January 12, 2023
Thought I would post a new project I’ve started. I traded for this 30% aviation models Yak 54 a few years ago. The plane is sound but in need of dents removed, the entire air frame recovered, new avionics and updated motor. Step one strip the covering to see just how much repair work is needed:
January 14, 2023
Removed and filled all the dents, completed sanding and started covering the horizontal stabilizers:
January 18, 2023
I’m a little behind. I finished covering the bottom and top of the horizontal stabilizers and elevators. Now on to the main wings and ailerons:
January 22, 2023
This week I worked the wings. Removed bad sections of wood and glued in blocks, then used the plainer to rough shape, sanded and added filler. I found a crack in the sheeting. The best way to make the repair is remove the damaged section and replace with new sheeting:
January 27, 2023
Bottom and top of main wings covered. Now trying to decide on the trim(last picture):
January 31, 2023
Finished the wings tonight. Next up mounting the 61cc engine, build the exhaust header and install canister muffler:
February 12, 2023
Yak update:
Removed firewall and shortened motor box by 1-1/4” to accommodate new DLE 61 motor. I retained the original down and right thrust for the motor. Epoxied and pinned firewall in place them mounted motor exhaust canister and throttle servo. To center motor in cowl opening I suspend the plane vertically by the wing tube between to ladders. Set motor on new firewall and install cowl, next move engine around to locate center of cowl opening then remove cowl and mark stand-off locations.
Removed firewall and shortened motor box by 1-1/4” to accommodate new DLE 61 motor. I retained the original down and right thrust for the motor. Epoxied and pinned firewall in place them mounted motor exhaust canister and throttle servo. To center motor in cowl opening I suspend the plane vertically by the wing tube between to ladders. Set motor on new firewall and install cowl, next move engine around to locate center of cowl opening then remove cowl and mark stand-off locations.