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.
It is recommended that a propeller balancer is used, there are a number available on the market, and it makes
the job easier to do. If you need to fit a replacement propeller that too needs to be balanced before it is used.
Lightly sand the leading and trailing edge of the prop to remove any sharp flashings. Place the prop on the
balancer. In most cases one side will drop, this is the heavy side. Rotate the prop by 180 degrees and see if
the heavy side drops quicker or slower. If it drops quicker then rotate the prop by 180 degrees again, if it drops
slower then keep it as it is.
To balance the prop, sand the trailing edge (not the leading edge) of the heavier side of the prop until the prop
balances horizontally.
Once balanced fit to the motor prop adaptor with the spinner base and tighten the propeller nut.
2.
Attach the wings to the fuselage with good quality rubber bands, use at least four (ideally six), forming a
cross over the top of the centre section of the wing.
3.
It is important that the model is correctly balanced if it is to fly correctly.
4.
The Bf 109 should be balanced when it is held 7mm in front of the main spar (52mm from the leading
edge measured at the root rib ‘W2’) with the battery installed.
Insert the battery into the battery
compartment (do not connect it) and secure the battery with the battery strap wrapped around the battery.
Adjust the battery's position - forward or back so that when the model is lifted at the main spar the model's
wing and tail plane are horizontal.
Set up for Flight
Step 1.
Check that the control surfaces – the rudder, elevator and ailerons travel in the correct directions. For
instance, when you move the transmitter rudder control to the right the rudder moves to the right and that when
you pull back on the elevator control the elevator moves up. If any of these are not correct follow the instruction
for your radio set to reverse where required the direction of travel.
Step 2.
Set the deflection distance for the control surfaces. Follow the instructions for your radio to set the
initial recommended travel for both the rudder and elevator controls to:
•
Rudder: 15mm left and 15mm right, measured at the trailing edge of the rudder.
•
Elevator: 10mm up and 10mm down, measured at the trailing edge of the elevator.
•
Ailerons: 15mm up and 15mm down, measured at the trailing edge of the elevator.
The travel can be increased once the first flights have been successfully completed to suit your style of flying.
Pre-Flight
This model is a relatively easy one to fly (for a ‘war bird’)
BUT IT IS NOT FOR BEGINNERS!
If you are new to
low wing model or war bird flying it is suggested that for the first flights you get an experienced pilot to check
the model and take it for its maiden flight so that it can be checked for trim and balance and make any
adjustments so that the model will fly straight and level at a comfortable cruising speed.
Here is a suggested pre-flight check list to follow.
•
Charge the flight battery(s) and check the transmitter batteries and change or charge if low.
•
Check that the balance of the model with the battery installed is correct.
•
Check control surfaces correctly centre, and for proper direction of travel, rate of throw, secure pushrod
connections and hinges.
•
Check the condition of the propeller, if there is any damage replace with a new balanced one.
•
Check the airframe for damage, warps and attachment of flying surfaces.
•
Keep clear of the propeller. When connecting the battery keep clear of the prop arc.
•
Complete a Range check. Follow the radio manufacturer’s instructions for performing a proper range
check.
Balsa Basics Messerschmitt Bf 109 Vintage Model Company
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