 Product Video
Product Review:
3D HobbyShop 55” Yak 54
Perspective By:
John "TheTank" Banks
Manufacturer Contact:
3D Hobby Shop
603 FM 2093 STE 1601
Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-990-6978
Manufacturer Website:
www.3dhobbyshop.com
FlyingGiants Ratings:
| Packaging: |  | | Kit Quality: | | | Ease of Build: | | | Huckability: | | | Overall: | | |
No longer are large, high performing electric models confined by battery and power source limitations. Over the past year, we have seen amazing popularity growth in ".50 size" electrics with ultra light-weight, yet rigid airframes as well as power systems to make them perform like their giant-aerobat counterparts. These aircraft fly precision and 3D aerobatics like that of their much larger brother aircraft, but in a much more manageable, and cost-effective package. Among the creators of such aircraft, 3dHobbyshop has distinguished themselves as the leader in design and production of electric models with several new models within the past year. That said, it was with great pleasure that I was given the opportunity to review their new 55" Yak 54 that was just coming on to the market. |
    As usual, 3DHobbyshop did a great job packaging the airframe in order to protect their merchandise as it travels across the country. The double box protection and plenty of padding inside ensured that the airplane and accessories made it through to me with zero damage. Upon unwrapping all of the individual parts from their clear packages, all of the covering was pristine over the top of an amazing light, laser-cut airframe in an attractive "Russian Thunder" style covering scheme. For thing I noticed was that the wings were big! Not only did they have the 55" span but also a healthy chord, increasing the overall wing area. Along with the wings were oversized control surfaces with the ability to get massive throws, perfect to conquer the 3D flight envelope. Within the box was a full hardware kit complete with ball-links, phenolic horns, wheels, and a really trick tail wheel setup. While talking to Ben at 3DH, I once again decided to go with the "Torque" 4014/578 motor and 80amp "Airboss" ESC that is perfect for this application and available directly through 3D HobbyShop. I also ordered a Xoar 15x7E prop as well as a 15x6E APC prop to finish off the drive train.
55" span Torque Revolution Power System Elite 52mm Spinner 4S or 5S 3400-4400mah Lipoly packp XOAR 15x7Prop for 5S operation
Requires: Radio w/ 6channels minimum, exponential, dual rates 5 x HS-225MGor HS-5245MG servos
Building the Yak 54 was a breeze. I had received my kit prior to the completion of the instruction manual yet still found it simple to assemble without any issues. Wing assembly includes hinging the ailerons with CA hinges in the pre-cut slots. Installing the aileron servos and gluing the phenolic aileron control horn into the wing. Finish it up with the supplied pushrod, ball link and quick-connector and bingo, the wings are done! Moving onto the fuselage, with a few swipes from a new #11 blade, the elevator servo bays, pull-pull exits, and the slot for the horizontal stabilizer were cleared of covering. The wing is inset into the fuselage and the openings are already cut, saving some time here. While I was at it, I also cut a couple of vents into the bottom of the fuse to vent any warm air from the motor, battery, and ESC that was passing through the fuse. Once this was done, I squared up the horizontal stab, and glued it in place with epoxy. While I had the epoxy mixed up, I also attached the steering post of the bottom of the rudder, and then glued the rudder in place with the provided CA hinges. Next up was installing the phenolic horns in the bottom of the elevators, and gluing them in place with CA hinges. I installed the elevator servos and the corresponding linkages. The rudder servo and pull-pull cables, as well as the tail wheel setup and steering rod. The rudder pull-pull exits above the stab on this airframe, so be careful when locating the exits as well as the phenolic horn slot on the rudder as to not cause any unnecessary cuts. The landing gear bolted up with two bolts and a small dab of loctite. To that I added the axles, wheels, and wheel pants. 3DH once again included the really trick mini-axles that they have, which are a vast improvement over the bolt-style axles in other models. Little things like this really set this model off. I added a few drops of CA to add some extra strength to the gear plate attachment and where the motor box joined the firewall. I then bolted up the m
   
   
  
A quick check of the flight surfaces as well as a range check and we were ready to rock and roll. The Yak 54 lifted off smoothly and only needed one click of aileron trim to keep it tracking straight and true. I immediately felt the power of the Torque outrunner and Flightpower 5S 3700mah Lipo as I pulled vertical, increased to full power, and the 3DH Yak rocketed upwards. The 15x7E Xoar seemed to be a great prop for this application. For the first flight, I took it a little easy, working on some sequences, and some overall sequences, all the while making mental notes of any adjustments I wanted to make. Not only did the Yak groove through the sequences, snaps were crisp and stopped on a dime, and over all control authority was awesome. One thing that really stood out on this model was the down-line breaking. Coming off maneuvers like Humptys, Hammerheads, etc, the Yak slowed to a crawl with the power pulled back. Undoubtedly due to the large fuselage and ample surface area of the front end. The Yak did have a little pitch coupling with the rudder, but my initial flight had the battery too far back, resulting in a pretty tail heavy condition. Before writing any mixes, I wanted to slide the battery forward slightly to correct the CG before I made any changes. The end result ended up being a slight rudder to elevator mix of about 4% to the left, and 5 % to the right. Not much consider the amount of throw I have on the rudder. The Yak required no rudder to aileron mix as there was zero roll coupling. After the first flight, I was sure I had glued and assembled everything properly (I had second-guessed myself as this model took no time to build) so it was time to start ringing it out and see what the 3DH Yak 54 was made off. Overall first impression in 3D was once again wow! Control authority was massive and the large wing area of the model made it very nimble on its feet as well as excellent in harriers, inverted harriers, parachutes, etc.
| 3D Hobby Shop
603 FM 2093 STE 1601
Fredericksburg, TX 78624 Phone: 830-990-6978 www.3dhobbyshop.com | |
02-09-2008, 06:49 AM
Re: PP: 55” Yak 54 by 3D HobbyShop 
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wHat?2-huck tOdAY!!!!
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