B17 Manual

If you have not worked with foam before, it is strongly recommended that you read the How To section first.
Do not discard any foam pieces that came with the kit, until after the construction is finished.

The Wowplanes B17 is a builder's kit. We assume that the builder has at least an intermediate skill level in building RC flying models and has built kits and ARFs before in balsa, if not in foam. The objective of this manual is to illustrate the features and construction techniques that are unique to this model.

It is not the intent of this manual to show the basics such as installation of motors, radio, servos, linkages, etc. which are common to all models.

Wowplanes kits lend themselves to finishing the model in multiple ways. The model may be left as bare foam and painted with foam safe paint, or covered with low temperature heat shrink covering, or fiber glassed and painted, or sheeted with balsa and painted, etc.

Before you start building it is recommended that you decide what option you plan to pursue. Depending on the finishing option, you may have to alter the sequence of construction outlined below. e.g. if you plan to sheet the model with balsa, it would be easier to build and sheet the individual sub-assemblies before assembling the whole plane.

Contents
1.0 The Fuselage
2.0 The Wing
3.0 Attach the Wing and Fuselage
4.0 The Tail
5.0 Attach the Tail and Fuselage.
6.0 Install the Plastic
7.0 Servos and control surfaces
8.0 Motor wiring
9.0 Finishing ideas
10.0 Center of gravity.
 

Contents of the box

 

1.0 The Fuselage
The fuselage design was enhanced in February 2009. If you purchased your kit after Feb 2009, skip forward to the new fuselage section below.

  

  

  

1.1 New Fuselage
If you purchased your B17 after Feb 2009, use the pictures below.

   

   

   

Now the fuselage can be finished with Wowplane Liquid Sheet.

 Click here for Liquid Sheet instructions

1.1 Battery Hatch

   

   

2.0 The Wing
 The wing comes in 11 parts. A right, left and mid wing section, 2 ailerons, 2 servo plugs, 2 inboard engine nacelles, and 2 outboard engine nacelles.

2.1 Nacelles

    

Click here for Liquid Sheet instructions

2.2 Main Wing

  

    

  

    

Click here for Liquid Sheet instructions

2.3 MAIN UNDERCARRIAGE

   

3.0 Attach the wing and fuselage

The wing mount design was enhanced in February 2009. If you purchased your kit after Feb 2009, skip forward to the new section below.

  

 3.1 Attach the wing and fuselage (New method)

   

   

   

4.0 The Tail

  

Click here for Liquid Sheet instructions

5.0 Attach the tail and fuselage

  

6.0 Install the Plastic

Use the pictures below to locate and install the plastic.

  

   

  


 

7.0 Servos and control surfaces

The pictures below show a few ideas on how the hardware is installed.   

 

  

8.0 Motor Wiring

9.0 Finishing ideas

Wowplane models can be finished in a variety of ways. Please refer to the How To sections.

  • The model shown above was finished in Wowplane Liquid Sheeting and painted with ordinary spray can paint.

     

   

 

10.0 Center of gravity

  • The Center of Gravity is located 3.85" or 3 7/8" back from the leading edge of the wing measured at the root where the wing enters the fuselage.
  • The model should be balanced at this point after all the equipment and finish has been applied. This must be the final step. Use the battery location to achieve the balance.

HAPPY LANDINGS !!