Vince Findlay Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 Hi I’ve had the plans and laser cut kit for the Yak for a while now gluing a bit now and again between house moves etc. So thought I would share my progress so far now that I have more room to build it. The plans were drawn by Chad Veich, They are part of the Bates plans range and I got my copies through Fighteraces and the laser cut kit was from Belair Kit cutters here in the UK. The model spans 82” and I have a Zenoah 45 which will easily fit in the 11” Diameter cowl. I will be using Robart 631 RS air retracts and 673 Robostruts. Vince 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Bradly Posted April 11, 2021 Share Posted April 11, 2021 Nice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted April 26, 2021 Author Share Posted April 26, 2021 (edited) Some more progress with the wing. The retract bearers are epoxied in after checking they sit correct in both positions. The flaps are finished and the aileron cores are started. The plans show enclosed flap servos but I will make them accessible the same as the aileron ones before final sanding and running servo leads and airlines for the retracts before final sheeting. Vince Edited April 26, 2021 by Vince Findlay I forgot to put in final sheeting 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted May 7, 2021 Author Share Posted May 7, 2021 The first wing panel is now sheeted, This is done on a saddle supplied in the kit to keep it true and set the washout etc. I used sandbags to weigh it down while everything dried. The airline and servo leads were also run and taped in first. I also tried a servo tester for the 1st time while checking the flap servo...I wish I had this piece of kit years ago to save using the receiver etc. Got this one from the Steve Webb models for a tenner. Next to set up the wing jig and get the second wing to the same stage, Laminate the leading edges and fit and sand the wing tips ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted May 7, 2021 Author Share Posted May 7, 2021 Here is a colour scheme I was thinking about, There are a lot of them to choose from so i might change my mind before then? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted June 12, 2021 Author Share Posted June 12, 2021 Both wings are now sheeted with the wing tips and laminated leading edges fitted and sanded. The tail plane and fin are sheeted and the rudder and elevator cores were made up over the plans. I’ve put these to one side just now and will join the wing panels later. I’ve started the fuselage by making up the rear trusses and looking out the the formers. Cheers Vince 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dale Bradly Posted June 12, 2021 Share Posted June 12, 2021 Nice. Keep the updates coming Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted June 13, 2021 Author Share Posted June 13, 2021 13 hours ago, Dale Bradly said: Nice. Keep the updates coming Thanks Dale, Just laying out some of the fuselage this morning. Hoping to get the basic frame work done within the next week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perttime Posted June 25, 2021 Share Posted June 25, 2021 Looking good! Chad has also made a version of the Yak-11 plan that gets you the Check Mate air racer. Not sure if that is available off-the-shelf somewhere. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted June 26, 2021 Author Share Posted June 26, 2021 Thanks, I have seen the Chez Mate and Perastroika racing versions of Chad’s design on Rcu and they look great, I think the builders just modified the existing plans? I remember seeing a 66” span one as well, but I’m not sure if the plans are available. I will be building the two seater version as per plan. I will have a go at making a plug and vac forming my own canopy later, it’s quite long so I will probably do it in sections. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perttime Posted June 27, 2021 Share Posted June 27, 2021 At least, he has made a plan for a 66" span Check Mate / Perestroika. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted June 27, 2021 Author Share Posted June 27, 2021 Just working on the fuselage frame up, really impressed with the laser cutting accuracy to the plan. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted June 28, 2021 Author Share Posted June 28, 2021 23 hours ago, perttime said: At least, he has made a plan for a 66" span Check Mate / Perestroika. Perttime, I had another look at the 66” air racing Yak and I bet it would be great with a 120 four stroke, Definitely going to see my one through to completion before I think of my next project…it’s so easy to get side tracked with this great hobby ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
perttime Posted June 28, 2021 Share Posted June 28, 2021 The 66" Czech Mate plan does say .61 - 1.20 two stroke / .90 - 1.40 four stroke / Electric. .... and: "Many details such as radio and engine installation ( ... ) are left entirely to your discretion" Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vince Findlay Posted July 5, 2021 Author Share Posted July 5, 2021 Some more progress on the fuselage. The tail wheel brackets, side formers and stringers are fitted. Just temporarily pinned in the the top formers to get an idea of the shape of things to come ? I’ll be working on the front bulkhead area ducting next. Then join and glass the wing panels so I can finish the wing seating, dowel locations and wing fixing bolts. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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