background image

Build the elevators

1. Make both 

elevator cores

by gluing together

the two die-cut 3/32" balsa pieces as shown in the
photo and on the plan.

2. Make two 1/4" 

elevator leading edges

by

gluing together two sets of die-cut 1/8" balsa

elevator leading edges (ELE)

. Lightly sand the

edges to align them and to remove excess glue.

3. Use a ballpoint pen and a straightedge to mark

a centerline on both elevator LE’s. Use T-pins to hold
the straightedge on center while you mark the line.
Using the centerline as a guide, mark an additional
guideline close to the centerline (3/64" from the

centerline to be exact) to make certain the elevator
core will remain true and on center when it’s time to
glue it to the elevator LE.

Build the left elevator first.

❏ ❏

4. Glue one of the elevator cores to one of the

elevator LE’s using the guidelines you drew to keep
the core on center and straight. Use a small square
to hold the core perpendicular to the LE as you
proceed. Note that the LE extends beyond the root
end of the core by 1/8".

❏ ❏

5. Glue the die-cut 3/32" balsa 

elevator tip

core

to the elevator LE.

Hint:

Place both cores on

pieces of 1/2" balsa or something similar to assure
correct alignment. Trim the tip of the elevator LE even
with the tip core and elevator core.

❏ ❏

6. Glue two die-cut 3/32" balsa elevator S7A

ribs together. Refer to the following photo, then clamp
the glued-together ribs to S7 on the end of the stab
with a 1/16" spacer in between. Use your bar sander
to sand the end of the ribs even with the trailing
edge. Leave the ribs temporarily clamped to the stab
until instructed to remove the clamps.

Note:

The following steps are intended to assure

accurate alignment of the elevator, the elevator tip
and the stab. When the elevator is neutral or
centered, the elevator tip must also be centered to
align with the stab—especially at the leading edge
where even a slight misalignment will be easily seen.
Keep this in mind while you proceed.

❏ ❏

7. Temporarily, but securely pin the elevator LE

to the stab TE and S7 ribs to the stab. Be certain
the elevator core and elevator tip core are centered
and neutral, then glue the elevator tip core to the
S7A tip ribs.

❏ ❏

8. Remove the clamps. Use a bar sander to

carefully sand the elevator LE and elevator tip ribs to
match the stab.

- 13 -

Summary of Contents for Stinson Reliant

Page 1: ...user assembled product By the act of using the user assembled product the user accepts all resulting liability If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product the buyer is advised to immediately return this kit in new and unused condition to the place of purchase Top Flite Models P O Box 788 Urbana Il 61803 Technical Assistance Call 217 398 8970 product...

Page 2: ... fly 54 Ground check your model 54 Range check your radio 54 Check list 54 ENGINE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS 55 AMA SAFETY CODE 55 FLYING back cover Takeoff back cover Flight back cover Landing back cover Your Stinson is not a toy but a sophisticated working model that functions very much like an actual airplane Because of its realistic performance if you do not assemble and operate your Stinson correctly...

Page 3: ...s relaxing flight characteristics The Stinson s large high wing and long tail moment yield an honest craft that instills confidence Working flaps are the icing on the cake This is one bird among your squadron that is sure to make many appearances at your local flying field Though the Stinson requires a little more skill to build than some of the other models in the Gold Edition lineup complete ins...

Page 4: ... or even a painting is sufficient proof If you re interested contact the AMA for a rule book that will tell you everything you need to know Look in the back of the AMA magazine Model Aviation for a schedule of events The trim scheme we selected for the prototype featured on the kit box cover is a variation of a trim scheme taken from an SR 9 produced in 1937 NC 17154 which was still flying when th...

Page 5: ... large wing area and high lift airfoil The weight of the model does affect the power required to fly it however If you are careful to build the model as light as possible and cover if with film instead of fabric the flying weight will be closer to 16 lbs At this weight a strong 1 20 size four stroke engine will be ample power But if you build heavy and cover the model with fabric and paint the mod...

Page 6: ...Q1000 R C Foam rubber padding 1 5 Scale replica radial engine TOPQ7903 Covering Paint Large capacity Rx battery pack suitable for giant scale models BUILDING SUPPLIES Here s a list of supplies you should have on hand while you re building Some of these are optional Use your own experience to decide what you need We recommend Great Planes Pro CA and Epoxy ADHESIVES 4 oz Thin CA GPMR6004 4 oz Medium...

Page 7: ...as necessary for the best fit Whenever the term glue is used you should rely upon your experience to decide what type of glue to use When a specific type of adhesive works best for that step we will tell you what type of glue to use Whenever just epoxy is specified you may use either 30 minute epoxy or 6 minute epoxy When 30 minute epoxy is specified it is highly recommended that you use only 30 m...

Page 8: ... 8 DIE CUT PATTERNS ...

Page 9: ... 9 DIE CUT PATTERNS ...

Page 10: ...e numbers stamped on them but in some cases the numbers are located alongside the parts or only on the die drawings in the manual You may remove all the die cut parts from their die sheets now or wait until you need them If a part is difficult to remove don t force it out but cut around it with a hobby knife and a 11 blade After you remove the parts from their die sheets lightly sand the edges to ...

Page 11: ...rib jigs from four 1 4 x 1 4 x 36 balsa sticks The rib jigs extend from the forward jig tabs to the aft jig tabs on all the ribs Use the rib jigs and T pins to hold the ribs over their location on the plan After all the ribs are in position use a small square to align the TE over the plan 7 Use thin CA to glue the ribs to the TE As you proceed be certain the jig tabs of all the ribs are contacting...

Page 12: ...ct four of the harder sticks Use two of the sticks you selected to make the cap strips extending from the LE to the TE on ribs S2 to S6 on both sides of the stab Glue the cap strips to the top of the ribs Carefully and lightly sand the LE and TE blending them to the cap strips but do not round the LE until instructed to do so 16 Remove the stab from your building board Save the rib jigs for use on...

Page 13: ... 3 32 balsa elevator tip core to the elevator LE Hint Place both cores on pieces of 1 2 balsa or something similar to assure correct alignment Trim the tip of the elevator LE even with the tip core and elevator core 6 Glue two die cut 3 32 balsa elevator S7A ribs together Refer to the following photo then clamp the glued together ribs to S7 on the end of the stab with a 1 16 spacer in between Use ...

Page 14: ... glue it in place with medium CA 13 Make the last rib for the end of the elevator from one of the 1 4 x 1 4 rib jigs you used when framing the stab Sand the rib to blend with the rest of the structure then carefully sand the elevator edging and the elevator cap strips blending them as well Round the leading edge of the stab as shown in the cross section of the plan and finish sanding the elevator ...

Page 15: ...on the plan then glue it into position The LE is centered on the fin ribs the same as it was on the stab ribs 6 Use the 3 16 x 3 16 sticks leftover from the stab bracing to make the fin bracing between the ribs where shown on the plan Glue the fin bracing into position 7 Use a 1 16 x 3 x 24 balsa sheet to sheet the LE of the fin as shown in the photo and on the plan 8 Using the bottom fin sheeting...

Page 16: ...der LE accurately aligned and on center to the fin Note The top of the rudder core and the rudder LE should extend above the top of the fin by 1 16 Carefully sand the sides of the rudder LE to match the fin TE 4 The same as you did for the elevator ribs cut the rudder ribs from 3 32 x 5 8 x 24 balsa sticks and glue them to the rudder core where shown on the plan Note that the rudder ribs should be...

Page 17: ...s BUILD THE WING Preliminary assembly 1 When removing ribs from die cut sheets save the 1 1 8 round plug from both rib 10 s Build the left wing panel first so yours matches the photos 2 Glue together two die cut 1 8 balsa inner TE spars with the notches in alignment Securely but temporarily tack glue the die cut 1 8 balsa inner TE spar jig to the bottom of the inner TE spar along the aft edge The ...

Page 18: ...swood stick to the length shown on the plan between ribs 15 and 5 12 Following the dimensions in the sketch cut the bottom inner main spar that fits between rib 5 and rib 2 from a 1 4 x 3 8 x 36 basswood stick or use the remainder of the same stick you used for this step if you are building the second right wing panel 13 As you can see by observing the wing plan the spar web outer TE spar top main...

Page 19: ...ar to the wing you can take a peek at how the spar fits the assembly in the following photo 7 Cut a 6 5 8 piece from the cardboard wing joiner tube True the ends of the 6 5 8 tube with a bar sander Apply a small amount of thin CA to one end of the tube allow to cure then sand smooth Trim the 1 1 8 diameter 3 32 plug you saved from rib 10 to fit in the other end of the tube Glue it in place 8 Use a...

Page 20: ...emainder of the larger balsa inner LE stick make the saw cuts wet the end and glue it to ribs 1 thru 5 and the LE brace 18 Use a razor plane followed with a bar sander and 80 grit sandpaper to trim the LE even with the ribs Now that the wing is stabilized we can securely glue the joiner box into position 19 Mix up about 1 4 oz of 30 or 45 minute epoxy Add milled fiberglass for additional strength ...

Page 21: ... make the top wing sheeting that runs from the tip sheeting at rib 13 to rib 1 You ll have to trim a piece of the sheeting from the tip and glue it near the other end so the sheet will be wide enough to reach from the LE spar to the LE at rib 5 After you ve trimmed the sheet to the correct size glue it only to the LE spar Wet the sheet and bend it to the LE and glue it to the ribs and LE Hint Plac...

Page 22: ...3 x 36 balsa sheet for the last tip sheeting piece 33 Use a razor plane and a bar sander with 80 grit sandpaper to clean up the leading edge of the wing by removing excess glue and trimming the top and bottom sheeting even with the LE Just roughly shape the LE for now Do not final sand until instructed to do so 34 Use six more 3 32 x 1 4 x 36 balsa sticks for the cap strips over the ribs and outer...

Page 23: ... 1 2 x 24 balsa stick Glue the hinge blocks to both sides of the aileron core and to the outer TE spar where shown on the plan Trim the hinge blocks on the aileron where necessary so they will not contact the covering 10 Cut the aileron cap strips from a 1 16 x 1 4 x 36 balsa stick and glue them to the aileron ribs 11 Use a bar sander and 80 grit sandpaper to gradually taper the 3 32 cap strips on...

Page 24: ...ibs should align with the top of the flap LE Refer to this photo for the following four steps 7 Use the 5 8 x 5 8 basswood stick to make the flap control horn block that fits on the bottom of the flap between flap ribs 3 4 Glue the horn block into position 8 Make the flap hinge blocks for the top and bottom of the flap from the remainder of the 1 4 x 1 2 balsa stick used for the aileron hinge bloc...

Page 25: ...arther apart set of embossed lines on the flap hinge drill guide 15 On one drill guide use a hobby knife to cut the rest of the way through the partially die cut line 16 Glue the two separated pieces to the other drill guide as shown in the following photos You can see how the drill guide will be used to align your drill for the flap hinges For additional guidance and accuracy glue 7 32 O D 3 16 I...

Page 26: ...1 16 Hook up the controls Refer to this photo to hook up the flap and aileron 1 Drill a 36 or 7 64 hole in the flap control horn block that is in alignment with your flap servo arm Tap 6 32 threads in the control horn block Add a few drops of thin CA in the hole allow to fully cure then retap the threads 2 Thread a large nylon torque rod horn onto one end of a 6 32 x 1 1 2 threaded rod Temporarily...

Page 27: ...d ply parts used to construct former 3 Remove the parts from their die sheets While you re at it you could gather the parts required for the rest of the formers and set them aside or remove the parts from their die sheets as you need them 3 Make a 1 4 bottom former side by gluing together two die cut 1 8 balsa F3SB former sides 4 Make the other bottom former side and two top former sides F3ST the ...

Page 28: ... die cut ply formers will not rest flat on your building board You will be able to remove any twists when the stringers are added later on Notes for building formers 7 8 Use two 1 8 x 1 2 x 24 balsa sticks and two 1 8 x 1 4 x 24 balsa sticks for the framework of formers 7 and 8 That was a good evening s work wasn t it Clean up your building board and neatly stack up all your beautifully constructe...

Page 29: ...e Glue the cabin longerons into position this can be best seen in the next photo 10 Cut and test fit the stringers for the bottom of the fuselage from five 1 8 x 1 4 x 36 basswood sticks All the stringers begin at former 4 The middle stringer extends to former 9 The stringers on both sides of the middle stringer extend to former 8 The outer two stringers extend to former 7 View the fuselage from t...

Page 30: ...ligns with the inner edge of the bottom longeron thus providing a ledge on the outside for the outer stab saddle 3 Glue both die cut 1 8 plywood outer stab saddles to the inner stab saddles and to the bottom longerons 4 Glue two pieces of leftover 1 4 x 3 4 balsa together to make the tail wedge that will be inserted between the end of the stab saddles Bevel the sides of the tail wedge to match the...

Page 31: ...ck Make certain you understand how the parts fit together and join to the fuse Make adjustments where required for good fitting joints Refer to this photo for the following two steps 10 Remove the parts from the fuse Use 30 minute epoxy to glue the left fuse side and the left bottom deck to each other and to the fuse Do not apply glue to the left fuse side or to the left bottom deck forward of for...

Page 32: ...on the plan to make two landing gear rails from the 1 4 x 2 1 8 x 11 plywood sheets Position the landing gear over the templates and confirm that the holes in the gear align with the holes in the template Make adjustments if necessary Drill 11 64 or 5 32 holes through the rails where shown on the templates then insert three 6 32 blind nuts into the holes of both landing gear rails making a right a...

Page 33: ... secure the box to the firewall with 6 x 1 screws not included The box will be permanently glued to the firewall after the fuse is sheeted Let s temporarily mount the fuel tank before sheeting the front of the fuse 7 Determine the height of the fuel tank in relation to the carb on your engine The fuel tank should be positioned so that when half full the fuel level is even with your carburetor If n...

Page 34: ...a small C clamp to hold the triangle in position Check the alignment of the bottom of the triangle with the centerline on the stab TE Trim the bottom of the fin sheeting where it rests on the stab until you can get the fin vertical 10 Adjust the front of the fin laterally by measuring the distance between both sides of the fin and the sides of former 9 Note It is important that the fin be accurate...

Page 35: ...ie cut 1 8 plywood wing saddle bases to the fuse sides between formers 4 5 and 6 over the top longerons and hold them in position with clamps or T pins Now for the moment of truth Hopefully you have a large workbench 7 Place the die cut 1 8 plywood fuselage root ribs W1F on both sides of the fuse over the ends of the cardboard tube then slide the wing panels into position with the aluminum joiner ...

Page 36: ...g them to the top longeron and the saddle bases Important If you plan to do aggressive aerobatics use leftover basswood sticks as reinforcement 17 Remove the wing panels Bevel the aft curved edge of the wing saddle base Trim the top of formers 3 4 and 5 so they are even with the top of the fuse root rib to accommodate the top wing fillet 18 Test fit then glue the die cut 3 32 balsa top wing fillet...

Page 37: ...e you tapped in the control horn block The threaded rod won t be glued in place until after the model is covered 6 Join both elevators to the stab Make both elevator pushrods as shown on the plan from two 4 40 solder clevises two 095 x 36 threaded one end pushrods and two 4 40 threaded clevises Silver solder should be used on the solder clevis After soldering remove residual soldering flux then co...

Page 38: ...of the wire Temporarily mount the steering arm to the tail gear with a 6 32 x 1 4 socket head cap screw to be certain it is parallel If necessary adjust the position or angle of the flat spot the better the job done here the less trouble you will have at the flying field 12 Temporarily mount the tail gear assembly to the fuselage with three 6 32 x 1 2 Phillips head screws Secure the steering arm t...

Page 39: ...the fuse side as shown in the photo The top edge is flush against the main stringer If necessary wet the sheet with water so it will be easier to bend around the front of the fuse 5 Glue a second 1 8 x 3 x 24 sheet to the fuse as shown Before continuing with the sheeting use a straightedge and a ballpoint pen to lightly mark the edges of formers 3 4 This will help later when it s time to cut out t...

Page 40: ...wo opening scale doors On many full size Stinsons the right door was standard while the left door was optional On this model only one door is necessary to access the cabin and to bolt the wings on but you should refer to your documentation package to see if you need to make both doors Making opening doors may be done several different ways The method illustrated in this manual is rather straightfo...

Page 41: ...er the plan using a 3 16 x 3 16 x 36 balsa stick and a 1 4 x 1 2 x 24 balsa stick Make the gussets from the 3 16 x 3 16 stick 7 Trim the door frame to match the curve on the plan at the bottom corner 8 Build the window frame for the door just the same way you did for the fuse aft of the door Sheet the rest of the door with 1 8 x 3 x 24 balsa 9 Test fit the door in the fuse Trim where necessary for...

Page 42: ...e torque rod will fit tightly into the block making threads as it goes through This is what holds it in and pulls the door to the fuselage 17 Make the latch from leftover 1 16 plywood Drill a 1 8 hole through the latch and insert a 2 56 blind nut Thread the latch onto the torque rod until it will catch the inside of former 4 and pull the door closed Lock the latch to the torque rod with a 2 56 nut...

Page 43: ...ly scuff the outside of the cowl so you can make marks with a pencil Place the forward cowl and a pencil on a flat surface Hold the pencil to the base of the cowl and turn the cowl around the pencil marking a trim line all the way around 2 Use a builder s square as a guide to mark lines extending from the molded in dots near the bottom of the cowl to the front of the cowl These will be used later ...

Page 44: ...a hole to fit the crankshaft of your engine in a piece of leftover 1 8 plywood or balsa Align the hole in the jig with the hole you drilled in the center of the cowl then temporarily glue the jig to the cowl with spacers in between to set the desired prop clearance 1 4 is recommended 11 The jig will center the front of the cowl on the engine so now cut the opening in the front of the cowl as shown...

Page 45: ... sides of seam Apply only as much filler as is required then remove the tape This will greatly reduce the amount of sanding required 21 Sand the filler smooth blending the aft cowl to the forward cowl 22 Trim the eighteen molded ABS cowl blisters so only about a 1 16 lip remains around the edge Thoroughly sand the cowl blisters so adhesive filler and paint will adhere 23 Refresh the pencil lines t...

Page 46: ... the shape of the cowl 29 Test fit the dummy engine inside the cowl and trim as necessary for a good fit Glue the dummy engine to a piece of 1 8 lite ply not supplied Trim where necessary to allow air passage over the head s of your engine and to accommodate the carburetor and wrench for access to the cowl screws After the model is finished and the cowl and engine are painted glue the dummy engine...

Page 47: ...refer to glue the windows in place and add the trim after the model is covered skip ahead to the next section then return when you re ready 10 Wash the side and front windshields with a mild soap and water solution then glue them into position If you re careful you may use CA If you ve had bad luck gluing windows in with CA use canopy glue such as RC 56 The edges of the windows will be concealed w...

Page 48: ... the recess in the inner wheel pant half and glue it into position you can see the ply piece in the following photo 3 Test fit the inner wheel pant to the corresponding landing gear If necessary round the edges of the gear so it will fully contact the ply plate 4 Temporarily fit the inside wheel pant to the matching landing gear Mark the location of the hole on the pant then drill or cut a 5 16 ho...

Page 49: ... resin then prime and paint Mount the Landing Gear Fairings and Wing Struts Note The wing struts are for scale appearance only and do not add structural support to the wing Due to the design of the wing and its own internal bracing the additional support of functional struts is not required when the Stinson is flown in a scale like manner Make the left side first so yours will match the photos 1 C...

Page 50: ...the filler to harden 10 Remove the strut from the wing then sand the filler blending it to the top strut fairing 11 Position the strut on the bottom of the wing centering it under the hole in the strut mounting block From the top of the wing use the hole you already drilled in the strut mounting block as a guide to drill a 5 32 hole through the strut now the holes are guaranteed to line up 12 Enla...

Page 51: ...terally Balance the Airplane Laterally 1 Mount the wings to the fuse 2 With the wing level carefully lift the model by the crankshaft and the aft end of the fuselage under the stab this will require two people Do this several times 3 If one wing always drops when you lift the model that side is heavy Balance the airplane by gluing weight inside the other wing tip Do this by carving a cavity in the...

Page 52: ...30 minute epoxy to permanently glue the threaded rods into the holes you previously tapped in the basswood blocks 2 Permanently attach the control surfaces with your hinges using the adhesive recommended by the manufacturer of the hinges most require 30 minute epoxy Hint Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to hinge pins to keep epoxy from locking up the hinge 3 Assemble the wheel pants and whe...

Page 53: ... drops the model is tail heavy and you must shift your battery pack or other components forward or add weight to the nose If the nose drops it is nose heavy and you must shift your battery pack or other components aft or add weight to the tail In order to save weight relocate the battery pack and or receiver or other components before adding additional weight to arrive at the correct CG You may in...

Page 54: ... perform a close inspection to make sure all screws remain tight and your pushrods and connectors are secure Range Check your Radio Ground check the range of your radio before the first flight of the day With the transmitter antenna collapsed and the receiver and transmitter on you should be able to walk at least 100 feet away from the model and still have control Have an assistant stand by the mo...

Page 55: ...ow plug clip or other items near a spinning propeller Keep loose clothing shirt sleeves ties scarfs long hair or loose objects away from the prop Be conscious of pencils screw drivers or other objects that may fall out of your shirt or jacket pockets Use a chicken stick or electric starter and follow the instructions to start your engine Make certain the glow plug clip or connector is secure so th...

Page 56: ...hrottle settings to see how the model reacts and what kind of trim changes may be required Still at altitude execute practice landing approaches to see how the Stinson handles at lower speeds Do the same with the flaps extended so you know what to expect when you re in an actual landing approach Add power and see how she climbs with flaps as well Do this exercise a few times and decide whether or ...

Page 57: ......

Page 58: ......

Page 59: ......

Page 60: ......

Reviews: