background image

3

If you’re not a member of a club, your local hobby shop has 
information about clubs in your area whose membership 
includes experienced pilots.

 8.  While this kit has been 

fl

 ight tested to exceed normal use, 

if the plane will be used for extremely high-stress 

fl

 ying 

the modeler is responsible for taking steps to reinforce the 
high-stress points.

We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a top quality, 
thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the 
quality and 

fl

 yability of your 

fi

 nished model depends on how 

you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the 
performance of your completed model, and no representations 
are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of 
your completed model.

REMEMBER: 

Take your time and follow the instructions to 

end up with a well-built model.

ADDITIONAL ITEMS REQUIRED  –––––––

Radio Components

A minimum 3-channel radio (elevator, rudder and ESC control) 

and two standard or mini servos with 35oz. of thrust are required 
to 

fl

 y the Vista BL EP ARF. The Tactic TTX404 4-channel or 

Futaba 4YF 4-channel radio system are great low cost radio 

systems perfect for the Vista BL EP ARF.

   TACJ2404 TTX404 4-channel radio system

   TACM0235 (TSX35) standard servo

   TACM0220 TSX20) mini servo

   FUTK4200 4YF 4-channel radio system

   FUTM0031 (S3003) standard servo

   FUTM0415 (S3115) micro precision servo

   TOWM4525 (TS-53) standard servo

Battery and Charger

   A 3S 11.1V 1800mAh – 2200mAh LiPo battery is required 

to power the Vista BL EP ARF

   ElectriFly 1800mAh 30C (GPMP0855)

   ElectriFly 2200mAh 30C (GPMP0861)

   FlightPower 2200mAh 30C (FPWP3223)

   FlightPower 2200mAh 50C (FPWP5223)

Most modelers may already have a suitable LiPo charger, but 
for those that do not, the Duratrax Onyx 235 AC/DC Advanced 
Peak Charger (DTXP4235) is one of the suitable chargers 

recommended. The Onyx charger is perfect for 3S batteries 
used with the Tower Vista BL EP ARF and may be powered 
either by an external DC power source (such as a 12V battery), 
or a 110V AC outlet. The Onyx also has an adjustable charge 
rate to charge your batteries in as little as a half-hour or less 

(depending on the condition of your batteries and manufacturer’s 

speci

fi

 ed charge rate). The Onyx can also charge larger batteries 

and batteries other than LiPo, so it is a versatile charger you can 

grow into. The 235 also has and LCD digital display screen, so 

you can see how much capacity it took to recharge the battery 

(required for monitoring the condition of your batteries and 

calculating how long you can 

fl

 y).

Adhesives and Building Supplies

   Tower 30-minute epoxy (TOWR3810)

   Mixing sticks (50, GPMR8055)

   Mixing cups (GPMR8056)

   Epoxy brushes (6, GPMR8060)

   Denatured alcohol (for epoxy clean up)

   Masking tape

   Drill

   Drill bits: 1/16" [1.6mm]

   Stick-on segmented lead weights (GPMQ4485)

   #1 Hobby knife (TOWR1010)

   #11 blades (5-pack, TOWR1015)

   Medium T-pins (HCAR5150)

   CG Machine (GPMR2400)

   Paper towels

Hardware and Accessories

   Spare #64 rubber bands (TOWQ1220)

   21st Century Sealing Iron (COVR2700)

   21st Century Hot Sock (COVR2702

KIT INSPECTION –––––––––––––––––––––––

Before assembly, take an inventory of this kit to make sure it is 

complete, and inspect the parts to make sure they are of acceptable 
quality. If any parts are missing or are not of acceptable quality, or 

if you need assistance with assembly, contact 

Product Support

When reporting defective or missing parts, use the part names 

exactly as they are written in the Kit Contents list.

Hobbico Product Support 

Ph: (217) 398-8970 ext. 5

3002 N Apollo Drive  Suite 1 

Fax: (217) 398-7721

Champaign, IL 61822

E-mail: [email protected]

ORDERING REPLACEMENT PARTS  ––––

Replacement parts for the Tower Hobbies Vista BL EP ARF are 

available using the order numbers in the 

Replacement Parts 

List

 that follows. The fastest, most economical service can be 

provided by your hobby dealer or mail-order company.

To locate a hobby dealer, visit the Hobbico web site at www.

hobbico.com. Choose “Where to Buy” at the bottom of the menu 
on the left side of the page. Follow the instructions provided on 
the page to locate a U.S., Canadian or International dealer.

Parts may be ordered directly from Hobby Services by calling 
(217) 398-0007, or via facsimile at (217) 398-7721, but full retail 

prices and shipping and handling charges will apply. Illinois 
and Nevada residents will also be charged sales tax. If ordering 

via fax, include a Visa

®

 or MasterCard

®

 number and expiration 

date for payment.

Summary of Contents for VistaBL

Page 1: ... user of the final 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 return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase To make a warranty claim send the defective part or item to Hobby Servic...

Page 2: ...d air shows Failure to comply with the Safety Code excerpts printed in the back of the manual may endanger insurance coverage Additionally training programs and instructors are available at AMA club sites to help you get started the right way There are over 2 500 AMA chartered clubs across the country Contact the AMA at the address or toll free phone number that follows Academy of Model Aeronautic...

Page 3: ... less depending on the condition of your batteries and manufacturer s specified charge rate The Onyx can also charge larger batteries and batteries other than LiPo so it is a versatile charger you can grow into The 235 also has and LCD digital display screen so you can see how much capacity it took to recharge the battery required for monitoring the condition of your batteries and calculating how ...

Page 4: ...Product Support by e mail at productsupport hobbico com or by telephone at 217 398 8970 Order No Description REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST Fuselage Wing Tail Surfaces Motor Folding Prop Assembly Folding Blade Set Decals ESC 30A TOWA4021 TOWA4022 TOWA4023 TOWA4024 TOWA4025 TOWA4026 TOWA4027 TOWA4028 CONTENTS 1 Fuselage 2 Left Wing 3 Right Wing 4 Horizontal Stabilizer 5 Vertical Stabilizer 6 Fin Braces 7 S...

Page 5: ...epoxy brush paper towels and denatured alcohol for epoxy clean up Hint To cut down on waste cut the paper towels into several small squares as shown in the photo Caution Do not use 5 minute epoxy for joining the wing halves It will not provide enough working time Read steps 3 and 4 all the way through before proceeding It is important to use the proper technique for joining the wing halves to ensu...

Page 6: ...sh ASSEMBLE THE FUSELAGE Join the Stabilizer 1 Cut off any covering that has been wrapped around the side of the fuselage over the top of the stab saddle where the stabilizer goes 2 Place the stab on the fuselage keying the notches in the stab into the pegs on the fuselage Use a fine point felt tip pen to mark the outline of the fuselage onto the stab 3 Take the stab off the fuselage and follow th...

Page 7: ...ri stock fin braces on both sides of the fin The same as was done with the bottom of the stab use a fine point felt tip pen to mark the outline of the fin braces onto the fuselage top and the fin so you will know where to cut off the covering 2 Working carefully without cutting into the balsa use your heated soldering iron or a sharp hobby knife to cut the covering from the sides of the fin and th...

Page 8: ...orward rail as far forward as it will go and glue it into place but do not glue in the aft rail until instructed to do so Hook Up the Controls 1 Connect the clevis to the third hole out from the bottom of the elevator horn Note If the silicone retainer on the elevator clevis rubs against the inside of the fuselage sides use a hobby knife to trim the inside of the fuselage as necessary for free smo...

Page 9: ... mm holes through the rails for the servo mounting screws Mount the servo with the screws that came with it 6 Move the rudder servo all the way over to the elevator servo Drill 1 16 1 6mm holes through the rails and mount the rudder servo with the screws that came with it 7 Center the servo arms as shown holding the elevator pushrod so the elevator is centered Mark the pushrod where it crosses the...

Page 10: ...e the motor battery and the batteries in your transmitter 2 If using Futaba and Tactic transmitters set the reversing function for the throttle control in your transmitter to reverse 3 Center the trims on the transmitter and lower the throttle stick all the way 4 Swing the radio hatch cover to the side 5 Take the servo arms off of the servos With the propeller off the motor switch on the transmitt...

Page 11: ...and motor respond in the correct direction as shown in the diagram If necessary use the servo reversing function in your transmitter to reverse the direction of the elevator and rudder Set the Control Throws Use a ruler to measure and set the control throw of the elevator and rudder as indicated in the chart that follows If your radio does not have dual rates we recommend setting the throws at the...

Page 12: ...the decals have a sticky back and are not the water transfer type submersing them in soap water allows accurate positioning and reduces air bubbles underneath 3 Position decal on the model where desired Holding the decal down use a paper towel to wipe most of the water away 4 Use a piece of soft balsa or something similar to squeegee remaining water from under the decal Apply the rest of the decal...

Page 13: ... under the tail or inside the fuselage behind the motor 5 IMPORTANT If you found it necessary to add any weight recheck the C G after the weight has been installed PREFLIGHT Identify Your Model No matter if you fly at an AMA sanctioned R C club site or if you fly somewhere on your own you should always have your name address telephone number and AMA number on or inside your model It is required at...

Page 14: ...by the safety rules for the flying site I use and I will not willfully and deliberately fly my models in a careless reckless and or dangerous manner 5 I will not fly my model unless it is identified with my name and address or AMA number on or in the model Note This does not apply to models while being flown indoors 7 I will not operate models with pyrotechnics any device that explodes burns or pr...

Page 15: ...ould be considerable resistance If the wing can be forced from the fuselage without having to strain your hands then there are probably not enough rubber bands IMPORTANT Flying a model with too few rubber bands can be dangerous The wing could actually detach from the fuselage resulting in a crash If the model exhibits any tendencies that indicate there are not enough rubber bands immediately land ...

Page 16: ...th the batteries This will prevent the downwind auto motor cutoff over the end of the flying field Landing Align the plane with the landing zone and always land into the wind Increase or decrease motor power as necessary to maintain your descent When the model is a foot or two 5m from the ground increasingly apply up elevator to slow the model without allowing it to climb Skim the ground until fly...

Reviews: