Matt Stein Models
S2F/E-1/C-1 Tracker/Tracer/Trader
Conversion/Construction Tips


Click on Image to Enlarge Convert the casting beginning with the step(s) most stressful on the part(s), and proceed through those (as a general rule) progressively gentler and more delicate:


1. S2F TRACKER or C-1 TRADER conversion
(for E-1 skip to 2, below)


Click on Image to Enlarge To convert to the S2F Tracker or C-1 Trader, remove mass from the areas indicated (inverted/darkened):


Click on Image to Enlarge 1A. REMOVE STABILIZER-TIP RUDDERS
Bring cutting board to edge of table so wing can hang down while stabilizer-tip rudder is positioned flat, as shown at left. Insert very sharp, narrow blade (e.g., X-acto #11) as shown, to chop away bottom- and top halves of each rudder. If necessary, use knife in a rocking motion, wihout twisting or putting strain on stabilizer. Shape freed stablizer tips with emery board or sanding stick

1B. REMOVE RUDDER SPINE EXTENSION AND LARGE RADOME PYLON
Use chisel or sharp knife to chop away forward extension of rudder spine. Carefully separate large AEW radar pylon from cockpit roof radome, and remove pylon, as shown at right.

As appropriate for some earlier-model Trackers and all Traders, remove additional features as follows:


Click on Image to Enlarge 1C (optional). REMOVE COCKPIT ROOF-MOUNTED RADOME
For some Trackers and all Traders, chop off the cockpit roof-mounted radome and its pylon, as shown.

1D (optional). REMOVE WING-MOUNTED LIGHT POD
For some Trackers and all Traders, chop the light pod off the starboard wing leading edge, as shown. Grind/smooth remaining bulge from wing surfaces with an emery board or sanding stick.

1E. PAINT AIRCRAFT
It is recommended at this point to paint the aircraft; with all excess features removed but before wing-folding (if any), below.

As desired, fold the wings per the following:


Click on Image to Enlarge 1F (optional). FOLD WINGS
Under each wing, just outboard the engine nacelle, locate the pre-scored fold-line. (Note lines are parallel to each other but skewed slightly to the right (left when viewed from the bottom). Continue scoring in these grooves, using a scribing tool; the back (blunt) edge of an X-acto #11-type knife; or saw with a razor saw; completely through. Re-attach wings folded over each other ("scissored") on the back, as shown; test-fit the pieces - using (removable) white glue, if necessary - until the orientation and fit are well established.

All Tracker and Trader Variants: Proceed to 3, below.


2. E-1 TRACER conversion


Click on Image to Enlarge To convert to the E-1 Tracer, remove mass from the areas indicated (inverted/darkened):

Remove excess features as follows:


Click on Image to Enlarge 2A. REMOVE MAIN RUDDER TOP
Use chisel to chop away rudder top, level with forward extension (and large radome pylon, just ahead).

2B. REMOVE COCKPIT ROOF-MOUNTED RADOME
Use chisel or other sharp knife to carefully separate the cockpit roof-mounted radome, from the large radar pylon and chop off the head-mounted radome.

2C. REMOVE WING-MOUNTED LIGHT POD
As desired for some Trackers and all Traders, chop off the light pod off the leading edge of the starboard wing; grind/smooth down the remaining bumps using an emery board or sanding stick.

2D. PAINT AIRCRAFT AND LARGE AEW RADOME
It is recommended at this point to paint the aircraft; with all excess features removed but before wing-folding (if any) and attachment of the large, AEW radome, below. At the same time, pre-paint the large radome.

As desired, fold the wings per the following:


Click on Image to Enlarge 2E (optional). FOLD WINGS
Under each wing, just outboard the engine nacelle, locate the pre-scored fold-line. (Note lines are parallel to each other but skewed slightly to the right; to the left when viewed from the bottom). Continue scoring in these grooves, using a scribing tool; the back (blunt) edge of an X-acto #11-type knife; or saw with a razor saw; completely through. Use an emery board or sanding stick to square off these edges parallel to the wing chord, on each detached wing, as well as the root outboard of the left engine nacelle.

Re-attach wings by their bottom faces, pointing straight back toward the stablizer-tip rudders as shown.

Attach the large, AEW radome as follows:


Click on Image to Enlarge 2F. ATTACH LARGE RADOME
Trim pylon as needed to fit into groove on underside of large radome and glue pylon into the groove, with the rear end of the radome just making contact (glued) against the rudder spine extension. Make sure radome is aligned lengthwise and level.

Proceed to 3.


3. LANDING GEAR
Complete landing gear using the "Glue Drop" method, illustrated specifically for this casting.


COMPLETION: Apply decals and detail/touchup-paint as needed, to finish the aircraft..



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