FOXBAT Instructions

Important: Please note that the decal sheet is not included in this kit as stated on the box.

Model flying - particularly flying R/C Models is a fascinating pastime. The FOXBAT is suitable as an

introduction to the hobby as little previous modelling experience is necessary to assemble or fly the model.

Where can you assemble the FOXBAT?

We recommend a clean work bench with a smooth, flat surface. HTF-Foam is light and strong, but its surface

is easily damaged whilst assembling, transporting and storing the model if handled without a degree of care.

Step by step instructions

The instructions are written step by step. We recommend following the order of each stage to ensure that the

main drive nicad to the radio system. Once the battery voltage has reduced to a pre-set level, power to the

motor is automatically cut-off leaving the remaining charge for radio operation. Everything is included in the

drive set: motor, switch and propeller leaving only the 2 channel radio, drive nicad and charger to purchase.

Tools Required

The materials used in the FOXBAT are designed to be easy to work with, so are suitable both for beginners

and experienced modellers. Simple modelling tools, such as a sharp knife, drill and fine sandpaper will be

required to complete the model. Fine ridges in the surface of the model result from the moulding process.

These can be simply removed using 240 grade (or finer) sandpaper.

Choosing a glue

WARNING: HTF foam is easily damaged by solvent based adhesives! Using balsa cement, most cyanos (super

Checking the kit contents of the kit

Use the parts list and drawing at the back of the instruction manual to check that your kit is complete and to

familiarise yourself with each part of the kit. Please note that the decal sheet is not included in this kit

as stated on the box.

Step 1: Gluing the front fuselage parts together

Photograph 1 and 2. Position your servos as shown in the two recesses in the fuselage halves.

Ensure that the servo leads run in the pre-moulded channels. Coat both joint faces evenly with

adhesive.

Photograph 3 and 4: Bring the two fuselage halves together and secure with adhesive tape. Allow

the glue to dry.

Step 3: Attaching the balsa keel

Photograph 7 and 8: Check the fit of the balsa keel in its slot in the bottom of the fuselage. Apply

adhesive to the slot and slide the keel in place. Remove any surplus adhesive.

Photograph 9: Carefully trim the balsa keel to length using a saw.

Photograph 10: Blend the keel into the fuselage using a piece of sandpaper on a block or a file.

Step 4: Gluing the linkage tubes in place

Photograph 11: There are two moulded slots in the fuselage for the pushrod tubes. Run a bead of

adhesive down each groove and fit the tubes in place.

Photograph 12: Ensure that both tubes are positioned correctly in their slots using adhesive tape to

hold them as the glue dries.

below the aileron. Check that the horn is pointing vertically when the hardwood strip is correctly

positioned.

Photograph 15: Run a bead of adhesive into the slot in the underside of one of the ailerons and fix

the first aileron horn in position. Use adhesive tape to hold it in position as the adhesive dries.

Photograph 16: Glue the second aileron horn in position in the same way and allow the adhesive

to dry.

Photograph 17: This is what the linkage should look like from above.

Photograph 18 and 19: Remove the aileron servo output horn. Introduce the aileron pushrod (10)

z-bends into the aileron servo output horn from above using a pair of holes nearest to the centre.

Photograph 20: Now side the aileron pushrod wires (10) into the control tubes (12) that are

Photograph 23: Use the canard joiner (18) to accurately align the two bearings as the glue dries. It

The bearing tubes must be glued firmly in place as they will be subject to a high load in flight.

Step 7: Fitting the canards

Photograph 24: Apply adhesive to the slot in the bottom of the left hand canard (5).

Photograph 25: Now press the joiner tube (18) into its slot in the canard ensuring that the end of

Photograph 26: Slide a washer (20) over the joiner then pass it through the first bearing in the

the left (looking from the rear of the fuselage). Slide the canard joiner all the way through the

second bearing and slip another washer (20) onto it. Fix the horn in position on the tube with the

screw supplied.

Photograph 27: Apply sufficient adhesive to the slot in the underside of the right hand canard (4).

must move freely to operate correctly. A small amount of oil can be used on the tube bearings but

Photograph 28: Ensure that the two canard halves are accurately aligned to each other by laying a

ruler on the fuselage as shown in the photograph. Allow the glue to dry thoroughly.

*Important*: For optimal flight performance, it is extremely important that the two canard halves

are accurately aligned and move freely in their bearing. Poorly aligned or badly glued canard joints

will seriously affect the way the model flies.

Step 8: Completing the canard linkage

Photograph 29: The canard is controlled by a wire linkage supplied in two parts (13). Connect the

z-bend of one linkage wire to the elevator output horn in a hole nearest the centre. Connect the z-

bend on the other wire to the elevator horn using the outermost hole. If necessary, enlarge the

holes in control horn to 1.3mm. Use a length of the pushrod wire as a drill as a simple way of

doing this. Experience pilots can increase the travel of the canard using the next hole in towards

the centre. Switch on the radio equipment to centre the elevator servo and holding the canards in

*Important*: The canards are at neutral when their trailing edges are level with the canopy line.

Once happy, tighten the grubscrew fully with the Allen key.

the card as a spacer.

of the hinge. Press this down firmly.

Photograph 34: Remove the cardboard spacer, fold the aileron back level and run another length

of tape over the top of the join.

Photograph 35: The completed hinge is almost invisible and completely sealed. (Note that a darker

(11) into the aileron control horn. If necessary, enlarge the holes in the aileron control horns to

1.3mm. Use a length of the pushrod wire as a drill as a simple way of doing this. Use the hole

retained with a grub screw. Complete the linkage for both ailerons in this way then turn on the R/C

equipment to centre the servo. Centre the two ailerons so that they are exactly in line with the

wing - this is very important to ensure good flying characteristics - and fully tighten both

canopy, a hook (23) screws into it to retain a band (15) that is looped around a nylon bolt (15) in

Photograph 38: Cut a short length of balsa from the excess supplied for the fuselage keel. Screw

the metal hook in the centre and apply adhesive to the block.

Photograph 39 and 40: Position the block 15cm from the rear of the canopy (6) and allow the glue

to dry.

Photograph 41 and 42: Attach the rubber band (26) to the nylon bolt and slide the bolt into the

channel above the servo leads in the fuselage.

Photograph 43: Attach the other end of the band to the hook in the canopy. The band now pulls

the canopy down onto the fuselage and backwards to main fuselage hatch (8) in place later.

Photograph 44: To adjust the radio or linkages, the canopy can be simply turned through 90°

without removing the band.

in the construction of the Foxbat.

the other side of the propeller.

Photograph 48: Replace it in the other side of the propeller.

Photograph 49: Push the propeller onto the motor shaft.

Photograph 50: Ensure there is 6mm clearance between the motor and the back of the spinner.

Photograph 51 and 52: Attach the leads from the switch to the motor. Note: As the motor is going

connected to the motor terminal marked with a RED spot.

motor mount. Should your choice of motor be a loose fit in the fuselage, a wrap of adhesive tape

around it (avoiding the cooling holes) may be used for a snug fit.

red terminal, the BLACK lead to the BLACK.

wire in place with adhesive tape.

polystyrene to prevent it moving in flight.

slot immediately behind the aileron servo. Again, use foam to pack it in place so that it cannot

move in flight.

Photograph 58 and 59: The complete radio installation should look like this.

*Important Safety Notice*: Always turn ON the transmitter before the receiver so that any

interference cannot cause the motor to turn out of control.

Connect the fully charged drive nicad’s white connector to the motor switch to test the radio and

motor.

The first test run of the motor should be carried out very carefully with the help of an assistant. To avoid the

risk of something being sucked into the propeller, ensure that all loose items are safely away from the model.

testing again.

connector. Switch OFF the transmitter.

Photograph 61: Drill a small, 2mm hole in the fuselage side for the aerial 1.5cm back from the

leading edge of the left hand wing .

Photograph 62: Pull the receiver aerial out through the hole and run it down the pre-moulded

length of the aerial is extended and none of it remains tangled inside the model.

Photograph 64, 65 and 66: Measure 17.5cm down the front of the leading edge of the wing on

both sides and mark the points with a pen. Check that a line drawn between these points falls

carefully as they are used to measure the Centre of Gravity position in the next step. It is helpful to

Photograph 69: Ensure that both fins are angled equally to the wing as shown.

Every aeroplane must have its Centre of Gravity (balance point) positioned correctly so that it can

fly.

Photograph 70 and 71: To determine the C of G, use a proprietary tool as shown on the line

marked on the underside of the wing.

Photograph 72: If no balancing aid is available, simply rest the model on a pair of fingertips at the

points marked on the wing. The model should balance level or slightly nose down when the C of

G is in the correct position. Balancing the model a little further forward is acceptable, but do not

allow the model to balance behind this point for the first flights.

Photograph 73: Move the drive nicad forwards or backwards in its slot to achieve this if necessary.

removed from the front or the rear of the battery slot.

Photograph 75: When the aileron stick is moved fully to the right, the right aileron (looking from the

back of the model) should rise and the left should fall.

Photograph 75b: Check that the linkages do not bind at full travel.

Photograph 76: When the aileron stick is moved fully to the left, the left aileron (looking from the

back of the model) should rise and the right should fall.

Photograph 76b: Check that the linkages do not bind at full travel.

Photograph 77 and 77a: With the elevator stick and trim at neutral, the canard control horn should

Photograph 78, 78a and 78b: Pulling the elevator stick back (UP elevator on a ‘conventional’

travel.

Photograph 79, 79a and 79b: Pushing the elevator stick forward (DOWN elevator on a

bind at full travel.

Aileron 10mm Up

Canard 10mm Up

10mm Down Measured at the trailing edge

Always choose a calm day and pick a flying site that is away from people, buildings and overhead power

checked and flown by an experienced modeller first.

Switch on the transmitter, install and connect a freshly charged nicad and fix the canopy in position. Check

the operation of the servos and that both the ailerons and canard operate in the correct direction. Carry out a

radio range check as per the manufacturers’ recommendations.

climb. Always make gentle control inputs and do not fly too far away from yourself until you are confident

that you will recognise the model’s attitude at a greater distance.

1 1 Wing with Rear Fuselage 80 x 42 x 7cm Styrofoam

2 1 Front Fuselage Half - Left Side 45 x 12 x 7cm Styrofoam

3 1 Front Fuselage Half - Right Side 45 x 12 x 7cm Styrofoam

4 1 Canard - Right Side 16 x 15 x 2cm Styrofoam

5 1 Elevator - Left Side 16 x 15 x 2cm Styrofoam

6 1 Canopy 32 x 6 x 6cm Styrofoam

7 2 Fin 16 x 15 x 2 Styrofoam

8 1 Rear Fuselage Deck 45 x 5 x 5cm Styrofoam

9 2 Wood Aileron Torque Rod 4 x 4 x 150mm Wood

10 2 Piano Wire - Aileron Linkage 1.3mm x 480mm - 1xZ-Bend Piano wire

17 1 Elevator Bearing Tube - Left 6mm x 15mm Long Brass tube

18 1 Elevator Bearing Tube 5mm x 162mm Long Brass tube

19 1 Wood for Fuselage Keel 10 x 10 x 35mm Balsa

20 2 Washer - Distance Spacer 10 x 1mm hole 5mm Metal

21 2 Aileron Horn Plastic

22 1 Elevator Control Horn with M2 x 8 Screw Plastic/metal

23 1

24 4 Rubber Band for Canopy/Rear Fuselage Rubber