Build Instructions
General Assembly Instructions
Thank you for purchasing the
PuddleBug UM
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 120 - 240 grit sandpaper and lightly sand the backside 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 for this model aircraft kit, please visit the product page at
stevensaero.com
PuddleBug
TM
UM
- Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.
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