Model Tech Blue Max V2 ARF Assembly Instructions Manual page 9

STeP 1: ASSeMbliNG The SeAT bArrel
q Test-fit and glue the seat barrel support plate into the seat barrel.
q After the glue completely cures, trim and sand the top of the seat barrel
flush with the top of the seat barrel support plate.
IMPORTANT The seat barrel support plate fits down into the seat barrel.
You will need to trim the edges of the seat barrel flush with the top of the seat
barrel support plate.
q Cut out the seat barrel backrest along the moulded scribe lines, making
sure to leave a 1/4" (6mm) wide lip on the bottom to use as a gluing surface.
q Glue the seat barrel backrest to the seat barrel, making sure that the edges
of the seat barrel backrest are even with the edge of the seat barrel.
STeP 2: ASSeMbliNG The CANNoN ANd PiloT FiGure
q Working with the cannon halves for now, lightly sand the moulded edges
of each cannon half so that the epoxy will stick to the plastic.
IMPORTANT You must lightly sand the gluing surfaces or the epoxy will not
stick firmly to the plastic.
q Apply a thick bead of 5 minute epoxy to the moulded edges of each
cannon half.
q Align the moulded edges of the two cannon halves and press them firmly
together. The epoxy should fill any voids in the seam between the two halves.
Use masking tape to hold the two halves together until the epoxy fully cures.
q After the epoxy fully cures, cut away the excess material and carefully sand
the seam smooth. A rotary tool with a small sanding drum works good for this.
IMPORTANT Any voids in the seam should be filled with plastic putty and
sanded smooth prior to painting.
q Repeat the previous procedures to join the two pilot figure body halves and
the two pilot figure head halves.
q Paint the seat barrel, pilot figure head, pilot figure body, and the cannon
any colour you desire. We suggest painting the seat barrel and the cannon flat
black, the pilot figure body blue with silver buckles and the pilot figure's face
flesh, with brown hair and beard. The pilot's hat can also be painted blue to
match his coat.
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IMPORTANT Both wing joiners are cut in the shape of a shallow "V". When test-fitting the wing joiners into the wing panels in the
next procedure, make sure that the "V" shape is toward the ToP of the wing panels.
q Test-fit both of the wing joiners into each wing panel. They both should slide
easily into each wing panel, up to the centrelines you drew.
IMPORTANT When the wing joiners are installed, they should not fit
tightly into the wing panels. They should actually be slightly loose. This will
ensure that when you glue the wing joiners into place, epoxy can get into
the joints between the wing joiners and the wing joiner mounting boxes. This
will ensure the strongest joint possible.
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If the wing joiners do not fit properly, use 220 grit sandpaper with a sanding block to lightly sand the edges and tips of each of the
wing joiners until you are satisfied with the fit.
q Carefully slide both wing panels together with the wing joiners temporarily
installed (without using glue).
q While holding the two wing panels together firmly, make sure that the wing panels are lined up at both the leading and trailing edges,
then look carefully at the centre-section joint: the wing panels should fit together tightly with few or no gaps in the joint.
IMPORTANT If the wing panels do not fit together properly, remove the wing joiner and use 220 grit sandpaper with a sanding
block to lightly sand the edges and tips of the wing joiners until you are satisfied with the fit. Remember, when the wing panels are
pushed together, there should be few or no gaps in the centre-section joint.
STeP 2: joiNiNG The WiNG PANelS
q When satisfied with the fit and alignment, pull the wing panels apart and
remove both wing joiners.
q Apply a strip of masking tape to the top and bottom edges of the root rib on
each wing panel.
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The masking tape will prevent excess epoxy from getting onto the wing
panels when you join them.
q Working with only one wing panel for now, apply a thin layer of 30 minute
epoxy inside each wing joiner mounting box and to only half of each wing joiner.
Make sure to cover the top and bottom, as well as the sides, and use enough
epoxy to fill any gaps.
WARNING Use only 30 or 45 minute epoxy to install the wing joiners and
to join the wing panels together. do not use 5 minute epoxy. it is not strong
enough. If you use 5 minute epoxy, the wing will fail during flight.
q Slide each wing joiner into the wing panel up to the centreline mark, then quickly remove any excess epoxy, using a paper towel and
rubbing alcohol, and allow the epoxy to set up before proceeding.
q After the epoxy has set up, test-fit both wing panels together again to double-check that they still fit together properly, then apply a
thin layer of 30 minute epoxy to the exposed half of each wing joiner, the inside of each wing joiner mounting box in the second wing
panel, and the entire surface of boTh root ribs. Make sure to use enough epoxy to fill any gaps.
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