Top Flite TOPA0150 - Manual (Page 42)

Perform steps R3 through R6 only if installing
retractable landing gear. If installing fixed gear,
skip to step F7.
❏
R3. The same as you did for the hatches, start by
cutting a small hole, then enlarging it to
accommodate the right landing gear mount. The
cutout will have to be slightly over-size due to the
extra clearance required when inserting the gear.
Mount the right landing gear in the wing.
❏
R4. Now you know how to do it! Start by cutting a
small hole, then gradually enlarge it until the wheel
and the landing gear strut fit into the wing. Remove
the portion of rib W-2 that you temporarily tack-glued
back into position.
Note: The hole in the wing for the
wheel won’t be circular, but will be oval shaped due
to the angle at which the wheel fits into the wing.
Allow approximately 3/16" to 1/4" clearance between
the wheel and the aft edge of the opening (in case
the strut gets bent slightly during a rough landing).
❏
R5. Glue leftover 1/16" balsa or 1/32" plywood (not
included) to the inside of the bottom sheeting around
the wheel opening. The grain should be perpendicular
to the grain of the bottom sheeting. This will strengthen
the sheeting around the edges of the opening, which is
typically rather delicate. If you prefer, you could
substitute 1/32" plywood (not included).
❏
R6. Cut the opening for the gear in the other wing
panel the same way.
❏
10. If you haven’t done so already, final-sand the
wing rounding the leading edges and tips as shown
on the cross-sections of the plan. If you have to do
much sanding to even any glue joints in the sheeting,
it may be best just to leave the glue joints slightly
uneven rather than over-sanding the sheeting.
❏
11. Use 30-minute epoxy to glue the 2" wide strip
of glass cloth around the center section of the wing.
❏
F8. Temporarily mount the gear assembly to the
wing. If necessary, trim the edges of the opening
so the gear will fit.
❏
F9. Fit the landing gear in the other wing panel
the same way.
❏
F7. The same as you did for the hatches, start
by cutting a small hole, then enlarging it to
accommodate the right fixed LG mount plate.
Perform the following three steps ONLY if you
are installing fixed landing gear.
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