Stevens Aero Model RV-4 User manual

- 1 -

RV-4

1:8 Scale Speed 300 Sport Aerobat

S300 (R2.04)

Span 34.5” / Length 30.5” / Area 250 Sq.” / Weight 14.5-16.5oz

- 2 -

Overpowering this model with a heavier / more powerful system is not recommended.

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.

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 the use by

the user of the final user-assembled product. 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.

- 3 -

REQUIRED TO COMPLETE KIT:

Kit Contents:

1. Computer Drawn Plan Sheet (SA-PART-RV300/PLN)

2. Illustrated Instruction Manual (SA-PART-RV300/MAN)

3. Laser Cut Balsa and Ply Parts Sheets (See Parts Inventory Sheet)

4. 1 - Clear Canopy (SA-PART-RV300/CP)

5. 1 - Cowl Assembly 2 pcs. (SA-PART-RV300/CW)

6. Large Hardware Bag (SA-PART-HW/LG/01)

•

2 – Nylon Tube 1/32” ID x 11.5”.

2 – Piano Wire 1/32” x 11.5”

1 – Aluminum Tube 3/32” x 6”

2 – Birch Dowel 1/8” x 2”

2 – Birch Dowel 1/8” x 4.5”

1 – Velcro Sticky Back 1” x 4”

1 – Velcro Strap ½” x 25 yd.

1 – Rubber Bands #16 (12 ea.)

2 – Landing Gear Struts (WIRE-LG-01)

7. Small Hardware Bag (SA-PART-HW/SM/01)

4 – Sig Easy Hinge (CA Hinge Material)

1 – #30 Sanded Kevlar Tape

2 – Blind Nut 4-40 (Optional Bolt on Wing)

2 – 4-40 x 1” Nylon Wing Bolt. (Optional Bolt on Wing)

8 – Pan Head #0x3/16” Screw

1 – Aluminum Tube 1/16”x1/4”

Recommended Finishing Items:

1. GWS or Dubro DUB150MW 1.5” Mini lite wheels (2-Pack) if using wheel pants.

2. Sullivan or Dubro DUB12MTW 1/2” Micro Tail wheel and Retainer.

3. Dubro Micro Pull/Pull Assembly DUB846

4. Dubro Mini E/Z Connectors DUB845

5. 1 Roll of Solar Film (Solar Film So-Lite – Nelson Lite Film) Covering. (No other covering is recommended)

6. 40mm or 1.5” Spinner

Suggested Electronics:

1. 4 Channel Transmitter (Using Y-Servo Extension for Ailerons)

2. 4 - Sub Micro Servos (Hitec HS-55, GWS Naro HPBB, or JR 241)

3. 1 - 6” Y-Servo Extension

4. 2 - 6” Servo Extension

5. 1 - Micro Receiver

6. 1 - Micro ESC (10 Amp)

7. 1 - GWS EPS350C-CS Motor - Gear Box

8. 1 - GWS Slow-Fly Prop 9x7.

9. 1 - 8 Cell 650KAN NIMH.

Brushless Power Systems:

1. Himax 2015-5400 / GWS GB 6.6:1 / 10x6 GWS HD Prop / 3x1050 Apogee LiPoly.

1. Hacker A20-20L / Direct Drive / 9x4.5 E Prop / 3x1320 Thunderpower LiPoly - With optional mount kit.

Items You May Need:

1. Thin and Medium CA (super glue)

2. Five Minute Epoxy

3. Wax Paper or Plastic Wrap

4. Razor Blade(s)

5. Fine Grit Sand Paper

6. Rat-Tail File

7. Clear Tape

8. Balsa Wood Filler

- 6 -

GENERAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS:

Thank you, for purchasing this Stevens Aeromodel 1:8 Scale RV4 – Small Field Sport Plane. This kit provides the builder

and pilot a refreshing change of pace from heavy “ARF” style plywood box airframe construction and blends stick and

tissue design methods of the past with state of the art CAD technology and precision interlocking laser cut parts; the result

is something you will find truly exceptional to build and truly exceptional to fly. Please keep in mind that this kit is

intended for a novice-intermediate builder and novice-intermediate pilot as a second aileron plane. If you do not meet

these criteria it is recommended to seek help from a more experienced builder / pilot.

Best Regards,

Stevens AeroModel “Laser Engineered Kits”

4550 Beaumont Rd.

Colorado Springs, CO 80916

Assembly Tips

1. READ THE INSTRUCTIONS and the plan sheet prior to starting any work! Instructions are an evolving work.

We take customer feedback very seriously and occasionally amend the instructions to correct or clarify. Please

check www.stevensaero.com for any errata or instruction updates.

2. Tape plans to work table. Cover with wax paper or plastic wrap.

3. Join all joints with Thin CA unless otherwise specified.

4. DO NOT REMOVE THE PARTS FROM THE BALSA SHEETS UNTIL REQUIRED!

5. DO NOT FORCE THE FIT – when in doubt double check your parts - removal of material should not be

required. If you feel that you have a poor connection check first to see that the part is not upside down. Next,

reference each piece against the plan sheet.

6. This is very important so I’ll say it again - Prior to gluing, test fit and match parts over the plan sheet to ensure

you have the correct pieces and orientation.

7. Making solid glue joints: Hold parts together on top of plan sheet using moderate pressure to fit parts - wick thin

CA into joint. (There is no need to pin parts to work table as all pieces interlock and self - jig.)

- 7 -

Tail Feathers

1. Build the Rudder, Vertical Stabilizer, Elevator, and Horizontal Stabilizer. Parts are grouped according to tail

section component on the 1/8” balsa sheet. Work with each component separately. Assemble over plan sheet,

removing only those parts necessary to complete each individual component. Start each assembly by building

up the outside edges (just like a puzzle) – finish by inserting center truss parts. Though the parts fall together

and self jig, pay particular attention orientation and making solid glue joints.

EECC

32" Aluminium

Tube

Elevator

Horiz. Stab.

VerticalStab.

Rudder

2. Elevator Joining Tube. Verify that the provided 3/32” aluminum tube is of the appropriate length and rough the

surface with fine grit sand paper to remove dirt, oil, and debris, from the tube. Wipe tube with rubbing alcohol,

then Using thin CA tack the joining tube to each elevator halve and allow to dry. Once dry use a small amount

of 5-minute epoxy to create a fillet between the wood and the metal tube.

3. Sand all surfaces with fine grit sand paper and bevel / taper hinged surfaces in preparation for your preferred

hinging method (CA Hinges Recommended).

Fuselage

Fuselage components are exceptionally brittle until the entire assembly is complete. Handle parts accordingly and do not

force the fit!

1. Remove parts F2, F4, F6, and F12 from the 3/32” balsa sheet and glue in the corresponding cross brace pieces

(cross braces are grouped with the part on the balsa sheet). Remove parts F19A-D and F23A-D from the 1/16”

balsa sheet; join parts over plan sheet to create former assemblies F19 and F23.

F19

F2 F12

F19A

F19B

F19C

F19D

F19A

F23B

F23C

F23A

F23

2. New to this release of the RV-4 are provisions for a cleaner rudder pull/pull assembly. Previous versions of the

RV-4 had the rudder pull/pull exit the fuselage bottom (sharing a single exit tube) This system works well and

may still be employed but I have provided an optional method for a cleaner pull / pull install. This optional pull /

pull method has the rudder cables exiting each of the lower longerons and will require more patience when

fishing the pull/pull line through the fuselage. If you are relatively new to pull/pull I would recommend using the

original single tube method outlined later in this manual However, you may still complete this step in

anticipation of later exploring this option.

- 8 -

F19 and F23 both have provisions for running pull / pull cables in the form of two small holes on either side of

the former the holes are located in F19A and F23B. Thinking ahead to the pull/pull system (if you intend to run

pull / pull cables for the rudder and elevator) you will want to: First, harden the holes and surrounding balsa in

F19A and F23B with thin ca. Second cut up four ¼” segments of the provided plastic tubing and install into

each hole central to the former secure with thin CA (see illustration). These plastic tubes act as bushing to

route the pull/pull cable and prevent it from wearing through the balsa.

3. Locate fuselage side components grouped on the 1/8” balsa sheet. Truss-loc (d) Theory: To aid in assembly

we have etched a letter on each of the truss knuckle joints (get your glasses out they are small) – where two

truss diagonals meet and share a common joint there will be an alphanumeric etched on the knuckle – match

the corresponding alphanumeric A to A, B to B, C to C, etc. Also note that all of the interlocking v-notch

components for each truss diagonal run in the same direction with the point of the knuckle always pointing to

the nose of the aircraft. Assemble over plan sheet. Make two (2) fuselage sides.

BB DD

FS1

Note: The model was designed for speed 300 applications use of heavier motor combinations such as the

Hacker B20L, Mega 16/15x, GWS EPS 400C or other motors similar in weight will require relocating one or

more servos aft and external to the fuselage assembly. New to this release of the RV-4 we have provided an

optional servo tray that replaces the aft most truss diagonal of the fuselage assembly. This servo tray will allow

the user to mount one or more servos in the tail compensating for the additional nose weight of these heavier

power systems. If you plan to run such a power system it would be a good idea to build this component into

one of the fuselage halves. See illustration.

4. Locate parts F14A and F14B on the 1/8” balsa sheet; assemble together as indicated below to create lower

fuselage stringer F14.

F14A

F14B

- 9 -

Now that all of the major fuselage sub-assemblies are complete lets complete the fuselage assembly. Before we

begin I want to re-enforce a couple of key points –

Do not glue until you are instructed to do so. Failure to follow this instruction may cause the

moon to spiral away from the earth with each successive orbit. (I guess it is already too

late)

Pay particular attention to formers F1 and F2 these parts have a directional component (they

build in the proper thrust angle for the motor mount stick) – when working with F1 and F3 make

sure the etched word “FRONT” faces the nose of the aircraft.

This kit was manufactured with exceptional parts fit tolerances +/- 0.005” – this exceeds the

typical tolerance of the manufactured balsa stock. Often the stock is slightly thicker then the

manufacture claims. With this in mind it is very important that you do not force the fit of these

components, as you will risk splitting the wood. Most parts can be worked into position by

supporting the receiving component on a flat surface and rocking the part to add to the assembly

back and forth and go together with a small amount of squish which makes for a strong glue joint

– if you encounter excessive resistance – stop, remove the part and slightly sand the

piece, then try the fit again.

Do not attempt to wrap sheeting around a radius without first spraying the outside of the balsa

sheeting with glass cleaner solution (Windex).

5. Remove former F3 from the 1/8” balsa sheet. Support the fuselage side assembly on a flat surface, note the

forward orientation of part F3 – the side with the etched word “FRONT” must face the nose of the aircraft.

Friction fit F3 into position. Remove formers LG1 and LG2 from the 1/8” balsa sheet. Again, while supporting

the fuselage side assembly fit LG1 into position. Next, install LG2 spanning parts F3 and LG1 (see illustration).

Remove former F5 from 1/8” balsa sheet and friction fit into position at the leading edge of the wing saddle.

6. Next, install the opposite fuselage side. Support the assembly on a flat surface and slowly work into position go

slowly and make sure all the tab and notch pieces are properly aligned and seated. Do not force the fit and DO

NOT GLUE.

- 10 -

7. Locate the assembled 3/32” balsa fuselage former F4 and install to bottom of fuselage assembly spanning parts

F5 and F3.

8. Locate formers F2A and the assembled 3/32” balsa former F2. Friction fit F2 to bottom of fuselage assembly

spanning LG1, F1, and the fuselage sides. Key parts F2A into position spanning LG1 and F2 as illustrated.

9. Remove former F1 from the 1/8” balsa sheet and friction fit to fuselage assembly.

- 11 -

10. Temporarily tape the aft end of the fuselage sides together (be sure they are flush with each other) as this will

aid in creating a straight and true assembly. Set the fuselage assembly on flat surface standing up on its nose.

Make certain that the fuselage sides are square to the building surface (as it should be) if not look for

components that are not fit properly or have slipped from their tab and notch - adjust as required. Ensure the

parts fit is correct and that formers F1 and F3 are facing the appropriate direction (“Front” can be read from the

nose of the aircraft) begin to secure components with thin CA starting at each outer tab and notch point. Next

run thin CA along the inside joints. Ensure all parts have been secured with CA and move on to the next step.

11. Remove part F7 from the 1/16” balsa sheet and friction fit to fuselage sides spanning the top longeron as

indicated in the illustration. Remove F9 and F11 from the 1/8” balsa sheet and friction fit to fuselage sides on

the lower longeron.

12. Locate the 1/32” ply canopy tab / fuselage doublers CP1 and install into slot created between former F7 and the

fuselage sides. Gently pinch fuselage sides together and tack glue CP1 to the fuselage sides. Complete this

step securing parts F7, CP1, F9, and F11with thin CA.

13. Next remove the pre-cut 1/8” Sq. Stringer from the 1/8” balsa sheet. The stringer spans F1, F3, and F7 friction

fit into position. At this point also fit the 1/16” ply battery tray BT1 into position spanning F5, F9, and F11.

Complete this step by securing these parts with thin CA.

- 12 -

14. Remove from the 1/8” balsa sheet parts F10 and F13. Remove F15 from the 1/16” balsa sheet. Locate the

assembled 3/32” balsa formers F6 and F12. Friction fit F6 (servo tray) to Fuselage. Next, fit F15 spanning F6

and the fuselage sides along with F13 spanning bottom of fuselage sides at the trailing edge of the wing saddle.

The two F10 formers are then installed as gussets spanning F13 and the fuselage sides. Friction fit F12

spanning the top of F13 and picking up the fuselage sides. Note that F12 and F6 are beveled towards their aft

end and aid in creating the taper of the fuselage aft of the wing section. Check the fit of each component but

DO NOT GLUE.

15. Begin tack-gluing components starting at F11 then moving aft. When you reach parts F6, F15, and F12 it will

be necessary to gently pinch the fuselage sides flush with these formers prior to gluing (Hint wet the fuselage

sides at the bend point and wrap your thumb and fore-finger with saran-wrap or masking tape to keep from

sticking yourself to the fuselage while pinching the sides together and securing with CA). DO NOT let any glue

run into the taper or tab areas of parts F6, F15, or F12 until you have properly pinched/fitted the fuselage sides

to the formers. Revisit each glue joint that was tacked together and run glue along the inside joints.

16. Install servo rail doublers F6A and canopy tab CP2. Note the notching in F6A to accommodate the aft canopy

tab CP2. Test fit parts as shown in illustration then commit them to the structure with thin CA.

Table of contents

Other Stevens Aero Model Toy manuals

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Heath LNB-4 UM Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Stinson 105 UM Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model SkyBoy 600 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model QuickOats 100 Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Waterboard mini pondflyer Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model EDGE 540 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model GRANGER 1930 ARCHAEOPTERYX Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model SE5.a Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model RingRat 100 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Clipped-Wing Taylorcraft Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Built It! Daddy-O 525 Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model QuickOats 250 Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model WaterBoard PondFlyer User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Dystraction backyard /Indoor F3A User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Scimon 30 Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model SQuiRT-700 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model PuddleBug 2.4 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Pober Pixie 360 Manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model SCRAM! User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model Sky Scout Floats User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model ToonSCALE FREDe User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model LiddleRod 2.4 User manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model LiddleGee 2.4 Owner's manual

Stevens Aero Model

Stevens Aero Model SQuiRT User manual

Popular Toy manuals by other brands

marklin

marklin 37321 instruction manual

Canon

Canon PAPER CRAFT Assembly instructions

GREAT PLANES

GREAT PLANES Pitts M-12S instruction manual

NOCH

NOCH 14261 manual

Hausler

Hausler 450 SE V2 quick start

Dynaflite

Dynaflite Daydream instruction manual

MiniacRC

MiniacRC MIGHTY MINI P40 WARHAWK Build instructions

Kenner

Kenner Batman 63651 instructions

LEGO

LEGO 8527 instructions

iKarus

iKarus ECO 8 Assembly instruction

Multiplex

Multiplex EasyStar II Building instructions

Walkera

Walkera 38 User handbook

Hasbro

Hasbro TRANSFORMERS BUMBLEBEE manual

MD MXION SWD user manual

Mattel

Mattel Disney Pixar Cars Cozy Cone Spiral Rampway instructions

marklin

marklin 39671 user manual

Meccano

Meccano 15103 instructions

LEGO

LEGO TECHNIC 8735 instructions