Introduction; Precautions; Decisions You Must Make; Engine Selection - Top Flite Contender User Manual

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the
Top Flite Gold Edition "Contender." We are sure
you are eager to build and fly your Contender just as
we were eager to build and fly our prototypes. The
Contender was introduced thirty years ago and there
have been so many requests to bring it back that we
decided to remanufacture it to today's high quality
standards for Top Flite Kits. You should find this kit
easy to build and a lot of fun to fly!
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 engine and correct
components (fuel tank, 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.
3

DECISIONS YOU MUST MAKE

Recommended engine size:
.40 to .61 cu. in. [7.5cc to 10cc] 2-stroke
.52 to .70 cu. in. [8.5cc to 11.5cc] 4-stroke
Your Top Flite Gold Edition "Contender" will
perform well with any of the engines within the
recommended range. We flew our prototype with
the O.S. ® 40LA and the 60FP ™ and both engines
had more than ample power.

FLAPS

Your Contender is designed to incorporate a
center flap; however, the flap is optional and not
necessary for an excellent flying experience.
Without the flap, the takeoff roll is a bit longer and
the landing speed is slightly faster. If you do not
wish to build the flap, just disregard those parts of
the manual involving operational flap construction.
The flap is not difficult to build and it operates
well. The flap adds nicely to the model's flight
characteristics. Very minor trim changes were
needed for our prototype when the flap was
lowered. You will find more information on the use
of the flap in the flying section.
The flap requires one additional standard servo.

POWER REQUIREMENTS AND PROPELLERS

We did our test flying using Top Flite
Propellers and an OS .60FP engine. With the .60
2-stroke engine the model flew very well. A .61 will
provide more power than the model needs, but you
will appreciate the extra power when vertical
maneuvers are being performed. Initial test flights
were with the Power Point 11x7 propeller. As with
any model, you may experiment with different
propellers to find out what type works best for you.
® ®
Power Point