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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the new 

Dolphin 40

 ARF by Phoenix Model. The 

Dolphin 40

 was designed from 

the ground up with the intermediate sport flyer in mind. It is a low wing sport aerobatic aircraft that is easy to 

fly and quick to assemble, yet is capable of aerobatics to please even the best sport pilot. The airframe is 

conventionally built using balsa, plywood and veneer to make it stronger than the average ARF kit, yet the 

design allows the aircraft to be built light as well. You will find that most of the work has been done for you 

already. The pushrods are premade to the correct lengths, the motor mount has been installed and even the 

hinges are preinstalled and pinned for security. Flying the 

Dolphin 40

 is simply a joy too. It's constant cord 

wings make landing a breeze without the bad habits of other aerobatic planes and it's generous stabilizer 

area keeps it tracking straight and true.

The 

Dolphin 40

 ARF is an easy flying sport airplane, however, it may not be appropriate for some first time 

modelers. If you have chosen the 

Dolphin 40

 ARF as your first airplane, we recommend you seek 

assistance from an experienced modeler.

We know you'll enjoy flying the 

Dolphin 40

 ARF as much as we have enjoyed designing it for you. We 

encourage you to let us know about your successes. Again, thank you for purchasing the 

Dolphin 40

 ARF 

by Phoenix Model.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

о

   40-53 Two Stroke Engine

о

   4 Channel Radio With 4 Servos

о

   Glow Plug to Suit Engine

о

   Propeller to suit Engine

о

   GP foam rubber.

о

   Silicon Fuel Line

о

   GP stick on lead weight.

 

TOOLS AND SUPPLIES NEEDED

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   GP thick CA.

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   GP Pro 30  - Minute epoxy 

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   GP Pro 6 - Minute epoxy.

о

   Hand or Electric Drill

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   Assorted Drill Bits

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   Modeling Knife

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   Straight Edge Ruler

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   2mm Bondhus Ball Driver # 10654

1

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

**

SUGGESTION

** to avoid scratching your new airplane, do not unwrap the pieces until they are 

needed for assembly. Cover your workbench with an old towel or brown paper, both to protect the 

aircraft and to protect the table. Keep a couple of jars or bowls handy to hold the small parts after 

you open the bags.

**

NOTE

** Please trial fit all the parts. Make sure you have the correct parts and that they fit and are 

aligned properly before gluing! This will assure proper assembly. Since the 

Dolphin 40

 ARF is hand 

made from natural materials, every plane is unique and minor adjustments may have to be made. 

However, you should find the fit superior and assembly simple.

Wing Assembly

*

Note

* We highly recommend using 30 Minute 

Epoxy over faster curing epoxies for several 

reasons. First, slower curing epoxy is stronger. It 

also providers more working time, allowing the 

builder to properly align the parts. Using fast 

cure epoxy when joining the wing halves could 

result in the glue drying before the wing halves 

are aligned properly, causing damage to the 

wing assembly. Also, when joining the wing 

halves, the entire area of both center ribs need 

to be joined completely with no gaps existing. 

Not following these steps carefully, may result in 

failure of the wing center section during flight.

1.  Locate the plywood wing dihedral brace. 

Using a ruler, locate it's center  and place a 

mark. Draw  a vertical line at the mark just 

made.

2.  Test fit the dihedral brace into each wing 

half. The brace should slide in easily up to 

the centerline you drew. If it does not, use 

220 grit sandpaper with a sanding block and 

sand down the edges and ends of the brace 

until the proper fit is obtained.

  *Note* the dihedral brace is cut in the shape 

of a "V". This shape gives the wing the 

correct dihedral angle. Make sure you don't 

test fit the brace upside down.

3.   When satisfied with the fit of the dihedral 

brace in each wing half, remove the brace 

.Mix equal amounts of part A and part B 30 

minute epoxy. Coat all sides of the dihedral 

brace box and half of the wing brace with the 

epoxy. Make sure to cover the top and 

bottom as well as the sides. Use enough 

epoxy to fill any gaps.

4.   Insert the dihedral brace into one wing half 

up to the centerline. Wipe off any excess 

epoxy that may have squeezed out of the 

joint using paper towels.

make centerline

2

Dihedral brace

1

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Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

Control Throws

          

** 

Note

**  Both the center of gravity and the 

control throws are a good starting place for initial 

test flying and may be changed to your 

particular tastes and flying styles once you have 

become familiar with the 

Dolphin 40

. We do 

recommend initially flying the airplane using the 

LOW RATE

 settings. Too much throw can force 

the plane into a high speed stall, so remember, 

"More it not better".

Flight preparation

1)  Check the operation and direction of the 

elevator, rudder, ailerons and throttle.

A) Plug in your radio system per the 

manufacturer's instructions and turn 

everything on.

B) Check the elevator first. Pull back on the 

elevator stick. The elevator should go up. If 

it does not, flip the servo revesing switch 

on your transmitter to change the direction.

C) Check the rudder. Looking from behind the 

airplane, move the rudder stick to the right. 

The rudder should move to the right. If it 

does not, flip the servo reversing switch on 

your transmitter to change the direction.

D) Check the throttle. Moving the throttle stick 

forward should open the carburetor barrel. 

If it does not, flip the servo reversing 

switch on your transmitter to change the 

direction.

E) From behind the airplane, look at the 

aileron on the right wing. Move the aileron 

stick to the right. The aileron should move 

up and the other aileron should move 

down. If it does not, flip the servo reversing 

switch on your transmitter to change the 

direction.

Receiver & Battery Installation

1.  The battery should be wrapped in foam and 

mounted behind the fuel tank. As the picture 

22.

2.  The receiver should be wrapped in foam and 

mounted just behind the battery. As the 

picture 22.

3.  Uncoil the receiver antenna completely and 

drill a 1/16'' hole in the side of the fuselage, 

opposite the muffler, for the antenna to exit. 

Secure the end of the antenna to the top the 

vertical fin using a rubber band or similar 

method.

4.  Install the switch on the side of the fuselage 

opposite the muffler. Use the faceplate of the 

switch as a pattern for drilling the holes and 

the cutout for the switch itself.

Balancing 

1.  It is critical that your airplane be balanced 

correctly. Improper balance will cause your 

plane to lose control and crash. The center of 

gravity is located 3-1/2'' back from the 

leading edge of the wing at the fuselage 

sides. This location is recommended for 

initial test flying and trimming. There is a 3/8'' 

margin forward and aft, but it is not 

recommended that the center of gravity be 

located any further back than 3-7/8''. Balance 

the 

Dolphin 40

 with the fuel tank empty.

2.  Using a couple of pieces  of masking tape or 

a pen, make a mark on each side of the top 

of the wing 3-1/2'' back from the leading 

edge.

3.  Turn the 

Dolphin 40

 upside down and place 

your fingers on the marks on top of the wing 

and carefully lift the plane.

4.  If the nose of the plane falls, the plane is 

nose heavy. To correct this, try moving your 

battery pack back. It that is not enough 

change, add a little lead weight to the tail. If 

the tail of the plane falls, double check that 

you have mounted the battery pack under 

the fuel tank. If the airplane is still tail heavy 

add lead weight to the firewall or even better, 

use a sufficient heavy hub under the spinner.

 

High rate                         Low rate 

Ailerons:  1/2'' up & down        3/8'' up & down
Elevator:  5/8''up & down         3/8'' up & down
Rudde:     1'' right & left            1/2''right & left

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Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

Flying the DOLPHIN 40

If you are unfamiliar with flying low wing sport 

aircraft, please seek out an experienced pilot to 

help you with the first few flights of the airplane. 

The design of the 

Dolphin 40

 allows the 

airplane to fly smoothly and stable, yet perform 

good aerobatics as well. Landings are smooth 

and predictable, but because this is not a 

primary trainer, its stall speed is higher and 

power should be used to bring it in for landings 

and slow speed flight. It does not have the 

self-recovery characteristics of a primary R/C 

trainer, so again, if you don't feel comfortable for 

the first flight have someone with more 

experience help you get it in the air.

Although this model has good low speed 

characteristics with power on, you should 

always build up as much speed as your runway 

will permit before lifting off, as this will give you 

a safety margin in case the engine quits after 

take off.

It is important that the plane rolls out on the 

ground until sufficient airspeed is achieved. 

Pulling the 

Dolphin 40

 off the ground too soon 

could result in a stall and crash. Allow the 

airplane to pick up speed and gently lift off and 

climb out gradually. We recommend that you 

take it easy with your 

Dolphin 40

 for the first 

several flights, gradually getting acquainted with 

the air plane and allowing your engine to fully 

break-in. Add and practice one maneuver at a 

time, learning how the airplane be haves in 

each. For smooth flying and normal maneuvers, 

we recommend using the low rate settings 

described earlier, Hight rate may be required for 

more crisp aerobatics.Before your first landing, 

practice landing approaches in the air. This will 

get you familiar with the stall characteristics of 

the 

Dolphin 40

.

When it's time to land, fly a normal landing 

pattern and approach decreasing power to about 

one-quarter. It is important that when power is 

reduced and flying speed has diminished, do not 

make high angle turns onto the final approach. 

Too hight an angle of bank with too litter power 

can cause the airplane to stall. When you turn 

final, reduce power to just a few clicks over idle. 

When you are a few feet off the ground, reduce 

power to idle and let the airplane settle onto the 

runway. Land slightly faster than the stall speed 

and on the main wheels, as this is the easiest 

way to land the 

Dolphin 40

 and will reduce the 

risk of stalling the airplane.  

2) Check Control Surface Throw.

A) The rudder should move 1/2'' left and 1/2'' 

right  from center. 

B) The elevator should move 3/8'' up and 3/8'' 

down from center.  

C) The aileron should move 3/8'' up and 3/8'' 

down from center. If they move too far, 

move the adjustable horn away from the 

aileron a few turns. Do the opposite if there 

is not enough throw. It is important that 

both ailerons move the same amount, both 

up and down.

D) Once the control throws and movements 

are set, tubing must be added to the 

clevises to ensure they do not release in 

the air. Cut 1/4'' lengths of fuel tubing and 

slide one over each clevis prior to 

attaching it to the control horn. This will 

ensure the clevis will not release   in flight.

Pre-Flight Check

1) Completely charge your transmitter and 

receiver batteries before your first day of flying.

2) Check every bolt and every glue join in your 

Dolphin to ensure everything is tight and well 

bonded.

3) Check that the tubes used for clevis retainers 

are in place.

4) Double check the balance of the airplane. Do 

this before filling the tank with fuel.

5) Check the control surfaces. All should move 

in the correct direction and not bind in any way.

6) Check the receiver antenna. It should be fully 

extended and not still coiled up in the fuselage.

13

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

8

7

Wing Installation

1.  Locate the two predrilled holes in the wing 

that accept the two nylon wing bolts. Using a 

modeling knife, remove the covering from 

over them. This needs to be done on both the 

top and the bottom of the wing.

2.  Place the wing into the wing saddle. Check 

the alignment of the predrilled holes in the 

fuselage bulkhead with the wing dowels 

installed in the font of the wing. The holes in 

the fuselage may need to be adjusted slightly 

to line up perfectly with the dowels. If you 

need to adjust the holes, a small round file 

works best for this.

3.  Test fit the two nylon wing bolts through the 

predrilled holes in the wing and into the 

threaded insert in the wing mounting blocks 

in the fuselage. You may need to adjust the 

perdrilled holes in the wing to align perfectly 

with those in the fuselage. If so, use a 

modeling knife or drill to slightly elongate the 

holes in the wing until they are aligned with 

those in the fuselage.

4.  When satisfied with the alignment of the 

holes in the wing, remove the wing and drill 

out the holes using a 5/16'' drill bit. These 

larger holes will accept the nylon bushings.

5.  Place the wing back in the wing saddle and 

test the fit of the nylon screws and bushings.

Also, the hole in each control horn may need to 

be enlarged slightly to allow the nylon clevis pin 

to be installed without binding. 

5.  Plug the aileron servo into the receiver and 

center the servo. Install the servo arm onto 

the servo. The servo arm should be 

perpendicular to the servo and point toward 

the middle of the wing.

6.  Center the aileron and hold it in place using a 

couple of pieces of masking tape.

7.  With the aileron and aileron servo centered, 

carefully place a mark on the aileron pushrod 

wire where it crosses the hole in the servo 

arm.

8.  Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend 

down at the mark made. Cut off the excess 

wire, leaving about 4mm beyond the bend.

9.  Insert the 90 degree bend down through the 

hole in the servo arm. Install one nylon snap 

keeper over the wire to secure it to the arm. 

Install the servo arm retaining screw and 

remove the masking tape from the aileron.

10.  Repeat these step  to install the second 

aileron linkage. 

Remove the covering

Wing hold down screw

Nylon bushing

6

Metal pushrod

Nylon clevises

Nylon snap keeper

Screw

5

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

9

2.  Bolt the wing to the fuselage. Set the 

horizontal stabilizer onto the stabilizer 

mounting platform on the fuselage. To align 

the horizontal stabilizer with the wing, use 

figure #2 and # 3. when viewed from the rear, 

the horizontal stabilizer should be level with 

the wing. If it is not level, use sandpaper and 

sand down the high side of the stabilizer 

mounting platform until the proper alignment 

is achieved. Measure the distance form each 

wing tip to each stabilizer tip. These distances 

should be equal. If they are not, adjust the 

stabilizer until the measurements are equal.

3.  When you are satisfied with the alignment, 

hold the stabilizer in place with T-pins or 

masking tape, but do not glue at this time.

4.  On the bottom of the horizontal stabilizer, 

draw a line where it and the fuselage meet. 

Do this on both the right and left sides.

5.  Remove the horizontal stabilizer. Using the 

lines you just drew as a guide, carefully 

remove the covering from between them, 

using a modeling knife. This is where the 

horizontal stabilizer will be glued in place.

6.  When you are sure that every thing is aligned 

correctly, glue the horizontal stabilizer in 

place using 30Minute Epoxy. Double check 

all of your measurements once more before 

the epoxy cures. Hold the stabilizer in place 

with T-pins or masking tape until the epoxy 

has cured.

7.  Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slot in the 

mounting platform in the top of the fuselage. 

Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left 

and right sides of the vertical stabilizer using 

a felt-tip pen. 

8.  Now, remove the vertical stabilizer and using 

a modeling knife, carefully cut just inside the 

marked lines and remove the film on both 

sides of the vertical stabilizer. Just as you did 

with the horizontal stabilizer, make sure you 

only press hard enough to cut the film, not the 

balsa vertical stabilizer.

6.  With the bushings in place, thread the screws 

into the nylon inserts  in the wing mounting 

block in the fuselage, but do not tighten the 

screws completely. When satisfied with the fit 

of the bushings, apply a small amount of 6 

Minute Epoxy to glue the bushings in place. 

Be careful to not get any glue on the bolts.

7.  Once the epoxy has set, remove the screws 

and apply any additional epoxy needed to 

completely secure the bushings into the wing.

Horizontal and vertical 
stabilizer installation

1.  Using your ruler, find the centerline of the 

horizontal stabilizer, at the trailing edge, and 

place a mark. Use a triangle and extend this 

mark, from back to front, across the top and 

bottom of the stabilizer. Also place a mark at 

the centerline of the fuselage at the front and 

rear of the stabilizer mounting area. These 

mark will be used to line up the stabilizer to 

the fuselage.

FIGURE # 3

FIGURE # 2            

A

A-1

A=A-1

A=A-1

A

B

B1

A1

90

O

B=B-1

Glue with epoxy

6

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

Spinner installation

1.  Locate the molded plastic spinner, two 

3*12mm Phillips head sheet metal screws 

and the Propeller to suit your engine (not 

included).

9

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

5.  Push the stopper assembly into the opening 

in the tank. Adjust the assembly until the 

muffler pressure tube is resting in the top of 

the bubble in the tank, but not touching the 

bubble. The fuel pick-up should also be 3/8'' 

from the back of the tank. When satisfied 

with the fit, insert the long machine screw 

through the center hole in the stopper. 

Tighten the screw to expand the stopper and 

seal the tank opening. Tighten the stopper 

only enough to make a good seal. If you 

over-tighten the stopper, you may 

accidentally crack the front of the tank.

6.  Mix up a batch of 30 Minute Epoxy and using 

an small pain brush, completely coat the 

inside of the fuel tank compartment in the 

forward section of the fuselage. This will seal 

the wood from any fuel that might 

accidentally leak from the tank.

7.  When the epoxy has cured, connect two 

lengths of fuel line to the plastic tubes 

coming out of the tank. Keep track which one 

is for the fuel pick-up and which one is for the 

muffler pressure.

8.  Run the tubes through the hole in the firewall 

and slide the tank assembly into place. The 

tank should rest at the top of the 

compartment and be up against the back of 

the firewall. Make sure there are no kinks in 

the fuel tubing and that the bubble in the tank 

is towards the top of the airplane.

9.  Use pieces of the foam provided to hold the 

tank in place. Be careful the tank or the foam 

doesn't interfere with the pushrods.

10. Connect the fuel pick-up line to the 

carburetor fuel inlet nipple and the muffler 

pressure line to the pressure nipple on your 

engine's muffler.

2.  Most .40 size displacement engines use a 1/4'' 

diameter crankshaft. You may need to enlarge the 

hole in the spinner backplate and the propeller to 

fit the crankshaft. If you do, enlarge the holes 

using a prop reamer or a 1/4'' size drill bit.

3.  Slide the backplate, then the propeller onto the 

engine and secure in place with the prop 

washer and nut included with your engine.

4.  Install the spinner cone onto the spinner 

backlate using the two 3*12mm Phillips head 

sheet metal screws. You will need to trim the 

openings in the spinner cone to clear the 

propeller. Trim the opening using a sharp 

modeling knife until the spinner cone clears the 

propeller. It is important that no part of the 

spinner cone touches the propeller.

INSTALLING THE ELEVATOR PUSHROD

1. Carefully cut away the covering material from 

the slot.

2. Working from inside the fuselage, slide the 

threaded end of the pushrod until it reaches the 

exit slot. Carefully reach in with a small screw 

driver and guide the pushrod out of the exit slot.

SERVO INSTALLATION
INSTALLING THE FUSELAGE SERVOS

1.   Install the rubber grommets and brass collets 

into the elevator, rudder and throttle servos. 

Test fit the servos into the servo tray. Trim the 

tray if necessary to fit your servos

2.  Mount the servos to the tray using the mounting 

screws provided with your radio system.

17

10

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

INSTALLING THE RUDDER PUSHROD

1.  Locate the pushrod exit slot on the left of the 

fuselage.

2.  Carefully cut away the covering material from 

the slot.

3.  Working from inside the fuselage, slide the 

threaded end of the remaining pushrod down 

the inside of the fuselage until the  pushrod  

reaches the exit slot. Carefully reach in with a 

small screw driver and guide the pushrod out 

of the exit slot.

4.  Install the clevis on the rudder pushrod. Make 

sure 6mm of thread  shows inside the clevis.

5.  The control horn should be mounted on the 

right side of the rudder at the leading edge, in 

line with the rudder pushrod.

6.  Drill two 1,6mm holes through the rudder using 

the control horn as a guide and screw the 

control horn in place. 

7.  Attach clevis to the third hole in the control 

horn. Install a silicone tube on the clevis.

8.  Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire 

cutters, remove all but one of the arms using a 

2mm drill bit, enlarge the third hole out from the 

center to accommodate the rudder pushrod 

wire.

9.  Plug the rudder servo into the receiver and 

center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the 

servo.

10. Center the rudder and hold it in place using a 

piece of masking tape.

11. With the rudder and rudder servo centered, 

carefully place a mark on the rudder pushrod 

wire where it crosses the hole in the servo arm.

Control horn 

3.  Install the clevis on the elevator pushrod. Make 

sure 6mm of thread shows inside the clevis.

4.  The control horn should be mounted on the 

bottom, left side of the elevator at the leading 

edge, in line with the elevator pushrod.

5.  Drill two 1,6mm holes through the elevator 

using the control horn as a guide and screw the 

control horn in place.

6.  Attach clevis to the third hole in the control horn. 

Install a silicone tube on the clevis.

7.  Locate one nylon servo arm, and using wire 

cutters, remove all but one of the arms. Using 

a 2mm drill bit, enlarge the third hole out from 

the center to accommodate the elevator 

pushrod wire.

8.  Plug the elevator servo into the receiver and 

center the servo. Install the servo arm onto the 

servo. The servo arm should be perpendicular 

to the servo and point toward the middle of the 

fuselage.

9.  Be sure both elevator halves are flat . Slightly 

adjust the wire joiner if necessary. Center both 

elevator halves and hold them in place using a 

couple of pieces of masking tape.

10. With the elevator halves and elevator servo 

centered, carefully place a mark on the elevator 

pushrod wire where it crosses the hole in the 

servo arm. 

11. Using pliers, carefully make a 90 degree bend 

up at the mark made. Cut off the excess wire, 

leaving about 8mm beyond the bend.

12. Insert the 90 degree bend up through the hole 

in the servo arm, install one nylon snap keeper 

over the wire to secure it to the arm. Install the 

servo arm retaining screw and remove the 

masking tape the elevator halves.

18

Clevis

19

KIT CONTENTS: We have organized the parts as they come out of the box for better identification during 
assembly. We recommend that you regroup the parts in  the same manner. This will ensure you have all of parts 
required before you begin assembly.

AIR FRAME ASSEMBLIES

• (2) Wing halves with ailerons
• (1) Fuselage with canopy.
• (1) Horizontal stabilizer with elevator halves
• (1) Vertical stabilizer with rudder
• (1) Instruction manual

MAIN GEAR ASSEMBLY

• (2) Main gear  
• (2) 60mm diameter wheels
• (4) Wheel collars
• (4) 3mm x 4mm set screws
• (2) Nylon plate
• (4) 3mm x 12mm screws

TAIL GEAR ASSEMBLY

• (1) Tail gear
• (1) 25mm diameter wheel
• (1) Wheel collar
• (1) 3mm x 4mm set screw
• (2) Nylon clasps
• (6) 2mm x 10mm set screw

ELEVATOR CONTROL SYSTEM

• (1) Nylon clevises
• (1) Silicon tube
• (1) Nylon snap keeper
• (2) 2mm x 16mm screws
• (1) Nylon control horn w/plate

RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEM

• (1) Nylon clevises
• (1) Silicon tube
• (1) Nylon snap keeper
• (2) 2mm x 16mm screws
• (1) Nylon control horn w/plate

AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM

• (2) Metal pushrod
• (2) Nylon clevises
• (2) Silicon tube
• (2) Nylon snap keeper
• (2) Nylon control horn

MOTOR MOUNT ASSEMBLY

• (4) 3mm x 20mm machine screws
• (4) Lock washer

THROTTLE  CONTROL SYSTEM

• (1) 1,3mm x 500mm wire
• (1) 3,5mm x 350mm nylon pushrod housing
• (1) Metal connector
• (1) 4mm x 4mm machine screw

FUEL TANK

• (1) Nylon fuel Tank 
• (1) Metal clunk
• (1) Silicone tube / 110mm
• (1) Pre - assembled stopper w / 2 tube
• (1) 165mm x 250mm foam padding

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS

• (1) Wood dihedral 
• (1) 25mm x 600mm trim tape 
• (4) 6mm x 45mm nylon screws
• (2) Plate of nylon screw
• (1) Spinner
• (2) Accessary Bag of wood
• (1) Decal sheet
• (1) Set of pushrod

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED

• 40 two stroke Engine.
• 4 channel Radio with 4 servos.
• Glow plug to suit Engine.
• Propeller to suit Engine.
• Protective foam Rubber.
• Silicone fuel line.
• Stick on weight for balance.

KIT CONTENTS

2

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

3

4

5.  Once the epoxy has cured, trial fit both wing 

halves together.The center gribs should fit 

flush together with little or no gaps existing. If 

gaps do exist, use 220 Grit sandpaper and 

sand down the high spots on the root ribs and 

the wing joiner until the proper fit is obtainer. 

The amount of dihedral is built into the wings 

by angling the root ribs the correct amount. 

With one wing half flat on the table, the other 

wing tip should be approximately 2" off of the 

surface of the table. If this need to be 

adjusted, you may do so by sanding small 

amount from the center ribs or dihedral brace.

6.  To protect the covering from the epoxy used to 

glue the wing halves together, carefully apply 

masking tape around the edge of the root rip 

on the top and bottom of each wing half.

7.  Mix a generous amount of 30 minute epoxy. 

Coat the exposed half of the dihedral brace, 

the wing joiner box and both root ribs with 

epoxy. Slide the two wing halves together 

and carefully align them at the leading and 

trailing edges. Wipe away any excess epoxy 

using paper towels. Use masking tape 

wrapped around the center section to hold 

the halves in place until the epoxy cures.

8.  When the epoxy has cured, carefully remove 

the masking tape from the wing.

9.  Peel off the backing from the self adhesive 

covering strip used to cover the center 

section wing joint seam. Apply the strip to the 

center section of the wing on the bottom first, 

and the top using the rest of the material.

Aileron Servo Installation

1.  Test fit the aileron servo into the ply-wood 

servo tray. The servo should be mounted with 

the output shaft towards the leading edge of 

the wing and the servo wire should run out the 

top of the wing through a notch cut in the side 

of the servo tray. Depending on the size of the 

servo you chose, you may need to trim the 

in-side edges of the servo tray using a 

modeling knife to allow the servo to fit 

properly.

2.   When satisfied with the fit, mount the servo 

using the hardware provided by the radio 

manufacturer. Drill 1/16'' pilot holes through 

the servo tray at the mounting screw locations 

before in-stalling the screws. This will prevent 

the plywood from splitting.

3.  Locate two nylon clevises and the two 140mm 

threaded rods. Carefully thread the clevises 

onto the rods. To prevent the clevises from 

coming off the rods in flight, make sure you 

thread them on completely.

4.  Connect the two clevises to the installed 

adjustable aileron control horns. The two 

control horns should be adjusted so they are 

even with the top of the torque rod.

Apply masking tape around 

edge of join on each winghafl

5

Aileron servo

Servo tray

Control horn

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Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

14

Fuel Tank Assembly

1.  Locate the plastic molded fuel tank, 

preassembled stopper assembly, weighted 

pick-up and a length of fuel line about 2-1/2 ''  

long (not included). For steps # 2-4, refer to 

photo #16 below.

3.  Test fit the two main gear wires into the 

channel. When satisfied with the fit, secure 

the wires in place using the two nylon straps 

and four 3*12mm sheet metal screws. If you 

look closely at the surface surrounding the 

channel for the wire, you will notice that there 

are already four pilot holes drilled to 

accommodate the screws for the straps. 

Mount the straps at these locations. 

4.  Install two of the wheels onto the axles using 

the four wheel collars and set screws 

provided. The wheels should be centered on 

the axles with a wheel collar on each side, 

holding them in place. Tighten the set screws 

on the collars to secure them in place.The 

wheels should rotate freely. You should apply 

a small drop of lock-Tite thread lock to each 

set screw to prevent them from coming loose.

5.  Set the tail wheel assembly in place on the 

plywood plate.

6.  Drill 2,6mm pilot holes through the plywood 

plate.

7.  Secure the tail wheel bracket in place using 

two 3mm x 12mm screw.

8.  Align the tail wheel wire so that the wire is 

parallel with the bottom of the rudder. The 

control clasp has a pre-drilled hole through 

the top of it. Slide this hole on to the tail wheel 

wire while sliding the clasp over the bottom of 

the rudder.

9.  Secure the two clasps to the rudder bottom  

using two 2mm x 10mm screws.

Main gear

Wheel

Wheel

Screw

Nylon plate

Vent tube

Stopper assembly

Fuel line

Clunk

Fuel pick-up tube

16

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Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

2.  Attach the weighted pick-up, more 

com-momly referred to as the "clunk", to one 

end of the silicon fuel line.

3.  Slide the other end of the silicon fuel line 

onto the end of one of the tubes coming out 

of the rear of the stopper assembly. This will 

be your fuel pickup line. When mounted the 

clunk should rest 3/8'' from the rear of the 

tank and should move freely within the tank. 

The silicon tubing should be trimmed to fit.

4.  Using your Fingers, gently bend the second 

tube upwards. This will become the muffler 

pressure tube. When inside the tank, it 

should rest just within the bubble in the top of 

the tank's roof.

Screw

Screw

clasps

15

10

11

12

5.  Mount the muffler to the engine using the 

mounting bolts provided with your engine.

Landing Gear Installation

1.  Locate the two main landing gear wires, one 

tail gear wire, two nylon mounting straps, 

four 3*12mm Phillips head sheet metal 

screws, three wheels, six wheel collars 

w/set screws.

2.  There are one hardwood landing gear blocks 

with one precut channel in the bottom of the 

fuselage. Using a modeling knife, remove the 

covering from over the precut channels.

9.  Set the vertical stabilizer back in place. Using 

a triangle, check to ensure that it is 90

0

 to the 

horizontal stabilizer.

10. Once you are sure that everything is aligned 

correctly, glue the vertical stabilizer in place 

using 30 Minute Epoxy. Double check all of 

your measurements once more before the 

epoxy cures. Hold the stabilizer in place with 

T-pins until the epoxy has cured.

Engine Mounting

1.  Test fit your engine into the engine mount. 

Because the width of different engines differ, 

the motor mount may need to be widened to 

accommodate your engine. 

2.  Remove the muffler from the engine and set 

the engine in the mount. Adjust the depth of 

the engine in the mount. The front of the 

thrust washer should be 3/4'' forward of the 

front edge of the fuselage sides. This will 

allow clearance for the propeller.

3.  Once satisfied with the fit of the engine, mark 

the position of the four engine mounting holes 

onto the mount. Remove the engine and drill 

out the mounting holes using a 7/64'' drill bit. 

Drill one hole at a time, checking the 

alignment after each hole is drilled.

4.  When reinstalling the engine into the motor 

mount, connect the carburetor arm to the 

preinstalled throttle pushrod. The Z-Bend fits 

into the lower hole in the throttle arm. Mount 

the engine using the four3*25mm flat head 

wood screws.

Glue with epoxy

Remove the covering

13

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Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

3/4"

11

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

12. Using a pliers, carefully make a 90 degree 

bend up at the mark made. Cut off excess 

wire, leaving about 8mm beyond the bend.

13. Insert the 90 degree bend up through the hole 

in the servo arm. Install one nylon snap keeper 

over the wire to secure it to the arm. Install the 

servo arm retaining screw and remove the 

masking tape from the rudder.

INSTALLING THE THROTTLE

1.  Install one adjustable metal connector through the 

third hole out from the center of one servo arm, 

enlarge the hole in the servo arm using a 2mm drill 

bit to accommodate the servo connector. Remove 

the excess material from the arm.

After installing the adjustable metal connector 

apply a small drop of thin C/A to the bottom nut. 

This will prevent the connector from loosening 

during flight.

2.  Plug the throttle servo into the receiver and turn 

on the radio system. Check to ensure that the 

throttle servo output shaft is moving in the 

correct direction. When the throttle stick is 

moved forward from idle to full throttle, the 

throttle barrel should also open and close using 

this motion. If not, reverse the direction of the 

servo, using the transmitter.

3.  Slide the adjustable metal connector / servo 

arm assembly over the plain end of the pushrod 

wire. Position the throttle stick and the throttle 

trim at their lowest positions. 

4.  Manually push the carburator barrel fully closed. 

Angle the arm back about 45 degree from 

center and attach the servo arm onto the servo. 

With the carburator barrel fully closed, tighte the 

set screw in the adjustable metal connector.

5.  Remove the excess throttle pushrod wire using 

wire cutters and install the servo arm retaining 

screw.

6.   Glue the 1/2'' *1/2''*1/4'' pieces of wood between 

the fuselage side and the steering pushrod 

housing to help hold the housing in place and 

prevent it from flexing. Use the same technique 

as with the throttle.

!!!

Control horn 

20

Elevator Servo

Rudder

Motor control servo

Switch

22

Clevis

21

Receiver

Battery

I/C FLIGHT GUIDELINES

Made in Vietnam

When  ready  to  fly,  first  extend  the 

transmitter aerial.

Operate  the  control  sticks  on  the 

transmitter  and  check  that  the  control 

surfaces  move  freely  and  in  the 

CORRECT directions.

ALWAYS

  land  the  model  INTO  the 

wind, this ensures that the model lands 

at the slowest possible speed.

Switch on the transmitter.

Switch off the transmitter.

Check that the transmitter batteries 

have adequate power.

Switch off the receiver.

Switch on the receiver.

ALWAYS

 take off into the wind.

Check  that  the  wings  are  correctly 

fitted to the fuselage.

If the model does not respond correctly 

to  the  controls,  land  it  as  soon  as 

possible and correct the fault.

Empty the fuel tank after flying, fuel left 

in  the  tank  can  cause  corrosion  and 

lead to engine problems.

I/C FLIGHT WARNINGS

14

Instruction Manual

Dolphin 40

Always  operate  in  open  areas,  away 

from  factories,  hospitals,  schools, 

buildings and houses etc. 

NEVER

 fly 

your aircraft close to people or built 

up areas.

THE PROPELLER IS DANGEROUS

 

Keep  fingers,  clothing  (ties,  shirt 

sleeves,  scarves)  or  any  other  loose 

objects that could be caught or drawn 

in, away from the propeller. Take care 

at 

ALL 

times.

Keep  all  onlookers  (especially  small 

children and animals) well back from 

the area of operation. This is a flying 

aircraft,  which  will  cause  serious 

injury in case of impact with a person 

or animal.

NEVER

 fly near power lines, aerials 

or  other  dangerous  areas  including 

airports, motorways etc.

NEVER

  use  damaged  or  deformed 

propellers or spinners.

DO  NOT 

dispose  of  empty  fuel 

containers on a fire, this can lead to 

an explosion.

NEVER

  fly  in  wet  conditions  or  on 

windy or stormy days.

ALWAYS 

adjust  the  engine  from 

behind the propeller, and do not allow 

any  part  of  your  body  to  be  in  line 

with the propeller.

We wish you many enjoyable flights with your plane and one again thank you for your choosing a Phoenix Model products. 

Wing span 

:  1556mm [61.25 in]

Length 

:  1296mm [51 in]

Wing Area 

:  40.5dm2 [628sp.in]

RTF Weight  :  2381g [84oz] 5.25 lbs
Wing Loading  :  73g/dm2 [24 oz  / ft2]
Engine 

:  40 - 46 two stroke

Radio require  :  4 channel

I n s t r u c t i o n   M a n u a l

Summary of Contents for Dolphin 40

Page 1: ...ank you for your choosing a Phoenix Model products Wing span 1556mm 61 25 in Length 1296mm 51 in Wing Area 40 5dm2 628sp in RTF Weight 2381g 84oz 5 25 lbs Wing Loading 73g dm2 24 oz ft2 Engine 40 46 t...

Page 2: ...ze without the bad habits of other aerobatic planes and it s generous stabilizer area keeps it tracking straight and true The Dolphin 40 ARF is an easy flying sport airplane however it may not be appr...

Page 3: ...horn w plate RUDDER CONTROL SYSTEM 1 Nylon clevises 1 Silicon tube 1 Nylon snap keeper 2 2mm x 16mm screws 1 Nylon control horn w plate AILERON CONTROL SYSTEM 2 Metal pushrod 2 Nylon clevises 2 Silic...

Page 4: ...halves the entire area of both center ribs need to be joined completely with no gaps existing Not following these steps carefully may result in failure of the wing center section during flight 1 Loca...

Page 5: ...he wing 9 Peel off the backing from the self adhesive covering strip used to cover the center section wing joint seam Apply the strip to the center section of the wing on the bottom first and the top...

Page 6: ...5 16 drill bit These larger holes will accept the nylon bushings 5 Place the wing back in the wing saddle and test the fit of the nylon screws and bushings Also the hole in each control horn may need...

Page 7: ...e epoxy has cured 7 Slide the vertical stabilizer into the slot in the mounting platform in the top of the fuselage Mark the shape of the fuselage on the left and right sides of the vertical stabilize...

Page 8: ...until the epoxy has cured Engine Mounting 1 Test fit your engine into the engine mount Because the width of different engines differ the motor mount may need to be widened to accommodate your engine...

Page 9: ...the plywood plate 6 Drill 2 6mm pilot holes through the plywood plate 7 Secure the tail wheel bracket in place using two 3mm x 12mm screw 8 Align the tail wheel wire so that the wire is parallel with...

Page 10: ...towards the top of the airplane 9 Use pieces of the foam provided to hold the tank in place Be careful the tank or the foam doesn t interfere with the pushrods 10 Connect the fuel pick up line to the...

Page 11: ...servo arm Control horn 3 Install the clevis on the elevator pushrod Make sure 6mm of thread shows inside the clevis 4 The control horn should be mounted on the bottom left side of the elevator at the...

Page 12: ...that the throttle servo output shaft is moving in the correct direction When the throttle stick is moved forward from idle to full throttle the throttle barrel should also open and close using this mo...

Page 13: ...apped in foam and mounted just behind the battery As the picture 22 3 Uncoil the receiver antenna completely and drill a 1 16 hole in the side of the fuselage opposite the muffler for the antenna to e...

Page 14: ...s time to land fly a normal landing pattern and approach decreasing power to about one quarter It is important that when power is reduced and flying speed has diminished do not make high angle turns o...

Page 15: ...ll onlookers especially small children and animals well back from the area of operation This is a flying aircraft which will cause serious injury in case of impact with a person or animal NEVER fly ne...

Page 16: ...at the slowest possible speed Switch on the transmitter Switch off the transmitter Check that the transmitter batteries have adequate power Switch off the receiver Switch on the receiver ALWAYS take...

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