3
Before you begin assembling your
Yak 54 ARF
, take some
time to read through this entire instruction book. It is
designed to take you step-by-step through the process and
to give you added information on engine and radio selection
and set-up, balancing your aircraft, and flying your model.
The time you spend will speed the assembly process and
help you avoid problems.
PREPARING FOR ASSEMBLY
You will need a work area of approximately 24 x 70" which has been
covered to protect it from adhesive, as well as cuts and other
damage. Many people cover their work area with a sheet of
dry wall (sheet rock) and/or waxed paper t o prevent CA
Glue and Epoxy from ruining the work surface.
CONSTRUCTION TIPS
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ A FEW STEPS AHEAD.
This will alert you to coming instructions and will help you
plan accordingly.
Using the Parts Identification section, familiarize yourself
with the various items included in your kit box.
As you work, CHECK OFF EACH STEP in the box provid-
ed, so that you are sure you do not forget anything.
Do not hesitate to ask questions. Your local hobby dealer
and area flyers will most likely be happy to help, as they
want you to have a successful flying experience. You may
also receive technical assistance from Carl Goldberg
Products, Ltd. by telephone 1-678-450-0085.
ADHESIVES & GLUING TECHNIQUES
CA adhesives are specially formulated to firmly glue the ply-
wood, hardwood, and balsa used in your model and to with-
stand the vibration and stresses of high performance flight.
However, there are times, such as when you are installing
the stabilizer and fin on the fuselage and want more set-
up time for careful alignment and positioning, then you
should use epoxy.. Occasionally, you also will want to use
thin CA, which "wicks" into the surrounding areas. Aliphatic
resin glue or similar water-based glues can also be used,
but they will add to the assembly time because they dry so
much more slowly than CA glue. Remember, when ever
using any CA, you must be careful to read instructions thor-
oughly, as you will have only seconds for positioning of
parts. Be sure to trial fit parts together before gluing. Also,
never use watery THIN type CA glue for gluing plywood and
hardwood parts. Thin CA's do not adequately bond these
areas.
CAUTION
Some people may experience an allergic reaction when
exposed to fumes from CA glue or epoxy. As with paints,
thinners, and solvents, it is always important to use glues
only where there is adequate ventilation to carry fumes
away. A fan is recommended. Also, special care must be
taken when using CA, as it will bond skin as well as other
surfaces. Before using any CA, carefully read all label pre-
cautions. When using CA, protective eye-wear and care in
keeping the glue away from the face is highly recommend-
ed. If CA does happen to get into the eye, hold lid open and
flush with water only. Seek immediate medical attention.
COVERING
The Yak 54 ARF is covered in a premium polyester film
chosen by many of the world's top flyers for its beauty,
toughness, and ease of application and repair. It is not
uncommon for ARF's to develop a few wrinkles in transit. If
this is true of your model, the situation is easily corrected.
Before you begin putting the pieces together, run over the
surface of each section with an iron (either specially
designed for airplane use or the more cumbersome house-
hold iron) or use a modeling heat gun. Apply the heat (set
at about 350° F), following along with a soft cloth and press-
ing down on the covering as you go around. This will more
firmly set the covering adhesive into the wood and keep
your aircraft covering tight and smooth in the future.
One of the great advantages of polyester film is that it can
be applied over itself without causing gas bubbles. This
allows you to repair your aircraft, as well as to customize it
in a number of ways. If, due to a flight mishap, you get a
hole or similar covering damage, simply trim away the
ragged edges and then apply a patch, following the direc-
tions that come with your covering , which is available at
your hobby dealer.
Important Information
Covering coming loose is not COV-
ERED UNDER WARRANTY. Due to
temperature changes the plane may
develop some wrinkles in the cover-
ing that you will need to remove with
an iron. Be sure to seal the edges
down first so that you do not cause
the covering to shrink and leave
exposed areas of wood. Please
inspect the plane before beginning
to assemble to make sure you are
happy with it. After assembly has
begun you cannot return the kit. If
you find a problem before beginning
to assemble the plane you must
contact us, please do not return it to
the dealer.
