Skygate C-ARF L39 build thread and virtual manual
I have been thinking about building an L39 for quite a long time and I had my eyes set on the Tomahawk Design L39 until C-ARF released their SkyGate C-ARF L39.
I must admit they should call this kit Quick Build because I am almost done in less than 1 week. I am waiting for the tail pipe, tank, retracts and cockpit, they are back ordered.
You can build and go fly this kit in 2 weeks
The reason I chose the C-ARF are:
1- A little bit smaller, removable rudder, mangeable to transport
2- Shipping to my door was almost a third of what I was quoted by TD
3- Flying characteristics are superb
4- The amount of work already done far surpassses what is done on the TD L39
5- Everything fits perfectly
6- Did not have to pay extra to have the equivalent of " work done at factory" like with TD done i.e. every single piece of wood is installed, absolutely nothing to glue
7- The most ingenious design is the removable air intake which gives an amazing access to the engine bay area to work comfortably.
The disadvantage is that there is no manual but since the designer of both kits is Stephan Volker anyway, and I have built the TD Hawk, things progressed super good.
I still need a manual at some point to check that what I did is correct.
Here are some pictures.
I am using air retracts and brakes, but servo operated doors.
NOTE: if you are building or planning to build one, watch for a missing bolt inside the rudder control rod, I used my own metric bolt and fixed it in place. Otherwise the rudder arm spins freely.