FB Jets Dolphin S Manual - page 7
FB Jets Dolphin
7
additionally someone could even get hurt. So please pause every once in a while when building
and double check your workmanship.
Clean and inspect all parts. Inventory them against the parts list at the end of the manual and
notify the kit supplier of any missing components as soon as possible.
If the paint scheme you have selected is glossy, it is recommended that you apply a coat of
wax. This will help resist dirt, stains and fingerprints during construction, and will provide some
limited protection against errant glue.
Vacuum out the remnants of packing materials that remain in the fuselage.
Adhesives
The author prefers Loctite Hysol 9462 adhesive for all procedures. This is a very strong epoxy that is
thixotropic. “Thixotropic” means it does not run at all, but stays only where you put it. It is superior to
regular epoxy, even slow setting epoxy, because of this characteristic. Regular epoxy will run with
gravity as it dries, taking it away from where it is supposed to be. The downside of Hysol is it takes
overnight to dry properly. It is recommended that you only use a proper Hysol dispensing gun and only
the long-type mixing nozzles.
Be careful if using adhesives such as “shoe goo” or Zap-a-Gap-a-Goo, as these contain solvents that
may attack the fiberglass and could ruin the surface finish of your model.
Standard Pneumatic LG Systems
Pneumatic retracts typically are the number one maintenance issue with most models however with
proper installation procedures and preventive maintenance this need not be the case. The Dolphin
uses pneumatic retract and brakes. If you follow a few tips you should have a very reliable leak free
operation. Factory installed systems should be inspected for kinked lines, proper insertion of hoses on
fittings and the hose routings should be neat and secure. Special attention should be made to ensure
that the length of tubing at “T” fitting is equal to both sides to ensure balance operation, epically in the
brake system. Take special precautions to route hoses away from moving landing gear parts and hot
engine areas. It is recommended that the factory valves, cylinders and brakes be dissembled, cleaned
and lubed with a good O-ring lubricant to ensure reliable operation.
If installing your own pneumatic components it is important to make all cuts in the pneumatic tubing
dead square before installing on the nipples, also make sure that the lines are pushed all of the way
onto the nipples. They should not need to be secured otherwise however you can add fine safety wire
for extra security.
Optional Electric LG Systems
At the time of writing of this manual it was announced that FB Jets will offer optional electric retracts for
this model.