GREAT PLANES Super Decathlon 40, Instruction Book

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behind the fuselage and'' eyeballing" whether or not the stab
is level with the wing. Sand the stab saddle (a little at a time!)
until it rests in proper alignment. Also measure from the rear
comers of the stab to a point on the fuse centerline at the top
of F-2T, and pivot the stab until both measurements are equal.
With the stab in alignment, make a mark on the front of the
stab and a corresponding mark on the stab base, which will be
used for rapid alignment when gluing.
D 5. Mix up a batch of 5-minute or 30-minute epoxy and
apply it to the stab saddle. Press the stab into position and
hold or pin in proper alignment until the glue has firmly
set. Wipe off any excess epoxy before it sets up.
tail filler for the bottom rudder hinge and the tailgear
bearing. Trim off the bottom of the rudder, if necessary, to
match the bottom of the fuse.
D 10. Glue scraps of balsa to fill the area between the front
of the stab and the rear edge of F-7T, then sand to blend with
the stringers. NOTE: It is a good idea to glue these pieces in
with epoxy as a means of locking the stab area to the top
sheeting and stringers.
D 11. From a scrap of 1/4" balsa, cut a small dorsal fin, as
shown on the plan, and glue it to the front of the fin and the
top sheeting. Round the leading edge of the dorsal fin to blend
with the leading edge of the fin.
D 6. From the 3/8" balsa triangle supplied, cut and se-
curely glue fillets under the stab, at the stab/fuse joint
D 7. Trial fit the fin on the stab. The fin trailing edge
must line up with the aft end of the fuselage. If the fin
protrudes too far aft, sand a small amount off the front of the
fin. FINAL ASSEMBLY
ENGINE INSTALLATION
NOTE: If you are using a 4-cycle engine, install your
engine mount directly onto F-1, in the location shown on
the plan. If you are using a 2-cycle engine and a Great
Planes engine mount, you must assemble and install a
"2-Cycle firewall", which positions the rear edge of the
mount 21/32" forward of F-l. It may be possible to
mount directly to F-l if you are using a mount that has
extra-long arms. Plan your installation carefully before
beginning.
D 8. Carefully align the fin on the stab. The fin must be
positioned perpendicular to the stab and must line up with
the fuselage centerline EXACTLY! File the slot in the stab
base if necessary to properly align the fin. Securely glue the
fin in place with epoxy.
D 9. Temporarily attach the elevators and rudder to
check their fit and operation. Note that you must cut a notch
in the rudder leading edge to clear the 1/8" wire elevator
joiner. At this time, you should also cut the slots in the fuse
25
INSTALL "2-CYCLE FIREWALL"
(for 2-Cycle engines only)
NOTE: The 2-Cycle firewall consists of five 1/4" ply
parts...
(1) -1/4" x 2-1/16" x 2-9/16" (FRONT)
(2) -1/4" x 13/32" x 2-1/16" (TOP & BOTTOM)
(2) -1/4" x 21/32" x 2-9/16" (SIDES)