Canopy And Engine Compartment Hatches; Lapping The Joints For An Improved Fit - BVM Bandit arf Assembly And Operation Instructions Manual

CANOPY AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT HATCHES

BVM designs our jets for easy access to the engine, fuel system, and electronic components from the
topside of the model.
This design philosophy minimizes having to flip the model upside down for simple servicing items;
such as changing the igniter plug, checking wire harness and fuel system connections, inspecting the
fuel system for air bubbles etc.

LAPPING THE JOINTS FOR AN IMPROVED FIT

The fit of these parts to the fuselage is important to the overall appearance of the model. The factory
installed plywood frame gives rigidity to the fiberglass molding and allows the edges of the hatches to be
"Lap-Fitted" to the fuselage.
NOTE: The factory has accomplished a preliminary hatch-to-fuselage fitting. The following procedures
will enable the modeler to fine-tune the mating of these parts.
Before installing the hatch retention devices, study how the parts mate together and carefully trim the
edges of the hatch for the best fit possible. Start with the aft round corners of the engine access
hatch.
NOTE: It is helpful to have an assistant to hold the fuselage while fitting and adjusting the hatch edges.
Remove only very small amounts of material at a time.
Proceed to the forward end of the hatch and adjust the mating surfaces there.
Use a strip of paper between the hatch and fuselage to locate the tight spots.
After the ends fit as good as possible, use a piece of sand
paper (#180-#220 grit) to lap the side edges.
NOTE: Properly accomplished, good fitting hatches appear as
scale-like panel lines.
BVM © 2009 K5300-Current_manual-090808.doc
Assembly & Operation Manual
F-6 is a mushroom shaped 1/8" ply former. It is installed 6" aft of
F-5 (the rear wing mount former). Sand the edges for a relaxed fit
and glue it in place with AeroPoxy.
NOTE: The F-6 location is not critical, it functions as a fuselage
stiffener.
Page 29 12/2/2009