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McALLISTER MODELS & DESIGN
This simple profile scale glider can be hand thrown to fly in your backyard or go to a larger space
and use the included catapult to launch this jet high and fast! Careful adjustments are the way to
get the best out of a catapult glider. That will teach you trimming skills, which is a vital part of the
Follow the separate instructions for how to assemble the included catapult.
Building Instructions
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
This model glider can be built using superglue, a waterproof wood glue like Titebond II, or balsa cement.
Some parts will require sanding to fit. A useful tool is a two-sided nail file, or you can glue medium and
fine sandpaper to each side of a straight stick.
A sharp craft knife can be used to remove the laser cut parts from the sheets. Adult supervision is highly
recommended when using sharp tools and superglue.
"Mig 17" Catapult Glider
Catapult launched gliders are great fun!
fun and enjoyment of flying model aircraft.
If you have any questions, please contact us at
mcallistermodels@gmail.com
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Summary of Contents for McALLISTER Mig 17
- Page 1 McALLISTER MODELS & DESIGN ”Mig 17” Catapult Glider Catapult launched gliders are great fun! This simple profile scale glider can be hand thrown to fly in your backyard or go to a larger space and use the included catapult to launch this jet high and fast! Careful adjustments are the way to get the best out of a catapult glider.
- Page 2 PREPARATION Remove the parts from the laser cut sheets. Sand the small tabs off so that the edges are smooth.
- Page 3 CONSTRUCTION Glue the two wing trailing edge fillets to the rear of each wing. Use a ruler to align each perfectly. Next, sand the wings to an aerofoil shape. Take your sanding stick and sand the top front edge of the wing in a curve down to the bottom edge. Start this about 3/8"...
- Page 4 Shape at the wing root. Aim for a shape like this at the wing tip. Repeat the process for the other wing. Make sure that you are making both a RIGHT wing and a LEFT wing panel. Join the two wing panels. First the center of each wing needs to be angled. Prop the wing tip up 5/8” (16mm) with the center of the wing just over the edge of a board.
- Page 5 Slide the wing into the slot in the fuselage. Check that the wing join is directly down the center line of the fuselage. Adjust the wing slot with sandpaper to get a good but not too tight fit. Look from the front of the fuselage; the wings should be positioned so that they are at the same angle on each side of the fuselage.
- Page 6 Separate the plywood wing fences from the sheet. The longest fits closest to the fuselage. Sandpaper the edges to remove some of the laser burning. The tab at the front of each fence fits into the slot into the wing. Attach them so that they run parallel with the fuselage. Glue in place with superglue.
- Page 7 Glue the two halves of the tailplane together.
- Page 8 Slot the tailplane through the slot in the tailplane. Make sure that it is exactly centered. Set the fin at the edge of a board and use a right angle to get the fin at 90 degrees to the tailplane. Glue in place with superglue.
- Page 9 Glue the plywood catapult peg into the slot in the fuselage. FINISHING Using fine sandpaper, smooth all of the surfaces. You can fly the model as it is without further finishing but avoid wet conditions. One thin coat of Zinsser Shellac (Traditional Finish & Sealer) will harden the balsa wood and provide a degree of water resistance.
- Page 10 Spray the back of one of the paper pieces with Elmers Spray Adhesive or use a glue stick. (Liquid glues may make the ink run). Glue one side in place and press it down firmly. Repeat for the other side making sure that they align with each other.
- Page 12 Test Flights The glider will need some nose weight to balance properly in flight. Use a small amout of modelling clay (pea sized) as a starting point. The initial balance point should be 3-1/2” (89mm) back from the root leading edge. That’s where the leading edge of the wing meets the fuselage.
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