Multiplex MERLIN Notice De Construction page 16

Like any other aircraft, this model has static limits! Steep dives and silly, imprudent manoeuvres may cause structural failure
and the loss of the model. Please note: damage caused by incompetent flying is obvious to us, and we are not prepared to
replace components damaged in this way. It is always best to fly gently at first, and to work gradually towards the model's
limits. The aircraft is designed to cope with our 'Tuning' (upgrade) power system, but is only capable of withstanding the flight
loads if it is built exactly as specified, and is in perfect structural order (i.e. not damaged). Further upgrade measures are
possible, but should only be attempted if you have plenty of experience in this field, as additional structural reinforcements will
be required.
Important note
This model is not made of styrofoam™, and it is not possible to glue the material using white glue, polyurethane or epoxy;
these adhesives only produce a superficial bond which gives way when stressed. For most joints use medium-viscosity
cyano-acrylate glue, preferably our Zacki-ELAPOR®, # 59 2727 - the cyano glue optimised specifically for ELAPOR®
particle foam. At some points the extremely low-viscosity (thin) type, Zacki ELAPOR super liquid, # 59 2728, is required.
If you use Zacki-ELAPOR® you will find that you do not need cyano 'kicker' or activator for most joints. However, if you wish
to use a different adhesive, and are therefore obliged to use kicker / activator spray, we recommend that you apply the
material in the open air as it can be injurious to health.
1. Before assembling the model
Please check the contents of your kit before you start working on
it.
You will find Figs. 1 + 2 and the Parts List helpful here.
Please do not throw away the EPS packaging carrier (speckled
white), as it is the ideal support for transporting the finished
model, and is required for use with the transport bag, # 76
3316. If you want to fit the completed electric version of the
model in the packaging carrier, always fix the propeller with a
rubber band, otherwise it may be damaged.
2. Preparation
2.1 Preliminary assembly of the servo assemblies "AQR",
"AQL", "AS" and "AH",
Fig. 3
Cut down the servo output arms (with 1 mm Ø linkage holes) to
the shapes shown in Fig. 3, then fit the output arms on the servos
as shown in the drawing, after setting the servos to neutral from
the transmitter - don't forget to centre the trims! The aileron
pushrods are later connected to the second hole from centre
(lever length approx. 10 mm) of the servo output arms.
The rudder and elevator pushrods are later connected to the first
hole from centre (lever length approx. 8 mm) of the servo output
arms.
Clip the rudder and elevator servos into the servo frames 44.
We have assigned capital letters to these preliminary steps: the
aileron servo assemblies are termed "AQ"-"R"ight and "L"eft;
the rudder servo assembly is termed "AS", and that for the
elevator "AH".
Before installing the servos please check that the servo output
arms do not foul any part of the model. You may need to trim
away a little foam around the output arms, or cut back the arms
themselves, to provide proper clearance.
2.2 Preliminary assembly of the control surface horn
assemblies "RA", Fig. 4
Fit the socket-head grubscrews 24 in the three twin pushrod
connector barrels 23. The swivel barrels are then pushed into
the control surface horns 22 until they snap into place.
2.3 Preliminary assembly of the elevator crank mechanism
"HM", Fig. 5
Mount the swivel pushrod connector 25 on the elevator crank 54
using the nut 27 and the washer 26, taking care to fit the parts
the right way round. Lightly tighten the nut with your fingers (the
pushrod connector must be free to rotate), then apply a drop of
16
glue to the outside of the nut to prevent it working loose. Fit the
socket-head grubscrew 24 in the pushrod connector, then place
the prepared crank 54 in the bearing housing 50. Close the
housing by fitting the cover 51 using the screws 30. Check that
the system works smoothly, and make any adjustments required.
2.4 Preliminary assembly of the two fuselage nose-cones:
"Glider" and "Power-glider".
2.4.1 Glider: preliminary assembly of the glider nose-cone unit
"S", Fig. 6
Fix the fuselage nose-cone 43 to the fuselage nose fairing /
motor bulkhead 42 using the two screws 37.
2.4.2 Power-glider: preliminary assembly of the power unit
"AE", Figs. 7 + 8
This description covers the optional power set, # 33 2653 (this
set is the perfect match for the Merlin, as everything harmonises
correctly. The power unit is supplied with two different propellers:
with the smaller prop the motor operates at optimum efficiency,
thereby providing maximum flying times. With the larger prop the
motor is operating close to its performance limit, and with a
good flight battery (e.g.# 15 7104) the model then has vertical
climb capability):
Screw the motor to the fuselage fairing / motor bulkhead 42
using the four screws supplied with the power set. Fit the propeller
driver as shown in the drawing. Ensure that there is 1 mm
clearance between the motor bulkhead and the propeller driver
when the parts are in place; check that the driver does not foul
the screw-heads.
3. Completing the fuselage
3.1 Completing the "outside" of the right-hand fuselage shell,
Fig. 9
Lay the right-hand fuselage shell 4 "flat" on your working surface
(table). Cut the fuselage longeron 69 to a length of 510 mm, and
glue it in the external channel in the fuselage shell, taking care to
secure it along its full length. Use a cloth to wipe off excess
adhesive immediately.
Caution: it is essential that the fuselage shells lie flat (straight)
on the bench surface when the longerons are fitted, as you
will not be able to correct any error subsequently! This is the
stage at which you produce either a straight or a bent fuselage.
Don't blame the foam parts if the fuselage ends up crooked!
Cut the aerial sleeve 67 to a length of 320 mm and glue it in the
fuselage shell. Note: install the sleeve even if you are installing
a 2.4 GHz system, as it stiffens the fuselage!