We have also attached a PDF reprint from the Model Airplane News "Flight Ready" book of tips and techniques related to ARF model airplanes. Copyright (c) 2004 Model Airplane News. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. The PDF outlines a simple reliable method to measure, cut and fit a cowl around an engine without the use of a dummy cowl.

In summary,  the Bird Dog manual gives a good overview of a technique for mounting a cowl on the fuselage somewhat irrespective of engine cut outs while the Model Airplane News reprint focusses on cutting the cowl to accomodate your muffler and engine head, carb etc. We suggest readers review both of these before mounting their cowl.

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Question: My VMAR ARF came with a nice fibreglass cowl and 3 or 4 retaining screws. How do I use the screws?

Answer: Generally we recommend screwing the screws into the edge of the fixed firewall at the forward end of the fuselage. Use one screw on each side and one at the top of the cowl. Or you may wish to go with two screws on each side and forego having a screw at the top. Leave any opening (slack space) at the top and sides, try to avoid a gap at the top.

To prevent the holes from chaffing out under vibration you may wish to enlarge the holes just large enough to accomodate a small rubber grommet (servo grommets work well for this) and then put a flat washer under the head of each screw.

Before drilling any holes in your cowl, we recommend thoroughly reviewing your manual AND the related articles attached here. The article from Model Airplane News is well worth reading.

We have also attached a PDF reprint from the Model Airplane News "Flight Ready" book of tips and techniques related to ARF model airplanes. Copyright (c) 2004 Model Airplane News. All Rights Reserved. Used by Permission. The PDF outlines a simple reliable method to measure, cut and fit a cowl around an engine without the use of a dummy cowl.

In summary,  the Bird Dog manual gives a good overview of a technique for mounting a cowl on the fuselage somewhat irrespective of engine cut outs while the Model Airplane News reprint focusses on cutting the cowl to accomodate your muffler and engine head, carb etc. We suggest readers review both of these before mounting their cowl.

Acrobat Reader is required to view PDF files. Acrobat Reader can be downloaded free from www.adobe.com or by clicking on the icon below.