TWEETY - 40 · Congratulations on your purchase of Tweety-40 ARF from Value Hobby. We thank you for your generous support, and hope you enjoy your new airplane. At Value Hobby, we

www.valuehobby.com/tweety-series-40.html

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TWEETY - 40

Almost-Ready-to-Fly Nitro/Electric Aerobatic Airplane

Instruction Manual

SPECIFICATIONS

WINGSPAN: 60.1in (1526mm)

LENGTH: 46.5in (1180mm)

WING AREA: 654 sq in (42.2 sq dm)

FLYING WEIGHT: 5.5 lb (2500g)

SUGGESTED MOTOR SYSTEM: G32-800kv brushless

outrunner motor, 80A ESC, 12*6 prop

SUGGEST RADIO SYSTEM: At least 4CH radio, 4

standard servos (5 for nitro)

FEATURES

� Light-weight laser-cut ply and balsa construction.

� Detachable fuselage hatch for easy access of

battery and electronics.

� Conveniently powered by either electric motor

or nitro engine.

� Pre-covered in highly visual trim scheme.


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Dear Customer,

Congratulations on your purchase of Tweety-40 ARF from Value Hobby. We thank you for your generous support,

and hope you enjoy your new airplane.

At Value Hobby, we hope to offer competitive prices, good performance, and products that you can setup and use

with ease. That’s why we extensively researched and tested this airplane, and suggested all the products necessary

for you to setup properly. We understand that you have many choices when purchasing, and we are grateful you

choose to buy from us.

As vendors, one of the most gratifying things for us is to hear from our customers. We would welcome any

suggestion to help us improve. Please make us aware of any errors and imperfections in the airplane or the

instructions, or about the setup that we suggested. We hope you’ll find our setup suggestions to be helpful, and

enjoy flying your new airplane. Please feel free to contact us at (630) 948-0947 or email us at

[email protected]

Disclaimer

By purchasing and/or building this model, user assumes ALL liability and risk involved with this product. This model

should be built and flown by an experienced pilot and only flown at AMA sanctioned sites.

Value Hobby guarantees this model to be free of defects in materials and workmanship at the date of purchase. This

warranty does not cover any parts damaged by use or modifications. In no way shall Value Hobby’s liability exceed

the original cost of the purchased model. Further, Value Hobby reserves the right to modify this warranty without

notice. Value Hobby has no control over the final stages of assembly or the material used for the final assembly. No

liability shall be assumed nor materials used for the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the final

product the user accepts all resulting liability. Value Hobby, as a R/C product vendor, provides a top quality airplane

and instructions to complete the model. The quality and flight characteristics of the finished model depend greatly

on how it is built; we cannot guarantee the performance for the completed model and representations are

expressed or implied as to the performance of the completed model. If the buyer is not prepared to accept the

liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is advised to return this kit immediately, in new and

unused condition.

Safety in Assembly

During assembly of this aircraft, you will be asked to use sharp knives and hobby adhesives. Please follow all safety

procedures recommended by the manufacturers of the products you use, and always follow these important

guidelines:

ALWAYS protect your eyes when working with adhesives, knives, or tools, especially power tools. Safety glasses are

the best way to protect your eyes.

ALWAYS protect your body, especially your hands and fingers when using adhesives, knives, or tools, especially

power tools. Do not cut toward exposed skin with hobby knives. Do not place hobby knives on tables or benches

where they can roll off or be knocked off.

ALWAYS have a first-aid kit handy when working with adhesives, knives, or tools, especially power tools.

ALWAYS keep hobby equipment and supplies out of the reach of children.

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Safety in Flying

This is NOT a toy! It is a very high-performance RC airplane capable of high speeds and extreme maneuvers. It should

only be operated by a competent pilot in a safe area with proper supervision.

ONLY fly your aircraft in a safe, open area, away from spectators and vehicles–and where it is legal to fly.

NEVER fly over an unsafe area, such as a road or street.

Never fly too close to yourself or spectators.

Never run your motor inside a house or building with the propeller attached – Remove the prop for safety.

Required Items

CA Glue – Thin and Thick

Epoxy glue

Hobby Knife

Small Phillips Screwdriver

Set Metric Allen Wrenches

Scissors

Small Pliers

Wire Cutters

Masking tape

Optional – Heat gun

Before Starting Assembly

Examination

Unpack your airplane and examine the components. Check for damage of any kind. If you see any damage, please

contact Value Hobby immediately.

Covering

Your airplane was packed in plastic at the factory without any wrinkles in the covering. You may notice some

wrinkles now; more likely, you will notice a few in a day or two or the first time you take the plane out to the flying

field. These wrinkles are the result of wood shrinkage and/or expansion. Balsa wood changes size and shape slightly

as it is exposed to varying humidity in the air. This is a natural property of balsa wood. As your airplane adjusts to the

weather in your part of the world, wrinkles may appear and disappear. Wrinkles may be removed with the gentle

application of heat to the covering material on your airplane. The best tool to use is a hobby heat gun. Apply the

heat gently: the covering material will shrink as you apply the heat, and this will remove the wrinkles. BE CAREFUL!

Too much heat applied too quickly can damage the covering, either by causing it to pull away from the wood at

seams and corners or even by melting it. The covering will shrink at low temperature with patient application of heat.

Wrinkles in the covering DO NOT affect flight performance.

Remove the canopy before attempting to use heat on your covering! The canopy is made of thermo-activated plastic

and WILL deform with the application of heat. Do not apply heat to the canopy.

If you need to clean your airplane, we recommend using a damp towel. The paint used on the canopy and cowl is

not safe for all cleaners. In particular, DO NOT use alcohol on these parts, it will remove the paint.

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RECOMMENDED RADIO EQUIPMENT

Product SKU Quantity

Radio Flysky T6 6CH Transmitter and Receiver FLY-RC-2563 1

Servo Towerpro SG5010 Standard Servo TWP-SV-0368 Electric 4

Nitro 5

Y-Harness Universal Servo Y-Harness Heavy Duty 12-Inch (Futaba "J" and JR

Compatible)

AMS-AC-0870 1

Extension Universal Servo Extension Heavy Duty 24-Inch (Futaba "J" and JR

Compatible)

AMS-AC-0566 2

RECOMMENDED POWER SETUP

Product SKU

Motor Gforce G32 (42-50) 800KV XYH-MT-0178

ESC Hobbywing Flyfun 80A Opto ESC HWG-SC-0244

UBEC Hobbywing 3A UBEC HWG-SC-0258

Battery GForce Elite Series 30C 4000mAh 4S 14.8V FLM-LP-2201

Prop 12 x 6E GFH-MP-2661

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:

Product SKU

Charger GT Power C6 6S LiPO Charger GTP-CH-1427

Thin CA Glue Quickie Thin CA VHB-AC-2097

Medium CA Glue Quickie Medium CA VHB-AC-2098

Stand Foam Field Stand VHB-AC-1997

Watt Meter GT Power 130A Watt Meter GTP-AC-0591

T Connector Female AMS-AC-1914 Connector

T Connector Male AMS-AC-1913

LiPO Bag Lipo charging bag VHB-LP-0330

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Parts of the airplane

1. Fuselage

2. Wings

3. Horizontal stab and elevator

4. Fin and rudder

5. Canopy

6. Hatch


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ACCESSORIES

Bag1.

1. Throttle Pushrod {Φ1.5 x 450mm (17.7 in)}

2. Aileron Pushrod {Φ1.8 x 110mm (4.3 in)}

3. Elevator Pushrod {Φ1.8 x 650mm (25.6 in)}

4. Rudder Pushrod {Φ1.8 x 650mm (25.6 in)}

5. Elevator Joiner Wire

Bag2.

1. Φ2.1 Pushrod Connectors x 5

2. Control Horn Set x 4

3. Mounting Screws M2*20mm (0.8 in) for Aileron

Control Horn

4. Mounting Screws M2*10mm (0.4 in) for Rubber

& Elevator Control Horn

5. Clevis x 4 {Φ2 x 29mm (1.1 in)}

Bag3.

1. Hinge x 20

2. Tail wheel Set x 1

Bag4.

1. Mounting Screws M4*35mm (1.4 in) for Wing x 2

2. M4 Washer x 2

3. Wing Bolt Plate x 1

4. Wing Joiner x 1

Bag5.

1. Mount for Engine x 1

2. Mounting Screws M4*20mm (0.8 in) for Engine

Mount x 4

3. M4 Washer x 4

Bag6.

1. 240cc Flue Tank x 1

Bag7.

1. Canopy

2. Self-tapping Screws M3*10mm (0.4in) with

Washer x 4

Bag8.

1. Landing Gear x 1

2. Mounting Screws M4*12mm (0.5 in) for Landing

Gear x 2

3. Wheel x 2 (Φ57)

4. Wheel Axel x 2 {M6*35mm (1.4 in)}

5. M6 Nut x2

6. Φ4.1 Wheel Collar x 2

Bag9.

1. Electric Motor Mount x 1

2. M4*16mm (0.6 in) Mounting Screw x 7

3. M4 Washer x 7

4. M4 Lock Nut x 4


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Install the Ailerons

Step 1: Drill a 1/16-inch hole into the center of each hinge

slot in the aileron and wing panel. Trim the covering away

from each hinge slot to ensure that the hinges will be

properly glued in place.

Step 2: Test fit a CA hinge into each of the hinge slots. If

necessary, enlarge the slots with a hobby knife. When

satisfied with the fit, place the hinges into the slots. Push a

pin through the middle of each hinge to keep them

centered.

Step 3: Join the aileron to the wing panel and remove the

pins from the hinges. Center the aileron on the wing.

Step 4: Adjust the aileron so there is a small gap between

the LE of the aileron and the wing. The gap should be

about 1/64-inch or just wide enough to slip a piece of

paper through.

Step 5: Apply six drops of thin CA to the top and bottom of

each hinge. Do not use accelerator in the hinging process.

The CA must be allowed to soak into the hinge naturally.

After the CA has cured, flex the surfaces several times to

break in the hinges. Pull on both surfaces to make sure the

hinges are secure.

Repeat steps 1-5 for the other wing panel.


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Install the Aileron Servos & Pushrods

Before installation, confirm that the servos you will be

using will properly fit in the servo opening. Make

adjustments as necessary for your servos. The pre-cut

servo openings on this airplane will fit most standard size

servos.

Step 1: Installing the servos in the wing will require the

use of a servo extension wire for each aileron servo. One

Y-harness connector is also required and is used to allow

the aileron servos to plug into one slot in your receiver.

You may also have a computer radio that allows you to

plug the servos into separate slots and then mix them

together with the radio transmitter. If you choose to mix

them together with the radio rather than a Y-harness,

refer to the manual for your particular model radio system.

Step 2: Attach the servo extension to the aileron servo and

secure it with heat shrink tubing. The tubing can be

shrunk around the connector with a heat gun or micro

torch. If your aileron servo has tabs molded into the case

for mounting the servo on its side, they must be cut off in

order for the servo to fit into the servo bay in the wing

panel. Follow the instructions included with the servo for

cutting the tabs. Install the eyelets and grommets included

with the servo.

CUT OFFUNUSED ARM

ENLARGE TO

2mm

Step 3: Securely tie the string from inside the opening for

the aileron servo to the end of the servo extension. Pull

the servo wire and extension through the wing.

Step 4: Temporarily position the aileron servo into the

servo bay. Install and remove a servo mounting screw into

each of the four holes. Apply a drop of thin CA into the

holes to harden the wood. After the glue has hardened,

install the servo into the opening. Cut three arms from a

four-armed servo arm (arms may need to be purchased

separately). Center the servo with your radio system and

install a servo arm parallel to the aileron hinge line as

shown.


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Step 5: Locate a Ф1.8 x 110mm (4.3 in) pushrod wire

threaded on one end. Screw a nylon clevis onto the rod.

Connect the clevis to the second hole on the control horn

Step 6: With the pushrod wire is 90-degrees to the hinge

line and holes in the control horn aligned with the hinge

line, use a drill bit to drill the mounting holes for control

horn.

Install the control horn to the aileron using two

M2*20mm (0.8 in) screws and one backplate.

Step 7: With the control surface centered, tighten the

screw to secure the pushrod to the servo arm.

Finish the wing panels

Step 1: Without using any glue, test fit the wing halves

with the wing joiner. Make sure the halves fit together

well. If there is a problem, look for obstructions such as

glue bumps or wood slivers inside the wings. Make any

adjustments necessary to get a good fit.

Step 2: Mix a generous amount of 30-minute epoxy. Pour

the epoxy into the joiner opening on the wing. Make sure

the epoxy is distributed all the way around inside the

wings. Use an epoxy brush to coat the root ribs of both

wings and one half of the joiner all the way around. Insert

the epoxy-coated half of the joiner. Wipe away excess

epoxy as it is forced out.


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Step 3: Coat the protruding end of the joiner all the way

around with epoxy.

Join the other wing, and press the two halves together,

allowing excess epoxy to drip out as you go.

When the wings come together, wipe away excess epoxy

that is squeezed out, and then use a C-clamp and several

strips of masking tape on both the top and bottom of the

wing to tightly hold the two halves together. If epoxy

continues to work out of the wing under the tape, remove

one strip at a time and wipe off the epoxy, then replace

with another strip of tape. Do not disturb the wing until

the epoxy has hardened.

Step 4: Locate and remove the covering from the wing

bolt holes near the trailing edge of the wing.

Step 5: Align the wing bolt plate over the holes on the

underside of the wing. With the wing bolt plate centered

over the holes, use a sharpie pen to trace around the plate

onto the wing.

Step 6: Trim the covering just inside your lines. Wipe

away the lines with alcohol and glue the wing bolt plate to

the wing.

Continue the wing bolt holes through the wing bolt plate

with a 1/8" [3.2mm] drill bit. A wood backer piece while

drilling will help ensure clean-edged holes in the wing bolt

plate.

Step 6: When you are finished installing electronics inside

the fuselage, you can install the wing onto the fuselage

using two machine screws and two flat washers.


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Install the Stabilizer

Step 1: Locate the horizontal stabilizer slot under the

covering on the tail section of the fuselage by lightly

pressing with your finger. The slot is located on both sides

of the fuselage. Carefully remove the covering. Make sure

you do not cut into the wood.

Step 2: Locate the slot for the vertical fin on the top of

the fuselage and remove the covering. Make sure you do

not cut into the wood.

Step 3: Insert the stabilizer into the stabilizer slot so it is

centered in the fuselage (dimension A should be equal).

Place the wing onto the fuselage and secure it in place

with the wing hold-down bolts. View the plane from the

rear and at a distance of a few feet. The stabilizer should

be parallel to the wing (dimension B should be equal). If

not, sand the stabilizer mounting base slightly to achieve

the proper position of the stabilizer.

Step 4: Attach a piece of string to measure the distance

“A” of each stabilizer halves, and “B” the difference

between the wing tip and the top of stabilizer. Both

distances should be equal.

Step 5: With the stabilizer properly aligned, use a felt-tip

pen to trace a line around the tail of the airplane on the

top and bottom of the horizontal stabilizer.


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Step 6: Remove the stabilizer and draw two additional

lines, top and bottom, 1.6mm inside the lines drawn in

the previous step. Using a knife, carefully cut through the

covering along the inside lines and remove the covering

from the center. Do not cut the wood under the covering!

If the covering is not removed from the stabilizer, a

proper bond for your adhesive will not be achieved.

Step 7: Mix 30-minute epoxy and spread some inside the

horizontal stabilizer mount on the fuselage. Spread more

epoxy onto the top and bottom of the stabilizer where the

covering was removed. Insert the stabilizer into the

fuselage from the rear and adjust the alignment using the

guide lines that were drawn onto the stabilizer. Wipe off

any epoxy that squeezes out using a paper towel

dampened with rubbing alcohol. Recheck the alignment

frequently while the epoxy cures.

Install the Vertical Fin

Step 1: Test fit the vertical fin in the slot in the top of the

fuselage. Sand the edges of the slot if necessary to obtain

a snug fit. Draw a line around the vertical fin where it

meets the fuselage. Cut the covering 1/16” [1.6mm]

inside the lines you drew on the vertical fin and the top of

the fuselage. Remove the covering.

Step 2: Mix some 30-minute epoxy and apply it to the top

of the horizontal stabilizer through the slot and on the

sides of the slot. Apply more epoxy to the vertical fin

where the covering was removed. Insert the vertical fin

into the fuselage and adjust the alignment. Check for a 90

degree angle between the vertical fin and horizontal

stabilizer when viewed from the rear. Use masking tape to

hold the vertical fin in this position. Recheck the

alignment frequently while the epoxy cures.


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Install the Elevator Step 1: Find the pre-cut hinges from the included

accessories. Test fit the hinges in the slots in the elevator

halves and stabilizer. If the hinges do not slide into the

slots easily, work your knife blade back and forth in the

slot a few times to provide more clearance

OF HINGE SLOT

DEEP IN CENTER

DRILL A HOLE3/32

Step 2: Drill a 3/32” [2.4mm] hole, 1/2” [12.7mm] deep in

the center of the hinge slots. Use a rotary tool with a

3/32” [2.4mm] drill bit or a carbide cutter for the best

results. Reinsert your knife blade to clean out the slot

after you drill the holes.

Step 3: Insert four hinges into the slots in the stabilizer.

Press the elevators onto the hinges until the gap between

the elevators and stabilizer is about 1/32” [.8mm]. Flex

the elevators a little in one direction, but do not allow

them to pull away from the stabilizer. Apply six drops of

thin CA onto each hinge. Turn the fuselage over and apply

six more drops of thin CA to the other side of each hinge.

DO NOT use accelerator while hinging, as the CA must

wick into the hinge to properly attach the hinges. Use a

paper towel to absorb any excess CA. After the CA cures,

flex the elevators in both directions to free up the

elevators for operation.

Step 4: Temporarily insert a pushrod into the elevator

pushrod exit slot. Use the position of the pushrod to align

the elevator control horns onto the undersides of the

elevator halves. Mark the locations of the control horn

mounting holes onto the elevator halves and drill holes at

the marks. Do not drill all the way through the elevator

halves! Thread a screw into the hole and back it out. Apply

a couple drops of thin CA glue to the hole and let it harden.

Attach the elevator control horns to the elevators using

four screws.


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Install the Rudder and Tail Wheel

Step 1: Assemble the tail wheel assembly set using the

included accessories.

Step 2: The installation tab of the tail wheel need to be

mounted on the bottom of the fuselage. Test fit the

rudder to the fuselage with the tail wheel assembly

installed in the orientation shown. Make any adjustments

necessary so the tab on the tail wheel is securely fastened

on the fuse. Roughen the wire on the tail wheel assembly

that fits into the rudder with sand paper and clean it off

with alcohol. Glue the tail wheel wire into the hole in the

LE of the rudder with medium or thick CA glue. Fit the

rudder to the fuselage along with CA hinges. Glue the CA

hinges in place with thin CA glue.

Step 3: As you did with the elevator, use the pushrod to

temporarily position a control horn onto the side of the

rudder. Then secure the control horn using two screws.


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Install the Tail Servos and Pushrods

Step 1: Install the elevator and rudder servos into the

fuselage as shown using the hardware supplied with the

servos. Be sure to harden the screw holes with thin CA as

was done with the aileron servos. Cut three arms from

two four armed servo arms. Center the servos with your

radio system and install them onto the servos with the

servo screws. Enlarge the outer holes of each servo arm

with a 5/64" [2mm] drill bit. Depending on your balancing

needs, you can install the receiver battery in the front of

the fuselage or at the back of the fuselage.

Step 2: Thread the clevis securely onto the rudder

pushrod. We recommend using a clevis retainer to help

keep the clevis in place. Slide the pushrod through the

rudder pushrod exit slot in the fuselage and connect it to

the rudder control horn.

Step 3: Center the rudder, and tighten the set screw to

connect the pushrod to the servo arm.

Step 4: Thread the clevis securely onto the elevator

pushrod. We recommend using a clevis retainer to help

keep the clevis in place. Slide the pushrod through the

elevator pushrod exit slot in the fuselage and connect it to

the elevator control horn.

Step5: Center the elevator, and tighten the set screw to

connect the pushrod to the servo arm.


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Install the Main Landing Gear

Step 1: Locate the four blind nuts in the bottom of the

fuse. Cut the covering from the inside of the holes.

Step 2: Mount the aluminum landing gear to the fuse.

Step 3: Mount the two wheel axles.

Step 4: Mount the main wheels to the axles with the

wheel collars


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Install Electric Motor

Step1. The tweety-40 does some upgrades on the electric

motor mount. You don’t need to assemble a mount like in

the tweety-25.

Step2. Install the motor mount to the firewall using 3

M4*16mm (0.6 in) socket head screws.

Step3. Prepare an assembled motor as shown.

Step4. Install the electric motor to the motor mount using

4 M4*16mm (0.6 in) socket head screws, 4 M4 lock nuts

and 4 M4 washers.

Step5. Install the prop and spinner.


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Installing the Fuel Tank (only if you use

nitro motor)

12mm

Step 1: The fuel tank can be assembled as a two line

system consisting of a vent (pressure) line to the muffler

and a carb line. Filling and emptying of the tank would

need to be done through the carb line, or an optional fuel

fill valve. The tank can also be assembled as a three line

system having a vent line, carb line, and fill line. If

installing a fill line, puncture the top of the stopper above

the sealed off fuel tube hole. The fill and carb lines should

extend out 13mm beyond the stopper and the vent line

should be bent upwards and left uncut. With the tubes

installed in the stopper, the stopper plates loosely in place

with the PM3x25mm screw to hold the assembly together.

Top o f tank

Ven t

F ill and carb lines

Step 2: Fit the stopper assembly into the tank with the

vent line pointing toward the top of the tank, but not

touching. The fuel tubing and clunks (fuel pickup) on the

carb and fill lines should almost reach the back of the tank

but not touch. The clunks must be able to move freely

inside the tank when assembled. Adjust the length of the

fuel tubing accordingly. When satisfied, tighten the

PM3x25mm screw in the stopper to secure it in place (do

not over-tighten). Mark the side of the tank that must face

up when installed in the plane. We also suggest marking

the tubes in the stopper.

Step 3: Insert the tank into the fuselage with the correct

side facing up. The fuel tubing should be routed through

the hole in the center of the firewall.


19

Balancing the Model

After you have finished building the model into ready-to-

fly condition you can set the C.G. of the model. You need

to have all of the systems installed before you begin,

including the nitro engine or electric motor, landing gear,

radio system, and battery pack.

The C.G. is located 85mm (3.3in) back from the leading

edge of the wing at the fuselage.

This is where your model should balance for the first

flights. Later you may wish to experiment by shifting the

C.G. forward or back to change the flying characteristics.

Moving the C.G. forward may improve the smoothness

and stability, but the model may then require more speed

for takeoff and make it more difficult to slow for landing.

Moving the C.G. aft makes the model more maneuverable,

but could also cause it to become too difficult to control.

When balancing your model, support the plane upright at

the C.G. position on the bottom of the wing with your

fingers or a commercially available balancing stand. Move

the battery or receiver inside the fuselage as necessary so

the model hangs level or slightly nose down. This is the

correct balance point for your model.

After the first flights, the CG position can be adjusted for

your personal preference.

`

Setting Control Throws

Turn on the transmitter and receiver. Use a ruler to adjust

the throw of the elevator, ailerons and rudder. Adjust the

position of the pushrod at the control horn to achieve the

following measurements when moving the sticks to their

endpoints:

Aileron Low Rate

Up 9mm

Down 9mm

Aileron High Rate

Up 16mm

Down 16mm

Elevator Low Rate

Up 10mm

Down 10mm

Elevator High Rate

Up 16mm

Down 16mm

Rudder Low Rate

Up 12mm

Down 12mm

Rudder High Rate

Up 20mm

Down 20mm

These are general guidelines for control throws. You can

experiment with higher rates to match your preferred

style of flying.


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www.valuehobby.com

2013-5-15

Documents

TWEETY - 40 · Congratulations on your purchase of Tweety-40 ARF from Value Hobby. We thank you for your generous support, and hope you enjoy your new airplane. At Value Hobby, we