How to assemble
RC model airplanes, from an
Almost-Ready-to-Fly (A-R-F) kit.
First Things To Do
The arrival of RC model airplanes, at your home, is always an exciting event!
For the larger models, the size of the box always amazes me!
Your first task, is
to carefully inspect your precious cargo, for any signs of shipping damage. If
there is, then advise the shipping company immediately.
Next, remove the
shipping carton and admire the kit box, with its many multicolored photographs
of the completed model.
The main components are generally bagged in clear plastic. I prefer to
leave
them packaged, until required. At least keep the bags-they can be useful! ( I
will explain later.)
Locate the manual, and find the LIST OF CONTENTS. Now check-off all
the components. If anything is missing or damaged, now is the time to find it,
not when you need it for assembly!
Notify the supplier of any problems and if they are a reputable company,
replacement parts should be on their way. Now is the time to decide if any parts
need replacing.
Sometimes I find items like tanks and hardware, are not up to standard, and I
have yet to find a good pair of wheels, in today's RC model airplane kits. (May be I am too hard
to please!)
The Model Airplane Covering.
Because the box has been subjected to extremes of temperature, since it left
the factory (somewhere in Asia), the covering will probably needs shrinking, in
spots.
If you know what material was used, then you should also know the correct
temperature, to set on your iron. See
Model Airplane Covering for more
information.
If the covering material is a mystery, then proceed with extreme caution!
Start at a low temp. and increase slowly, especially on edges and
joints. It may be preferable to leave a few wrinkles rather than wreck a
complete unit.
I
came across this information, from the Great Planes web site-you may find it
useful as well.
The Manual.
Now take the manual, find a quiet, comfortable spot, may be a mug of your
favorite brew and read it, from cover to cover. This will familiarize you with
the process and make things a lot easier as you assemble your latest pride and
joy.
Building RC model airplanes, from an ARF kit, is not as quick as you
may think. I find some of the advertising very misleading-do not expect
to be flying tomorrow! Allow as much time as it takes and enjoy building an
accurate, well aligned and balanced model, that will fly well!
Balancing.
Talking about a "well balanced model" brings up the most important point,
when it comes to RC model airplanes-IT HAS TO BALANCE AT THE CORRECT CENTER
OF GRAVITY POINT!
The CG (Center of Gravity) will be noted in the manual. Take a
look at this early in the process. I HATE to add weight to any model, and
much prefer to move components, like the radio gear, as far forward
as possible.
Many times, I have mounted the battery pack, in front of the firewall. As
long as it is securely mounted (I use plastic tie wraps) and wrapped in a
plastic bag (that's one use-as promised), all will be well.
Do not forget to balance the model LATERALLY. A heavy wing will
result in a model that is continually rolling, in the direction of the heavy
wing-not a good state of affairs!
If, despite all your best efforts, weight must be added, then ensure
that it is securely attached, as far forward as possible.
Remember that heavy prop nuts are available, (DUBRO lists them
in their catalog), and this may help.
Glue Joints.
The glue that is used in the construction of these RC model airplanes,
appears to be a kind of hot melt. Check as many joints as you can find access to
and "wick" in a small portion of CA adhesive into the joints.
This process will increase the life of your model and add zero weight.
Please take a close look at the firewall. Make sure it is securely attached
to the fuselage structure. If there are any doubts, take steps to fix it. I have
fiber glassed the whole firewall before-the extra weight was a help too!. At
least apply a coat of fuel proofer to the firewall. I use a slow drying epoxy,
thinned 50% with alcohol.
Wing Panels.
Remember those large plastic bags that the wings were wrapped in? These can
be used when joining the wing panels together.
Tape them to the wing panels,
then apply slow drying epoxy, to the wing roots and the dihedral brace, push
everything together and use tape to keep things securely aligned, until the
epoxy sets. Wipe off the excess glue with alcohol. The plastic bags will
prevent
epoxy from spoiling those beautiful, brand new, wing panels!
The mention of the dihedral brace, reminds me of another point. It is made
from a good quality hardwood material, is it not? I have come across soft
balsa dihedral braces, believe it or not! If you have any doubts, then replace
it with one made from aircraft grade plywood. (available from your local hobby
shop.)
The RC Engine & Cowl.
Another worthwhile modification, that probably applies to all RC model
airplanes, is the cowl attachment screws. If the screws are self-tapping sheet
metal screws, then please apply CA adhesive, to the hole, after you have
"tapped" it, when you run the screw in the hole, for the first time. This
re-enforces the threads, and will give you a longer thread life. This should be
applied to all self-tapping holes.
Also, cut a short length of fuel tubing (about 1/8"long) and run it on the
screw, prior to assembling it to the cowl. This measure, along with using a
nylon washer, under the screw head, will ensure the cowl is "soft mounted" and
less prone to cracking.
Final Points.
The last point I will mention, is concerning the accuracy and quality of your
work. The bulk of the building was done at the factory and today's standards
of
construction of RC model airplanes are very high. However if the wing is
assembled with a twist, or not aligned correctly with the "tail feathers", you
will finish up with a flying nightmare! If you take your time and
enjoy
the process, you will be rewarded with a well flying, longer lasting model.
The building and flying of RC model airplanes is a fascinating hobby that I
have been involved in for many years. I hope you have found the
information provided here, interesting and useful.
The E-Flite DHC-2 de Havilland Beaver.
This ARF RC model airplane is a delight to build and flies very well.
For those who would prefer it this model can be flown off water. The mounting
hardware is included but not the floats themselves.
It is perfectly practical to be able to switch from land gear to floats, thus
giving this model extreme versatility!
Visit this page , to see more details and a review of this example of the
latest Electric RC Planes.
Return from How to Assemble RC
Model Airplanes from an ARF
to RC Airplanes Simplified.
New! Comments
Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.