Top Flite Turtle Deck

Aerotech Scale Parts has developed a simple way to add a sliding canopy to the TopFlite Giant scale P51. The canopy can be installed on the ARF version, but will require the removal of the covering around the canopy area. The covering will have to be replaced once the slider is completed.

Installation Instructions
1. If your kit is an ARF you will need to peel away the Monocote Covering to allow a working area somewhat larger than the Styrene deck that you received. You are now ready to proceed to the instructions for the Scratch built and ARC versions.

2. There are two cut out patterns, at the end of these instructions, that are marked forward and rear. Cut out these patterns and lay on the balsa sheeting as shown in Photo 1.Add a 3/16 piece of balsa approximately 1 1/2 X 5 inches long to the inside of the fuselage. This will stiffen and help support the deck where the rails will be installed. These pieces can be seen in Photos 1,2,and 22. Mark the sheeting and remove as shown in Photo 2

3. The Center 1/8 Inch plywood former will need to be cut down ¼ inch if you plan on installing an Aerotech Scale Parts Cockpit kit. See Photo 3

Photo 3

Photo 4

4. Trim the Styrene plastic turtle deck and trial fit to the fuselage. See Photo 4

5. Cut out 1/8 inch wide slot for the rear slide track. See Photo 5. Install plastic track to the styrene deck. The track will require a slight bend to conform to the underside of the styrene deck. See photo 6. Sand the parts with 80 Grit sandpaper and glue the track to the bottom of the deck. Use a tongue depressor or similar thin strip of wood inserted in the track to align with the slot. See Photo 7. Cut a slot in the balsa deck behind the turtle deck to accept the plastic track. See Photo 8. Check for proper fit.

6. Sand the underside of the plastic deck to prepare it for gluing to the fuselage. You can use a little lacquer thinner or alcohol to clean the styrene. We used 30 minute ZPOXY by Pacer for a strong glue joint. Use 2 inch packaging tape to hold the deck in place while it cures.

7. Fill around the deck with your favorite "Bondo" type filler. We use Evercoat #100-408. Evro-soft Polyester Glazing putty. Despite its smell it is a good filler and it sands well. Also cures fast. It is usually available at most auto body supply stores. See Photo 9.

8. Cut out the cockpit opening, as indicated by the molded in lines, on the top of the deck and the angled front dash. See Photo 10 Trial fit the cockpit kit into the opening. Trim to fit as necessary. See Photo 11

Measuring from the outside edge of the deck, the front edge of the brass rail should be inset 3/16 inch. The rear should be inset 1/16. See photo 13. Clean the surfaces of the rails and the deck where the rails will be glued. Sand the surfaces with 80 grit paper. Glue the rails in place making sure to place the slot toward the center of the fuselage. (Note: Epoxy will not hold the rails in place. We use a special glue with the ability to bond metals with other substrates. It is called methyl methacrylate. You could also use something like Zap A Dap A Goo from Pacer. Aerotech has a special applicator gun, two 50ml tubes of methacrylate adhesive, and 2 short mixing nozzles available for $62.00. This is the best adhesive we have found. We have been using it for 14 years. We also use this adhesive to glue the canopy to the aluminum frame.) See Photo 14.

10. Drill a 3/16 inch hole as shown in Photo 15. The hole will allow you to install and remove the slider. The rear cap screw rides in this track. Make sure the rear track is free from all debris. Remove the Allen head socket screw from the slider and place it in the rear track. Make sure it travels freely up and down the track. See Photo 16. Reinstall the Allen screw in the canopy slider and adjust it so the head is 5/16 inch below the bottom lip of the canopy frame. You can use this adjustment screw to raise and lower the canopy frame so it clears the rear deck and runs smoothly along the tracks.

11. Trim the canopy about 1/16 inch larger than the cut line and trial fit. See Photo 17. The slider, when removed from the rear, will allow for final fitting after glued to the frame. Set the canopy aside for now.

12. Paint the turtle deck and front dash area with flat black paint. See Photo 18

While the paint is still wet, blow microballons on the paint. When the paint is dry you will have a very nice surface. This hint is also great for wing walk areas.

13. Glue the canopy to the slider frame. Do not separate the canopy from the windscreen before gluing in place. Please note the balsa pieces inside and outside the canopy which help you get a good glue joint. See Photo 19.

14. When the glue has set up, cut the canopy at the windscreen, between the front and rear bows. Use a sharp razor saw and be sure the surface of the canopy is protected with masking tape. See Photo 20. Use the razor saw to separate the two. Make sure to keep your cut lines straight. Check for any excess glue that might be holding in the rear. When you have completed the cut, remove the tape holding the canopy in place and separate front from the back. Remove the tape holding the front and rear bows together. This is the tape that was on your slider when you received it. You can see the green tape in Photo 21 You will need to go from inside the fuselage to do this.

15. Remove the canopy and clean up the cut lines. Where the canopy joins the windscreen, the canopy should overlap the fuselage side by 1/8 – 3/16 inch. At the rear track the canopy should set directly on the deck. The sides of the canopy should overlap the fuselage 1/8 – 3/16 inch back to the rear. See Photo 22

16. On the following pages, I have included photos shot during the installation for your information. I hope they help.