Page 18
www.oldschoolmodels.com
Construction Manual
Note that Callie Graphics is not affiliated with Old School Model
Works, nor does Old School Model Works generate any income
from this partnership.
Attach the Control Surfaces
Now is the time to attach all the control surfaces to the airframe, by
gluing the hinges in position with thin C/A. We've noted suggested
hinge locations for each of the control surfaces on the plans.
When using the CA hinges, first push a pin through on side, at
the center of the hinge as shown here.
This will keep the hinge centered as it's
pushed into the surfaces. When you've
got all the hinges for a surface in place,
then remove the pins and glue the hinges
in place with a few drops of thin CA.
At the bottom of this page is a guide on
how to cut the CA strips into individual
hinge pieces.
Attach wheels
Use the included 1/8” i.d. wheel collars to hold each wheel (not
included) on the axles. For a maintenance free installation, file
a small flat on the axle where the set screw of the wheel collar
touches. Also use a touch of thread-locking compound to keep the
screw from loosening over time.
This completes the assembly of the Minuette. Now you’ll need
to adjust the control throws and check for balance.
Recommended C.G. setting:
An important part of preparing the aircraft for flight is properly
balancing the model. This is especially important because of the
various motor/battery combinations that can be used.
CAUTION! DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP!
The recommended Center of Gravity (CG) range for the Minuette
is 3" from the leading edge of the wing, and you’ll see this marked
on the fuselage plan with this symbol.
If necessary, move the battery, receiver, and/or add weight to either
the nose or the tail until the correct balance is achieved. Stick-on
weights are available at your local hobby
store and work well for this purpose.
We recommend balancing it at the
forward point for the first flights, then
moving it backward if you'd like it to be a
little more maneuverable.
Recommended Control Throws:
The amount of control throw should be adjusted as closely as
possible using mechanical means, rather than making large
changes electronically at the radio.
Cut at .375” intervals to form 16 individual C/A hinges.
By moving the position of the clevis at the control horn toward
the outermost hole, you will decrease the amount of control throw
of the control surface. Moving it toward the control surface will
increase the amount of throw. Moving the pushrod wire at the
servo arm will have the opposite effect: Moving it closer to center
will decrease throw, and away from center will increase throw. Work
with a combination of the two to achieve something relatively
close to these throws that are good for everyday sport flying. If
competing in pattern, you'll probably want to dial these down a bit
to give a smoother appearance to your maneuvers.
Aileron 3/8” up/down (25% expo)
Elevator 1/4” up/down (20% expo)
Rudder 3/4” left/right (15% expo)
(Expert tip: Once the control throws have been set, cut a few
pieces of medium silicone fuel tubing (or heat shrink tubing) to
go around each of the clevises. This will keep them from opening
during flight.)
Also we strongly suggest mixing your rudder and ailerons together,
assuming you have that capability in your radio. It will make for
much smoother turns.
Preflight:
Charge both the transmitter and receiver pack for your airplane.
Use the recommended charger supplied with your particular radio
system, following the instructions provided with the radio. In most
cases, the radio should be charged the night before going out flying.
Check the radio installation and make sure all the control surfaces
are moving correctly (i.e. the correct direction and with the
recommended throws). Test run the engine and make sure it
transitions smoothly from idle to full throttle and back. Also ensure
the engine is tuned according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and
it will run consistently and constantly at full throttle when adjusted.
Check all the control horns, servo horns and clevises to make sure
they are secure and in good condition. Replace any items that would
be considered questionable. Failure of any of these components in
flight would mean the loss of your aircraft.
Range check your radio before flying
Before each flying session, range check your radio. This is
accomplished by turning on your transmitter with the antenna
collapsed. Turn on the radio in your airplane, but do not attach the
arming switch.
With your airplane on the ground, you should be able to walk 30
paces away from your airplane and still have complete control of all
functions.
If not, don’t attempt to fly! Have your radio equipment checked out
by the manufacturer.
