A teacher and playground pal

Model Airplane News, Jan 2000

A teacher and

playground pal

For aspiring RV Flying students who are looking for a capable trainer, or for anyone who wants a schoolyard flyer and some fun at "recess," the Hobby Shack" Schoolboy has just landed on the honor roll.

The plane's components are so compact that I was able to assemble the Schoolboy at the desk in my den. There was little mess, and I enjoyed a change of scenery.

WING ASSEMBLY

Wing assembly consists of joining five pieces using 30-minute epoxy and some masking tape. Remove the overlapping covering on the root rib, leaving approxiMately 'A6 inch. After marking the center of the dihedral brace, trial-fit the brace into each wing half. An excessively tight fit between the brace and wing will not leave enough room for a good epoxy bond and can create an air pocket that will prevent the brace from sliding Completely into the wing. Sand any excess wood until the brace fits properly. When I was satisfied with the brace's fit, I epoxied the wing halves together, wiped off the excess adhesive and wrapped the edges of the wing joint with masking tape. Epoxy is like pancake syrup; not matter how care- ful I am, it still finds a way to get on everything. The tape prevents epoxy from

oozing while the joint cures. After peeling away the tape, I removed the covering where wing doublers are affixed and glued the doublers into place. I used Pacer's* CA Gel instead of the recommended 5-minut epoxy here; I do this wherever parts aren't subjected to excessive stress.

EMPENNAGE Start by removing the elevator from the horizontal stabilizer. Place the horizontal stabilizer perpendicular to the fuselage and parallel to the wing. If necessaey, sand the mounting plate to establish a square mount. Score a line on each side of the stab bottom where it meets the fuselage, and peel the coving away from this inner marked area. Apply 30-minut epoxy to the exposed stab area and reinstall the stabilizer as previously positioned.

Install the vertical fin using the same technique as you did with the stab. I run a piece of masking tape from one side of the l horizontal stabilizer over the top of the fin to the opposite side of the stab, checking the alignment before the epoxy set. Measure, mark and install the control horns as instructed.

SUBASSEMBLIES

The CA hinges are already in place but aren't glued. With the surfaces in place, bend the control 45 degrees and apply thin CA to each hinge. This is where Bob Smith's* no. 322 fine-tip applicators come in handy to achieve pinpoint glue accuracy. Bend the surface 45 degrees in the opposite direction and repeat.

Cut the nose-wheel pushrod guide to 6 inches long, and insert it through the lower left hole in the fuselage bulkhead. With the Z-bend facing the front of the aircraft, slide the wire into the shroud and attach the steering arm as instructed. The wheels are held to the landing gear with wheel collars.

Four 3x16mrn machine screws hold the engine mount to the firewall with blind nuts. I place a piece of masking tape on the top of each rail before I mark my engine-mounting holes. It is easier to see a pencil mark on a piece of tape than on the dark mount. Check the alignment and drill your holes, but before you secure the engine, install and attach the pushrod for the throttle.

Screw the servos into the factoryinstalled plywood rails and be certain to orient the servo output arms as pictured. I used two Futaba* S148 servos for elevator and rudder duties and an FMA* S301 servo for throttle. The instructions thoroughly explain making and installing the pushrods; it isn't difficult.

FUEL TANK

You will have to build the fuel tank before you can install it. Make sure that any flashing on the inside rim of the tank has been removed and no burrs remain on the aluminum tubes. This will ensure a tight, leak-free seal between the tank, stopper and tubing. Insulate the tank with foam padding before mounting it in the fuselage. The tank should be held firmly in place, but don't overstuff the compartment; if you do, the foam will lose its vibration-damping properties.

FINAL STEPS

To finish up the Schoolboy, install the receiver and battery as pictured in the instructions. I chose a 270mAh receiver pack and FMA's Tetra sub-microreceiver. Check the center of gravity and adjust the placement to achieve the proper location (21/ inches back from the wing's leading edge). Set the control throws as outlined, fuel up and go fly!

MAKING THE GRADE

When combined with the AP Hornet .09, Hobby Shack's Schoolboy is quiet and well-mannered. When I fill out its report card, I'll check the boxes marked "cooperative," "follows instructions" and "plays well with others." If you're looking for a hatchback-size, forgiving but fun model, the Schoolboy can't be outclassed! *Addresses are listed alphabetically in the Index of Manufacturers on page 198. 4