Let’s Build a JR Forza 700…

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 1 completed. Left side frame is now installed. All bolts are slightly loose still:

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 2 Manual Page. Time to install the motor/motor mount:

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 2 Parts Layout.

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Bag 2, Step 2 Completed!

All fasteners are still slightly loose at this point:

[Ah Clem]

On to Bag 2, Step 3!

The sub-assemblies built in Step 1 will be incorporated into the components assemble in Step 2, Bag 2. This includes the upper Tray L, and the Middle Cross Member Assembly. The second gyro/receiver mount and rear canopy mounts will be installed as well.

[Ah Clem]

Parts Layout for Bag 2, Step 3.

It should be noticed that the manual shows that the fasteners for the rear of the second gyro mount are self-tapping screws. I suspect that sometime in the past, the mount was plastic. This one is finely finished aluminum and tapped for 3mm machine screw threads. The screws that came with it are 3mm Button Head Screws:

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 3 Complete!

Note the presence of the Main Rotor Shaft in the first. I removed this from Bag 3, Step 1 to check for alignment. If the frames are aligned properly the shaft will drop down easily through the three bearing blocks with no problems, which it did!

[Ah Clem]

Next is Step 2, Bag 4.

In this step, the main landing gear mounts are attached to the lower side frames:

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Step 2, Bag 4 Completed!

[Ah Clem]

Time for Bag 2, Step 5!

In this step, the lower side frames will be attached to the upper side frames.

The manual page:

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 5 fasteners, spacers and rear carbon fiber tray.

The manual tells you to sand the two tabs on the tray so that a drop on each end will secure it in the lower side frames. Make sure that you take precautions so as not to inhale ANY carbon fiber dust.

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 5 parts layout...

The previously assembled upper frames, along with the hardware/spacers/tray from the photo above, and the Lower Side Frames assembled in Bag 2, Step 4 above.

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 5 completed.

All of the fasteners were tightened gradually, working around the airframe. While doing this, the main shaft was, once again, dropped in through the bearing blocks to confirm that the frames were still in alignment.

After everything was tight, and aligned, the frame bolts were removed, one at a time, coated with threadlock, re-installed, and tightened. The only exception being the motor mount bolts and the main bearing block shaft bolts.

The motor mount bolts will remain loose in order that the gear mesh is set. The main shaft bearing block bolts are tight, but without threadlock. so that the left and right servo mounts (which have slotted mounting holes) can be adjusted for and aft for optimal geometry.

[Ah Clem]

Time to get the main frames up on the landing gear!

Bag 2, Step 6 Manual Page:

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Bag 2, Step 6 Parts Layout.

The end plugs for the landing gear skids are actually rubber, as opposed to plastic.

A drop of thin CA will keep them in place once they are installed.

[Ah Clem]

Bag 2, Step 6 Done!

The previously assembled frames are now up on the landing gear:

[Ah Clem]

Time to open Bag 3!

(okay, I already opened it to get the main shaft out to check the main shaft bearing alignment).

[Ah Clem]

The manual page for Bag 3, Step 1.

We are going to install the auto-rotation clutch assembly in the main gear.

Note the orientation of the main gear and the clutch assembly-there is a "JR" mark visible in the web, near the hub on the main gear to show which way the gear should be oriented.

The bottom of the clutch assembly is dark in color and tapers down.

[Ah Clem]

Parts Layout for Bag 3, Step 1.

Once again, all fasteners and the holes they thread into are cleaned thoroughly so that the threadlock will adhere properly.

[Ah Clem]

Bag 3, Step 1.

Clutch mounted to main gear.

The clutch is the Sprag type. I did a bit of research regarding lubricants on this one. I know some in the modeling community like grease for Sprags, some like ATF, a few like to run them dry. Some of the Sprag manufacturers recommend grease, some ATF.

I have had ATF in the one in my Red Forza 700 for the entire five or six years that I have had it, and have never had an issue, so I went with ATF again-just a few drops, while moving the "sprags" back and forth.

The large, thin pattern washers are spacers to prevent vertical play-I used both.