Assembling The Model; Preparation, Explanatory Notes - GRAUPNER Jet Ranger Handbuch

Jet Ranger

1. Assembling the model

1.1 Preparation, explanatory notes

The fuselages are hand-moulded and are likely to exhibit minor variations and irregularities on
the inside, especially along the central joint seam. Good access to essential parts of the me-
chanics is provided by the side windows. Before finally installing any part check carefully that it
fits, trim where necessary and carry out a „dry run" (without glue). Take your time and work
steadily and patiently. All screwed joints except those involving plastic and those with self-
locking nuts must be secured with thread-lock fluid; this is a basic rule, and is not mentioned at
every stage in the instructions. Where extra items and accessory components are used they
should be prepared and installed as described in the instructions supplied with them.
1.1.1 Mechanics
In these instructions we assume that the main mechanical system for the model is already
completely assembled. It is a good idea temporarily to remove the silencer and exhaust
manifold from the motor, and the rotor head from the mast, as this makes it easier to trial-fit and
install the system in the fuselage. We recommend the use of the optional silencer console
(4450.149) which supports the silencer against the mechanics.
Fit an M3 x 12 socket-head cap screw in each of the four skid clips from above, and tighten
them fully. Apply thread-lock fluid to the screw ends projecting on the underside, then screw the
aluminium spacers onto them and tighten them fully. Note that the 15 mm long spacers are
fitted at the front, and the 11.5 mm spacers at the rear.
1.1.2 Fuselage
Glued joints: the inside of the GRP mouldings must be roughened thoroughly at the joint
positions using coarse abrasive paper, otherwise there is no chance of a durable, permanent
bond. Almost all the openings for windows, cooling air etc. are machined out as standard.
Various holes have to be drilled in the course of assembly to accept further screwed joints, and
these are described in the instructions. Where parts have to be glued inside the fuselage, it is
best to apply the adhesive on a long wooden stick or similar. All wooden parts to be installed
must be sealed to prevent fuel absorption; applying thin cyano to the surfaces works well.
The upper fuselage fairing and tail cap have to be trimmed carefully to fit on the fuselage. The
machined openings in the fuselage will need to be cleaned up using fine abrasive paper, and
trimmed where necessary. Sand back the window openings to leave an even support flange for
the glazing panels.
A plywood reinforcement should be fitted at the tail end of the fuselage on the right-hand side,
where the vertical stabiliser will be screwed later. Cut the reinforcement from one of the plywood
strips (80 x 15 x 3 mm) supplied, and epoxy it on the inside of the moulding so that the holes for
the stabiliser retaining screws will be drilled through it.
1.2 Creating the access opening for main mechanics installation
Since the complete windscreen is designed to be removable in one piece, to allow the
mechanics and silencer to be installed as easily as possible, the T-shaped glazing bar unit has
to be removed. Start by carefully cutting through the horizontal bar at both ends as shown in the
drawing, using a fretsaw. Take care to keep the cuts straight.
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