RichModel 50cc Yak 54

[Berwyn Bill]

First, I don't want a "go buy a SD, Aeroworks, etc. Yak instead" thread. Please. We're all aquainted with those fine Yaks. I'm looking for info on the RichModel 50cc Yak.

http://www.richmodelusa.com/Products/GA-YAK54-50CC.html
I know a guy who is happy with his RM Yak and another who just got one and said it dry fit very well. They can be had for about $430-500 NIB so I'm trying to build up some info on firsthand experience with them. If you have one or have flown one, what was your impression? Stuff like AUW with set-up, slow speed and stall characteristics, overall flying ability would be perfect. Thanks in advance.

[BTerry]

You will get a better response if you substitute the words "BME" or "PAU" for "Richmodel". Same plane, and lots of good reviews.

Incidentally, here is a great place to get it for a cheap price. Last shipping quote was around $25 or so. http://ak-models.com/mm5/merchant.mv...ode=GIANTSCALE

[2robinhood]

	Quote: Originally Posted by BTerry
	You will get a better response if you substitute the words "BME" or "PAU" for "Richmodel". Same plane, and lots of good reviews. Incidentally, here is a great place to get it for a cheap price. Last shipping quote was around $25 or so. http://ak-models.com/mm5/merchant.mv...ode=GIANTSCALE

I just got one and it is really nice. I had one problem, the canopy / hatch was broken. The box wasn't damaged at al ( packed really well ) but the conopy is all cracked up.. I got it from AK models , but it has been two weeks and they haven't even returned a phone call or e-mail. So I am on hold for putting this bird together.

[2robinhood]

Well I am getting the conopy / hatch straight from Rich models. They hooked me up and I just need to pay for shipping.
As far as AK models goes, I have five phone calls and six e-mails to them, and I haven't got any response at all. AK Models Customer service is terrible. I don't think they will be having anymore Rich models when these are gone. Rich Models now has a place of their own in Potland OR.
AK had a low price ( $439 ) and super cheap shipping ( $21.00 Fed-Ex ), but it is a risk.
I am glad it was only the hatch that had damage, anything more seems it would be a nightmare .

All in all, the Rich Models Yak 54 looks really good, super hardware, really nice fit and finish. This was the 1st ARF that I have ever had that didn't have a wrinkle or bubble in the covering what so ever.

[GremlinX]

What covering do they use now??? It used to be chinajunk. I had one of their planes and the wood was termite riddled looking stuff. I replaced the bad stuff in the motor box, and recovered it in good shrink covering and it IS a nice airplane. The construction is sound. No doubt about it.

[jackterrell]

I have put about 100 flight on this yak, the ailrons only deflect about 40 degrees that makes it hard to keep from torque rolling. The fiberglass gear will separate after few wheel landing. The plane flies great and feels light while flying. I would buy another one.

[2robinhood]

	Quote: Originally Posted by GremlinX
	What covering do they use now???

I beleive it is Ultracote

[2robinhood]

	Quote: Originally Posted by jackterrell
	The fiberglass gear will separate after few wheel landing.

Are you saying the landing gear be replaced befor I even start?

[jackterrell]

If I was buying another one, I would not use the original fiberglass gear. This yak is one of the easiest airplane to land that I have owned. If you use the stock gear check it often.

[2robinhood]

Any idea what to set the control surfaces and CG at?
Nothing at all in the manual.

[rceagle1a]

This is the Exact same plane as the Pacific planes yak. If the landing gear is two piece it is the same plane. Go to www.pacificplanes.com and download the instructions for that plane it has throw and cg recommendations that should work fine for this model too. P.S. If this model does have the two piece gear Make sure you go around all the glue joints of the gear mount pads or you'll lose a pad on a landing and tear up the fuse.

[Songbird]

Seems the larger Richmodel line is becoming harder to come by in the states. You can get them at www.eastrc.org but they are not labeled/badged as such and a bit more expensive compared to what you could get them for before.. The new 100cc offerings look interesting though and might be worth looking into.