Introduction; Decisions You Must Make; Engine Selection; Preparations - GREAT PLANES Piper J-3 Cub Instruction Manual

NOTE: We, as the manufacturer, provide you with a top
quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the quality of
your finished model depends on how you assemble it;
therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the performance
of your completed model, and no representations are
expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of your
completed model.
Remember: Take your time and follow directions to end
up with a well-built model that is straight and true.
Please inspect all parts carefully before starting to
build! If any parts are missing, broken or defective, or if
you have any questions about assembling or flying this
a i r p
please call us at (217) 398-8970 or e-mail us at
productsupport@greatplanes.com. If you are calling for
replacement parts, please reference the part name and
number (See page 5) and have them ready when calling.

INTRODUCTION

The Great Planes Piper Cub ARF is an easy-to-fly
sport-scale airplane that closely resembles the full size
Piper Cub both in appearance and performance. The Piper
Cub ARF is very stable and predictable, allowing even
novice skill level pilots to enjoy it.
Because of its docile flight characteristics, this airplane could
be used as a first airplane for learning to fly, but only with the
assistance and close supervision of a competent instructor.
This airplane lacks the self-recovery characteristics of a true
"basic trainer" such as the Great Planes PT
the model of choice for learning to fly.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Engine Selection

There are several engines that will work well in your Piper
Cub ARF. We recommend an O.S.
best scale appearance and sound for your Piper Cub. A hot
2-stroke such as an O.S. .46FX or SuperTigre
also be a good choice. Another option for a 2-stroke would
be a mild .60, such as the O.S. .65 LA or O.S. .60 FP . Your
choice of 2-stroke or 4-stroke will determine the location of
the throttle servo and throttle pushrod exit on the firewall, so
plan ahead.
l a n e
™ series, which is
®
FS-70 4-stroke for the
® G45 would

PREPARATIONS

Required Accessories

Items in parentheses (OSMG2691) are suggested part
numbers recognized by distributors and hobby shops and
are listed for your ordering convenience. GPM is the Great
®
Planes brand, TOP is the Top Flite
®
Hobbico brand.
❏ 4 Channel Radio with 5 Servos
❏ "Y" Harness For Aileron Servos
❏ Two 6" Servo Extensions For Aileron Servos
❏ Engine – See Engine Selection
❏ Spare Glow Plugs (O.S. #8 For Most 2-Stroke Engines,
,
OSMG2691) Type F for 4-stroke (OSMG2692)
❏ Propeller (Top Flite
(Refer To Your Engine's Instructions For Proper Size)
❏ 3' Medium 3/32" Fuel Tubing (GPMQ4131)
❏ 1/4" Latex Foam Rubber Padding (HCAQ1000)
❏ Fueling System (Great Planes Top Fueler
❏ 8-32 Tap & #29 Drill Bit (GPMR8103)

Building Supplies and Tools

These are the building tools that are required. We recommend
™
Great Planes Pro CA and Epoxy glue.
❏ 2 oz. Pro CA (Thin, GPMR6003)
❏ 2 oz. Pro CA+ (Medium, GPMR6009)
❏ CA Accelerator (GPMR6035)
❏ 6-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6045)
❏ 30-Minute Pro Epoxy (GPMR6047)
❏ Canopy Glue (JOZR5007)
❏ Hobby Knife (HCAR0105) & Blades (HCAR0311)
❏ Builders Triangle Set (HCAR0480)
❏ Masking Tape (TOPR8018)
❏ Slip-Joint & Needle Nose Pliers
❏ Monofilament String For Stabilizer Alignment
❏ Screwdrivers (Flat Blade & Phillips)
❏ Pro Thread Locking Compound (GPMR6060)
❏ Isopropyl Alcohol (70%)
❏ Drill & Drill Bits: 1/16" [1.6mm], 5/64" [2mm], 3/32"
[2.4mm], 3/16" [4.8mm], 7/32" [5.6mm], 1/4" [6mm], #29
❏ Top Flite Trim Seal Tool
❏ Panel Line Pen (TOPQ2510)
❏ Sandpaper: 80, 220 & 320-grit
❏ Metal File
❏ 3/4 Oz. Fiberglass cloth (HCAR5000)
❏ Paper Towels
❏ T-Pins (HCAR5100)
❏ 1/4-20 x 1" Steel Bolt & 1/4" Washer
❏ Hobby Heat
™
Micro Torch (HCAR0750)
❏ Silver Solder (GPMR8070)
❏ Razor Saw
❏ Petroleum Jelly
3
®
brand, and HCA is the
® Power Point ® )
™ , GPMQ4160)
™
(TOPR2200)