Precautions; Decisions You Must Make; Engine Selection; Retractable Landing Gear - Top Flite Douglas DC-3 User Manual

model in a military trim scheme, add cargo door outlines
and a few more antennas here and there! Study your
own documentation for more details.
The nice thing about the Gold Edition DC-3 is that
although it is a highly detailed scale model with all the
goodies such as a realistic looking scale outline, built up
tail surfaces, retracts and flaps, it is a model of a transport
plane so you'll have a stable model that you'll look forward
to flying often! And with twin engines you're sure to get all
the attention when you show up at your flying field!
One last note before you continue, we highly recommend
you get some pictures or a book about DC-3's (or C-47's)
or send for your documentation package as soon as
possible. This way, you can study the drawings and
photos to get a feel for how your DC-3 should look when
you're done. This will also help you figure out what scale
details to add and decide on a trim scheme (you can also
dream about how cool your DC-3 is going to look when it's
done!). One of the books we recommend is the Squadron
Signal Publications DC-3 in Action book No. 39
(SSPZ1149). It features lots of historical and technical
information as well as detailed drawings, photos, and
trim schemes.
Well, this should be enough to get your juices flowing, so
get your other projects off your workbench, say goodbye
to your significant other for a while and...keep reading!
NOTE: We, as the kit manufacturer, provide you with a
top quality kit and great instructions, but ultimately the
quality and flyability of your finished model depends on
how you build 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.
Please inspect all parts carefully before you start to
build! If any parts are missing, broken or defective,
or if you have any questions about building or flying
this model, please call us at (217) 398-8970 or e-mail
us at productsupport@top-flite.com and we'll be
glad to help. If you are calling for replacement parts,
please look up the part numbers and the kit
identification number (stamped on the end of the
carton) and have them ready when you call.

PRECAUTIONS

1. You must build the plane according to the plan and
instructions. Do not alter or modify the model, as doing
so may result in an unsafe or unflyable model. In a few
cases the plan and instructions may differ slightly
from the photos. In those instances you should
assume the plan and written instructions are correct.
2. You must take time to build straight, true
and strong.
3. You must use a proper R/C radio that is in first class
condition, the correct sized engines and correct
components (fuel tanks, wheels, etc.) throughout your
building process.
4. You must properly install all R/C and other
components so that the model operates properly on the
ground and in the air.
5. You must test the operation of the model before every
flight to insure that all equipment is operating and you
must make certain that the model has remained
structurally sound.
6. If you are not already an experienced R/C pilot, you
must fly the model only with the help of a competent,
experienced R/C pilot.
Remember: Take your time and follow instructions to
end up with a well-built model that is straight and true.

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

ENGINE SELECTION

Recommended engine size:
Two .25 to .40 cu. in. [4.0 to 6.5cc] 2-stroke
Two .40 to .52 cu. in. [6.5 to 6.5cc] 4-stroke
Two O.S. .30 cu. in [5cc] rotary
Your Top Flite Gold Edition DC-3 will perform well with
any of the engines within the recommended range, but
will handle best in an engine out situation with engines
closer to the higher end of the recommended size range.
The trade-off with larger engines is that you'll have to
throttle back somewhat for your DC-3 to fly in a scale like
- 3 -
manner. If you choose to use .25 2-strokes, we
recommend stronger 2-strokes such as the O.S. .25 FX.
If you choose to use .40 2-strokes, "sport" .40's such as
the O.S. LA.40 perform well, but a .40 such as the O.S.
FX series will handle an engine out situation better. It's
the same for 4-stroke engines; the .40 4-strokes have
plenty of power and will fly your DC well, but the .52's will
handle an engine out situation better.
The included Great Planes Adjustable Engine Mounts
will hold a range of engines from .25 cu. in. 2-stroke
through .40 cu. in. 4-stroke. The rotary engines use their
own integral backplate engine mounts.

RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR

You may build your DC-3 either with fixed or retractable
landing gear. All the hardware you need for realistic
appearing fixed gear is supplied with this kit. We do,
however, provide detailed instructions on how to install
retractable landing gear available from Top Flite. The
Top Flite retractable landing gear recommended and
shown in this manual is custom made for this DC-3.
They are pneumatic to simplify installation and hookup.
You may choose to use another type of retract but it is
up to you to make modifications required to fit them.
For Retractable Landing Gear you will need these items:
Top Flite DC-3 Retracts (TOPQ8276)
Robart #188VR Variable Rate Air Control Kit
(ROBQ2302)
Robart #164G Hand Pump with Gauge (ROBQ2363)
Micro servo to operate air control valve
(2) Nylon ball link and 1/16" ball (GPMQ3842)
(4) 4-40 x 1/2" socket head cap screws (GPMQ3012)
(4) 3/16" wheel collars (GPMQ4308)
(4) #4 x 1/2" screws
(2) #4 x 1/4" screws
(4) 4-40 blind nuts

FLAPS

Your DC-3 is designed to incorporate scale split flaps;
however, flaps are optional and not necessary for an
excellent flying experience. Without flaps, the takeoff roll
is longer and the landing speed is faster. If you do not
wish to build the flaps, just disregard parts of the manual
involving flap construction.