.
Radio Equipment
The FOUR-STAR 40 ARF requires a standard 4-channel radio system and four standard
servos. We have used and can highly recommend both the Hitec™ and Airtronics™
systems. Both of these very affordable and reliable radio systems offer all the features you'll
need for this and the many other R/C aircraft in your future. For reference, this assembly
manual shows the installation of a Hitec™ radio system with standard servos. In addition,
you will need a 6" aileron servo extension, (usually provided with the radio).
Motor Selection
Motor choices for the FOUR-STAR 40 ARF are many. The FOUR-STAR 40 ARF has been designed to produce excellent
performance when using the recommended motor sizes. Do not use an motor larger than recommended.
2-stroke motors are a perfect choice to power your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF. Any plain-bearing or bearing equipped .40 to .46 sport
motor would be a good choice. For example, a great choice would be the Irvine .46 motor. Like all Irvine motors, the .46 is
powerful, reliable, and quiet. Whatever motor you choose, take the time to carefully break it in according to the manufacturer’s
instructions. A good running, reliable motor is a minimum requirement for the enjoyment of this or any R/C model aircraft.
The FOUR-STAR 40 ARF can also use a variety of 4-stroke motors. Any 4-stroke motor in the .45 - .60 displacement range
should provide plenty of power. An important thing to remember is that typical 4-stroke motors have their throttle arms usually
located differently than throttle arms on 2-stroke motors. If you want to power this model with a 4-stroke motor, you will likely
have to install a new, relocated throttle cable tube. While this is not difficult, it is something to consider when choosing an motor.
Covering Material
Your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF has been professionally covered using AeroKote™. This
material is well known for its ease of application, light weight, and consistency of
color. If you live in a dry climate, you may notice that some wrinkles might develop
after removing the covered parts from their plastic bags. This is perfectly normal in
low humidity climates. Your model was built and covered in a part of the world with
relatively high humidity and therefore the wood was likely carrying a fair amount of
moisture. When exposed to drier air, the wood typically loses this moisture,
dimensionally “shrinking” in the process. In turn, this may cause some wrinkles.
However, wrinkles are easy to remove by just using a hobby type heat iron.
We suggest covering the iron’s shoe with a thin cotton cloth, such as an old T-shirt, to prevent scratching the film. The iron
should be set to about 220O - 280O F (104O - 121O C). Use the heated iron to lightly shrink the material - do not press on it.
Then lightly iron the material back down to the wood. You can also use a hobby-type heat gun to re-shrink the covering but you
must be careful around seams or color joints. Re-heating seams may cause them to “creep”, making them unsightly.
For part number reference, your FOUR-STAR 40 ARF was covered in AeroKote™ film with the following part numbers:
#SIGSTL311 Bright Red or #SIGSTL330 Bright Yellow.
Required Tools
For proper assembly, we suggest you have the following tools and materials available:
A selection of glues -
SIG Thin CA, SIG Thick CA and
SIG Kwik-Set 5-Minute Epoxy
Screwdriver Assortment
Pliers-Needle Nose & Flat Nose
Diagonal Wire Cutters
Small Allen Wrench Assortment
Pin Vise for Small Dia. Drill Bits
Hobby Knife with Sharp #11
Blades
Scissors
Threadlock Compound, Such as
Loctite® Non-Permanent Blue
Small Power Drill With Selection
of Bits
Dremel® Tool With Selection of
Sanding and Grinding Bits
Heat Iron & Trim Seal Tool
A soldering iron and solder.
Masking Tape
Paper Towels