.
How To Use These Instructions
Like a full-size airplane, the 4-STAR 60 is built by first constructing several basic structures - the FUSELAGE, WINGS,
STABILIZER, FIN, etc. which are then assembled into a completed airplane. This manual will take you step-by-step through the
construction of each basic structure and then the final assembly.
How To Use The Plans
There are two sheets of Plans included in this kit. The plans will be used in several ways. They will help you identify all the parts
and determine the relationship of all the parts to each other. They will also be used as a building pattern for the Wing Panels,
Stabilizer, and Fin - which will be assembled directly on top of the plans. The plans also show how we would install a typical
radio and engine in the 4-STAR 60. By referring to the examples shown on the plan, you should be able to properly install your
radio and engine, even if they are not exactly the same as what is shown on the plan.
Everything on the plans is drawn FULL-SCALE, or ACTUAL SIZE to show the correct size, shape, and relationship of all the
parts to each other.
Tips On Using SIG CA
SIG CA is a high-purity Cyanoacrylate Adhesive (pronounced "sigh-ano-ack-relate") specially formulated to meet the tough
demands of building and flying model airplanes. SIG CA is available in three different viscosities. Each viscosity has different
application and cure strength characteristics.
•
•
•
Thin Viscosity = SIG THIN CA
Medium Viscosity = SIG MEDIUM CA
Thick Viscosity = SIG THICK CA
WHICH GLUE FOR WHICH JOINT?
Knowing which viscosity CA glue to use and how much to apply in different types of joints takes some experience. Too much
glue causes slow cure, and wastes glue and money. Not enough glue can cause a crash because the joints are weak. Part of
the solution is to understand the main material we are trying to glue - balsa wood! The very property that makes balsa so light,
the porosity of the big empty cells, makes it draw the glue up into the wood and away from the joint. The first application of CA
generally does not leave much glue in the joint, particularly if the balsa is end grain and/or the glue is too thin. A second
application of CA glue can finish filling the joint and will leave a small fillet around the joint. A good rule of thumb: If you don't
see a slight fillet of glue around a joint, it means the first application of glue has soaked completely into the wood, and you
should apply a second coat of CA. Like any other adhesive, we don't want to end up with "gobs" of CA glue on the outside of
the joints. Apply just enough glue to wet the joint area and leave a small reinforcing fillet around the joint. That's how you
make the strongest joint possible with any glue! Let's discuss how and where each SIG CA product should be used.
1.
SIG THIN CA
is thin as water and cures very fast, normally in 1-3 seconds.
THIN CA is used to glue together parts that fit tightly together with no gaps, and that do not require repositioning after the
glue is applied. Typically the two parts are mated first, and then THIN CA is flowed along the joint. Capillary action wicks
the THIN CA deep into the joint, resulting in a very strong bond. THIN CA sets very rapidly, so do not expect to move
parts at all after the glue is applied. THIN CA is ideal for tack gluing assemblies together quickly on the building board
(later the joints should be re-glued with Medium CA). Also good for repairs where you have a lot of cracks or torn wood
fibers to be glued together. The THIN CA wicks into every nook and cranny of the break and ties the fibers together
almost like new. THIN CA can also be used for applying fiberglass cloth reinforcing. THIN CA is the only glue that should
be used on SIG EASY HINGES.
2.
SIG MEDIUM CA
is medium viscosity and normally cures in about 5-15 seconds.
MEDIUM CA is the general purpose favorite, excellent for almost any step during construction. Many people use it for the
majority of their construction. Can be used on less than perfect joints, filling in the minor gaps between the parts.
MEDIUM CA can be flowed into an already assembled joint (ala THIN CA),
3.
SIG THICK CA
has a thick, syrupy viscosity and the slowest setting time, normally curing in 30-90 seconds. Typically
THICK CA is applied to one part before mating to the other part. Longer cure time allows you a few seconds to position
the part before the THICK CA "goes off". Cure can be quickened with the use of "accelerator" once the part is positioned.
The thick consistency reduces the tendency to run and fills gaps between parts. Ideal for gluing large parts like wing
sheets and fuselage doublers. Can also be used to build up strong fillets around joints requiring extra strength.