Assembling The Model; Preparation, General Notes; Cutting The Access Opening For Mechanics Installation - GRAUPNER heim Bell 230 Instructions D'utilisation

Bell 230

1. Assembling the model

1.1 Preparation, general notes

The numbers in (brackets) refer to the part numbers in the parts list at the end of the instructions.
These fuselages are moulded by hand, and may exhibit minor differences between examples,
particularly along the inside of the central joint line. The side windows provide good access to
the important parts of the mechanics. Before you install any component permanently be sure to
check that it fits and can be aligned accurately before you reach for the glue. Please work very
carefully and patiently to avoid serious mistakes. All screwed joints must be secured with
thread-lock fluid, with the exception of screws driven into plastic, and those fitted with self-
locking nuts. This is not mentioned separately in the instructions from now on. All the
accessories which are to be installed in the model should be prepared and set up as described
in the instructions supplied with them.
1.1.1 Mechanics
We assume that the mechanics for this model are already fully assembled. We recommend that
you start by removing the silencer, the manifold and the rotor head from the mechanics, as this
makes it easier to handle the assembly during the construction stage. We recommend installing
the silencer console (4450.149), which braces the silencer against the mechanics. If you wish to
start the motor using the hexagon starter adaptor (Order No. 1621), you will need to install the
hexagon starter cone, Order No. 4448.103, in the cooling fan mounted on the motor.
The skid mounting clamps 1291.21 must be installed with the recesses on top. Press an M3
hexagon nut in each recess, and secure each with a drop of bearing lock fluid 603 (Order No.
951). Take care not to allow the fluid to run inside the nuts.
The skid clamps in later versions of the mechanics feature moulded-in threaded inserts; in this
case separate nuts are not required.
1.1.2 Fuselage
Glued joints: the inside surface of the GRP mouldings must be roughened thoroughly with
coarse abrasive paper at all joint positions, otherwise there is little chance of obtaining a durable
glued joint. Almost all the openings in the fuselage - for the windows, air inlets etc. - are
machine-cut as standard; however, if you intend to install a retractable undercarriage in the
model, you will need to cut the holes for the undercarriage legs. The position and size of the
various holes required for other screwed joints are described in the course of construction.
Where parts have to be glued to the fuselage, we recommend the use of a long strip of
hardwood or similar to apply the resin. All wooden parts should be sealed before installation to
prevent them absorbing oil. An application of cyano works well.
The top fuselage fairing (B2) and the tail cap (B3) are supplied slightly oversize, and have to be
trimmed to fit neatly on the fuselage (B1). The machined cut-outs in the fuselage inevitably have
sharp edges which should be carefully sanded smooth using fine-grit abrasive paper; trim the
openings slightly where necessary. The widow openings should be left with an even support
flange all round to support the glazing panels.

1.2 Cutting the access opening for mechanics installation

The windscreen is designed to be completely removable, so that the mechanics with silencer
attached (also the tail boom in some cases) can be installed easily in the fuselage. This means
that the T-shaped front cross-piece in the fuselage (top and centre support for the front screen)
has to be cut out. Start with the top cross-strut, and cut through the strut on both sides as
shown in the drawing using a fretsaw. Cut as neatly as you can, and keep the lines straight.
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