INTRODUCTION ................................................................2
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ............................2
ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED .....................................3
Muffler ................................................................................3
Hardware and Accessories ................................................4
Adhesives and Building Supplies .......................................4
Optional Supplies and Tools...............................................4
IMPORTANT BUILDING NOTES.......................................4
ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS...............................4
KIT CONTENTS.................................................................5
PREPARATIONS................................................................6
BUILD THE WING ..............................................................6
Hook up the Ailerons..........................................................6
Join the Wing......................................................................7
BUILD THE FUSELAGE ....................................................8
Mount the Wing ..................................................................8
Mount the Stab and Fin......................................................9
Mount the Wheel Pants and Landing Gear ......................12
Finish the Cockpit.............................................................13
Mount the Engine .............................................................15
Mount the Cowl ................................................................15
FINAL ASSEMBLY ..........................................................17
Install the Radio ...............................................................17
Finishing Touches.............................................................19
GET THE MODEL READY TO FLY..................................19
Check the Control Directions ...........................................19
Set the Control Throws.....................................................19
Balance the Model (C.G.).................................................20
Balance the Model Laterally.............................................21
PREFLIGHT .....................................................................21
Identify Your Model ...........................................................21
Charge the Batteries ........................................................21
Balance Propellers ...........................................................21
Ground Check ..................................................................21
Range Check....................................................................21
ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS .................................21
AMA SAFETY CODE ......................................................22
CHECK LIST....................................................................22
FLYING.............................................................................23
Takeoff ..............................................................................23
Flight ..................................................................Back Cover
Landing ..............................................................Back Cover
Thank you for purchasing the Great Planes Shoestring ARF.
Those who know the full-size Shoestring and are familiar
with its history are likely to be racers who may have resisted
the idea of building an ARF. On the other hand, such a
beautiful plane can't be resisted no matter how it is
constructed! The Shoestring is nostalgic and modern at the
same time. While the Shoestring made its name as a pylon
racer in 1949 and into the fifties, even today the Shoestring
looks just as “mean” as any other modern-day racer. Though
it is an ARF, the Shoestring can still be “scaled-out” if one
wishes to go the extra mile by adding home-made details
such as landing gear fairings and an air scoop. Note: The
Shoestring is covered in TopFlite Red (TOPQ0201, 6’ roll)
and Cub Yellow (TOPQ0220, 6’ roll) MonoKote film.
The full-size Shoestring has a wingspan of 19' (228"). This
model has a wingspan of 61.5". That makes it slightly larger
than quarter-scale (1:3.7 to be exact) and eligible to participate
in IMAA events.
For the latest technical updates or manual corrections for
the Shoestring, visit the web site listed below and select the
Great Planes Shoestring ARF. A “tech notice” box will
appear in the upper left corner of the page if there is new
technical information or changes.
http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/index.html
1. The Shoestring ARF should not be considered a toy, but
rather a sophisticated, working model that functions very
much like a full-size airplane. Because of its performance
capabilities, the Shoestring, if not assembled and operated
correctly, could possibly cause injury to yourself or
spectators and damage property.
2. You must assemble the model according to the
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing so
may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few cases the
instructions may differ slightly from the photos. In those
instances the written instructions should be considered correct.
3. You must take time to build straight, true and strong.
4. You must use an R/C radio system that is in first-class
condition, and a correctly sized engine and components
(fuel tank, wheels, etc.) throughout the building process.
5. You must properly install all R/C and other components so
that the model operates properly on the ground and in the air.
PROTECT YOUR MODEL, YOURSELF
& OTHERS...FOLLOW THESE
IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
2
