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DECAL APPLICATION
The decals supplied with your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF are high quality Mylar® with
an extremely aggressive adhesive. These are not die-cut decals and must be
removed from the sheet with a hobby knife and a sharp #11 blade or sharp
scissors.
We suggest the following method to accurately apply the larger decals in this kit.
Carefully cut out the decal and lift it off the sheet with tweezers. Use a product
like SIG Pure Magic Model Airplane Cleaner, Fantastic®‚ or Windex® to spray
the area of the model that will receive the decal. Then spray the adhesive side of
the decal as well. Lightly position the decal in place on the model.
The liquid cleaner allows the decal to slide easily into the desired position as long as you don’t press down on it. Once you
have it in position, hold the decal lightly in place with your fingertips and use a paper towel to gently dab the excess liquid
away. Use a small squeegee to now set the decal in place, removing all excess liquid and any trapped air bubbles from
beneath the decal. The SIG 4" Epoxy Spreader - #SIGSH678 - is perfect for this job. Remove any excess fluid with a dry
paper towel and allow the decals to set overnight. They will be solidly adhered to the model without any air bubbles.
BALANCING THE MODEL
Balancing this or any R/C model airplane is critical to its ultimate success in the
air. The recommended starting balance point for the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF, is
located 2-15/16" behind the leading edge of the wing. This measurement
corresponds to the center of the main spar. We have flown this airplane with the
balance point location back as far as 3-1/2" without any trouble. However, moving
the balance point further back tends to make the elevators more sensitive.
Remember that the model is always balanced with the fuel tank empty.
Using a simple balancing fixture, such as two dowels with rubber tips to protect
the finish. It is the most accurate method for determining and adjusting the
correct balance point. However, since the balance point is located at the main
wing spar on this airplane, you and a friend can lift the assembled model at the
wing tips to check the balance. The airplane should balance perfectly level. If the
nose hangs down, the model is nose heavy. Likewise, if the model hangs tail
down from level, it is tail heavy. If either of these conditions exist, they should be
corrected.
If the model is nose heavy, try shifting the location of the battery pack a little
further back to correct the condition. If the model is still nose heavy, small stick-
on lead weights - available from your hobby shop - can be used to temporarily
correct the problem. Later, these can be placed inside the fuselage, through a
hole that can then be covered over with matching covering film.
If the model is tail heavy, move the battery pack as far forward as possible to correct the problem. If the airplane still needs
more weight to balance, then adding weight such as stick-on lead weights should be used.
FLYING
If you have carefully followed the assembly instructions in this manual, test flying your new FOUR-STAR 40 ARF should
be a lot of fun. When it comes to test flying a new model, we always advise modelers to choose a calm day with little or no
wind. These conditions allow you to better evaluate and more accurately adjust the trim requirements for your airplane. As
we’ve mentioned before, a good running, reliable motor is a must for the ultimate success of your airplane. Take the time
to solve any motor problems before you try to fly.
Always make it part of your pre-flight routine to check each control on the airplane, making sure the surfaces are moving in
the correct directions. Also check each control linkage to be sure they are secure and that nothing is loose. With all the
controls checked, make a range check with your radio system, making sure everything is working perfectly.