15.
Connect the servo ‘Y’ lead to the receiver and switch on the transmitter and connect the flight battery.
Check that the aileron trim switch is centred i.e. at ‘zero’ - no trim applied. Attach the servo control arms and
control rod connectors to the servos so that the arms point towards the wing tips and then the secure the arms
with the correct screws.
16.
Locate the two remaining control horns and the two aileron control rods and insert the ‘Z’ bend of each rod
into the top hole of the control horns. Then pass the rods through each of the servo connectors and insert the
control horns into the slots on the underside of the ailerons and stick them into place.
17.
Level the ailerons and tighten the screw on the control rod connectors, it is suggested that thread lock is
used to secure the screws.
18.
Carefully trim the vacuum formed canopy to fit. The rear of the canopy fits to former ‘F8’.
If required mask off the canopy framing and paint the frames. Stick the canopy in place using either a ‘canopy
glue’ or a ‘non-fogging’ Cyano glue. Do not use ordinary Cyano as it will cause the canopy to fog. It is
suggested that the glue chosen is tested on the trimmings from the canopy before using.
19.
Exhaust stacks. The early type exhaust stacks as fitted to Mk1 to Mk8 Spitfires are included with the kit
(later version exhaust stacks are available in the optional ‘Xtra Detail Kit’) and can be found on Sheet 10. Stick
three of the pieces together to create each exhaust stack. Sand them to a rounded shape and paint as
required. On each side remove the covering from the square slot on each side of the fuselage nose
(approximately 45mm from the front and near the top of the sheeted side) and stick into place.
20.
Remove the covering from the four holes at the front and rear of the wing saddle. Cut two pieces of
1
/
8th
dowel to a length of 4 inches (100mm) and insert them into the holes so that the dowel has an equal amount
(20mm) on each side of the fuselage and secure in place with CA.
Optional ‘Xtra Detail Kit’
1.
The’ Xtra Detail Kit’ allows for some extra detail to be added to the basic Spitfire kit. It has the later exhaust
stacks of the Mk9 to Mk 24. To make them, use four exhaust parts for each exhaust stack and stick them
together. Sand them to a rounded profile and paint as required. They are fitted into the same square slots on
the fuselage as the early type exhaust stacks.
2.
Radiator options: The early marks of Spitfire (1 to 6) had one large radiator on the right-hand side and a
smaller oil cooler on the left-hand side. Mark 7 to 24 Spitfires had two large radiators.
3.
The oil cooler is made by laminating the five pieces together, with the piece with the mounting tab at the
centre. Sand the oil cooler to a rounded profile as required. When complete it is stuck into the slot on the left-
hand radiator base nearest to the wing tip.
4.
The larger radiator is built using four parts. Two sides – one with a ‘notch’ at the rear and two bottom sheet
parts, one long and the other short. It is advised that the radiator is built ‘in situ’ on the radiator base fitted to
the wing. If building an early version (Mk 1 to 6 with the small oil cooler) only remove the covering from the
slots on the radiator base on the right-hand side of the wing.
Insert the two radiator sides into the slots.
Note:
that the radiator side part with a small ‘notch’ at the rear fits in
the slot nearest to the centre line of the wing (the notch is there to allow it to fit over the plywood doubler).
Assemble the two radiator sheets parts together (the long piece slotting into the shorter piece) and stick them
together. Place the sheet onto the radiator sides so that the tabs fit into the slots with the front and rear edges
of the sheet bottom lined-up correctly with the ends of the sides. Wick CA into the joints and stick them
together. Remove the radiator from the wing and gently sand to round the edges and then cover. When
complete stick into place.
If building a later version (Mk 7 to 24) build a second radiator on the left-hand wing instead of the oil cooler.
Recommended Steps before Flying Your Balsa Basics Spitfire
1.
Balance the propeller. Do not miss this step; an out of balance propeller will considerably reduce the
reliability and life span of the motor and other components.
Balsa Basics Spitfire Vintage Model Company
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