Douglas DC-3 (oz14921)

About this Plan

Top Flite Gold Edition Douglas DC-3. Radio control scale model twin. Wingspan 82-1/2 in. wing area 750 sq in.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Discontinued kit from Top Flite. See an archived version of the original listing page from the [now defunct] Top Flite site at: http://web.archive.org/web/20001216... which also in turn links to a kit review from May 1999 R/C Scale International, at: http://web.archive.org/web/20001217...

Quote: "INTRODUCTION: Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Top Flite Gold Edition DC-3. We are sure you are eager to build and fly your DC-3 just as we were eager to build and fly our prototypes.

Although this is a model of a famous civilian transport, the Douglas DC-3, you can easily build your model as the C-47 military version. If this is your choice, all you really need to do is cover your model in a military trim scheme, add cargo door outlines and a few more antennas here and there! Study your own documentation for more details.

The nice thing about the Gold Edition DC-3 is that although it is a highly detailed scale model with all the goodies such as a realistic looking scale outline, built up tail surfaces, retracts and flaps, it is a model of a transport plane so you’ll have a stable model that you’ll look forward to flying often! And with twin engines you’re sure to get all the attention when you show up at your flying field!

One last note before you continue, we highly recommend you get some pictures or a book about DC-3's (or C-47's) or send for your documentation package as soon as possible. This way, you can study the drawings and photos to get a feel for how your DC-3 should look when you’re done. This will also help you figure out what scale details to add and decide on a trim scheme (you can also dream about how cool your DC-3 is going to look when it’s done!). One of the books we recommend is the Squadron Signal Publications DC-3 in Action book No. 39 (SSPZ1149). It features lots of historical and technical information as well as detailed drawings, photos, and trim schemes.

Well, this should be enough to get your juices flowing, so get your other projects off your workbench, say goodbye to your significant other for a while and - keep reading!

Decisions You Must Make:

ENGINE SELECTION:

Recommended engine size:
Two .25 to .40 cu. in. [4.0 to 6.5cc] 2-stroke
Two .40 to .52 cu. in. [6.5 to 6.5cc] 4-stroke
Two OS .30 cu. in [5cc] rotary

Your Top Flite Gold Edition DC-3 will perform well with any of the engines within the recommended range, but will handle best in an engine out situation with engines closer to the higher end of the recommended size range. The trade-off with larger engines is that you’ll have to throttle back somewhat for your DC-3 to fly in a scale like manner. If you choose to use .25 2-strokes, we recommend stronger 2-strokes such as the O.S. .25 FX. If you choose to use .40 2-strokes, 'sport' .40's such as the O.S. LA.40 perform well, but a .40 such as the O.S. FX series will handle an engine out situation better. It’s the same for 4-stroke engines; the .40 4-strokes have plenty of power and will fly your DC well, but the .52's will handle an engine out situation better.

The included Great Planes Adjustable Engine Mounts will hold a range of engines from .25 cu. in. 2-stroke through .40 cu. in. 4-stroke. The rotary engines use their own integral backplate engine mounts.

RETRACTABLE LANDING GEAR: You may build your DC-3 either with fixed or retractable landing gear. All the hardware you need for realistic appearing fixed gear is supplied with this kit. We do, however, provide detailed instructions on how to install retractable landing gear available from Top Flite. The Top Flite retractable landing gear recommended and shown in this manual is custom made for this DC-3. They are pneumatic to simplify installation and hookup. You may choose to use another type of retract but it is up to you to make modifications required to fit them.

FLAPS: Your DC-3 is designed to incorporate scale split flaps; however, flaps are optional and not necessary for an excellent flying experience. Without flaps, the takeoff roll is longer and the landing speed is faster. If you do not wish to build the flaps, just disregard parts of the manual involving flap construction.

The flaps are not difficult to build, but they do require good craftsmanship to fit and operate well. Flaps add nicely to the model's flight characteristics and scale appearance. Slight trim changes are needed when flaps are extended. The trim corrections are discussed later in the manual during radio setup and you will find more information on the use of the flaps in the Flying section.

SCALE RUDDER: You may build your DC-3 with either a standard in-line hinged rudder or a scale appearing offset pinned hinge rudder. The in-line hinged rudder is easier to build and is hinged to the fin the same as any other model with supplied CA hinges. But, the offset pinned hinge features the offset hinge line characteristic of the DC-3. The scale appearing offset hinged rudder does require more craftsmanship to build than the standard rudder, so study the plans carefully and think about it before you begin that part of the model. All hardware required to build either version is included with this kit..."

Supplementary file notes

Instructions.

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