Top Flite Stinson Reliant User Manual Download Page 53

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GET YOUR MODEL READY TO FLY

Balance your Model

NOTE: This section is VERY important and must
NOT be omitted! A model that is not properly
balanced will be unstable and possibly
unflyable.

❏

1. Since this model is mostly an “open” structure

that is fabric covered, the wing has no structural
“hard points” at which to support the model while
checking the C.G. Place leftover pieces of balsa or
plywood across the ribs on the bottom of the wing
where you wish to lift the model for checking the C.G.

❏

2. Accurately mark the balance point on the

bottom of the wing on both sides of the fuselage. The
balance point is shown on the plan (CG) and is
located 4-1/2" [114mm] aft of the leading edge of the
wing at the root ribs where they contact the fuse. This
is the balance point at which the model should be
balanced for the first flights. Later, you may
experiment by shifting the balance up to 1/2" [13mm]
forward or back to change the flying characteristics.
If you move the balance point forward it may improve
the smoothness and tracking, but the Stinson may
then require more speed for takeoff and become
more difficult to slow for landing. If you move the

balance aft it may make the Stinson more agile with
a lighter feel and allow you to slow the model more
for landing. In any case, please start at the location
we recommend and do not at any time balance your
model outside the recommended range. Our model
flew best in the forward half of the CG range.

❏

3. The model must be in a ready-to-fly condition

with all components installed and an empty fuel tank.
Place blocks or something similar under the tail so
the fuselage is level on your workbench.

❏

4. With the wing attached to the fuselage, lift the

model at the balance point or place it on a CG stand.
If you're using a C.G. Machine, use longer wires (not
included) to spread the base further apart and blocks
to raise it off your bench. If the tail 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 install nose or tail weight by
gluing lead weights inside the fuselage where
necessary. If nose weight is required, position it as
far forward as possible. Securing nose weight to the
engine box is preferable.

Final Hookups and Checks

❏

1. Take the servo arms off your servos, turn on

your transmitter and center all the trims. Reinstall all
the servo arms and secure them with the screws.

❏

2. Double-check all the servos and make sure the

servo arms and mounting screws are secure and all
the clevises have a silicone retainer.

❏

3. Make sure the control surfaces move in the

correct direction.

❏

4. Adjust your pushrod hookups and set up your

radio to provide the control surface movements as
follows. Use a ruler or a Great Planes AccuThrow

™

Control Surface Deflection Meter (GPMR2405) to
measure the throws.

Control Surface Throws

TRIM MIXING:

If your transmitter has flap-to-elevator

mixing, we recommend mixing 5% (1/16", or 1/20" to
be exact) down elevator when the flaps are fully
extended. This will allow the model to maintain a level
attitude when the flaps are extended.

The balance point and control surface throws
listed in this manual are the ones at which the
Stinson flies best. Set up your aircraft to those
specifications. If, after a few flights, you would like
to adjust the throws or CG to suit your tastes, that
is fine. Too much control surface throw can make
your model difficult to control or force it into a
stall, so remember...More is not better.

Recommend control surface throws:

High Rate

Low Rate

ELEVATOR:

1" up

9/16" up

1" down

9/16" down

AILERONS:

1" up

3/4" up

7/8" down