGINE
A final touch of scale realism is possible
by installing the specially designed 9 cylinder
dummy radial engine inside the cowl. The
dummy radial adds significantly to the look of the
model and also doubles as a cooling baffle for
the real engine. Made from vacuum-formed
ABS, the dummy radial is easy to assemble and
can be modified to suit any engine installation.
Part # TOPQ7901
STATIC DISPLAY PROPELLER
When displaying your model, nothing
adds more realism than a good looking scale
propeller. We have included instructions on page
47 for making your own. Remember, this
propeller is for static display only; do not attempt
to run the engine with it mounted.
DEVIATIONS FROM SCALE
If you plan to compete with the trim
scheme shown on the box, here are a few things
to consider:
4
NOTE: We, as the kit manufacturer, can
provide you with a top quality kit and great
instructions, but ultimately the quality and
flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any
way guarantee the perfor mance of your
completed model, and no representations are
expressed or implied as to the performance or
safety of your completed model.