INTRODUCTION
3
USING THIS INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Before you begin assembling your
DECATHLON ARF
,
take some time to read through this entire instruction
book. It is designed to take you step-by-step through the
process and to give you added information on engine and
radio selection and set-up, balancing your aircraft, and fly-
ing your model. The time you spend will speed the
assembly process and help you avoid problems.
PREPARING FOR ASSEMBLY
You will need a work area of approximately 24 x 70" which has
been covered to protect it from adhesive, as well as cuts and
other damage. Many people cover their work area with a
sheet of dry wall (sheet rock) and/or waxed paper t o pre-
vent CA Glue and Epoxy from ruining the work surface.
CONSTRUCTION TIPS
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ A FEW STEPS AHEAD.
This will alert you to coming instructions and will help you
plan accordingly.
Using the Parts Identification section, familiarize yourself
with the various items included in your kit box.
As you work, CHECK OFF EACH STEP in the box pro-
vided, so that you are sure you do not forget anything.
Do not hesitate to ask questions. Your local hobby dealer
and area flyers will most likely be happy to help, as they
want you to have a successful flying experience. You may
also receive technical assistance from Carl Goldberg
Products, Ltd. via e-mail (questions@carlgoldbergprod-
ucts.com) or by telephone 1-678-450-0085.
ADHESIVES & GLUING TECHNIQUES
CAadhesives are specially formulated to firmly glue the
plywood, hardwood, and balsa used in your model and to
withstand the vibration and stresses of high performance
flight. However, there are times, such as when you are
installing the stabilizer and fin on the fuselage and want
more set-up time for careful alignment and positioning,
then you should use epoxy.. Occasionally, you also will
want to use thin CA, which "wicks" into the surrounding
areas. Aliphatic resin glue or similar water-based glues
can also be used, but they will add to the assembly time
because they dry so much more slowly than CA glue.
Remember, whenerever using any CA, you must be care-
ful to read instructions thoroughly, as you will have only
seconds for positioning of parts. Be sure to trial fit parts
together before gluing. Also, never use watery THIN type
CA glue for gluing plywood and hardwood parts. Thin
CA's do not adequately bond these areas.
CAUTION
Some people may experience an allergic reaction when
exposed to fumes from CA glue or epoxy. As with paints,
thinners, and solvents, it is always important to use glues
only where there is adequate ventilation to carry fumes
away. A fan is recommended. Also, special care must be
taken when using CA, as it will bond skin as well as other
surfaces. Before using any CA, carefully read all label
precautions. When using CA, protective eye-wear and
care in keeping the glue away from the face is highly rec-
ommended. If CA does happen to get into the eye, hold
lid open and flush with water only. Seek immediate med-
ical attention.
COVERING
The DECATHLON ARF is covered in a premium poly-
ester film chosen by many of the world's top flyers for its
beauty, toughness, and ease of application and repair. It
is not uncommon for ARF's to develop a few wrinkles in
transit. If this is true of your model, the situation is easily
corrected. Before you begin putting the pieces together,
run over the surface of each section with an iron (either
specially designed for airplane use or the more cumber-
some household iron) or use a modeling heat gun. Apply
the heat (set at about 350° F), following along with a soft
cloth and pressing down on the covering as you go
around. This will more firmly set the covering adhesive
into the wood and keep your aircraft covering tight and
smooth in the future.
One of the great advantages of polyester film is that it can
be applied over itself without causing gas bubbles. This
allows you to repair your aircraft, as well as to customize
it in a number of ways. If, due to a flight mishap, you get
a hole or similar covering damage, simply trim away the
ragged edges and then apply a patch, following the direc-
tions that come with your covering , which is available at
your hobby dealer.
Summary of Contents for decathlon arf
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