Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

Yesterday I took the plunge into my largest airplane venture yet by ordering the Aviation Models Yak 54 33%, (95" wingspan). It arrived today in four boxes. The UPS guy was very curious about what the heck it could possibly be.

I plan to use a broken-in 3W70 for power, (requires a 75cc - don't think I'll notice the difference of 5cc's) with four Hitec 5625MG's on the ailerons, two Hitec 5645MG's on the elevators, and one 5985MG on the rudder in a pull-pull set-up.

So, my question to you folks is whether or not you would be interested in a build thread on this airplane and eventually an online review? I can take pictures and document progress as is the norm, and then hopefully at some point I can post a video showing what the plane is capable of.

It takes a lot of time to take the pictures as I go, post them, etc., but if you folks are interested, it would be my pleasure.

-Pat

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

If you intend to 3D this plane, you may miss the extra 5cc.

I have seen this plane with a slightly larger engine and it's a GREAT flyer. You'll love it.

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

That's entirely possible, but I'm going to give it a try. If I end up needing more, I can always sell the 70 and get an 80 or 85. The plane I had it on, the Lanier Yak 54, was not much lighter, maybe 2 lbs., and it pulled that thing around with a lot of authority during hovers, harriers, etc.

Thanks for the input. So far, not a lot of interest from people for a build thread. Perhaps it is because they are phasing out this particular version of the plane and replacing it with one that is a little more pre-fabricated with hinges installed, canopy installed, etc. It is the same airframe they say, just with a shorter build time.

-Pat

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

2lbs is HUGE on a plane that size, but not a deal breaker.

It will fly well, let us know how it goes with the 3D.

Good Luck!!

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

When I opened the boxes, I was impressed by the nice covering job and contrasting lines in the color scheme. Every part of the airframe was individually wrapped in bubble wrap and a plastic bag. All of the control surfaces come ready to be hinged with the slots already cut. The included hinges are the flat type, but of a heavy duty quality. I've always associated this type of hinge with pinning through the trailing edge, but the TBM folks tell me that it is not necessary if I use Gorilla Glue, which I am.

I've started the hinging and I've mounted the firewall. The sides of the engine box don't seem very robust as-is. They are not especially thick ply. I really did NOT enjoy the process of figuring out the proper length for the engine box sides and then cutting them. The wood just wanted to splinter while I cut it.

The kit includes some L-shaped aluminum for the joint of the engine box sides and the firewall for extra strength. I will probably glass over the engine box sides to make them stronger.

I can include some pics if anyone is interested.

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

Yo, P .... did you finish this plane? I have one as well and assembled using the same engine, 3 bladed Mej and a Nova spinner from Airwild. I have Hitec 5985's all around with H9 ProLinks/w ball links, except the rudder where I used a 5955 and the control arm from the kit.
E power is (1) 5200 Fromco with their switch and reg. (1) 2600 Fromco and a switch for the Ign. I replaced the wing tube,main and tail landing gear with Graphtec Carbon Fiber. Every thing else is from the kit.
I sure hope this 3W 70 ate his spinach cuz this pig is 23 lbs 11ozs, that's a long way from the 19lb advertised weight.
What did yours come out at and how does it fly?

Dan

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

Dan,

I didn't weigh mine, but the 3W70 has plenty of power for 3D maneuvers. It's not a rocket out of the hover, but I can't afford to go out and buy a DA or 3W 85, so I used what I had on hand. I used almost all the stock hardware, stock tubes, and stock gear. I also installed a smoke system. I really don't think there is a noticeable difference between the 70 and 75 in the air, so I think you'll be plenty satisfied with it.

I don't have much experience with 3-bladed set-ups. I use a Xoar 24X10 2-blade and it seems to like it quite a bit.

This plane flies absolutely fantastic. By far the best I've ever flown, (not just owned, but FLOWN, and I've flown a lot of other people's planes!). It has no bad tendencies at all. No rolling out or snapping out of tight loops or other maneuvers.

Hope that helps...

-Pat

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

Thanks for the reply Pat, I just got the batteries from Fromco so with these in hand it won't be long now, I'll let you know what I think.
Dan

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 --- Build Thread
 

Started to build the 33% extra 260 this week. I intend to use my 3w 70i in it, and i`m glad to hear that this engine performs well in such a large plane.

RE: Aviation Model (SD-Model) 33% YAK-54 - Build Thread
 

I can't believe I've had this plane for almost a full year already! Yes, I still have it, and it has been flying ever since I got it with the 3W70 in the nose. This is truly the best plane I've ever flown, and like I said before, I've flown a lot of planes belonging to other members of the local club.

My flying skills have progressed immensely since I started flying this plane. It really instills the confidence when it doesn't show the usual tendencies to roll out of tight loops and turns like most planes with 3D surfaces tend to do.

I recently took this plane out for a demo at a the Florence airport on the West Coast in Oregon. It was really a crowd pleaser, despite the awful winds that come with the close proximity of the ocean. I attached some pics from the event.

Alas, the 3W70 is probably going to be taken off pretty soon in order to put a 3W80xi on the firewall. The 70 did more than I thought it would, but I'm craving just a little more power now that my skills have increased. I'm also considering replacing the aileron and elevator servos with Hitec 7985's and adding one more 5955TG to the rudder. The 5985 I had on there originally just couldn't cut it and stalled out at higher speeds, which made knife edge flight very scary. The 5955TG does okay but also has a hard time at high rates when the air movement picks up over the rudder. So, I'm thinking if I gang two together that would help.