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.

A few more pictures. Will update as I progress.

Peter

Great work showing how complete the model is.
Only question is why metal control horn on Ailerons and plastic on Flap? I'd have gone the other way around with a large flap and more chance of shock loads??

Best Regards

Dave

Awesome looking forward to seeing your build. I have the tiny l39 from feibao. One day perhaps sigh..

Actually metal on the Ail. because the servo is too deep in the wing and I needed a 1.5" long servo arm to reach out of the wing skin. I used SWB Alum horns that I have. Otherwise I would have used the standard JR heavy duty on Ail. These have never failed me even on the TD Hawk or the big 7X.

Very Nice Peter, I need to come for a visit and see this beast

AM

Looks great Peter. This model is always tempting me!

Does the aileron servo deep in the wing not lend itself to an internal linkage??

Peter

OK. I'm with you, I like the Super Servo Nylon arm and not ever had an issue, it was just the mix. Like Mark says the wing was designed for scale internal linkages.

Dw

absolutely however the slit to allow the servo control rod to slide back and forth would have to be quite long, plus the location of the Aileron control arm with respect to the servo arm is not in line (I can take a picture) hence the reason to place the servo in reverse to gain distance inwards.
either way none of this will show since there are covers to go over the control arm anyway.

Guys you got me thinking about this again...I will re-visit this evening and see if I can re-do without major work......
that's the advantage of this forum......share ideas and pointers....

Great thread Peter!
Have you by any chance also ordered the cockpit from CARF for it ?
Can't seem to find any pictures of the cockpit they deliver (maybe it is not yet finished ?)
(currently looking at thawk's L39, was extremely satisfied with the quality of the Hawk, but I like the "completeness" of the CARF L39...)

Hello I am also building the L39 the cockpit will be ready end of this month I was told,and the ail I use the internal linkage.

My ailerons are internal.
scott

Hi Peter,

Thanks for starting this thread.  I'll be getting one of these L-39s after the holidays.

Kirk

Yes I also am on the fence with this one . I have to decide whether to get the L39 or the Hawk. The skygate L39 is an airplane that looks better up close than far away.

Thank you for your input, Ailerons are now re-done. I am glad you pointed that out. It is so good to have a 2nd opinion.
The control arm wil be totally covered and none of this will show in the end, but I like this solution better.

I have just ordered a pair of the 36mm Lexon landing lights. I will make my own landing light kit.

2nd main door to be done today. Then I have to Waiiiiiiiiiiiiit to get the rest of the items to finish (tail pipe, tank, retracts and cockpit kit)

Yes I ordered the cockpit kit, no pictures but I am sure it will be good.
I am flying the TD Hawk and I like it a lot. I might sell it and get the Skygate C-ARF Hawk because it is a little smaller. This way I can put both the L39 and Hawk in my van and take them both to the field.

Hi Peter

Thank you for the thread. I wanted a Tomahawk Hawk but USA surcharge / cost + shipping cost made it un-attractive. Your L39 shows the quality of the Skygate Carf so I will for sure go for the Hawk as I am certain that we can expect the same. Thanks again for sharing.

Behzad

Hi Peter,

I can't tell by the photos but does the plane rest on the gear when the wings are removed like the TD L-39?

Ya the quality will be the same and the level of completenesss also.
See all these cutouts and fairings etc I had to glue myself on the TD Hawk, not on the Skygate C-ARF one, they are already done for u. Even that nasty little door which takes a lot of work to align properly.

Nope traditional, you need a stand to assemble it.

The TD L39 sits on all 3 wheels, good advantage.

Its a nice looking kit

I notice a few changes from the Skygate versions elevator setup. love to see more pics of that area.

where can you get those lights from?

Emcotec

Not sure what exact details you are looking for, but here are some pictures.
Honestly, the stab is a 15 minute job. Nothing to really worry about as far as servo install and assembly. 1 bolt is all you need to fix it on the fuse.