Canadair CL-415
9
remainder from a greater range. Allow the first coat of paint to dry slightly, then apply a second coat to
achieve even coverage.
Once the paint is dry remove the masking tape and paper etc. Remove all adhesive residues carefully.
Mask out the model for the red areas.
Once the red has been sprayed and dried, the surface can be cleaned up using a fine cutting paste to
remove trapped dust particles etc.
Applying the decals:
these are self-adhesive and straightforward to apply, but you can make the task
even easier as follows: mix a little liquid detergent into a bowl of water and moisten the area before
applying the decal. Carefully lay the prepared decal in place; you will find that the film of moisture allows
you to slide it into position and get it in exactly the right place. Press it down all over using a paper towel,
wiping any air bubbles out to the edge to avoid trapping them under the film. Try out the procedure with
some unprinted decal material beforehand.
The position of the decals is shown on the plan, with dimensions where necessary (fuselage). Mark the
decal positions on the fuselage using a soft pencil. Cut out the decals carefully and place them temporarily
on the fuselage. Start with the rear part (the white stripe ends forward of the undercarriage well). Once it is
in place, cut it away at the front end to clear the spray rail “Y”. Offer it up, trim carefully, then apply. The fin
decal is in two parts.
In all cases take care to align the decals as straight as possible.
Trim the window panels (cockpit glazing) as required. The dark grey pieces represent the undercarriage
wells and water drains. The round (painted) windows should be glued on with thin cyano; paint the spray
rails “Y” red. The fuselage forward of the cockpit should be matt black (Humbrol No. 33). A tip: mark the
edge of the colour with a soft pencil, apply a strip of flexible decal material about 1.5 mm wide and paint
over it. The tape stays on the fuselage, producing a sharp colour division line.
The control surfaces are attached using hinge tape: temporarily attach the control surface using two pieces
of tape about 30 mm long applied on the top, then fold it up and over. Now apply three pieces of hinge
tape, each about 40 mm long, on the underside. Return the control surface to neutral. Remove the short
strips of tape and apply a full-length strip along the top hinge line. You have already prepared (roughened)
the horns (39); shorten the one for the elevator as shown on the plan. Shorten the M2 brass screws so that
they clamp the steel pushrods securely, but the head does not project too far “in the open air”. Flare the
edges of the 3 mm Ø holes using a sharp countersink bit, fit the horns, and align the cross-hole by fitting a
piece of steel wire through it. Apply thin cyano round the periphery of the horn using a pointed stick as an
applicator. Fit the rudder and secure it with the aluminium pivot sleeve (96).
Radio control system installation: the speed controller can be left in mid-air, suspended from its cables
(good cooling). A tip: connect the aileron extension leads to the receiver permanently, and stick them to
the inside of the fuselage in the area of the wing leading edge using strong adhesive tape; this ensures
that they are easily accessible when connecting the aileron servo leads. Slip the aerial into the sleeve (20),
using a length of soft binding wire to draw it through if necessary. For the first few flights set the CG to
around the 75 - 78 mm point. The battery should be secured to the front support using a piece of Velcro
(hook-and-loop) tape. We recommend setting up Dual Rates on your transmitter, so that you can reduce
control surface deflections in flight if necessary. Exponential can also be very helpful.
Control surface travels:
Elevator
+/- 8 mm
Ailerons
up 12 mm
down 6 mm
Rudder
+/- 15 - 20°
Before the first flight it is important to adjust the noseleg: the model must roll straight ahead without the
motors running. Take-off from a hard strip is completely trouble-free, as are the model’s flying
characteristics generally. Take a little time at first to become used to the model’s control response, check
its stalling characteristics by flying at minimum speed at a safe height, and try out the model’s handling on
the glide. Landings should be carried out in good time, so that there is sufficient “juice” for any necessary
corrections. Close to the ground, raise the model’s nose (up-elevator), allow it to lose speed, and watch
the lateral (roll) attitude - remember those tip floats may snag! the model should now touch down safely by
itself.
12 cells is the maximum which the standard motors can be expected to tolerate. Bear in mind that they are
working at their limit, and be sparing with full-throttle. Fly the model in a scale style and all will be well. For
example, after lift-off you can reduce throttle as soon as the model has reached about 5 m altitude. The
Canadair cruises at a scale speed at around half-throttle. Do fly the model in the scale manner: the CL-415
is a water-carrier - not a fighter! Don’t forget that the speed controller gets hot under part-load conditions,
so it is always best to alternate periods of full-throttle and idle. If you wish to try a rise-off-water take-off,
remove the undercarriage, fill all openings with pieces of Plasticine, and seal them with adhesive tape.
