Hawker Typhoon 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.

Wowplanes kits are "builder's kits". 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, covered with low temperature heat shrink covering, fiber glassed and painted, sheeted with balsa and painted, or use our revolutionary Liquid Sheeting product.

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   Contents of the box
2.0   Fuselage
3.0   Wing
4.0   Horizontal & vertical Stabilizers
5.0   Finishing
6.0   Hardware Installation
7.0 Center of Gravity

1.0 Contents of the box

    

2.0 Fuselage

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The fuselage is now ready for the finishing stage. Put it aside.

3.0 Wing

The wing is made up of 5 sections - 2 outer panel, 2 inner panels, and a mid panel.

3.1 Outer Panels
Prepare the outer panels and ailerons as shown.

  

  

  

  

  

3.2 Lights (optional)

If you don't plan to have lights, skip this section.

  

  

  

3.3 Inner & Mid Panels
 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

Cut a spar from 1/4" plywood to the dimensions shown below.

     

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

The wing is now ready for the finishing stage. Please put it aside.

4.0 Horizontal & Vertical Stabilizers

  

  

  

  

  

     

The whole model is now ready for the finishing stage.

5.0 Finishing

Wowplane models can be finished in several ways. The model can be balsa sheeted and fiber glassed, or Balsa sheeted and covered with heat shrink covering.

However, Wowplanes has perfected a new technique called Liquid Sheeting. This method is easier to apply and requires less work and results in a finish and stiffness just as good. Click here to see how Liquid Sheet is applied: Final Finish

This manual will describe the Liquid Sheet method which consists of 3 steps, the surface preparation, Liquid Sheeting, and painting.

5.1 Surface Preparation
Any finish is as good as the preparation. The better the surface preparation, the better will be the end result. The purpose of this step is to smooth the surface of the foam.


  

  

Sand the surface with 220 or 320 grit paper and remove most of the Spackle/Putty. This will eliminate a large percentage of the divots.

To eliminate the remaining, spray water on the surface from a spray bottle and take a handful of spackle and rub it all over the surface. Allow to dry and sand with 400 grit paper. This should eliminate all of the divots. The model surface is still soft so be careful while handling it.

Apply a coat of ordinary household Latex Primer to the whole plane, making sure all the area is covered. The purpose of this step is to form a barrier between the spackle/putty and the Liquid Sheet that will be applied in the next step.

Allow to dry overnight before proceeding to the next step.

5.2 Liquid Sheet - LS2

The purpose of this step is to harden the surface of the model, to add strength, and to make it acceptable for most types of paint. It is important that Liquid Sheeting be applied in an area that is less dusty than a workshop. The room, the model and LS2 should all be above 70 degrees F. Relative humidity should be above 30%.

Please read the detailed instructions and view the online tutorial at http://www.wowplanes.com/LS_ll_Manual.htm

If this is your first time with LS2, it is recommended that you practice on scrap foam before applying it to your model.

Apply 3 coats of Liquid Sheet to all the parts, leaving no bare foam exposed. Thin coats are better and will minimize drips. A coat can be applied every 20 minutes.

Allow the Liquid Sheet to cure for 24 hours in a dust free area at temperature above 70 degrees F and humidity above 30%. If there are any drips, wet sand. Fill any low or high spots with suitable filler and sand level.

5.3 Primer
LS coated parts can be painted with most paints. But it is good idea to check if the primer and paint you plan to use is safe for LS. Coat some scrap foam with LS and experiment.

Wash all parts with soap and water and dry thoroughly. Then spray one coat of primer. After the primer is dry, install the plastics as shown below.

  

  

5.4 Detailing (optional)
This step is optional, and can be skipped. Detailing brings out the character of the model and makes it interesting to look at. It can also be very satisfying for the modeler who enjoys details.

It is not too complicated if you follows the steps below:

  • Using the 3 view drawing as a reference, draw the panel lines on to the model with pencil.

  • Lay down the rivet tape on the line. The rivet tape is available from Wowplanes. Click here for details. http://www.wowplanes.com/product_info.php?cPath=58&products_id=157&osCsid=58e53e1154d4e44a57cd2d1364a52fa7

  • Smear undiluted Titebond wood glue or Elmer's white glue over the holes.

  • Before the glue is dry, lift the tape gently, leaving behind evenly spaced droplets.

  • Allow the glue to dry and then lay down 1/64" drafting tape next to the rivet line.

  • That's all there is to it. Here are some pictures.

  

  

  

5.5 Painting

LS coated parts can be painted with most paints. But it is good idea to check if the paint you plan to use is safe for LS. Coat some scrap foam with LS and experiment.

The full size Hawker Typhoon was painted in many different schemes. It is always a good idea to select light colored schemes especially if you live in a sunny or hot climate. The color desert camo scheme was selected here for illustration. The camo scheme is easy to do because it has no fixed pattern. Let your imagination take over.

First cover the model with the base light brown color. Then mark with pencil the camo shapes you want, mask and paint the dark brown shade. Decals can also be painted using stencils. A stencil set for this place is available from Wowplanes.

  

  

6.0 Hardware Installation
The model is now ready to install the hardware.

  

  

  

     

     

     

     

7.0 Spinner
The kit includes a custom vacuum formed scale spinner. Accuracy is very important in the assembly of the spinner.
You may choose to use a commercially available 4" dia spinner, in which case you can skip this section.

  

  

  

  

  

     

Remove the prop and install just the spinner. Test by running the motor gradually up to full throttle. If you notice any wobble, file the screw holes and adjust until no wobble is discernible. When satisfied, scuff, prime and paint the spinner a color of your choice.

8.0 Center of gravity

  • The Center of Gravity is located 3 5/8" back from the leading edge of the wing measured at the root where the wing enters the fuselage.
  • The model should be balanced after all the equipment and finish has been applied. This must be the final step. Use the battery location to achieve the balance and/or add weight to the nose or tail.

HAPPY LANDINGS !!