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bubbagates -> 50cc Yak comparison between run #1 and run #3 (8/27/2006 6:49:24 AM)
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As the subject implies, this is going to be a long post as it's a comparison in regards to the changes I was able to readily see, the fixes AW recommends and supplies everything to apply those fixes.
Ok just a bit of history. On Yak #1 (first run of this plane) you may remember I was one of the ones that had the covering lift on one wing which resulted in the wing self destructing but not parting company from the plane until the impact with the ground and that was with me ironing down the covering which is something I do on all my planes before assembly begins and as needed just before the maiden. After a nice conversation with Rocco, I agreed to do a comparison between the first one and the new one, better known as Yak #2 (3rd run on this plane).
Yak #1 had 4 flights on it
Yak #1 specs
Da50
PT Models 22X8
Pete's 3.5 inch CF spinner
KS header
KE can
8611's everywhere
3 Fromeco 2400's (one on the ignition, 2 on the receiver
Smart-Fly Power Xpander
Smart-Fly SuperReg
All the stock hardware was used
Total weight 18lbs even
Yak#2 specs
3W 55i
3W aluminum "S" header
MTW can
PT Models 23X8
Pete's 3.5 inch CF spinner
8611's everywhere
3 Fromeco 2400's (one on the ignition, 2 on the receiver
Smart-Fly Power Xpander
Smart-Fly SuperReg
All the stock hardware was used
Total weight exactly 19lbs 3ozs
Ok, one of the very first things I noticed was the wings. I still had a good one left from #1 so I took a look to see if there were any differences and the one I found was there are now 1/4 square pieces of balsa stock out near the leading edge that go between the top and bottom of each rib. It also looks like there maybe some better wood in the area right behind the engine box but since mine was destroyed on Yak #1 I could not really compare them side by side.
The fixes that were recommended were applied to #2. This included applying clear Ultracote to the leading edges of the wings and stabs, some wood was epoxied around the landing gear and all the upgraded washers were used as well as the front hairpins. I only used the front ones because I found the best spot for the Badger switches I used were right where you need to do the cutouts for the rear anti-rotation pins so I could not use the rear hairpins.
When I added the wood for the landing gear block, I epoxied everything both top and bottom and not just where the wood came together as the instructions showed but in the process I accidently glued the landing gear cover on so now I must get a new one when I decide to change the main gear out for the CF main gear to try to lose a bit of weight [:@]. I also spent a ton of time getting all the covering ironed down and even to this day I still am getting a bunch of wrinkles, but it is getting less and less with each time.
Now even though #2 is 19lbs it sure does not fly like it weighs that much. As with #1 it took no trim at all, right thrust for my setup is dead on, CG is right on the mark and was set to the recommended setting, all throws are right where they should be. KE needs anywhere from a touch of elevator to about 7 percent depending on what rate I am flying at. It tends to roll towards the rudder in KE but it's so small, I just fly right though it. I tried mixing it but one percent was too much until I was on high rates and then all I needed was one percent for the last 2/3rds of rudder travel.
Landings have been a breeze, just get the sink rate setup and she comes in really nice all on her own. I have had a couple of not so nice landings and our field is not the smoothest either and the gear has stayed solid so the fix works.
I have just started to beat on the plane and I can say this much, I've planted it into a pretty fast wall today and nothing came off, I also did a decent parachute and still the wings stayed on. I landed after this particular flight to check out the wings and the mounting area in the fuselage and found nothing wrong at all. I've also spent a good bit of the last flight of the day doing low and high speed tumbles and everything stayed on.
Oh yea, one last thing, #2 has 26 flights on it now. The engine is showing signs of getting better.
For those of you that had the first run of these and had problems, I would say that you may want to think about the newest version if you are still in the market for a decent Yak.
For those of you that are looking for a decent Yak, give this one a serious look. In both cases I used all the included hardware so all I needed was the engine and electronics and I was good to go.
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