Stevens Aero Model Hummingbird (100) Manual

Hummingbird (100)
By Stevens AeroModel
Length 17.5 inches | Span 27 inches | Area: 100 inches2| Flying Weight 2.3 oz.
Version 1.0
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 1 of 11

DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 2 of 11
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 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.
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 on-line at www.stevensaero.com.
Stevens AeroModel
PO Box 15347 - Colorado Springs, CO 80935 - USA
719-387-4187 - www.stevensaero.com

Project Checklist
Kit Contents
☐Laser cut wood (8 Sheets)
☐Build Instructions
☐Black and White Photo Supplement (Color Download Available from StevensAero.com
☐Computer drawn plan set (2 Pages)
Taped to back of wood brick:
☐1 - 1/32 in. x 12 in. wire
☐2 - 0.015 in. x 18 in. wire
☐Hardware Bag
1 - Elevator Joiner “E6” [*]
1 - Acetate Windshield [*]
1 - 1-1/2 in. length of 1/16 in. Heat Shrink Tube [2020]
1 - 2 in. length of 1/8 in. dia. Hardwood Dowel [1017]
1 - Pair 1-1/2 in. Micro Lite Wheels [DUB150ML]
2 - 1/8 in. dia. x 1/16 in. Ring Magnets [4013]
2 - 3/16 in. dia. x 1/16 in. Disc Magnets [4014]
2 - #1 x 3/16 in. Screws [SMPP0103B]
4 - 1/16 in. dia. x 1/4 in. length Aluminum Tube [2010]
Suggested Electronics (Available at StevensAero.com)
☐Spektrum DSM2 2.4ghz transmitter with at least 3 channels
☐Parkzone or Spektrum ultra micro receiver/esc/servo “brick” [PKZ3351], [PKZUA1151] or
[SPMAR6400]*
☐Parkzone motor and gearbox [PKZ3624]
☐130mm x 70mm Propeller [EFL9051]
☐3.7V 160 - 200mAh LiPo compatible with Parkzone / Spektrum “brick” [HP-LG325-0160-1S-UM]
*SPMAR6400 requires computer radio capable of channel mixing.
Required Building Supplies and Tools
☐1/2 oz. Medium CA Glue
☐1/2 oz. Thin CA Glue
☐CA glue applicator tips
☐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
☐1/2 in. wide clear tape
☐Servo mounting tape
☐Soldering Iron
Optional Building Supplies and Tools
☐1/2 oz. Thick CA Glue
☐Modeling Clay for Ballast
☐CA glue de-bonder
☐Long sanding bar
☐Masking Tape (Low tack painters tape)
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 3 of 11

General Assembly Instructions
Thank you, for purchasing this Stevens
Hummingbird™ (100). A micro indoor scale
model of the De Havilland DH53 Hummingbird.
This product 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
novice model builder and pilot; we invite
beginners who have purchased this kit to seek the
help of a seasoned builder and pilot. 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 sequence 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 we find
it easier to tack glue part (temporarily bonding
parts in assembly using a small dot of glue) using
medium CA glue applied with a fine-tip CA glue
applicator tip. Tight fitting joints should be bonded
using thin CA glue applied, sparingly, with a CA
glue applicator tip.
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 very tight. With this in mind,
consider lightly sanding, or lightly pinching, 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 airframe.
Manual Updates
Please check our web-site for updates to these
instructions prior to commencing the build.
While not required for proper assembly of this
model, full-color photos following the build
sequence given in this instruction manual are
available to download at www.stevensaero.com
To obtain downloads and updates relative to this
model aircraft kit, please visit the corresponding
product page at StevensAero.com
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 4 of 11

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 F30 (F30 set aside
until final assembly).
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
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 “fit” the majority of this fuselage assembly
together “dry” only gluing at the final instructional
steps or when instructed to “bond”. 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. Assemble the center crutch. Locate center
crutch F1 and dry fit to former F2.
2. Fit and bond fuselage uprights A, B and C to
fuselage side F3. Orient uprights so that
lettered end fits into matching lettered slot - A
to A, B to B, C to C.
3. fit crutch assembly to fuselage side F3.
4. Fit former F4 to crutch F1 and fuselage side
F3.
5. Fit ply battery mount F5 to F4 and fuselage
side F3.
6. Fit ply landing gear brace F6 to F5 and
fuselage side F3.
7. Assembly wing mount from balsa part F7, and
ply parts F8 and F9. Bond assembly with
medium CA.
8. Fit wing mount assembly to fuselage side F3.
Part F8 should be on top and the tabs on F7
should point down.
9. Assemble and bond remaining fuselage side
from parts F10 and uprights A,B, and C. Fit
fuselage side F10 to crutch assembly.
Square assembly on a flat surface and bond
all mating surfaces between formers and
fuselage sides with thin CA. DO NOT bond
rear portion of fuselage sides behind
former F2 to fuselage crutch F1.
10. Fit and bond former F11 to F1 just behind
former F4.
11. Fit and bond former F12 to F1 immediately
forward of former F2.
12. Fit former F13 to slots in F1 immediately
behind F12. Bond F13 to F12 and F1 with
thin CA.
13. Fit former F14 to crosspiece of F1 where
indicated on plan. DO NOT bond at his
time.
14. Fit former F15 to to tabs at the end of F1.
Tack glue with medium CA.
15. Bring fuselage side together, fitting to formers
F14 and F15, and central crutch F1. Square
assembly on a flat surface and bond all
mating surfaces with medium CA.
16. Fit crosspiece F16b to fuselage bottom F16.
Bond with thin CA.
17. Fit fuselage bottom F16 to fuselage sides and
formers F14 and F15. Square assembly and
bond with medium CA.
18. Fit and tack glue F1b to former F15.
19. Wrap first part F17 around F1b and rear
portion of F16, tack gluing with medium CA.
20. Wrap remaining part F17 around the other
side of F16 and F1b, bonding to F1b and F15
with medium CA.
21. Position part F18 over F1b so that edges
match. remove F18 and coat F1b with
medium CA in those area that F18 covers.
Replace F18, ensuring that part is lined up
correctly over F1b.
22. Repeat the procedure in Step 21 to position
and bond F19 over F18.
23. Fit and bond formers F20 and F21 to central
crutch F1.
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 5 of 11

24. Fit stringer F22 to notches in F13, F20, F21,
and F15. Ensure that the arrow on part F22
points forward, toward former F13.
25. Fit ply part F23 over the back of F6 to create
the landing gear pocket. The tab on the top
of F23 will engage the slot in F5, and the
lower side tabs will engage the recess in the
fuselage side behind F6.
26. Position part F24 over F23 to complete the
landing gear pocket, tabbing into F5 and the
recesses in the fuselage sides. Wick thin CA
in and around the landing gear pocket to bond
assembly together. Apply the glue sparingly
within the pocket - DO NOT fill pocket with
glue!
27. Fit and bond part F25 to slots in F1 and
former F11.
28. Begin building up the nose block by bonding
Part 1 (3/16 in. balsa sheet) against Former
F11. Apply medium CA to the mating surface
of part 1 and former F11 and carefully position
part 1 over F25 and against F11. Repeat this
procedure for parts 2 through 6 in order.
29. Due to variances in material thickness at teh
balsa mill, check the fit of Part 7. If part 7
extends beyond F4, lightly sand the backside
of part 7 until the front of part 7 is flush with
the front of F4. Bond part 7 in place with
medium CA.
30. Fit and bond parts 8, 9, 10, and 11 in order
with medium CA. Ensure parts are seated
correctly on F25 and the tongue of ply part
F5.
31. Coat the back side of part 12 with thick CA
and position on part 11, within the etched
outline on part 11. Alignment is critical, or
the slots for the motor mount will not line up!
32. Repeat the process in step 31 for parts 13a
and 13b, carefully positioning the parts within
the outlines on part 12.
33. Slide ply motor mount F26 into the slots in the
nose block until it rests within F4. Ensure that
the side of the handle marked “TOP” faces up
to ensure the proper right offset for the motor.
Double check orientation of the motor mount.
DO NOT bond motor mount at this time.
34. Carefully twist handle, breaking it away from
the motor mount. Bond motor mount to nose
block by wicking thin CA along the edges of
the mount where it fits in the slot in the nose
block.
35. Fit bottom sheeting F27 to fuselage sides,
tabbing into F6 and covering part 8 of the
nose block. Note: “U” shape cut to F27 opens
to front of model. Bond with thin CA.
36. Fit and bond part F28 to lower “stepped”
recess in nose block parts 10 and 11. Note:
“U” shape cut to F28 opens to back of model.
37. Moisten one side of cockpit sheeting F29 with
glass cleaner and wipe off excess. Position
F29 over cockpit area with the damp side out,
the wider portion forward, resting on F11, and
the narrow portion aft, resting on F13. Use
low-tack masking tape to hold F29 in position
until it is dry.
38. When part F29 is dry, remove tape and tack
glue in place with tiny drops of medium CA.
When you are satisfied with the position of
F29, permanently bond in place with thin CA.
39. Remove stringers from cut sheet. Note:
There are 8 stringers, but you will only require
6 - this will give you a couple of extra
stringers in case one breaks or is trimmed too
short. Fit one full length stringer in the center
notched on one side of formers F13, F20,
F21, and F15. Bond with thin CA.
40. Trim two stringers to 6-5/16 inches and fit on
both sides of full length stringer between
formers F13 and F21. The end of the stringer
should butt up against F21, with its outer
edge flush with the edge of F21. Do not rest
the stringer on top of the former as this will
create an unsightly bump that will have to be
sanded away. Tip: Trim long and sand
stringer to final length.
41. Follow steps 39 and 40 to fill in the stringers
on the other side of the fuselage.
42. Lightly sand fuselage smooth. Following the
pictures in the photo supplement and shape
lines given on plan set, shape the nose block.
Note: While shaping may seem intimidating
at first, it is as simple as lightly sanding the
steps from the laminated wood parts. Round
the nose block as viewed from the top, and
follow the contours on the plan for the side
views. Sand the corners of F18 and F19 at
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 6 of 11

the rear of the fuselage to flow smoothly into
the edge of former F15.
Set fuselage aside until final assembly.
Tail Group.
The horizontal and vertical stabilizers, rudder,
elevator, and sub-fin are designated with a “H”,
“V”, “R”, or “E”, as appropriate, followed by a
numeric. Parts have been numbered so that the
assembly and required parts follows in numeric
order. Assemble parts over the plan, protecting
the plan with the poly bag that this kit was
shipped in.
43. Dry assemble horizontal stabilizer over the
plan, from parts H1, H2, and H3. Bond with
thin CA.
44. Remove the six short ribs from the cut sheet.
Fit ribs to the outer frame and bond with thin
CA. DON’T FORCE THE FIT! If the rib
doesn’t fit, it’s the wrong rib or in the wrong
place. Double check rib length against the
plan before bonding in place.
45. Dry assemble two elevator halves over the
plan from parts E1 through E5 each.
46. Remove the eight longer ribs from the cut
sheet. Fit ribs to the outer frame and bond
with thin CA. Again, DON’T FORCE THE
FIT! Double check length and placement of
ribs against the plan.
47. Using a straightedge as a guide, bond the
elevator halves to the hardwood elevator
joiner E6 with medium CA.
48. Follow the above procedures to build the
vertical stabilizer from parts V1, V2 and V3
and the two short ribs. Build the rudder from
parts R1 through R5 and the four longer ribs.
49. Refer to the tape hinge diagram, located on
the wing plan set, and bevel the leading
edges of the rudder and elevator. Bevel the
left side of the rudder, and the bottom of the
elevator.
Wing.
The wing is composed of one spar, leading edge,
trailing edge, ribs and tip sheeting. Wing parts
are designated with a “W” followed by a numeric.
Parts have been numbered so that the wing
assembly and required parts follows in numeric
order from W1 to W31.
The wing is assembled at center section first, then
one half at a time (left then right). When a part is
required in the build sequence (for instance “W3”)
refer to the plan set for part placement.
You will dry fit the majority of this wing 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 wing will
help pull the entire structure square and true.
50. Begin by building the center of the wing.
Locate part W1a and two parts W1b. Fit and
bond W1b’s on either side of W1a aligning at
dove tail joints.
51. Using the plan set as a guide, dry fit center
section ribs W2 and W3 to the same slot
within spar W1. W2 will be on the outside
and W3 to the inside. Note: The bottoms of all
ribs should seat flush with bottom of spars.
52. Slide ply sub-spar W4 through slots in ribs
behind main spar W1. Center W4, but DO
NOT bond at this time. Note: Lightly sand W4
to facilitate fit (Do not force fit).
53. Fit sub-ribs W5 through slots in W1 and W4.
54. Fit W6 to tabs on the W5’s and the slots in
ribs W3.
55. Fit and tack glue center section trailing edge
W7 between the two ribs W3.
56. Bond W8 over W7 with thick CA.
57. Begin left side of wing. Fit rib W9 to spar W1.
Refer to plan for correct location.
58. Fit and tack glue the leading edge web W10
to ribs W9 and W2. Note: Arrow on W10
should face center section rib W2.
59. Build up trailing edge and wing tip by fitting
and bonding together parts W11, W12, and
W13.
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 7 of 11

60. Fit and tack glue trailing edge/tip assembly to
ribs W3 and W9, and the spar W1.
61. Fit leading edge doubler W14 and rib W15 to
wing tip and leading edge. Align W14 over
leading edge web W10 (W15 helps key parts)
and bond with thin CA. Fit wing tip doubler
W16 over wing tip in corner created by W14
and rib W15 and bond with medium CA.
62. Fit slots in leading edge W17 to tabs in
leading edge web W10. Tack glue with
medium CA. Note: Arrow on W17 should
face wing center section at W2.
63. Fit rib W18 to leading edge, spar and trailing
edge. Refer to plan for correct location.
64. Fit rib W19 in location indicated on plan.
Note: Upper portion of spar slot is slightly
wider to allow the two ply rib doublers W20
and W21 to be inserted alongside W19.
65. Tack glue rib doublers W20 and W21 on
either side of rib W19. The tops of W20 and
W21 will end 1/16 in. below the top of rib
W19.
66. Fit rib 22 to spar, leading and trailing edges
where indicated on plan.
67. Fit diagonal braces W23, W24, W25, and
W26 between ribs, leading edge, and spar
where indicated on plan. Each diagonal is
slightly different in length and shape - make
sure they are in the correct location.
68. With wing squared on a flat surface, bond all
mating surfaces between ribs, spars, leading
and trailing edges with thin CA.
69. Fit and bond half rib W27to the leading edge
and spar where indicated on plan.
70. Fit and bond remaining half ribs W28, W29,
W30, and W31 in their correct locations along
the wing leading edge and spar (reference
plan set for part placement).
71. Create the strut attach points by inserting
1/16 in. diameter by 1/4 in. long aluminum
tubes into the pockets created by the
doublers on rib W19. Ends of the tubes will
be flush with the top of the rib. Apply a small
drop of thin CA along the side of the tube,
being careful not to fill the center of the tube
with glue.
72. Repeat steps 57 through 71 to build right half
of wing. Building Tip: Turn plan over and
place on a light colored surface - the back
side of the other plan sheet works well - so
that you can see the wing plan through the
paper. Build your right wing over this “mirror
image” of the left wing.
73. Sand wing lightly, rounding leading edge to
match the profile on the plan. Reduce
thickness of the leading edge at the tip to flow
smoothly into the tip rib, and round the
junction between the leading edge and the rib
as indicated on the plan. Leave the trailing
edge square.
74. Cut the 2 in. length of 1/8 in. dowel to 7/8 in.
long. Lightly sand dowel, rounding one end
as shown on plans. Fit dowel through holes
in W6, Spar W1 and sub-spar W4, with the
rounded end pointing forward. the aft end of
the dowel will be flush with the aft surface of
W4. Bond with medium CA behind W6 and
on each side of W1/W4.
Set wing aside until final assembly.
Final Assembly
75. Cover model with a lightweight material. We
suggest AeroLITE, available at
stevensaero.com. Leave the bottom
portion of the fuselage uncovered for now.
This will be covered later after pushrods have
been installed.
76. Following “Landing Gear Detail” on plan set
accurately bend landing gear using needle
nose pliers and included 1/32 in. wire.
77. Trim covering on fuselage to expose landing
gear pocket. Install landing gear within
fuselage and retain with 1/32 ply part F30 as
illustrated on plan set. Friction alone should
be sufficient to retain F30 allowing easy
removal of landing gear. If desired, retain F30
and landing gear within fuselage using thin
CA glue.
78. Prepare the receiver/servo brick for
installation. The battery lead will need to be
lengthened by clipping off the terminal and
soldering an additional lead [PKZ3052] to the
remaining wires. Alternately, when using the
larger 200 mAh battery [EFLB2001S25], the
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 8 of 11

battery adapter lead [EFLA7002UM] may be
used instead.
79. Install receiver/servo brick to the bottom of F1
as indicated on the plan with double sided
tape [DUB634].
80. Follow the Push Rod Detail on the plan to
make a “snake” bend in one end of each of
the .015 in. wires. Feed pushrods - straight
end first - through the nose block and back to
F2. Feed the rudder pushrod through the
OUTER-LEFT hole in F2, and the UPPER-
LEFT hole in F14. Then, open the covering
over the upper exit slot on the RIGHT side of
the fuselage in F17. Pass the rudder push
rod through this slot and allow to extend
beyond the end of the fuselage - the excess
will be trimmed later. Repeat this process for
the elevator pushrod, passing it through the
INNER-RIGHT hole in F2, the LOWER-
RIGHT hole in F14, and the lower exit slot on
the LEFT side of the fuselage in F17. Twist
the push rod snake bends through the
MIDDLE hole in each servo tab as shown on
the plan.
81. Cover the bottom of the fuselage at this time.
82. Position the motor/gearbox [PKZ3624] in the
slot on the motor mount, and secure with a
small drop of medium CA under each tab.
Hold the propellor shaft with a small pair of
needle nose pliers and screw on the propellor
[EFL9051].
83. Mount a narrow strip of sticky back Velcro -
the ‘hook’ side - on the bottom of F5 within the
battery compartment. mount a corresponding
strip of ‘loop’ on your battery.
84. Assemble the dummy motor cylinders by
stacking parts M1 through M7 on a scrap
length of 1/32 in. wire. bond them together
with thin CA and paint flat black. Trim the
wire, leaving about 1/16 in. extending from
each end.
85. Apply a small amount of medium CA to M7
9the bottom of the cylinder) and press
cylinder in place within the relieved areas on
the nose block where indicated on the plan.
86. Open the covering over the magnet pockets
on each side of the fuselage at F2. Press in
one 1/8 in. diameter Ring Magnet in each
pocket and bond with a small drop of thin CA.
Ensure the center hole of the Ring Magnet
is not filled with glue.
87. Mount two #1 x 3/16 in. screws in the holes in
F9. Secure with a small drop of thin CA.
88. Landing Gear: Fit and bond ply parts LG1
and LG2 to form left and right landing gear
struts.
89. Open slots in F27 and dry fit landing gear
struts. Dry fit ply spreader bar LG3 to slots in
struts. Center assembly between wire
landing gear, and bond LG3 to the LG1/LG2
assemblies. Remove completed landing gear
assembly.
90. Paint landing gear to match the fuselage
color.
91. Re-fit the landing gear assembly, check
alignment, and bond in place with small drops
of medium CA. Use the glue sparingly, as
this will allow the ply landing gear to part from
the fuselage during a hard landing with
minimal damage.
92. Mount balsa wheel discs W to each side of
the provided wheels [DUB150ML] and sand to
a streamlined shape. Cover or paint wheel
discs to match fuselage and mount wheels on
wire landing gear. Trim wire 1/8 in. beyond
outside of wheels and press on the retainers
supplied with the wheels.
93. Paint ply tail skid TS flat black and mount in
the slot on the bottom of the fuselage, at the
aft end of F16.
94. Install acetate windscreen on the deck in front
of the cockpit where indicated on plan. Bond
with canopy glue or small drops of thin CA.
95. Paint pilot profile P flat black and mount to the
slot in F1 within the cockpit.
96. Follow the Tape Hinge Diagram on the wing
plan set to mount the elevator and rudder to
the horizontal and vertical stabilizers.
97. Fit and bond rudder control horn R to RIGHT
side of rudder. Fit and bond elevator horn E
to LOWER-LEFT side of elevator.
98. Open the covering over the slots in the
horizontal stabilizer. Fit the vertical stabilizer
tabs through the slots in the horizontal
stabilizer and into the slots in F19. Ensure
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 9 of 11

surfaces are square to each other and
perpendicular to the fuselage, and bond with
medium CA.
99. Follow the Pushrod Detail on the plans and
complete the connections between the
pushrods and their corresponding control
horns.
100.Open the covering over the pockets in wing
trailing edge and press in two 3/16 in.
diameter disc magnets. Bond with medium
CA. These magnets will engage the screws
in F9 to retain the wing.
101.Make up six wing strut fitting wires from 0.015
in. wire. Make a 90 degree bend 1/16 in. from
one end, then trim wire fitting to a total length
of 1 in.
102.Assemble struts from parts S1 and S2.
Ensure etching on both parts is on the same
side. Use a scrap piece of 0.015 in. wire to
scrape away the etched areas to create a
channel for the wire fittings to rest in. Install
fittings at the base of the ‘V’ with the short
1/16 in. end inserted in the hole at the end of
the etching, and the long end resting in the
channel. At the base of the ‘V’ where the strut
will contact the fuselage, trim the wire to
extend 1/8 in. from the end of the strut. Final
trimming will be done when fitting the strut.
103.Repeat the procedures above to install the
wire fittings at the ends of the struts.
104.Make a bend 1/16 in from the end of the strut.
Match bend angle to that shown on the strut
front view on the plan. Ensure that you
make a RIGHT and a LEFT strut assembly!
Finished strut assemblies should have the
wire fittings on the underside of the struts.
105.Paint struts to match fuselage. Scrape any
overspray from the wire fittings to ensure a
smooth fit in the wing tubes.
106.Mount the wing to the fuselage by inserting
the locating dowel in the hole in the landing
gear pocket. The magnets in the trailing edge
of the wing will engage the screws in the
fuselage, firmly securing the wing in place.
Insert the dowels in the wing tubes first and
check fit. The fuselage end should fall inline
with the magnet in the fuselage side. If not,
re-bend the wires at the wing until the top of
the strut is aligned correctly.
Check the fit of the fuselage end of the strut.
The wire should fit in the hole in the magnet
without displacing the wing. Trim the wire
fitting until this is achieved. If you accidentally
trim the wire too short to engage the hole in
the magnet, carefully remove the wire fitting
and replace with a new one.
Congratulations! Yourmodelofthe
DeHavilland DH.53 Hummingbird is complete!
The colors scheme indicated on the plan
represents the Hummingbird in the collection
of the Old Warden Aerodrome in England.
This was the last flying example left in the
world until recently grounded due to it’s
scarcity and the unreliability of it’s engine. Of
the fifteen Hummingbirds originally built, only
one other example is known to exist, and is
undergoing restoration at this writing.
Flight Control Setup
☐ Inspect wing for any warps that may have
worked their way in when covering, or while
the model was in storage, and remove prior to
flight. DO NOT ATTEMPT FLIGHT IF WING
IS WARPED. Lack of aileron control on this
model will make contending with a warped
wing very difficult. FIX THE WARP.
☐ Center control surface then set direction, rate
of travel, and dampening (expo).
Rudder servo should be controlled by the
Aileron channel of your radio as rudder on
this model also controls roll of the aircraft.
Rudder should follow Aileron stick travel i.e.
moving Aileron stick to right should move
rudder to RIGHT of aircraft. Likewise, left
Aileron stick input will move rudder LEFT.
Elevator servo will be controlled by elevator
channel of your radio. Pulling back on the
elevator stick should result in the elevator
moving UP! Likewise, forward stick results in
the elevator moving DOWN!
The Hummingbird™is designed to be a very
docile flyer, therefore the flight controls are
set up for fairly minimal throws. The rudder
and elevator throws should be as follows:
Rudder Travel
+/- 30 degrees 30% expo
Elevator Travel
+/- 10 degrees 30% expo
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 10 of 11

The above exponential settings apply only to
computer radios.
Pre-Flight
Have and experienced pilot assist you with pre-
flighting your new model. Just like having
someone proof read something you’ve written,
having a second fresh set of eyes to inspect your
final product is often helpful at avoiding disaster.
While not an exhaustive pre-flight check these are
some of the major items that you should consider
using when developing your own pre-flight check
list. Get in the habit of always pre-flighting your
models before each and every flight.
☐ Weight and Balance - Check the
Hummingbird’s™ balance. The model
should balance 1/8 to 1/4 in. behind the main
spar. Use a permanent marker or trim tape to
mark the underside of the left and right wing
half at the CG measurement as given above.
☐ Use your right and left hand index fingers and
suspend the model from below, between the
marked CG measurements. Site from profile
of aircraft against horizon. If the lower edge
of the fuselage side along F1 appears to hang
level with horizon line, then the
Hummingbird™ is properly balanced to fly.
Move equipment and or battery within
fuselage to obtain proper balance.
☐ Check Weather - The Hummingbird’s™ first
flight should be outdoors and in zero wind
conditions. Due to the Hummingbird’s™
docile flight characteristics, all flights should
be made in minimal or no wind.
☐ Inspect airframe for warps and obvious signs
of wear or damage. Do not fly a damaged or
warped model.
☐ Inspect control surfaces for center, proper
direction of travel, rate of throw, secure
pushrod connections, hinges, and receiver/
servo mounting hardware.
☐ Check wing attach points for damage and/
or wear. Inspect magnets and struts,
ensuring that they are installed correctly and
in good condition to adequately retain wing.
☐ Inspect battery for full charge. Never begin
a flight with a partially charged battery.
☐ Clear prop! Before applying power to the
model, clear and keep clear of the prop arc.
☐ Range check radio. Follow the radio makers
guidelines for performing a proper range
check.
☐ Check for traffic. Proceed to the flight line
(With your mentor/instructor if you are a
novice pilot) and observe other RC traffic. If
the runway is clear, and no one is in the
pattern to land, loudly announce your
intentions to take off. Remember etiquette
dictates that all aircraft on ground must yield
the runway to those landing.
☐ Go flying. Point model into wind (if present)
and steadily advance throttle to full. Use
rudder to correct track while on ground roll.
Within several feet the model should be
airborne. Fly model to a comfortable 1-2
mistake high altitude, reduce throttle to stop
climb, then trim model for straight and level
flight at a comfortable cruise speed
(Depending on speed control responsiveness,
the Hummingbird™ typically cruises at about
1/2 throttle).
☐ Setup for landing. Clearly announce your
intention to land. Make landings into the
wind. With rudder/elevator control and no
ailerons setting up landings in cross-winds
should be avoided until you are comfortable
with the model’s in-flight behavior.
Congratulations!
You’ve completed your first flight(s) on the
Hummingbird™.
If your first flight was a bit more exciting than
you’d have liked and are having problems with
erratic flight performance; please inspect your
equipment and airframe for damage, improper
installation, and/or twists and warps.
We are committed to improving your build and
flying experience and are constantly refining our
processes, designs, and manuals to reflect
customer feedback. You may correspond with
Stevens AeroModel staff using any of the
following methods:
E-Mail - [email protected]
RCGroups.com - Forum Build Threads
Facebook.com - Search for Stevens AeroModel
Phone - 719-387-4187
DH.53 Hummingbird (100) Build Instructions Revised 06/17/2011
© 2011 Stevens AeroModel all rights reserved.!Page 11 of 11