1. VMA-E24EX Easy 3D ARF ECS - Using Glow Power
Question: Is the VMAR Easy 3D intended for electric or glow power? I would like to use glow power. Can this be done?
 
Answer: Although some Easy 3D's are produced with the assumption that glow power will be used, most are produced with electric power in mind. The airframe is the same in any event. Only the power systems vary.
 
To use glow power in an Easy 3D that was intended for electric power (i.e. it was not shipped with a fuel tank or glow power engine mount) please see the sub-article below to configure your Easy 3D for glow power using our Glow Engine Installation Pack (#VMA-E240EIP) for the Easy 3D that includes a set of templates and the parts you require. The templates will also be helpful to modelers who are "going it alone" without our Installation Pack.
 
1.1. VMA-E240EIP Glow Engine Installation Pack for VMAR Easy 3D 45-52 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-E240EIP Glow Engine Installation Pack for VMAR Easy 3D 45-52 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-E240EIP Glow Engine Installation Pack for VMAR Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Important Information

When mounting your throttle servo you will need to install two mounting rails or a servo tray for the throttle servo. The Glow Engine Installation Pack does not include the rails or servo tray for the throttle servo.

COPYRIGHT
Copyright Richmond RC Supply Ltd. All rights reserved.
 
1.1.3. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Preparing for Glow Power - Templates
To prepare your Easy 3D for glow power, please review the Easy 3D Assembly and Operations Manual. Note in particular Step 14 Fitting the Fuel Tank and Step 15 Installing the Engine. Pictures 14D and 15A illustrate the engine mount, and power module firewall mounted at a 207 degree angle that works well for the VMAX 46PRO and VMAX 52PRO engines and other engines that have an beam mount spacing of approximately 1.53 in. (65 mm). (This is equivalent to a distance of 2.56 in. (65mm) between the outside faces of the beam mounts when clamped to the motor.)
 
In addition to an engine such as the VMAX 46PRO or 52PRO or similar two stroke engine you will require a fuel tank, two 7/32" diameter wooden dowels about 3.5 inches long, an engine mount (set of T-beams) and a piece of 3/16" plywood for the firewall. If you purchased the glow engine version of the Easy 3D you will find these parts included with your Easy 3D. If they were not included with your Easy 3D you will need to obtain these items either separately or as a set in our Glow Engine Installation Pack for the Easy 3D.
 
For reference, the individual parts are as follows (included in the Glow Engine Installation Pack #VMA-E240XEIP):
  • 3/16 in. Birch Plywood. (Metric 4 or 5 mm is acceptable)
  • 7/32 x 3.5 in. Round Dowels (5.5 mm). 1/4 in (6mm) can be used.
  • Fuel Tank #VMA-TANK3503
  • Engine Mount #RRC-MOUNTUNP.
  • Four #8 x 5/8 inch Button Head Sheet Metal Screws

You also will require Pacer ZAP-A-GAP CA+, a Glue Stick such as Super Glue Corp #SGC-GS88 and Pacer Dap-A-Goo or Silicone Sealer such as Super Glue Corp #SGC-THC. You may also require Pacer Finishing Resin and Pacer 30 Minute Epoxy.

We have prepared a set of templates to assist you with shaping the plywood firewall, installing the engine mount and modifying the fixed firewall at the front of the fuselage. These Templates are printed on sheets for cutout with scissors and are included with the Glow Engine Installation Pack for the Easy 3D. The Templates also can be downloaded from the attached file links below.
 
Please note that the Super Glue Corp Glue Stick #SGC-GS88 we have recommended contains a water soluble adhesive that is used to hold the templates into place. Once the work has been completed the templates can be peeled off and the adhesive removed from the wood surfaces using a moist cloth leaving a clean residue free surface.
 
For tools to make the job easier we suggest a fine toothed scroll saw, Dremel tool with drum sander, sandpaper, a drill or drill press and a set of drill bits.
  
1.1.4. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Make the Power Module Firewall
Please review Pictures 14D and 15A in the Easy 3D Assembly and Operations Manual. The power module firewall is the plywood piece that the engine "T-beam" mounts are attached to. The fuel tank is attached to the power module firewall and the fuel tank stopper and in/out tubes extend from the tank forward and through the power module firewall.
 
Use Template A.  Use scissors to trim to the outer perimeter of the power module firewall as shown on Template A. Attach the template to a suitably sized piece of good quality 3/16 inch plywood using a glue stick. You may wish to only attach the center and perimeter of the template to the firewall if you wish to more easily remove the template from your firewall later on.
 
Center punch the two holes marked A and the center hole at the intersection pont of all of the lines. Drill all three center punch locations with a 7/32" drill.
 
Use a scroll saw to cut the plywood to match the perimeter shape of the template.
 
Plywood with Template A - Before Cutting
 
Power Module Firewall - After Cutting
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1.5. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Align the Engine Mount (T-beams)
After completing the cutting and drilling of your power module firewall, review Pictures 14D and 15A in the Easy 3D Assembly and Operations Manual. 
 
Use Template B.  This template is used to position the T-beam engine mounts and subsequently drill the T-beam mounting holes in the power module firewall. This template is for the VMAX 46PRO, 52PRO and similar engines that mount on T-beams with approximately 1.53 in spacing (38mm) between the lug portion of the beams. If your engine mounting lugs require T-beam spacing that cannot work with 38mm spacing you can modify the template by cutting the template vertically along the center line and increasing or decreasing the distance between the resultant template halves to reflect the size of your engine.
 
The Template B sheet contains a expanded depiction of a typical T-beam mount and engine installation. Use scissors to cut out just the retangle bounded by the T-beam mounts as shown in Template B. Consult the pictures before cutting. You want to end up with Template B looking like the lighter (whiter) shaded paper shown in the pictures below.
 
Position the center point of Template B over the center line intersection point of Template A on the power module firewall. Rotate Template B 207 degrees counter clockwise from horizontal until the engine lug lines on Template B align with the corresponding diagonal lines (Z1 to Z1 and Z2 to Z2) shown on Template A attached earlier to the firewall. Ensure the center point of Template B remains centered over the fuel tank outlet hole while the lug line remains aligned diagonally. Secure Template B in this position using adhesive from a glue stick.    
 
Use a scroll saw to cut the fuel tank outlet clearance hole in the plywood as shown on the template. 
 
Center punch the four holes marked B. Drill all three center punch locations with a 5/32 inch drill. You can use a 3/16" drill if you wish to provide a bit looser tolerance. After drilling the holes, turn the firewall over and counter sink these four holes from the back of the wirewall using a 27/64 in. drill. Counter sink the holes to a depth of the thickness of a washer (approx 1-1.5mm) at the perimeter of the counter sunk holes.  
 
If you wish to seal the power module firewall, now is the time to do it. This is not mandatory but makes for a neater more professional looking finish. Remove the templates and wipe away any adhesive residue. Blow off any dust. Coat all surfaces with Pacer Finishing Resin. Set aside to cure.
 

Template B overlying and aligned with diagonal lines of Template A.
 
T-beam mounting holes drilled
 
Back view after T-beam mounting holes have been countersunk
 
1.1.6. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Install the Engine Mount (T-beams)
After aligning the engine mount T-beam mounting holes, you are ready to install the engine mounts.
 
Use four hex head 4mm bolts with washers under the heads. Insert the bolts through the firewall from the backside of the firewall. Position the T-beam mounts as shown in Pictures 14D and 15A in the Assembly and Operations Manual.
 
Loosely screw all four bolts through the firewall and though the T-beams and into 4 mm nuts before tightening any one bolt or nut. Once all bolts are inserted through firewall and the T-beams and engaged with the 4mm nuts, tighten the bolts and nuts snugly. Ensure the washers on the back side of the firewall sink down into the counter sink holes so that the outer surface of the washers are flush with the back surface of the power module firewall. Wait for 1 hour and then apply Pacer Z42 Blue Threadlocker to the nuts and the threads near the nuts. Retighten the bolts snugly.
 
Engine T-beam Mounts Installed - Back View
 
Engine T-beam Mounts Installed - Front View
 
 
1.1.7. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Install the Fuel Tank
After installing the engine mount T-beams and securing the nuts and bolts please review Step 14 in the Assembly and Operations Manual. Prepare your fuel tank per Step 14 and the associated pictures.
 
From the back of the firewall, insert the two 7/32 x 3.5 inch dowels into the 7/32 dowel holes drilled using Template A. If you are using 1/4 in. dowels, redrill the holes to 1/4" inside diameter. Insert the dowels only to the point where their forward ends are flush with the forward face of the firewall. You may wish to tap the dowels into the holes using a small hammer. Carefully study the tank tubes and alignment before proceeding. Make sure you know which tube is for what and which way around the tank is. Using Pacer Dap-A-Goo, glue the tank to the dowels and seal both sides of the tank black rubber gasket and tank neck and metal safety ring into place in the firewall center hole. Protect the tubes with tape while sealing. Hold the tank in place with masking tape until the sealant cures. Wick Pacer ZAP-A-GAP CA+ into the dowel holes from the front side of the firewall.

Set aside and let all adhesives and sealants cure.
 

Fuel Tank Installed - Back View

Fuel Tank Installed - Front View
 
1.1.8. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Modify the Fixed Firewall in the Fuselage.
Use Template C. Use scissors to trim to the outer perimeter of the fuselage as shown on Template C. Cut out the inner area of Template C that is bound by the black line. The black line denotes the fixed firewall installed by the factory for electric power systems. Carefully, center, align and attach template C to the forward face of the fixed firewall of the fuselage using adhesive from a glue stick.
 
Use a Dremel tool and sanding drum to carve away the fixed firewall to match the red line perimeter of Template C. Work in small steps and test the fit of your power module assembly frequently. Continue carving in small steps with frequent test fits until the fuel tank can be easily inserted into the fuselage from the front and the back face of the power module firewall can be pressed flush against the forward face of the fixed firewall while the power module firewall is centered and aligned.
 

Template C Applied to Firewall. Black Outline Represents Factory Cutout for Electric Power System. Use Drum Sander to Expand Cutout to Perimeter Denoted by Red Line.

Firewall After Cutting to Red Line
 
1.1.9. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Temporarily Attach the Power Module to the Fuselage.
Use two button head sheet metal screws to temporarily hold the power module centered and flush fitted to the front of the fuselage. This will enable you to attach the engine and check the cowl and muffler fit before completing the permanent installation of the power module firewall. We strongly suggest drilling pilot holes for the screws to prevent splitting wood in the fuselage.   
 
1.1.10. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Install Engine, Cowl, Muffler, Spinner & Throttle Control
See Step 15 of the Assembly and Operations Manual to install your engine, cowl, muffler and spinner. Use a Dremel drum sander and sharp scissors to cut out the cowl to fit your engine. Use Template D as a guide for cutting the cowl. Install your muffler and check the muffler clearances through the cowl and around the fuselage. Use an exhaust stack extender if necessary to enable the muffler to clear the fuselage.
 
See Step 19 of the Assembly & Operations Manual for routing and connection of the Throttle Control.
 

Cowl After Cutting - View From Front Lower Right Quarter
1.1.11. VMA-E240X Easy 3D 45-52 ARF - Finalize Attachment of the Power Module to the Fuselage.
After test fitting your engine, cowl, muffler and spinner you are ready to finalize the attachment of the power module to the fuselage.
 
There are two general ways to go about this, removeable or non-removeable.
 
If you want to be able to remove the power module for maintenance etc in the future we suggest using four button head sheet metal screws (four #8 x 5/8 Robertson screws provided). Use screws that are just long enough to go through the firewalls but not protrude into the fuel tank area. Choose the screw down points carefully to pick good solid widely distributed areas. Drill pilot holes through both firewalls being careful not to nick or hole the fuel tank.
 
Wick Pacer ZAP CA into the holes in the fuselage to toughen them up.
 
Firmly attach the power module to the fuselage using the screws.
 
If you want to permanently attach the power module to the fuselage, use Pacer 30 Minute ZEPOXY. Apply plenty of ZEPOXY to both the power module firewall and the fixed firewall. Flush the firewalls together ensuring that everything is aligned properly. Hold in place with masking tape or screws for several hours.
 
Clean away excess expoxy before it cures.
 
1.1.12. Support

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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.

 

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