18
CONTROL SURFACE TRAVEL
The following control surface travel amounts will provide your
RASCAL with smooth, predictable flight characteristics. We sug-
gest that you start with these movements and adjust them later
to suit your particular style of flying. Note that all measurements
should be taken at the widest part of the surface at the trailing
edge.
AILERONS:
3/4” UP – 3/4” DOWN
ELEVATORS:
3/4” UP - 3/4” DOWN
RUDDER:
1” LEFT - 1” RIGHT
From the kit contents, locate the molded clear plastic side win-
dows. The windows are molded to fit into the fuselage window
frames from the inside. Use scissors to cut out each window, leav-
ing about 1/8” plastic flange around the outside edges for a gluing
surface.
We suggest using 5-minute epoxy or RC-56 glue to mount these
windows. Do not use thin CA glue - it may fog up the plastic!
Apply a thin bead of glue around the edges of the plastic window
and press it in place from the inside of the fuselage. Use a few
small pieces of tape to hold the window in place until the glue sets.
The decals supplied in this kit are sticky-back, with a very aggres-
sive adhesive. They are NOT water-activated! These decals need
to be cut from their sheets with a sharp hobby knife or scissors.
A straight edge makes this easier when straight lines are involved.
Trim as close to the image as possible.
In the case of the large door frame outline, we suggest that you
cut this decal out on both sides of the frame outline, in one piece.
If you are careful, application of this large decal is not as difficult
as it sounds, if you use the method described below.
The best way to put on sticky-back decals, especially large ones,
is using the "wet" method. This technique involves using a "soapy
water" mixture to float the decal on the surface of the model until
you get it in correct position, and then use a squeegee to press
the decal permanently in place.
The soapy water mixture can simply be water mixed with a very
small amount of dish soap, or SIG Pure Magic Model Airplane
Cleaner, or Fantastic®, or Windex®, or 409® type household
cleaners - they all work great. For a squeegee, we recommend
the SIG 4" Spreader #SIGSH678, or simply use some scraps of
sheet balsa. You will also want to have some soft paper towels or
clean soft cloths (old tee shirts are great) handy.
First, spray the surface of the model where the decal is to be
placed with a soapy water mixture. Then, carefully peel the decal
completely off the backing sheet, being careful not to let the sticky
side double over and adhere to itself. Then, spray the adhesive
side of the decal as well. Lightly position the decal in place on
the wet surface of the model. Do not push down! The liquid allows
you to slide the decal into the desired final position, as long as
you don't press down on it. Once you have it in position, gently
squeegee the excess liquid out from under the decal, starting from
the middle and working out towards the edges. Mop up the liquid
with a dry cloth. Squeegee repeatedly to get as much of the water
out from under the decal as possible. Allow the decals to set
overnight to finish drying. Once dry, they will be solidly adhered
to the model.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Your RASCAL 72 EG is completely assembled. However, it is
NOT ready for flight! There are a few very critical pre-flight tasks
we must perform before flying. These are extremely important
and should be approached with patience and care.
This may be the single most important step in preparing your air-
plane for flight. All airplanes, model or full-size, must be accu-
rately balanced in order to fly successfully. An airplane that is not
properly balanced will be unstable and will most likely crash.
NOT ALL RASCALS WILL BALANCE THE SAME
It is impossible to produce a model airplane kit that will automat-
ically have the correct balance point. Not everyone uses the same
engine/motor or radio gear - and all those items can vary in
weight! You might be surprised to know that .40 size 2-stroke
R/C engines can vary in weight from 11 oz. to 18 oz. - that’s almost
a half pound difference, way out on the nose of your model! There
can even be as much as a 3/4 oz. difference in weight between
different brands of propellers! So, that’s why every model must
be balanced before flying. Don’t feel that whatever the balance
point your model came out at is “good enough”. Check carefully
and make whatever adjustments are required. Trying to fly an out
of balance model is dangerous!
Preliminary: All the parts and components that will be in the air-
plane in flight must be installed in their correct positions. This in-
cludes all the radio gear, the propeller, spinner, muffler (if
applicable), etc. Every piece of essential equipment must be in-
stalled, ready for flight. Always balance a glow powered model
with the fuel tank empty. Always balance an electric powered
model with the battery pack in place.
RECOMMENDED BALANCE POINT
3-3/8” Behind The Leading Edge Of The Wing
Immediately Next To The Fuselage Side
INSTALL SIDE WINDOWS
DECAL APPLICATION
BALANCE YOUR AIRPLANE