Page 16
www.oldschoolmodels.com
Construction Manual
flight pack battery and the switch. We mounted the receiver to
the fuselage side using a bit of self-adhesive hook-and-loop (not
included).
Because of the light-weight nature of TR1, there are a lot of holes
cut into it. Use one of the larger scrap plywood pieces as a receiver
tray that can be glued on the tray to form the receiver mount.
Step 85 - Power system
Installing your power system of choice is up next. We mentioned
this earlier, but it bears repeating. Our engine size recommendation
range is a .15-.30 two-stroke or an electric motor with similar power
output.
On the fuselage plans, you’ll notice a dotted line referred to as the
“thrust line”. This is the suggested line where the crankshaft of the
motor (or engine) should be located. A little variation is ok, stay as
close to the recommended line so your Mambo will fly as intended.
Electric power
If you’re using the
Apprentice motor mount
and motor, simply line
up the mount on the
firewall, drill 4 mounting
holes into the firewall,
then attach the mount
using 4 bolts and nuts
(not included).
Note that the Apprentice
mount also has down-thrust built into it. By using a couple washers
between the mount and the firewall on the bottom two mounting
screws, you can take out some of this thrust.
If you’re using a
different motor, you
might need to space it
out from the firewall a
bit. We’ve included the
parts to make a motor
spacer on the lite-ply
BOX sheet. Whether
or not it’s right for your
particular needs is something you’ll need to judge.
To assemble the spacer box, locate your motor’s mounting bracket
on the center of M2, then mark and drill it’s mounting holes into
M2. We recommend using t-nuts (blind nuts) on the backside of
M2 you won’t have access to other types of nuts/locking systems
once the box is assembled.
M1 is designed to be the base of this box, with the 4 M3 pieces
forming the walls of the box. Then M2 is glued in place.
When assembled, M1 is the side that should be glued to the
firewall. Carefully measure where this should go on the firewall,
then epoxy it in position.
The ESC can mount underneath the battery tray or to the wall of
the battery compartment, while the motor’s power battery mounts
to the tray. Both the ESC and battery are held in place with self-
adhesive hook-and-loop (not included).
Glow power
For glow engines, you’ll need to attach your engine mount to the
firewall. Carefully measure where the mount should be attached,
making sure your engine’s crankshaft will be in-line with the thrust
line noted on the plans.
Once it is attached, you may need to cut out some of the side
sheeting so your engine’s muffler can be installed and so you will
have access to the carburetor’s needles, throttle linkage and fuel
tubing.
The fuel tank should be mounted on the tray, as well as the throttle
servo and throttle pushrod.
This completes the assembly of the Mambo. Now you’ll need to
adjust the control throws and check for balance.
Step 86 Recommended C.G. setting:
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly
balancing the model. This is especially important because of the
various motor/battery combinations that can be used.
CAUTION! DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) location for the Mambo
is measured 2.9” back from the leading edge of the wing, and
you’ll see this marked on the fuselage plan with this symbol.
If necessary, move the battery, receiver,
and/or add weight to either the nose
or the tail until the correct balance is
achieved. Stick-on weights are available
as a last resort from your local hobby
store and can work for this purpose when
shifting of the internal components just
isn’t enough.
One very important note if you’re using the Apprentice
receiver or any receiver with active stabilization.
As noted before, the Mambo is not a trainer airplane, it is
meant as a first build for those who have become competent
with a trainer, or for those who have been flying for some time
and want to try their hand at building. It is easy and fun to fly
without the need for active stabilization.
However, if you’re installing a receiver from an Apprentice or
any other receiver with built-in stabilization, we ask that you
pay VERY close attention to the guidelines that came with
your system. Installing the receiver in the wrong place, and/or
the wrong orientation can cause you to lose control and crash.
We are not against stabilization as we do use it on occasion
for some of our own personal models. However, because of
the critical nature of how receivers with active stabilization
need to be installed, we strongly advise you to disable any
stabilization on the setup and first test flights of your Mambo.
After you’ve trimmed out your Mambo and have become
familiar in the way that it flies, then activate it if you’d like.
When active, make sure that any correction the receiver may
add is in the correct way to help - not hurt.
