.
Putting sticky-back decals on a model can be tricky! Especially medium to large size ones like those in this kit. If you don’t
do it right, you will end up with unsightly air bubbles trapped underneath the decal. Here’s a method that eliminates that
problem entirely and makes the job easy and fun.
You will need a "soapy water" mixture (water mixed with a very small amount of dish soap, or SIG Pure Magic Model
Airplane Cleaner, or Fantastic®, Windex®, or 409® type cleaners all work good). You will also need a supple squeegee
(the SIG 4" Epoxy Spreader SIGSH678 is perfect for this job), a couple clean soft cloths (old tee shirts are great), a good
straight edge, a ruler, and a hobby knife with sharp #11 blades. We also suggest that you have some trim tape handy for
making temporary guidelines (1/8" width or so is perfect) for help in aligning the decals.
First, spray the surface of the model where the decal is to be placed with a soapy water mixture. Then, peel the backing
sheet completely off the decal, being careful not to let the sticky side double over and adhere to itself. Place the decal onto
the wet surface of the model. Do not push down! The soapy water solution will keep the decal from actually sticking to the
model until you have had time to shift it around into exact position. Once you have it in position, squeegee the excess
soapy water out from under the decal. Mop up the water with a dry cloth. Squeegee repeatedly to get as much of the water
out from under the decal as possible. After setting overnight, the decal will be solidly adhered to the surface.
Instrument Panel
A full-color printed paper Piper J-3 Cub instrument panel is included in this kit. Simply cut it out with a sharp scissors and
use spray cement to glue it in place.
Balance Your Cub
Completely assemble the model, including propeller and spinner nut. Do not leave anything off the airplane that will be on
it in flight. DO NOT fill the fuel tank for balancing purposes.
RECOMMENDED BALANCE POINT 3-1/2" back from the leading edge of the wing
IMPORTANT NOTE: Balanced means the airplane sets level when supported at the desired balance point, not slightly
nose down or nose up.
FLYING
The Cub is not difficult to manage on the ground or in the air. However, being a taildragger, there are some differences
you should be aware of between flying the Cub and flying most trainer or pattern type models. It handles more like a full
size airplane than most models.
When taxing the Cub on the ground, be prepared to use the
elevators and ailerons in addition to the obvious rudder
steering and throttle inputs. When the winds are calm, hold
full up elevator while taxiing in any direction, to keep the
tailwheel in firm contact with the ground for effective
steering. Leave the ailerons in neutral, steer with the rudder,
and control ground speed with the throttle. Under windy
conditions, also hold up elevator when taxiing either upwind
or crosswind. When going downwind, put the elevators in
neutral or partly down to keep the wind from getting under
the tail and flipping the Cub on its nose. Aileron deflection
may also be needed while taxiing crosswind to keep the
upwind wing from lifting off the ground.
Line up the Cub on the middle of the runway for takeoff. If you haven’t had much taildragger time, it’s best to stand directly
behind the model so you can easily see any changes in heading that will need to be corrected during the takeoff run.
Leave the elevator in neutral. Advance the throttle smoothly to full open. As the tail lifts up on its own, the Cub will try to
drift to the left from the torque. Feed in right rudder as needed to keep the model straight. When you have flying speed,
pull back slightly on the elevator stick for a gentle liftoff. During the takeoff run, do not overcontrol the rudder, which will
start the Cub swerving from side to side. If you find yourself in that situation, pull back on the throttle back to low and get
the model stopped. Taxi back and start over. Never try to hurry the model off the ground by pulling full up elevator just
because the model isn’t going straight! The damage from a premature snap roll on takeoff would be much more severe
than anything that could happen on the ground.
