Top Flite Models RC-33 Elder 40 Instruction Manual

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INTRODUCTION
TOP FLITE MODELS, INC. is
proud to introduce the new Elder
40. This design is a direct result
of popular demand after the
great little Elder 20 was introduc-
ed. Modelers loved the design,
still do, but wanted something
"larger" and "while you're at it,
give it ailerons." So, here it is and
does it ever fly nice'.
The Elder 40 was designed and
sized expressly for .40 engines
and this includes the popular .40-
.45 and .49 engines. The design
turns in great performance with
the four-stroke power plants and
there is plenty of power margin
left
over for the aerobatic-
minded pilot. However, the real
"kick" of this design, like its smaller brother, is the
realistic, slow-speed flights that allow you to actually
see the airplane instead of just a blur.
The design lends itself to all kinds of detailing, if you're
so inclined. For the beginner, nothing fancy is needed;
go out and fly it. The Elder 40 makes a remarkably good
training aircraft with gentle and totally honest flying
characteristics. A big bonus here is that your trainer is
just not going to look like everyone else's high-wing,
trike-gear, slab-sided beginner's airplane. In terms of
strength, theEIder40 is a lightly-loaded design that does
not tend to build-up inertia with excess flight speed. This
means that fairly rough handling does not necessarily
mean destruction. While nothing is "crash-proof", the
Elder 40 is a rugged aircraft that will keep coming back
for more.
While we touched on power earlier, a little more should
be said. This design simply does not need a lot of excess
power to fly the way it was intended to. Our experience
has shown us that normal 2-cycle .40's work great as
well as the 4-cycle engine sizes mentioned earlier. With
awing area of just under 800 sq. in., the Elder 40 gets its
tail up quickly and is airborne in just a few feet. Flying
TOP FLITE MODELS INC.
1901 NORTH NARRAGANSETT AVENUE • CHICAGO, ILLINOIS 60639
the design with 4-cycle engines is
Give it a try in your Elder 40. Note that the motor mount
we have provided in the kit may not fit some 4-cycle
engines and it may be necessary to visit your local retail
hobby shop to get the right one for your engine.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
TOP FLITE MODELS, INC. would certainly recommend
the Elder 40 as a first R/C powered aircraft. However, if
you are a beginner to the sport of R/C flying, we would
urge you to seek and use experienced assistance in con-
structing and flying this airplane. Again, if you are new
to this hobby, consider this:
Flying this or any other radio-controlled model aircraft is
a PRIVILEGE and not a RIGHT and this privilege begins
with the utmost safety considerations to others and
yourself as well. An R/C model airplane in inexperienced
hands has the potential of doing serious personal or pro-
perty damage. These safety considerations start at the
building board by following instructions, seeking com-
petent help when you are confused and avoiding short-
cuts. These considerations have to be carried over to the
flying field where safety must come first and limitations
an absolute delight.

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Summary of Contents for Top Flite Models RC-33 Elder 40

  • Page 1 A big bonus here is that your trainer is TOP FLITE MODELS, INC. would certainly recommend the Elder 40 as a first R/C powered aircraft. However, if just not going to look like everyone else's high-wing, you are a beginner to the sport of R/C flying, we would trike-gear, slab-sided beginner's airplane.
  • Page 2: Pre-Construction Notes

    cannot be exceeded. We urge you to: average workshop—are a must to do the job correctly: 1. Send for and obtain your AMA (Academy of Model Hobby knife and sharp #11 blades Aeronautics) membership which will provide in- Single-edge razor blades surance for your R/C activities —...
  • Page 3 pieces in the top rear slots in the W-1A's and against the 3/8" x 1/2" upper leading edge. Glue one of the the top forward face of the center dihedral brace. W-11 ply dihedral braces in place against the inside Glue the other on bottom sheeting against the bot- surface of the leading edge—be sure that it's tom rear face of the center dihedral brace.
  • Page 4: Tail Group

    6. In this step we want to prepare each of the required fit against tilted center section). Glue the top 1/4" x components—the top and bottom spars, the 3 / 8 " x 1/2" spar in place (angled end inboard). Cut, fit and 1/2"...
  • Page 5: Fuselage Assembly

    4. Remove the stab and elevators from the plans. Build 3. As you can see from the plans and building sket- the fin next in the same manner using the R-1 and R-2 ches, the top 1/4" sq. spruce longeron fits in place die-cut pieces with 1/4"...
  • Page 6 1/4" SQ. SPRUCE LONGERONS IN THE FIRST STEP, THE FUSELAGE SIDES ARE ASSEMBLED DIRECTLY ON FUSELAGE PLAN TO KEEP F R A M E FROM BEING GLUED TO PLAN, USE MONOKOTE BACKING OR CLEAR PLASTIC FOOD W R A P WHEN FIRST SIDE HAS BEEN ASSEMBLED, A G A I N USE CLEAR P L A S T I C SHEET TO KEEP SECOND SIDE FROM A D H E R I N G TO THE FIRST SIDE FRAME CLEAR PLASTIC...
  • Page 7 10. Use your sanding block and medium sandpaper to F-4 formers to the firewall sides and flush with its now go over the frame. Make sure the edges are all front face. square and clean. 17. Locate and glue half-formers F-6 and F-7 together 11.
  • Page 8 SHEETING SEQUENCE- FRONT OF FUSELAGE NOTE THAT EACH PIECE OF 1/8" SHEET BALSA IS APPLIED "BY THE NUMBERS" OPPOSITE SIDE IS COVERED IN A SIMILAR MANNER REDUCED SIZE DETAIL OF ALL FIVE PIECES BUTT- JOINED TOGETHER Again, accurately position the wing center section STAY-CLEAN FLUX and their silver solder for this opera- assembly in place on the fuselage, its leading edge tion.
  • Page 9 OPTIONAL DECORATION DETAIL- 1/4" LENGTHS OF 3/32" OR 1/8" DIA. PLASTIC TUBING CAN BE EPOXIED INTO EACH JOINT BETWEEN A SPRUCE CROSS BRACE AND UPRIGHT (16 PLACES). LATER,"RIGGING" IS THREADED THROUGH EACH TUBE, DRAWN TIGHT AND EPOXIED IN PLACE. derives its ability to accept landing loads and shock arms to the rear L/G wire as shown on the plans.
  • Page 10: Final Assembly

    5. The same process is now used to make the rear before committing to actual attachment. Locate or tailskid assembly. First bend the 1/16" dia. M.W. pro- make a couple of 3/4" high supports for the wingtips vided to the shape shown using pliers. Wrap the tip to provide the required dihedral angle.
  • Page 11 Now position the trailing edge/torque rod assembly left wing panel plan. The ailerons will need their against the trail ing edge of the wing's center section leading edges sanded in this manner to facilitate —lightly use a sanding block to "true-up" this joint non-binding movement (do this now).
  • Page 12 1/8" overlap and iron this piece in place. Move now to the in place in pre-drilled holes. next exposed triangular area between W-7 and W-8 and 16. Although we have been instructing you to sand the repeat the process. This method will provide a much various components of your Elder as you were con- easier covering situation for the newcomer and, if done structing them, take the time to now re-check...
  • Page 13: Radio Installation

    adhesive will work well. The fin should now be quite im- into the bottom of the gun and it can then be glued right mobile on the stab. into the center section of the wing, beneath the "king post." As shown on the plans, we also used a Williams Use 1-hour epoxy to now glue the hinges required into Bros.
  • Page 14: Pre-Flight Instructions

    spars and directly beneath the top mating point of the movement be smooth, non-binding but not sloppy. Once "king-post." Slip a length of string under the kingpost you are satisfied, make the required "Z"-bends at the and I iff the airplane off your bench. The airplane, ideally, servo-end of the pushrods and make the connection to should hang suspended either level or slightly nose- the rudder and elevator output arms.
  • Page 15 used to the slow-speed characteristics. At lower speeds, the rudder is quite effective. Like most aircraft that have flat-bottom airfoils, the Elder will naturally want to climb at full power and settle at low throttle. A point somewhere in-between these two throttle settings will provide the "cruise"...

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