Stevens Aero Model Built It! Daddy-O 525 Manual

Daddy-O 525
Wing Span: 52.5 inches | Wing Area: 485 square inches | Average Flying Weight: 36 ounces
Build Instructions - Version 1.24 (revised 06.08.2015)

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
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 2

Project Checklist
Kit Contents
☐Laser cut wood (29 Sheets - See inventory on following pages)
☐Illustrated Build Instructions (No plan sheet is required or included with kit)
☐1 - Wind screen, laser-cut PTEG
☐2 - Wire landing gear, pre-bent
☐Balsa strip wood pack.
1 - Balsa strip,1/4 in. square x 48 in. length (Leading Edge) [166]
3 - Balsa strip, 1/8 in. x 3/16 in. x 36 in. length (For Turbulators) [841]
3 - Balsa strip, 1/8 in. x 1/4 in. x 48 in. length (Spar Cap / Wing Tip Lamination) [160]
7 - Balsa strip, 1/8 in. x 3/16 in. x 24 in. length (For Turbulators)
25 - Balsa strip, 3/32 in. x 3/16 in. x 24 in. length (Fuselage Stringers)
1 - Du-Bro RC 30 in. Micro2 pushrod system [DUB922]
1 - Paper tubing, servo wire guides, 10.45 in. diameter x 18 in. length
2 - 24 in. length of flat carbon stock (0.019 x 0.118 in.)
☐Wire pack (taped to back of wood brick)
1 - Music wire, 1/16 in. diameter x 12 in. length [1006]
1 - Music wire, .045 in. diameter x 24 in. length [*]
☐Large Hardware Bag (5 x 8 in.)
1 - Aluminum tubing, 3/16 in. diameter x 6 in. length [2014]
1 - Retractable ball point pen [*]
1 - Elevator Joiner “E7”, laser-cut basswood [*]
1 - Package, Du-Bro RC Mini-EZ connectors (DUB845) [4021]
1 - Package, Du-Bro RC Control horns (DUB107)
1 - Tail wheel, 3/4 in. diameter, Sullivan [4010]
1 - Pair foam wheels, 2-1/2 in. diameter (DUB250SL)
1 - Wheel bushings, 2 in. length of 5/16 in. diameter aluminum tube [*]
☐Small Hardware Bag (2 x 3 in. Within Large Hardware Bag)
1 - Nylon tubing, splined, 2 in. length 1/8 in. O.D. [*]
1 - Silicone fuel tubing, 1 in. length [4005]
2 - Dished nylon washers, black, Du-Bro [4016]
2 - Landing gear straps, Du-Bro RC [3017]
2 - Micro2 EZ Links, Du-Bro RC [4019]
3 - Nylon knurled head screw, 8-32 thread, 1-1/4 in. length [3026]
3 - Blind nut, 8-32 without prongs [3003]
4 - Landing gear screws, #2 x 3/8 in. length [3012]
6 - Windscreen screws, #0 x 3/16 in. length [3010]
6 - Magnets, 3/16 in. diameter [4014]
6 - CA hinge material [4024]
8 - Blind nut, 4-40 [3001]
8 - Motor mount screws, 4-40 x 3/8 in. [3007]
12 - Cowl/Wheel Pant screws, #2 sheet x 1/4 in. length [3011]
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 3

Project Checklist Continued
Required Electronics (Available at StevensAero.com)
☐4-6 Channel transmitter and mini receiver.
☐3 - Hitec HS-65HB servos (Ailerons and Elevator)
☐1 - Hitec HS-65MG servo (Rudder)
☐2 - 12 in. servo extensions (Ailerons)
☐Hacker A30-16M Motor 11x5.5 APC E Propeller
☐Castle Creations Phoenix 35 ESC.
☐11.1V 2100mAH (25C) LiPo Battery
Required Building Supplies and Tools (Available at StevensAero.com)
☐1 oz. Medium CA Glue
☐1/2 oz. Thick CA Glue
☐1/2 oz. Thin CA Glue
☐CA glue accelerator (kicker)
☐Balsa filler
☐Hobby Knife with ample supply of #11 blades
☐Sanding block with 400 and 600 grit paper
☐Heat Gun and Covering Iron
☐Small Needle Nose Pliers
☐Small Round “Rat-Tail” file.
☐2 ea. 1/8 in. dia. Drill Bit
☐1/2 in. or 12mm Socket
☐1 in. x 12 in. length sticky back velcro
☐2-3 Rolls AeroLITE or AeroFILM covering
☐1 Roll of AeroTRIM self adhesive trim sheet
Suggested Building Supplies and Tools (Available at StevensAero.com)
☐CA glue de-bonder
☐Long sanding bar
☐Razor Plane
☐Razor Saw
☐Low Tack Painters Masking Tape
☐Rubber Bands
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 4

General Assembly Instructions
Thank you, for purchasing this Stevens AeroModel Daddy-O 525™. A design inspired by Thayer Syme’s
RC version of the McGuire Daddy-O free flight embryo model. This kit has been developed and
manufactured using state of the art CAD/CAM systems and features a unique interlocking construction
process that, when compared to traditional methods found in other model aircraft kits, save 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 intermediate model builder and “pilot”;
we invite absolute beginners to correspond with us, or to seek the help of another seasoned builder. At
any time should one run across a term or technique that is foreign please don’t hesitate to contact our
staff with your questions.
READ THIS
Please READ and RE-READ these instructions along with any other included documentation prior to
starting your build and or contacting our staff for builder support.
Pre-sanding
Do not skip this step. Prior to removing any parts from the laser cut sheet wood use a sanding block
loaded with 250-400 grit paper and lightly sand the back side of each sheet of wood. This step removes
any residue produced as a result of the laser cutting process and, as we have found that most stock wood
sizes run several thousandths of an inch over sized, slightly reduces the thickness of each sheet.
Leave your pre-sanded parts in the sheet until required in the assembly process.
Protecting your worktable
Use the poly tube that this kit was shipped in as a non-stick barrier between your worktable and the
product assembly. Promptly clean up any epoxy spills with rubbing alcohol and a disposable towel.
Bonding the assembly
As this product tabs, notches, and otherwise interlocks like a 3D puzzle we suggest that when fitting parts
you dry fit (use no glue) the parts together first. It’s advised to work 1-2 steps ahead in the instructions
using this dry-fit technique which allows ample opportunity to inspect the fit and location of assembled
components and realizes a benefit as each successive part contributes to pulling the entire assembly
square. Once you arrive at the end of a major assembly step(s) square your work on top of a flat building
table and revisit 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 more square and true assembly.
Unless otherwise noted in the instructions, always use medium CA glue for bonding parts.
Never force the fit!
Remember this is a precision cut kit our machines cut to within 5 thousandth of an inch in accuracy. Yet
the wood stock supplied by the mill may vary in thickness by up to 20 thousandths. This variance in the
wood stock can cause some tabs/notches to fit slightly tight. With this in mind, should you find a joint or
two to fit rather snug consider lightly sanding a tight fitting tab rather than crushing and forcing your parts
together. You’ll break fewer parts in assembly and will end up with a more square and true assembly.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 5

Laser Cut Parts Inventory
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 6
SAK-D525 01/29
SAK-D525 02/29
SAK-D525 03/29
SAK-D525 04/29
SAK-D525 05/29
SAK-D525 06/29

Laser Cut Parts Inventory
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 7
SAK-D525 07/29
SAK-D525 08/29
SAK-D525 09/29
SAK-D525 10/29
SAK-D525 11/29
SAK-D525 12/29

Laser Cut Parts Inventory
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 8
SAK-D525 13/29
SAK-D525 14/29
SAK-D525 15/29
SAK-D525 16/29
SAK-D525 17/29
SAK-D525 18/29
SAK-D525 19/29
SAK-D525 20/29

Laser Cut Parts Inventory
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 9
SAK-D525 21/29
SAK-D525 22/29
SAK-D525 23/29
SAK-D525 24/29
SAK-D525 25/29
SAK-D525 26/29

Laser Cut Parts Inventory
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 10
SAK-D525 27/29
SAK-D525 28/29
SAK-D525 29/29

Fuselage Construction
☐Cut three 1-1/32 in. lengths from the provided
6 in. length of 3/16 in. dia. aluminum tubing.
☐With ply part F0 “TOP” side up use two
lengths of 3/16 in. tubing, from above, to align
part WR on top of F0. Bond WR to F0 with
medium CA. Remove alignment tubes.
☐Slide 1-1/32 in. cut lengths of aluminum
tubing over each of the three 8-32 nylon bolts
and store in a safe place until final assembly.
☐Face ply F1 firewall etched side down on
work table and drive four 4-40 blind nuts into
part. Secure blind nuts, at flange, using
medium CA glue. Set F1 aside.
☐Install F000 wing saddles to pre-cut holes in
F0 as illustrated. Tack glue F000 only at tab
and notch joints.
☐Locate ply former F2 (etching forward and
“top” side up) within F0 as illustrated. It will
be necessary to slightly bow F0 and F2 until
F2 interlocks with pre-cut notches within F0.
Do not use excessive force when fitting parts.
When properly located F2 interlocks with F0,
and F000 as illustrated. Tack glue parts at
tab and notch joints.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 11
TOP
F2
F000
F000
F0
WR
View: Top
View: Top
View: Top
View: Top
1-1/32 in.
F0
F0
F2
F0
F000
F000
F1
View: Backside F1
Glue blind nuts.

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐Install F00 through former F0 as illustrated.
Tack glue at tab and notch locations.
☐Install landing gear plate LG1 to notches in
F2. Note that notch points in F2 are etched
“a” and “b” these should match the “a” and “b”
designations (given next to the oval cut outs)
on LG1. Tack glue into position at tab and
notch locations.
☐☐ Key part LG2 to span former F0, F2, and
LG1 as illustrated. Tack glue LG2 at tab
and notch locations. Ensure that LG2 is
fit flush with outside edge of F2 and F0.
☐☐ Test fit LG3 within fuselage on top of LG2
interlocking part with F2 and LG1. Note
LG3 is designated “a” or “b” match “a/b”
designation to “a/b” designation on parts
F2 and LG1.
Laminiate glue LG3 into position using thick
CA glue.
☐☐ Test fit LG4 on top of LG3 then, using
thick CA glue, laminate LG4 on top of
LG3. Build up a fillet of glue along
dashed lines as illustrated below.
☐Complete previous “☐☐” steps for
opposite fuselage side.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 12
b
No glue in slot!
a
F00
LG1
a
LG2
LG4
LG3 (a/b)
View: Top
F000
F000
F0
View: Top
F2
View: Bottom
LG1
F0
F2
F2
LG1
LG3
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐Use a 1/8 in. dia. drill bit to clean up landing
gear leg pocket created by LG1, LG2, LG3,
and LG4. Repeat process for opposite
gear slot.
☐Test fit LG5 to notches in former F2 and bond
on top of LG1 with thick CA glue. Use
notches in LG6 to center part between parts
LG4 and bond to LG1. Build up a glue fillet
along dotted line.
☐Test fit gear legs to right and left side of
landing gear mount. Do not use excessive
force to fit gear leg. Remove gear legs.
☐Fit balsa former F3a to fuselage assembly as
illustrated. Pay close attention to FRONT/
TOP designation. Retain part by tack gluing
with medium CA glue at tab and notch joints.
☐Assemble two fuselage sides from parts Fa,
Fb, Fc, and Fd. Glue along dove/tail and
finger joints using thin or medium CA glue.
Completed assemblies given in illustration.
Add fuselage truss work matching etched
parts “A” to “A”, “B” to “B”, and “C” to “C” as
illustrated.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 13
LG6
LG5
Test Fit - Then Remove!
Assemble Two Sides
Install Truss
F3a
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Top
LG1
F2

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐Fit one fuselage side and former F1 firewall to
fuselage assembly. (F1 must be installed
so that flanged side of blind nuts faces
inside fuselage towards former F2.) Match
fuselage side to tab and notch joints in
formers F1, F2, F3a, and center crutch F0.
Retain side to fuselage assembly by tack
gluing at notches first, then revisit with a fillet
of CA along all interior joints.
☐☐ Bond with thick CA glue, cross-grain
doubler Fe by matching edges of part to
inside surface of fuselage side that
extends forward of F1 firewall.
☐Tack glue LG7 forward of F3a where the parts
tab and notch together. Align and bond with
thick CA, LG8 within fuselage side to capture
LG7. Use photos below to reference location.
Detail of properly installed LG7 / LG8.
☐Now fit opposite fuselage side to assembly.
Match fuselage side to tab and notch joints in
formers F1, F2, F3a, and center crutch F0.
Retain side to fuselage assembly by tack
gluing at notches first, then revisit with a fillet
of CA along all interior joints. Repeat “☐☐”
step on this page to install second part Fe
to fuselage side installed in this step.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 14
Fe
F1
F2
F0
Fe
LG7
LG8
F0
F3a
LG8
LG7 F3a
F1
F1
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
F1
F2
F3a
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Top
Match edge.

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐Fit LG9 on top of LG7 and run forward within
notch of previously installed LG8. Install
opposite side LG8 at this time as well. Test fit
and align parts. Once satisfied with fit, bond
with thick CA glue.
☐Bond LG10 on top of LG7 and along F3a
using medium CA glue. Note: the taper at
short end of LG10 should match taper along
fuselage sides. Use a piece of scrap 3/32”
wire, tubing, or balsa stock to ensure that gap
created between LG9 and LG10 remains a
constant 3/32”.
☐Dry fit F8 to F1a at center notch in parts.
☐Gently work parts F8 and F1a to fit at bottom
of fuselage assembly between formers F1
and F2. An arrow is etched on F8 indicating
proper forward orientation of part. Inspect
parts for proper and complete fit within
fuselage assembly then bond.
☐Seat and bond, three, parts F9 to top of
fuselage assembly spanning formers F1 and
F2 as illustrated. An arrow is etched on F9 to
indicate proper forward orientation of part.
☐Fit part F11 spanning fuselage sides and
former F3a. Match tab and notch locations to
fit part. Do not glue. Do not remove
lightening hole knock outs in F11.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 15
LG9
LG8
LG7
LG10
LG9
F3a
F8
F1a
F9
F9
F9
F8
F1a
F1
F2
F1
F2
F11
F3a
View: Top
View: Top
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐Fit former F7 between fuselage sides at tail
end of fuselage assembly. Tab in F7 will fit in
notch of former F11. “U” shape notch will
point to bottom of fuselage assembly as
illustrated. Do not glue.
Tip: Tape tail end of fuselage together at F7 to
retain parts. Do not glue.
☐Slip formers F4a, F5a, and F6a into position
spanning fuselage sides and F11 as
illustrated. Orient parts so that “FRONT”
faces forward on all formers. Check for
proper fit then tack glue.
☐Install F10 (with arrow facing forward)
spanning formers F3a, F4a, F5a, F6a, and
F7. F10 seats 3/32 in. proud of all formers
but F3a and F7.
☐From two 24 in. lengths of 3/32 x 3/16 in. strip
wood stock, cut six 8 in. lengths. Now, install
two of these lengths (to right and left of
fuselage) passing through former F4a, F3a,
and captured by LG8 as illustrated below.
Bond with medium CA glue.
Next, bond two more lengths (to right and left
of fuselage) spanning LG8 and pocket behind
LG4 main landing gear block as illustrated.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 16
View: Bottom
View: Top
F7
F11
F4a
F5a
F11
F6a
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
F10
Former fits 3/32 in. proud
View: Bottom
F4a
F3a
View: Bottom
LG8
LG4
F11
F7
FORWARD
LG8
F4a

Fuselage Construction Cont.
Bond last 8 in. length of 3/32 in. x 3/16 in.
balsa strip wood through notch in F3a and
nesting in pocket created at F00, F000, and
fuselage side. strip wood should extend aft of
F3a by at least 1 in.
☐Bond F14, forward turtle deck sheeting, on
top of right and left fuselage sides spanning
F1 and F2 as illustrated. Note that etched
arrows on part should face forward and meet
at center line of fuselage.
☐Using glass cleaner or a 50/50 mix of alcohol
and water, moisten inside and outside of F14
☐With parts F14 moistened, gently wrap to
meet at the fuselage centerline and retain
with masking tape. Do not glue until dry.
☐To pass the time, while parts F14 are allowed
to dry, proceed to install stringer work to
bottom of fuselage from six 24 in. lengths of
3/32 x 3/16 in. balsa strip wood stock.
Use a sharp knife to remove plug from center
notch of former F6a on right and left of former.
Now, bond two 24 in. lengths of strip wood to
center notch on right and left of formers F3a-
F6a finishing between fuselage sides at F7.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 17
F3a
F000 F00
F14
Glue Here
F14
View: Top
View: Top
View: Top
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
F6a
F7
F6a
Remove
Pocket

Fuselage Construction Cont.
Next, use a sharp knife to remove inside plug
immediately to right and left side of F10 at
former F6a.
Bond strip wood stringer as illustrated below
spanning formers F3a-F6a and finishing
where stringer just makes contact with the
sides of F10 and previously installed stringer.
Once again, use a sharp knife to remove
outside most plug on right and left side of
former F6a as illustrated.
Bond strip wood stringer spanning formers
F3a-F6a and finishing where stringer just
makes contact with fuselage side and
previously installed stringer.
Use a razor saw and sanding block to cut and
sand excess strip wood flush with front
surface of former F3a
☐From four 24 in. lengths of 3/32 x 3/16 in. strip
wood stock, cut fourteen 8 in. lengths. Soak
cut lengths of strip wood with glass cleaner to
soften, then fit to notches in formers F1, F1a,
and F2 at underside of fuselage. Retain
strips of wood with rubber bands as
illustrated, and allow to dry to shape.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 18
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
View: Bottom
F6a
F10
F6a
F10
End stringer here.
F6a
F10
F6a
F5a
End stringer here.
F3a
F4a
View: Bottom
F1
F1a
F2
View: Bottom

Fuselage Construction Cont.
☐While strip wood installed in previous
assembly step is allowed to dry, continue to
install rear turtle deck.
Remove knock-outs from former F11.
As illustrated, fit formers formers F3b, F4b,
F5b, and F6b to notches within F11 and
corresponding lower formers. Tack glue to
retain parts.
Fit former F12 spanning formers F3b-F6b.
Note that etched arrow should face front of
model. Tack glue to retain part.
Fit former F13 to right and left side of F12.
Tabs in former fit to notches in F6b and F11
as illustrated.
Now go back and bond all turtle deck parts
with medium CA glue.
Install turtle deck strip wood stringers in the
same manner as used on fuselage underside
using six 24 in. lengths of 3/32 x 3/16 in. strip
wood stock.
Begin by using a sharp knife to remove plug
from right and left center notch at F6b as
illustrated below.
Bond length of strip wood stock to right and
left center notch of turtle deck spanning
formers F3b - F6b. Finish stringer aft of F6a
where it makes contact with F11 and F13.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 19
View: Top
F11
F3b
F4b
F5b
F6b
F11
View: Top
F3a
F4b
F12
F3b
View: Top
View: Top
F12
F6b
F13
F11
View: Top
Remove plug.
F6b
F6b
F7
Finish stringer here.
View: Top
F13
F11

Fuselage Construction Cont.
Repeat above process to bond right and left
inside/outside stringers within turtle deck
formers. Inside stringer will finish flush with
back side of former F6b. Outside stringer will
finish where it makes contact with middle
stringer and F11. As illustrated below.
☐Using a sharp knife and sanding block cut
and sand stringers flush with the forward
surface of former F3b.
☐Complete turtle deck by installing former F15.
Using thick CA glue, bond the 1/64 in. ply
former centered across and flush with forward
edge of F3b as illustrated.
☐Once stringer work, in nose of model, has
dried: Remove rubber bands, seat and bond
stringers to formers, then cut and sand
stringers flush with the outside surfaces of
formers F1 and F2.
☐Once F14 sheeting has dried: Remove tape
then fit and bond sheeting to supporting
structure F1, F2, and F9. Sand F14 flush with
outside surfaces of formers F1 and F2.
☐Install pushrod guide tubes from Du-Bro RC
parts DUB922. Formers F3a through F6a
have been etched with an “E” or “R” to
indicate elevator and rudder tube routing.
Build Instructions
Daddy-O 525 - Build Instructions © 2010 Stevens AeroModel, all rights reserved.!Page 20
View: Top
View: Top
View: Top
View: Top
View: Bottom
Finish stringers here.
F6b
F7
F11
F3b
F3b
F15
F2
F1
F14
View: Bottom
E
R
F1