.
NOTE: The remaining section of these instructions concerning engine and fuel tank installation, radio installation, pre-flight
checkout, and flying provide information that is specific to the MID-STAR 40. For a more in-depth look at any of these
subjects, please refer to "The Basics Of Radio Control" booklet also included with this kit. In particular, it is strongly
recommended that you go through the "Pre-Flight Checklist" in Chapter 7 carefully before attempting to fly.
Engine And Fuel Tank Installation
Engine installation on the MID-STAR 40 is simply a matter of bolting the engine
mounts that were prepared in step 28 to F-1, then bolting your engine to the
mounts. Install the throttle pushrod using the guidelines in "The Basics Of Radio
Control" (pages 8 - 9). Like the nosewheel pushrod, the outer nylon tubing of the
throttle pushrod should be glued to F-1, F-2, and a scrap balsa standoff.
An 8 ounce fuel tank is recommended for the MID-STAR 40, although most tanks
from 6 oz. to 10 oz. will work. Sullivan 8 to 10 oz. Slant type or RST type tanks
will fit easily. A Du-Bro 10 oz. will not. Most engines will require the tank to
mounted as high as possible in the fuselage. Use foam rubber under the fuel tank
as necessary to position it properly.
Radio Installation
Screw the nylon control horns onto the
rudder and elevator as shown on the
plans, then re-install the inner nylon
pushrods that you prepared in step 56.
Snap an R/C link on the rudder horn, then
cut off the excess nylon tubing, leaving a
1/8" gap between the end of the tubing
and the R/C link. Cut a 2-56 x 10"
threaded rod to an overall length of 3-1/2",
measuring from the threaded end. Install
the threaded rod in the nylon tubing,
smooth end first, so that approximately
1/2" of the threaded portion remains
exposed. (The metal rod will help prevent
the nylon tubing from buckling under flight
loads.) Thread the R/C link onto the end of the pushrod until the rudder is neutral, then repeat the procedure for the
elevator .
The aileron servo can be mounted to two 3/8" sq. x 1-1/2" basswood rails, as can be seen on the W-1 cross-section
drawing on the plans. The nylon aileron connectors can be moved up or down the torque rods to adjust the amount of
aileron throw. Tape the servo wire to the wing to keep it from getting tangled with the aileron servo, as well as the servos in
the fuselage.
A typical radio installation is shown in the photo above. The receiver and battery
on this model are wrapped in foam rubber and positioned just forward of the
servos. A scrap balsa stick keeps them from moving around during flight. If you
use a lightweight engine, you may need to install the battery under the fuel tank
to achieve proper balance.
Notice that the aileron connector wire and the charging jack are left accessable,
but are tucked away enough so that they can't interfere with the servo arms and
linkages. The antenna has been routed away from all other wiring and out the
fuselage side (opposite from the engine exhaust) and up to the top of the fin.
Pre-Flight Checkout
IMPORTANT: For first flights, make certain that the model balances somewhere in the range shown on the plans. If it
balances further back, add weight to the nose as necessary. Trying to fly with the balance point too far aft is much more
dangerous than the slight increase in wing loading caused by adding lead to the nose. Always balance the model with an
empty fuel tank.