Top Flite TOPA0150 - Manual (Page 14)

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25. Finish shaping the stab and elevator tips by
rounding the corners. Round the LE on the right side
of the stab to match the cross-section on the plan.
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26. Repeat the previous four steps for the left side
of the stab.
Finish the elevators
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1. Use a razor saw to cut through the ribs, freeing
both elevators from the stab.
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2. Sand the protruding ends of the ribs and the
stab sheeting even with the stab TE. Do the same
with the both elevators and sand the ends of the
elevator sheeting even with both S-2’s.
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3. Glue one of the 1/2" x 5/8" x 1-15/16" balsa
elevator root blocks to the end of one of the
elevators. Shape the block to match the rest of the
elevator. The corners on the end of the root block
remain square.
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4. Cut the elevator leading edge from a 3/16" x
1/2" x 30" balsa stick, then glue it to the front of the
elevator. The same as you’ve done with the tip and root
blocks, shape the LE to match the rest of the elevator.
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5. Mark a centerline on the LE of the elevator.
An accurate way to do this is to stick a T-pin in the
center of the elevator LE near both ends. Position a
straightedge against the T-pins and draw a line with
a ballpoint pen. Mark a centerline on the TE of the
stab the same way.
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6. Using the centerlines you marked as a guide,
cut the hinge slots in the elevator and corresponding
stab half where shown on the plan. Of course, we
use a Great Planes Slot Machine
™ to cut hinge slots
for CA hinges.
( Note: This step is not necessary if you have
cut hinge slots with a Slot Machine.)
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7. Drill a 3/32" hole, 1/2" deep in the center of
the hinge slots. Use a rotary tool with a drill bit or a
carbide cutter for the best results. Insert a knife blade
to clean out the slot after you drill the holes.
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8. Cut three 3/4" x 1" hinges from the CA hinge
strip supplied with this kit. Snip the corners off so the
hinges go into the slots easier.
DRILL A 3/32" HOLE
1/2" DEEP, IN CENTER
OF HINGE SLOT
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