Stevens Aero Model Avro 558 Manual

1923 Avro 558

A record setting motor glider from the 1923 Lympne light aircraft trials.

Wing Span: 33 inches | Wing Area: 205 square inches | Average Flying Weight: 7 ounces

Build Instructions - Version 1.24 (revised 08.21.2014)

Build Instructions

WARRANTY

Stevens AeroModel guarantees this kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the

date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component parts damaged by use or modification.

In no case shall Stevens AeroModel’s liability exceed the original cost of the purchased kit. Further,

Stevens AeroModel reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice.

LIABILITY RELEASE

In that Stevens AeroModel has no control over the final assembly or material used for final assembly,

no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from use by the user. By the act of

using the user-assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability.

If the buyer is not prepared to accept the liability associated with the use of this product, the buyer is

advised to return this kit immediately in new and unused condition to the place of purchase.

THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN 12 YEARS OF AGE OR YOUNGER.

WARNING: This product may contain chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer

and/or birth defects or other reproductive harm.

PRODUCT SUPPORT

This product has been engineered to function properly and perform as advertised, with the suggested

power system and supporting electronics as outlined within this product manual. Product support

cannot be provided, nor can Stevens AeroModel assist in determining the suitability or use of

electronics, hardware, or power systems not explicitly recommended by Stevens AeroModel.

For product assembly support, replacement parts, hardware, and electronics to complete this model,

please contact Stevens AeroModel at www.stevensaero.com.

Stevens AeroModel

26405 Judge Orr Rd., Colorado Springs, CO 80808 USA

719-387-4187 www.stevensaero.com

Build Instructions

Avro 558 - Kit Inventory

☐Laser-cut wood, 12 sheets (See Sheet Wood Inventory, page 5 and 6)

☐Illustrated Build Instructions

☐Detail Sheet, 1 sheet, 11 in. x 17 in.

☐4 - Balsa stripwood, 3/16 in. x 3/16 in. x 24 in.

Taped to back of wood brick:

☐1 - Wire, .063 in. x 12 in. (Landing gear)

☐2 - Wire, .032 in. x 18 in. (Push rods)

☐2 - Nylon tube, yellow, .070 OD x 12 in. (Push rod housing)

Hardware Bag:

☐1 - Wheels, pair, spindle style (DUB200ML)

☐1 - Aluminum tube, 1/16 in. x 2 in.

☐1 - Hardwood dowel, 1/8 in. x 2 in.

☐1 - Part F5, 1/8 in. lite plywood (laser cut)

☐1 - Blind nut, 4-40

☐1 - Nylon screw, 4-40 x 3/8 in.

☐1 - Nylon hinge, small Du-Bro RC [DUB118]

☐1 - Tail skid, delrin (laser cut)

☐2 - Wing tip skid, delrin (laser cut)

☐2 - E/Z connectors pkg. [DUB845]

☐2 - Micro E/Z links [DUB849]

☐2 - Nylon washers, black dished [4016]

☐6 - Screws, #0 x 3/16 in. [3010]

☐8 - Neo-magnets, 3/16 in. dia. x 1/16 in. thick [4014]

Avro 558 - Background

The Avro 558 biplane motor glider, was designed for the 1923 Lympne light aircraft trials. It is certain to

delight, with it long slender lines and efficient glide. Two examples were built. The aircraft did not win the

competition, but one later went on to establish a altitude world record for its class of 13,850 ft.

Our sport-scale model of the Avro 558 was designed and manufactured in the USA using industry leading

construction methods and innovative laser cutting techniques, Stevens AeroModel hand selects only the

highest quality AAA balsa and hard woods from select state-side mills. To ensure builder success the

thoughtful design and materials selection is backed by a thorough step-by-step photo illustrated

instruction manual, clear drawings, and a comprehensive hardware package. StevensAero.com cordially

invites you to experience the satisfaction of building and flying this one-of-a-kind sport-scale model

airplane.

Build Instructions

Suggested Items to Complete this Model

Many of the suggested items listed below are available at your local hobby shop. For your convenience,

Stevens AeroModel stocks all the power system components and most of the building supplies required

to complete this kit. If you have difficulties sourcing any of these items locally, please visit our website,

stevensaero.com to purchase the items necessary to complete the model.

Required Electronics

☐RC transmitter and micro receiver with at least 3 channels

☐Servos, two required, Hitec HS-35HD

☐Motor, SA Sport BL-250 brushless (SUPA1510/15)

☐Speed control, 10A brushless (SUPA10AESC)

☐Propeller, 6x3 GWS HD (GW/EP6030)

☐Propeller adapter, 2mm (EFLM1927)

☐Battery, 550 mAh 7.4V LiPo (LG325-550-2S)

Covering Film Requirements

While any high-quality covering film may be used to finish this model, superior results will be achieved by

using genuine AeroLITETM brand covering film, available exclusively from Stevens AeroModel. The lower

working temperature and light weight of AeroLITETM are especially desirable for this type of model.

AeroLITETM is one-third the weight of typical model covering films, and will present a significant weight

savings when applied to this model.

☐1 - AeroLITETM roll (2M)

Sealing Bare Wood

While not required, it is suggested that a high-quality clear lacquer be used to protect and seal any

unfinished wood. One single light coat of clear lacquer should be sufficient to protect the model from

moisture, without adding significantly to the model’s final flying weight.

Many parts of this model may be colored using a lacquer-based spray paint. Listed below are some of

the products we have used on our models. Please feel free to use whatever products you prefer.

☐DEFT clear lacquer-based sealant (available at most hardware stores)

☐Design Master Color Tool, lacquer-based spray paint (available at most arts and crafts stores)

Build Instructions

Required Building Supplies and Tools

☐CA glue, medium, 1/4 oz (PAAPT04)

☐CA glue, thin, 1/4 oz (PAAPT10)

☐CA glue applicator tips (PAAPT21)

☐CA glue accelerator (PAAPT15)

☐Hobby knife with supply of #11 blades

☐Sanding block with 400 and 600 grit paper

Building Supplies and Tools

☐Covering iron and heat gun

☐Needle nose pliers, small

☐Clear tape, 1/2 in. (DUB916)

☐Velcro for mounting battery (DUB348)

☐Masking tape (low-tack blue painters’ tape)

☐Drill bit, 1/16 in. dia.

Optional Building Supplies and Tools

☐Balsa filler (HCAR3401)

☐Modeling clay (ballast)

☐CA glue de-bonder (PAAPT16)

☐Required Building Supplies

☐

☐Clear lacquer-based sealant (DEFT)

☐Lacquer-based spray paint (Design

Master®)

Sheet Wood Inventory (1 of 2)

Build Instructions

Sheet Wood Inventory (2 of 2)

Build Instructions

General Assembly Instructions

Thank you for purchasing the 1923 Avro 558 from Stevens AeroModel.

This model has been developed and manufactured using state-of-the-art CAD/CAM systems. Our kits

feature a unique interlocking construction process, that when compared to traditional building methods,

saves countless hours of measuring, cutting, sanding, and fitting. We are certain that you’ll find our kit to

offer a truly exceptional build experience.

As this kit is recommended for the novice model builder and pilot, we invite beginners who have

purchased this kit to seek the help of an experienced builder and pilot. If at any time during the assembly

of this kit, should you run across a term or technique that is foreign to you, please contact our staff with

your questions.

IMPORTANT!

Please READ and RE-READ these build instructions along with any other included documentation before

starting your build and/or contacting our staff for builder support.

Pre-Sanding

DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP. Before removing any parts from the laser-cut sheet wood, use a sanding

block loaded with 250 - 400 grit sandpaper and lightly sand the back side of each wood sheet. This step

removes any residue produced as a result of the laser cutting process. We have found that most stock

wood sizes run several thousandths of an inch oversized. This step also slightly reduces the thickness of

each sheet of wood. Leave all parts in the sheet wood until required for assembly.

Protecting Your Work Surface

Use the poly tube that this kit was shipped in as a nonstick barrier between your work surface and the

product assembly.

Bonding the Assembly

This product’s tabs and notches interlock like a 3D puzzle. We strongly suggest that when fitting parts,

you dry fit (use no glue) the parts together first. It is advised to work 1 - 2 steps ahead in the instructions,

using this dry-fit technique. This allows the opportunity to inspect the fit and location of assembled

components, and shows the benefits of our construction technique. As each successive part is added, it

contributes to pulling the entire assembly square. Once you arrive at the end of a major assembly

sequence, square your work on a flat work surface and bond the dry fit joints with glue. Using the dry-fit

process, you’ll be able to recover from a minor build mistake and will ultimately end up with a square and

true assembly.

Unless otherwise noted in the instructions, we find it easier to “tack glue” parts (temporarily bonding parts

in assemblies, using a small dot of glue). When using medium CA glue, apply with a fine-tip CA glue

applicator. Never bond painted or covered assemblies with thin CA, as it can destroy the finish of a

beautifully prepared model.

Never Force the Fit!

This is a precision laser-cut kit. Our lasers cut to within 5 thousandths of an inch in accuracy. Yet the

wood stock supplied to us by the mill may vary in thickness by up to 20 thousandths. This variance in the

wood stock can cause some tabs and notches to fit very tightly. With this in mind, consider lightly sanding

or lightly pinching a tight-fitting tab, rather than forcing the parts together. You will break fewer parts in

assembly, and end up with a square and true airframe.

Manual Updates

Please check our website for updates to these instructions before starting the build. To obtain downloads

and updates to this model aircraft kit, please visit the product page at stevensaero.com

Build Instructions

Fuselage

Fuselage parts are designated with a “F” followed by a numeric. Parts have been numbered so that the

fuselage assembly and required parts follows in numeric order from F1 to F38.

The fuselage is of traditional sheet side with central crutch assembly. Many of the formers will need to be

installed in a forward and top/bottom orientation. Unless otherwise specified, formers should be installed

with the etched part number facing the front of the assembly and any top or bottom designations followed.

You will dry fit the majority of this fuselage assembly together only gluing at the final instructional steps.

When parts cannot easily be retained with friction, use a single tiny drop of medium CA glue applied

sparingly through a CA glue applicator tip to “tack glue” the part in place. Should you commit an error in

assembly it will be easier to recover from the mistake and remove or correct the part fit in error if you do

not slather the assembly in glue after each step! Further, this method of assembly will allow our

interlocking design to do it’s job as each successive part installed within the fuselage will help pull the

entire structure square and true.

1. Lay part F1 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) on the work surface with the etched side marked

“Bottom” facing up. Press a 3/16 in. dia. x 1/16 in. neo-magnet into the hole at the front of

F1, and bond by wicking CA around the edges of the magnet.

2. Next, press another neo-magnet into the hole at the rear of F1, and bond with CA.

3. Assemble F2, beginning with parts F2a and F2b (sheet 09/12, 1/16 in. balsa), and bond

where the parts fit together at the rear.

4. Fit and bond cross pieces F2c through F2h (sheet 09/12, 1/16 in. balsa) in order from the

front (wide) end of F2, proceeding toward the rear of F2.

5. Fit the completed F2 assembly to the rear of F1 and bond with CA.

6. Ensure that F1/F2 are laying on the work surface with the etched “Bottom” side facing up.

Fit former F3 (sheet 09/12, 1/16 in. balsa) to the crosspiece F2h, with the arrows on F3

pointing toward the cross piece, and “tack glue” with medium CA.

7. Fit and “tack glue” former F4 (sheet 09/12, 1/16 in. balsa) to the cross piece F2f, with the

arrows pointing toward the cross piece.

8. Wing Mount: Locate ply part F5 and lay it on the work surface with the etched side facing

up. Press the 4-40 blind nut found in your hardware bag into the hole in the middle of F5

until it is firmly seated. A small hammer may be used to assist in seating the nut. Bond by

wicking small drops of medium CA around the flange on the nuts.

Build Instructions

□

Build Instructions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 8

Step 7

Step 6

Step 5

Bottom

Neo-Magnet

Bottom

Neo-Magnet

F2a

F2b

Bond

F2c

F2d

F2e

F2f

F2g

F2h

Bond

4-40 Blind Nut

Fuselage (continued)

9. With F5 laying on the work surface, with the flanged side of the nut facing up, fit ply parts F6

and F7 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) to the slots at each end of F5. Orient F6 and F7 so that

the tabs point in the same direction as the tabs on F5. Bond with medium CA.

10. Lay former F8 (sheet 10/12, 1/16 in. balsa) on the work surface and fit the completed Wing

Mount assembly to the slots at the bottom of the former. Bond with medium CA.

11. Fit and tack glue former F8 to the cross piece F2d, oriented with the wing mount pointing

toward the front of the assembly.

12. Fit the servo plate F9 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) to F8, ensuring that the arrows on F9 point

forward.

13. Fit and tack glue F10 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) to F1 and the front of F9.

14. Fit part F11 (sheet 08/12, 1/16 in. balsa) to the slot in F10, covering the Neo-magnet at the

rear of F1. Bond F11 to F1 and F10 with CA.

15. Fit the ply strut mount plate F12 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) to the slots in F1 immediately

forward of former F10.

16. Fit former F13 (sheet 12/12, 1/16 in. ply) to the next set of slots in F1, immediately forward

of F12.

Build Instructions

□

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