10
Install the timer spring using the wire ‘U’ that is installed in the laser cut holes in F-14.
Carefully apply a small dot of medium CA at the intersection of the wire ‘U’ with the pylon to
secure this item from pulling out during use. Dust the CA dots with microballoon filler to
improve strength. The spring should be free on the wire ‘U’ to align with the pull direction of
the lanyard.
Install the tripwire assembly as shown on the drawing. Use thick CA applied sparingly to
bond the alum tube bearing to the fuselage side. Check for loose freedom of movement-this
item must pivot very freely to allow release of the D/T line. Add the two laser cut fillers on
either side of the bearing tube to secure this installation. Shave the fillers to a feather edge
and cover this area with a small piece of colored tissue to match the fuselage.
Install an IKARA viscous timer as shown using a small amount of thick CA to bond directly to
the side of the fuselage on F-6. Pin prick the tissue under the timer mounting area to improve
adhesion and allow the CA to penetrate into the F-6 filler. This timer can be purchased from
FAI Model Supply-see ordering information at end of this manual.
Form a lanyard loop with a piece of thread included in the kit; keep about 24" for the D/T line.
Make the lanyard loop longer than necessary to start. Loosely tie the lanyard through the
free end of the timer spring, making a single hitch knot; do not tighten completely until the
length of the lanyard is adjusted to calibrate the timer movement and spring tension-you will
need to loosen and adjust this knot during the next steps to obtain good timer performance.
Set the timer arm to the vertical position (12:o’clock). The timer setup is intended to turn in a
clockwise rotation as viewed from the side of the fuselage. Install the lanyard over the timer
arm, and adjust the tension in the lanyard knot to extend the spring approximately 3/8" to
start. Observe the timer for movement-it should be very slow prior to releasing-observe for
approximately 25-30 seconds to release from the 12:00 position. If it runs faster than this,
you will need to loosen the knot and lengthen the lanyard slightly to slow down the timer and
reduce spring tension. If the timer fails to release after this amount of time, loosen the knot
and shorten the length of the lanyard slightly to speed up the timer and increase spring
tension. Make absolutely sure that the timer will release at the minimum tension you can
obtain from the spring. Now install the lanyard and turn the timer arm to the 6 o’clock position
and time the movement until release. Some adjustment of the lanyard length may still be
required, but in all cases, you must not minimize spring tension to the point the timer does not
completely pull through and release. Repeat timer start position and note time for validating
consistency in cycle from the same start point. Mark the fuselage near the timer with small
lines to reference a start point for a two minute, 3 minute timer setting, etc.. Once satisfied
with the timer calibration, tighten the lanyard knot at the spring end, and apply a drop of CA to
secure the knot-cutoff the remaining tail of the lanyard.
Dethermalizer rigging
Use the remaining piece of thread to fabricate the D/T line assembly. Start by tying one of
the retainer hooks to one end, and apply a dot of CA to the knot to prevent coming apart in
use. This is attached to the D/T connector eye on the horizontal stab, and the stab positioned
onto the fuselage using two dental bands tied together as the tensioner for the pop-up. In
practice, install the D/T pop-up bands by crossing over on top of the stab platform fairing-this
prevents any possibility of the rubber falling into the gap between the stab notch and filler and
preventing full pop-up position. Feed the unfinished end of the D/T line through the guide
