1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Elect & Glow - Various Colors
1.1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - READ ME FIRST

PLEASE READ ME FIRST

BEFORE PROCEEDING TO ASSEMBLE OR OPERATE THIS PRODUCT

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER & COPYRIGHT NOTICE

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER

The authors and/or suppliers and/or disseminaters of this information and/or product expressly disclaim any warranties or representations, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to implied warranties of fitness, accuracy, timeliness or applicability of the information and/or product provided here. In no event will the authors and/or suppliers and/or disseminaters of this information and/or product have any obligation arising from contract or tort, for loss of revenue or profit, or for indirect, special, incidental, consequential or other damages of any sort arising from this information and/or product. In using this information and/or product, the user accepts all responsibility for and all liability associated with such use.

PROCEEDING WITH THE USE OF THIS INFORMATION AND/OR PRODUCT INDICATES AGREEMENT WITH AND ACCEPTANCE OF THE LIABILITY DISCLAIMER.
 
Please Note the following Caution

CAUTION

A Remote Control (RC) model aircraft is not a toy. It is a flying model that functions much like a full size airplane. If you do not assemble and operate model aircraft properly you can cause injury to yourself and others and damage property. DO NOT FLY a model aircraft unless you are qualified.

You are ultimately responsible for the mechanical, aeronautical and electrical integrity of any model you fly and all of the components that make up the model including but not limited to the airframe itself, control surfaces, hinges, linkages, covering, engine, motor, radio, servos, switches, wiring, battery and parts. Check all components before and after each flight. It is essential that you act with the clear understanding that you are solely responsible for all aspects of the model at all times. DO NOT FLY until it is right.  

 

1.1.1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - General Information

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
Tips for Avoiding Common Problems

We have supplied thousands and thousands and thousands of model aircraft in the past 20 plus years. We're not bragging! We tell you this to give some credibility to our suggested list of tips that follow. In talking to modelers around the world, here is what we have found is the key to... 

AVOIDING 90% of PROBLEMS that can arise:  

  1. READ THE CAUTION ABOVE & READ THE LIABILITY DISCLAIMER.You are responsible for all aspects of any model you fly. You're It!
  2. READ ALL DOCUMENTATION before doing anything else! 
  3. INSPECT CAREFULLY immediately upon arrival!.
  4. RETAIN ALL PACKAGING until the checkout is complete! If you need to return anything you must have all of the original packaging.
  5. READ & LOOK! At everything! Do it once & then do it again.
  6. REMEMBER WHAT "ARF" STANDS FOR. ARF means ALMOST Ready to Fly with an emphasis on ALMOST! Some assembly and modeling skills are required.
  7. ALLOW ENOUGH TIME to enjoy the assembly process! Rushing into a 6 hour job with 3 hours to spare simply will not work. This is a Hobby... take your time.
  8. DRY FIT & TEST ASSEMBLE EVERYTHING before you glue anything!
  9. USE 30 MINUTE EPOXY when joining wings & installing stabilizers and other structural components but only after you have dry fitted and test assembled the components without glue! Once parts are glued together they cannot be unglued and they cannot be returned or replaced without charge.
  10. PLAN AHEAD! BE CAREFUL! If you get into trouble, DON'T PANIC. Review everything again, talk it over with an experienced modeler and if still in difficulty consult our Support Services.
  11. TEST TEST!!! TUG TUG TUG!!! EVERYTHING... BEFORE & AFTER EACH FLIGHT! Your model may have been largely pre-constructed and may have pre-installed control rods, hinges, control surfaces and many other essential components. Hinges may have been pinned after they have been installed. However, you must double check every control surface and component before and after each flight. You and only you are responsible for the integrity of all components and the integrity of the model itself. Check everything before and after each flight. Tug on control surfaces, control rods, mounting bolts, T-nuts, mounting plates... tug on everything!
  12. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN WING BOLTS or other fasteners. You want bolts and nuts snugly tight and if metal you can use a medium grade thread locker such as Pacer Z42 to help them stay tight. Fasteners must be snug and secure. However a model airplane is not a farm tractor or a garbage compactor. You do not need a pipe wrench or an electric drill to tighten up wing bolts or any other fastener. Leave your plumbing and power tools at home.. hand tools only and go easy on the torque... snug and secure... not stripped or torqued until they squeak or break.  Wing bolts can take tremendous torque before breaking... but when you over tighten them or use an electric screw driver on a set of wing bolts, long before the bolts break you can fracture the fuselage, crack the mounting blocks or pull the heads of the bolts through the wing... these problems have a nasty habit of revealing themselves when you least expect the wing to fall off!
  13. DO NOT OVERPOWER ANY MODEL! Stay within the recommended power range for the model. If you overpower the model you run a high risk of structural failure that will lead to loss of control and a subsequent crash that will destroy the model and may cause injury and/or property damage.
  14. ASSUME NOTHING! Remember the old yarn about what happens when you ASS-U-ME something. Check everything repeatedly and frequently and DO NOT FLY any model unless you are satisfied that everything is in good working order.

 

1.1.2. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Supplement to the Manual

1.1.2.1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Control Horns - Laser Cut Wood

Question: My VMAR VMA-C210X 09-15 ARF was supplied with control horns that appear to be made of wood. Are these OK? 

Answer: Yes these are laser cut from aircraft plywood and are strong, light, reliable and easy to install. In some later production J3 Cub and L4 Grasshoppers the horns are laser cut from Mylar sheets.

Additional Information:  After installing the control horns made from plywood, we recommend wicking thin CA such as Pacer ZAP (Pink) into the plywood of the control horn to "harden" the plywood and holes. Do two applications about 1 minute apart.

 

1.1.3. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Important Information

 

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
1.1.3.1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Covering

This model uses POLYCOTE ECS Covering

POLYCOTE ECS - Care & Maintenance - Quick Tips

Question: Do you have any pointers regarding the Care & Maintenance of POLYCOTE ECS?

Answer: Yes we have this Summary of Quick Tips. See www.richmondrc.com ( Enter Site > Support Services > Knowledge Base then Search on "Covering") for an expanded explanation of each Tip.

Polyester offers the best in covering performance and as with any new modern technology, the maintenance methods may be different than those you used with your older covering. This is NOT Monokote or Solarfilm, its different. If you have used ORACOVER or ULTRACOTE you will have some experience with working with POLYESTER as a covering material.

Here is our Summary of Quick Tips related to POLYCOTE ECS covering.

  • Avoid Hot Vehicles
    • Cooking your model in your vehicle for hours on end is generally not a good idea! Temperatures can easily exceed 50C (122 F) under such conditions. You will get sags. Consult our Knowledge Base before attempting to remove sags.  
  • Cleaning After Flying
    • We recommend Fantastic household cleaner and disposable paper towels. Mist, do not flood. Wipe along seams, not across. Do NOT NOT NOT NOT use SIMPLE GREEN, 409 or similar materials for cleaning a model airplane.
  • Cleaning Initially
    • Upon initial inspection if you see a thin streaky film on any of the POLYCOTE ECS, work outdoors and use a paper towel and wipe a slightly wet film of Mineral Spirits over 1/4 of a wing or half a fuselage at a time. Rub gently while still wet. Change towels frequently. Avoid plastics.
  • Cutting
    • Use sharp scissors or an XACTO knife with a sharp #11 blade.
  • Pealing
    • Relatively rare. Fix as soon as possible. Consult our Knowledge Base before attempting to resolve.
  • Protecting the Finish
    • Most Importantly - Follow the cleaning instructions. Use the recommended cleaners and method. Dab away raw fuel. Test small out of the way area and all plastics before applying any glue, solvent, cleaner, paint or other preparation. Patch punctures promptly. Avoid hours and hours sitting in the direct sun.
  • Removing & Using Tape
    • Use low tack tape. When removing tape , peal the tape back on itself parallel to the surface of the covering.
  • Repairing Punctures
    •  Patch promptly. Clean any oil residue from the area of the puncture. Patch should be 1/2" (13mm) bigger on all sides. Round the corners. Seal in place with a heat iron & sock. Tighten area with a Heat Gun.
  • Resealing Seams
    • Act promptly. Clean any oil residue from the area and reseal the seam with thin CA.
  • Tightening Sags
    • Remember SSB... SECURE the perimeter then SHRINK to fit then BOND to the structure. Use an iron with sock to SECURE the perimeter, use a heat gun to SHRINK within the perimeter, use a soft cloth while the covering is warm to BOND the covering to solid substrates.
  • Tools for Working with POLYCOTE ECS
    • Scissors, XACTO with #11 blade, iron, iron sock, regulated heat gun, soft cotton cloth or glove.
1.1.4. Support

On Line, eMail, Fax, Phone, Mail

We offer the Best in Support Services.
We back up our products and our customers with the best support services available. From our industry leading Knowledge Base to information about your Shipment, we've got you covered!
 
To access our Support Services please:
Your Choice of Support Services that Work for You: 
1.1.4.1. Contact Us

For Sales and other Inquiries  

Support - Contact Us - Reach our Sales Department by eMail, Fax, Phone or Mail

Technical Inquiries:

Please review the information provided in our Knowledge Base. After checking our Knowledge Base, if you need further assistance please use our Submit A Question service to get a response within 2 Business Days.

 

Sales Inquiries: 

Please note that our Sales Department personnel are trained and dedicated to:

  • Helping you with non-technical pre-purchase questions,
  • Helping you place your order,
  • Pointing out any sales, combos or specials that you may wish to consider,
  • Inputting your order to our computer system so that it ships out as accurately and quickly as possible... usually the same day,  
  • Resolving any invoicing problems, and
  • Helping to sort out any missing shipment or shipment damage issues.
Their depth of technical knowledge is about on par with what is shown in our printed sales literature. In most cases, they are working from the same printed advertisements or content from our web site that you are. Asking sales personnel to confirm the size, color and availability of a product is well within their capabilities. However, asking detailed questions about technical issues is not.

 

Buy our Products: 
  • From a Retailer
    • Please support your local retailer.    
  • On Line 24x7x365... if your favorite Retailer does not have what you are looking for, please visit one of our On-Line Stores. 
      • For Radio Control,
      • For ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacyrlates, superglue & epoxies
    • www.supplystore.com
      • Supplying ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacyrlates, superglue, epoxies, related accessories and more to End Users & Consumers in the Building Construction, Repair & Maintenance Trades. Also Fine Woodworkers, Stagecraft Artisans, Professional Detailers, Sportsmen & Scale Model Builders.
    • www.zapglue.ca
      • Supplying ZAP Brand CA, cyanoacrylates, superglue, epoxies and related accessories to End Users & Consumers in the Industrial, Manufacturing, Assembly and Laboratory sectors.
  • Order By Fax 24x7x365
    • 604-940-1063
  • Order By Phone M-F 11am-4pm Pacific Time
    • Order Desk 604-940-1066    

 

For All Other Inquiries... please consult the following resources:

  • After reviewing our On Line resources, if you require additional assistance please contact us by eMail, fax, phone or mail as follows:

    • Ask a Question
    • eMail 
    • Fax
      • 604-940-1063
    • Phone
      • 604-940-1066
    • Mail
      • Richmond RC Supply Ltd, #114 - 7350 72nd Street, Delta, BC, V4G-1H9
        • Mail & printed correspondence only.                
        • We are not able to accomodate personal site visits or drop-offs/pick-ups at this location.
        • Please note that all inbound Shipments require pre-Authorization in advance.
        • Unauthorized inbound shipments will be refused.        

 
1.1.5. Keep Up to Date

Check Frequently for Updates

Support - Stay Current - Check Frequently for Updated &/or Additional Information
This information is subject to change without notice. When viewing this information in a printed form the printing date will be visible in the lower right corner. Check frequently for updates &/or Additional Information.at www.richmondrc.com, > Enter the Site, > Support Services, follow the links to our Knowledge Base. Review the Table of Contents and search for the name and/or part number of this product.
 
For automated notification of changes to information contained in our Knowledge Base please register as a Priority Response member and subscribe to our Priority Response Notification Service.
1.2. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Additional Information

In general "Additional" Information is:

  • In addition to that found in other documentation related to this product,
  • Often reflects feedback &/or questions from users of the product.

Subject to the Conditions of Use, please review the attachments and related articles listed below.

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
1.2.1. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Quick Release Wing Strut Set #VMA-C210YWSQ

Question: I travel a great deal and take my VMAR C210X 09-15 ARF with me in my RV. When I'm home, I remove the wing and undo the struts from the fuselage. But when I am travelling I like to remove the struts from the wing as well. I've been undoing the screws and it works OK but I was wondering if you have a strut set that can be removed more easily and quickly for traveling?

Answer: Yes we do. For modelers who need to frequently remove the wing struts from the VMAR C210X 09-15 ARF, we have released a new Quick Release Strut Set. For the J3 Cub these struts are Yellow (#VMA-C210YWSQ) and for the L4 Grasshopper these struts are Drab Green (VMA-C210DWSQ). The quick release struts are easier to install and can be removed more quickly that the standard struts. Colored to match the model, the quick release struts use Z-Bend ends for the wing attachment points (2 per strut) instead of using screws and brass plates.

Fitting the quick release strut set requires minor modification to the wing attachment points (4).

Instructions for modifying the wing attachment points:

  1. Wick CA into & around the 4 plywood washers where the struts attach to the wings.
  2. Use a 3/32" drill bit to enlarge the screw holes at the attachment points.
  3. Use a 7/64" drill bit to further enlarge the screw holes to 50% depth.
  4. Test fit the struts and then remove them.
  5. Wick thin CA into the drill holes to toughen the wood or if the strut Z-bends become loose in the holes.  

Caution: be careful with drilling. Don't drill through the wing or your fingers!

1.2.2. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Stage 1 Wing Assembly Joining the Wing Halves - Step 1G Leading Edge Dowel
Question:  Stage 1 of my C210X Manual for the J3 Cub and L4 Grasshopper shows a notch in both wing roots but does not show me when to install the small leading edge dowel. What should I do?

Answer: Your version of the Manual is missing Step 1G and its accompanying picture. After you have completed Step 1F, please do the following: 
    1. Locate the leading edge dowel in the Wing Parts Bag. The dowel is made of wood and is about 5/8 in [16 mm] in length. 
    2. Wait for the 30 minute epoxy you applied earlier to dry. 
    3. Trial fit the wing halves together. 
      • Carefully insert the dowel into the pre-drilled hole (formed by the channels in each wing root) in the leading edge. 
      • Mark the dowel where it meets the leading edge of the wing when the dowel is about half way inserted. 
    4. Remove the dowel and separate the wings.
    5. Carefully position the dowel into the pre-drilled channel in one wing half.
      • Position the dowel consistent with the reference mark you made earlier.
      • Secure the dowel into place with a small amount of medium thick CA+ such as Pacer Zap-A-Gap.
      • Make sure the dowel is reasonably straight (perpendicular to the leading edge).
      • Let the CA+ dry.
    6. From this point on you can proceed with Stage 2 where you apply 30 minute epoxy to the wing roots, spar joiner etc and mate the wing halves.
      • When doing so make sure you apply 30 minute epoxy into the visible portion of the dowel channels and over the dowel itself prior to mating the wings.
1.2.3. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Stage 12 Installing Electric Motor and ESC - Step 12C Mounting Screw (Bolt) Set
Question: Stage 12 Step 12C of my C210X Manual refers to installing four bolt and washer sets for mounting the motor. These bolt sets are stated to come with the kit but I did not get these in my kit. What's the story here?

Answer: The reference to the bolt sets (mounting screws) in your version of the C210X Manual is incorrect. These mounting screws come with the Power Module and Power Pack but are not included with the kit. Each motor is different and requires different mounting hardware and methods. We do provide a blank firewall set that can be drilled to suit nearly all motors. 
 
Mounting Screws - What to use on VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motor

Question: I have a VMAX #VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motor. What do I need in the way of mounting screws?

Answer: There are a several options for this depending on what you have in mind:
a) VMAX VMAX #VMM-111B18VM VMAX Brushless Motors that are supplied with VMAX Power Modules and VMAX Power Packs come pre-mounted with the appropriate screws for the motor.
 
b) The threads are 3mm and generally four 3mm x 6-12 mm machine hex head screws with washers will work.
 
c) We sell a Mounting Screw Set (#VMM-111B18MS) consisting of four 3mm x 10mm hex head screws. Hex head screws should be used with flat washers under the heads.
 
d) We also sell a Mounting Screw Set (#VMM-111B18MT) consisting of 16 mounting screws. Four screws in each of four different sizes/styles.
  • 3 x 10 mm Hex head machine screws (4) (like VMM-111B18MS)
  • 3 x 16 mm Hex head machine screws (4) (longer version of above)
  • 3 x   6 mm Phillips countersink head screws (4) (for flush fitting)
  • 3 x 10 mm Phillips countersink head screws (4) (for flush fitting) 
The four different sizes/styles allow for thicker firewalls, multi-layer firewalls where the screw heads must be countersunk between the layers, etc.
 
This set provides for a very wide range of different mounting methods.
 
Hex head screws should be used with flat washers under the heads.
 
CAUTION: When mounting motors using any method, ensure all fasteners are tightened securely. Check for vibration free operation of the motor. If not vibration free, reseat and retighten all fasteners and ancilliary components such as props and gears. Tighten fasteners firmly but don't strip the threads. Use medium strength thread locker on all metal to metal fasteners.

 

1.2.4. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Stage 12 Installing Electric Motor and ESC - Step 12J Bolt Length
Question: Stage 12 Step 12J of my C210X Manual for the J3 Cub and L4 Grasshopper refers to installing four bolts for the power module. These bolts are stated to be 50mm long. My bolts are only about 30mm in length. What's the story here?

Answer: The reference to 50mm long bolts in your version of the C210X Manual is incorrect. The bolts are 30 mm long when used in the J3 Cub and L4 Grasshopper. This allows the tapered cowl to be mounted without contacting excess bolt length. The picture and instructions of Step 12K are correct in showing the separation between the fixed fuselage firewall and the nuts to be approximately 22mm. It is this spacing of the nuts and power module firewall at approximately 22mm from the fixed firewall in the fuselage that is important, not the actual length of the bolts themselves.
 
1.2.5. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Stage 15 Installing The Servos - Step 15B & 15C
 
1.3. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Assembly & Operations Manual in PDF format
1.4. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Pictures, Graphics & Artwork
1.4.1. Pictures VMA-C210Y J3 Cub 09-15 ARF - Yellow
1.4.1.1. Pictures VMA-C210Y J3 Cub 09-15 ARF - Yellow - TIF (CMYK)
1.4.2. Pictures VMA-C210D L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - DDay
1.4.2.1. Pictures VMA-C210D L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - DDay - TIF (CMYK)
1.5. VMA-C210X J3 Cub & L4 Grasshopper 09-15 ARF - Reviews
1.5.1. Reviews VMA-C210Y J3 Cub 09-15 ARF - Yellow