RE: Lanier Yak
 

I think Yaks because of their round fuse will come in heavier. That's what I've seen across the board.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Yep, without a doubt they are heavier... there is more cowling and structure to create that round fuse.

In the case of the Lanier, it really is a bigger plane... Larger tail surfaces, etc.

It is built very well, though in some areas (like the tail) it was ridiculously so...

At 17.5 lbs your Edge fell inside the recommended weight and I don't think anyone could complain about that. As I mentioned, my Double Vision is 17.25 lbs and flies very well, though I wished I had a little more umph at times espceially when trying to get it closer to the (gulp) ground...

After all that is my goal... I'm not a great 3D pilot... but I'd like to get better... I want to be able to get it down on the deck and torque it sweetly across the runway. In order to do that I need the confidence of power to weight to get me out of a jam that I WILL get myself into.

17.5 on a DA50 is borderline... 18.5 just won't cut it. Yes an 80 would be the power ticket, but then the probability of hamperered high alpha performance comes into play... more wingrock, higher potenttial for elevatorsnaps, overrotating snaps, etc... all of which I don't prefer...

Yes we are talking preference... but I CHOSE the Lanier Yak based on their advertised weights that MET my preferences. I would have been tee toltal tickled to have it come in 11 lbs out of box, and THEN me be able to save a lb... 16.5 lbs all up! Rocking on a DA50...

The Lanier Yak, setup stock with no mods, will come out at about 18.5 lbs... and that is 1/2 higher than the recommended weight. Expectations were different and because of that several guys were ready to sell the plane outright or return it. Some guys will be outright furious and I expect the adv. weights to be adjusted.

Once I weighed mine and knew where it would come in at, I began to look at it and try to figure where I might save some weight. If there wasn't any opportunity to do so... I would have sent it back.

BUT... after looking at the whole package... beautiful scheme, excellent covering, strong built, slightly larger than the competition... I felt it would be worth a few mods to get the weight/balance down.

I struggled with whether I should perform the mods up front or not, but they are truly simple mods. 4.1 oz saved in the hatch, 1.4 in the tail. All of which help with balance and saved a significant amount. A person could do these things alone and probably balance the plane with a DA50 and pull-pull rudder.

Any futher mods are personal choice. Carbon fiber stab tubes were a little more work... took me a good 1.5 hours and $30 to perform... I saved another 1.2 oz in the tail, and that allowed me to put the rudder servo back there.

Lastly as I mentioned before and pcsol has, the wingtube will need fitted to into the wings (mine fits nicely in the fuse)... and at 2 oz or so, I'm not sure I will do it...

Those are really the only 3 mods I performed... saving a total of 6.2 oz and spending $30... If a person wants to fly there's with a DA50 or other 50cc engine... I'm glad I could share these. They can pick and choose none to all at their building comfort level.

If I can get the gear replaced out, that will save another 4-6 oz and with some frugal selection of equipment of gear and installation items, I can bring that total down a full lb arriving at a 17.5 lb plane...

I COULD perform two more mods that would save another 1/2 lb... And I might, but those are more involved and they would be performed after the review is completed.

When the review is finished, and if I do indeed get it down to 17.5 lbs, I'll be able to show this plane well powered with a DA50... I'll also be able to state how it would fly weighing 18-19 lbs as I have flown other planes with a DA50 in similar wingare planes weighing that.

Guys who would normally pass this plane up might very well buy the airframe and perform the mods... this is good for the manufacturer... and us... in that they may very well have a second run of these planes, with some of these mods already performed.

Anywho... enough debate over weights and my review mods... time to get this thing completed and... (gulp again) weighed... :)

RE: Lanier Yak
 

That cowling alon weighs a ton. Why not try shaving some of the inside and thin it out a bit.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Cute... ;)

RE: Lanier Yak
 

I've always wondered what the twisting moment is like, when the control horn rod is behind the hinge line about 1 inch, and then the control horn brings the attachment point back in line with the hinge. If uosing pull-pull, there is no concern. If using two servos, no concern. But if using one servo, I wonder about the push direction, and whether the control horn would have a tendancy to twist on the control horn threaded rod...[&:]

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Hi, I am looking to buy the Lanier Yak, after reading this thread, I am not sure now, as what scares me is the condition it will ariive. Also there was talk on Wild Hare. I fly the Edge 540T with a FPE 52cc and as of now it has 200 flights. Nothing has gone wrong with it. When the Kit arrived there was some damage to the fuse. It was replace within two weeks. So Wild Hare I am very satisfied with.
Now back to the Lanier Yak, if I get it, I am putting in the FPE 70cc, reading the thread, the plane seems to fly really nice. It is the question of service. I am here in Montreal, so shipping is a concerne as the distance it will have to go is far.
Also I woujld like to know if anyone tried to install a canister. Is there room for it. As noise is become a problem at our field, I would like to install a cannister in the Yak. Not seeing the kit, I can't know if it will, I know the Wild hare Edge 540T has room for a cannister, and if the Yak is larger, there should be room. I would appreciate pictures if anyone has installed one.
Thanks

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Because there is no side to side play in the pinned knuckle, there is no propensity for the horn to turn on the shaft.

I've looked at that how many times over the many installs... it just can't go there.... :)

RE: Lanier Yak
 

There is not enough room to install one completely internally (unless you made up some curvy/flex thing to raise the pipe up above the egarblock, but you could do an extermal channel and have the can sit up in it halfway or so...

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Received my YAK in very good to excellent condition in Eastern Ontario, CANADA. The leading edge anti-rotation pin was pushed into the wing and broke the second rib. I'll be able to fix it (looks like the box was bumped or dropped near that corner, the box didn't offer superior padding). I emailed Lanier to inform them. All I asked for in return was a return email. They did this, 3 times. They have none in stock ([X(]) so they can't open up any boxes to see why it is happening. They also sent me a photo of their prototype on a mailscale, and it was 17.93 lbs stock with a DA. I'll check the picture again to be sure.
FWIW maudib, you can still do the "before mods" review by strapping a lb at the CG and fly it :D
Also, I've decided to stick with what I have. I'll be using a ZDZ 80 and build it stock. If it is silly power and too fast on landings, I'll buy a zdz 60. There is little difference in weight, but 2 hp in power and an extra 2 inches prop clearance. Not sure what to do with this zdz 50 NG now...

Peter

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Thanks, for the reply, I just ordered it from Great Hobbies, and I asked them to open the box before they send it to me. That they said will do. Also thanks for the pics re install of a Canister muffler. I really think it can be done with some mods. I am sure the 70cc will be more than enough for it.
Thanks

RE: Lanier Yak
 

mga, check your pm.

Peter

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Hey RCHotDog! I see you lurking... what's up with yours at this point? You started the thread and I jumped all over it... jump back in here... :)

RE: Lanier Yak
 

I've done another balance check with the wings but no servos in them... one will be right on CG the other aft a few inches...

As it stands it is still running slightly tailheavy, but not by much... I should be able to balance it with the receiver battery (a 6.6 oz 4800mah Lion) ahead of the wingtube somewhere... If not I'll create a tounge to stick out over the standoffs and put my ignition and ign. battery up there.

That after taking 3 oz out of the tail, so it's pretty safe to say that a stock DA50 setup would have some difficulties in balancing... still if you did not do any mods other than switching to pull-pull you might get it done...

Might be a littel tougher with the gear swapped to CF, but they are not that far north of the CG.

BTW... look at them barn doors for ailerons... hugenormous...

Another quick weigh-in has me still looking right at 17.5 lbs (without wheel pants)... and that's not too aweful bad on a DA50...

Add CF gear and perhaps 17.25 lbs is possible... my goal to hit after knowing what it was out of box... and again a full 1/2 lb MORE can be found in belly balsa and single servo mod...

So I think we have a really good idea of what a 50cc install can be... anywhere from 18.5 lbs down to 16.75 with radical weight reduction. Pick and choose your own mods based on your level of comfort with processes.

I'm pretty happy to say the least... :)

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Yeah, I have been hangin around. I'm stuck on mine, waiting for an engine really. All the ZDZ 50's are out of stock at RC Showcase and I guess the DA's are also out of stock. So right now I have an airplane that looks great, almost ready to Fly, sans engine. Quite frustrating really, there will be some nice days coming up soon and I have no Yak to bully around the skys. Oh well, My UCD will have to do, although that is waiting for a voltage regulator to come in. Man only one flyable plane right now and it's a foamie. All others are in some form of build, or winter refurb. I guess that's what winter is all about, but the problem is, March sees some nice weather up here in Cleveland and with March here, means Toledo is a month away, which is the offical kick off to the flying season.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Maudib,
You had mentioned the Ultimate review. Did you do the one here on RCU? If so, I have about 3 guys that got that at my club this winter, all with ZDZ 50's. What's your take on this plane truthfully. Could you see it coming in at 12 lbs or lighter with a BME 55 (if advertised weight is real, 2.1 lbs bare) small Li-Po for reciever and ignition and CF anywhere I can? Is there room on that plane to do so? I don't want to start a whole thing on different plane on this thread, but I was curious on that one. Let me know.
Thanks

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Mine was 14.75 lbs with the Fuji 43 and wheel plants (basically identical weight to the DA50)

It's a great plane and with a 50 will be a monster... and I mean monster. Ailerons were outrageous so make sure they keep 'em tame at first.

This plane is already as light as they come... 1450 sq in at 14.75 with a 50 is unbelievable... 12 lbs? I dunno that'd be close... but EASILY 13 and maybe some less...

Not even sure CF gear (Graphtech is making some up) will save much weight... But with lipos... MAYBE a fella could put two aileron servos and linkthe ailerons to save 2-3 oz... but I wouldn't...

At 13 lbs it would be probably the highest power to weight "real" airframe anyone has even done.

I was so tickled with the quality and weight of this plane there was little to do but a manual rewrite... :)

I am seriously considering an e-conversion of this one...

See the review here: [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=636]Ultimate Review[/link]

RE: Lanier Yak
 

ooooooooo!!!!!! an E conversion. I am just starting to break the ice on that stuff. But that would be interesting. Anyhow, thanks for the input on the Ultimate. Now back to the Yaks.
Damn engines, why do we need them. RGGGHHHHHHH! I'm a dealer for both ZDZ and DA and can't get anything. Although the RC Showcase guys are wonderful, a customer needed an engine really bad (ZDZ 210) and they shipped it directly from Czech to me. Of course I paid for the extra shipping ($250 for 3 day service), but hell, keeping the customer happy is what it's all about.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

It's a rough season for any of the engine guys... there's a TON of winter builds coming to an end, and guys rushing to get another project done for season...

DA's should be getting in stock real soon though...

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Yeah, Have been told the same and by RCS also. It's a bummer. Although, it will be a great flying season this year, for me and my group of guys. There will be 4-5 new Yaks, 3 new Ultimates, a 1/4 scale Mustang, 2 Yellow P-38's 1 Yellow P-47, 1/5 scale Corsair and many others. That's what I love about the start of a new season. I get to madien most of the new fancy planes. :D. But regardless, I'm getting antsy for the good weather. PLEASE COME SOON!!!!!!!

RE: Lanier Yak
 

What about a Brison 3.2?? There should be a few of them available. I've got 2 of them...great engines IMO.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

Hey MGA,

My Lanier Yak came in all busted up, broken formers in fuse, busted cowl, loose glue joints in fuse canopy frame. A lot other folks are experiencing busted anti-rotation pins and wing ribs. And the problem is basically the poor packaging at the factory. Took me a lot of telephone wrangling to have Tower Hobbies sends me a return label. Finally sent it back this week and Tower credited my account.

As I see it, it's a crap shoot with this one. You may be lucky and get an undamaged kit. But taking in consideration the way they are being packed at the factory it's a 50-50 chance. This is sure what our friend Maudib considers a "value" kit, but at the street price of $499 I don't see where the "value" is. You probably will need to spend a ton of money to lighten up this beast, and replace most of the cheap hardware that comes with the kit. Not to mention spend $40 to $50 on a spinner, and purchase eight (8) high torque servos. You are probably looking at $250 to $350 dls. extra than most other 87" Yaks in the market. You may as well buy a QQ Yak, or a BME, AeroTech or AeroWorks QB Yak (which by the way these are canister ready, except the QQ). And most of these kits come with a very complete selection of high quality hardware.

Besides that, if you like to stick closer to scale looks, this kit with its slab sided design is a long shot from looking scale.

I just sold the Evolution 58GX engine I was planning to mount on this plane, and ordered an Evolution 45 GX from Chief. Went down to my LHS and got a great deal on a GP 25% Yak 54. My LHS matches Tower price and don't charge shipping, ended up paying only $369. This kit looks gorgeous in metallic colors, and comes with excellent hardware, complete with spinner, and a complete pull-pull assembly. For this price it will be very competitive with the Wild Hare 82" Yak and you don't need to spend the extra $75 in hardware Tom sells for his kit.

And the most important issue here is that unlike Lanier, most of these distributors/manufacturers will stand behind their product with excellent courteous product support, and parts availability. All I can say to you is "buyer beware".

RE: Lanier Yak
 

"Buyer Beware" is becoming a must in ANYTHING that you purchase these days and it's all because of competition and cost cutting. It seems that all major manufactures are jumping on a "build it as LEAN as you can" wagon and is all the way across the board.
I purchased a GP Ultimate and changed a few things that I didn't like and I am sure that I will do the same for my Lanier Yak and that will be totally because of preference.
I agree, Lanier could do (must do) better packaging than what they are doing which gets back to "lean packaging costs." I guess I was one of the lucky ones, I have found no shipping damage on any part (so far) of my kit. I will post if I do find anything.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

You are looking at 3 of my ARF's, The Stearman has over 700 flights since last spring. 5 gallons alone this winter so far and it is not finished. If you look closely you can see the struts that the plastic that gives them a shape is starting to chip off from vibration of the 40cc gas engine. Also the covering is really not the best as it wrinklels easily, but after 30 minutes of heat gun it comes back smooth. The Wako by Kangke is in the building process and so far is an excellent ARF. The weakness is the thin aluminum landing gear, and I reinforced it with the B&B landing gear reinforce kit. The Edge 540T has now 200 flights on it but only in the summer, I do not fly this plane as it is my competive plane. So far it is as good as the day it arrived. Like new. So Wild Hare so far is the best. I did have damage on the fuse and they replaced it. I had to pay the shipping. Re the Lanier, the reason I wanted their Yak, was the fuse lenght. It is at least 6 to 9 inches longer than the Aero-works, Aero teck and others. This makes the plane much smoother. I hate to build, and I am sure any good builder would build any of these planes lighter, and with a much better quality of building, so also would be stronger. This I agree on, but for a guy like me who has no patience to build, even an ARF is not fast enough, for the money all of them are a good value. Take Carden, the kits alone are 600 dollars and up, buy the time you finish it you are double in price. this is not counting the engine, radio etc, just the plane, then the day you go and do it's first test flight, you are stressed out, beacause you put in 3 or 4 hundred hours. The hobby for me is the flying part, and I don't need the stress. I am sure Lanier will solve their shipping problems, as they receive more complaints. Yet reading some of the reports here, the ones that had good luck, in receiving their kit with minor damage they all speak of how well this plane flies. And for 500 bucks you can't beat that. Do a few mods and in my case I am putting a FPE 70cc in it. As you can see I like the FPE engines, I have the FPE 52cc in the Edge 540T and the FPE 40cc in the Stearman, and also will be in the Waco.
All these planes have the wing area to take the extra weight. We fly in winds up to 40 miles per hour, so we like a little more weight, and they will do all the tricks you want them to do. Landings are smooth and slow. My Edge wights 18lbs, my stearman weights 16lbs,
If you notice on the Stearman, I put the muffler with the pipes sticking up. I did this beacause in the snow, sometimes depending on the snow, the skis would stick in and the pipes from the muffler would hit the ice and bend. I decided to try and reverse the muffler and it has worked out great. The real stearman I was told also has the muffler coming out on top but on the opisite side. Also I got a little discoloration on the top of the fuse from the heat coming out, but that is neat looking. So that is my thoughts on ARFs, I think for guys like me they are the answer. If you want a beautiful well finished pay the money and by a Qui Qui Arf, but if you want something that will fly well, look half decent buy the cheaper one. Oh, I forgot to mention, look closely at my pilot in the stearman, his hair is now starting to rust from flying in the snow. We fly even it it is snowing, and that is really fun and beautiful to watch.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

I sent mail to Lanier to get info on what they used to get their weight and this is what they sent me. "We used a DA-50, Futuba 9151 servos, 5cell 2700mah subc Ni-mih battery, and we came out just under 17lbs. We used the hardware that came with the kit." From what I'm reading here, I don't know how they did that. Perhaps the gravity at Lanier is different from everywhere else.

RE: Lanier Yak
 

I have the Lanier photo of the plane. It shows it weighs 16.97 lbs...