Thunder Tiger Purchase of SD Models Company

[Harleyflyer]

Not sure if this is the best place to post this but here it goes. Does anyone know when/if Thunder Tiger will again start producing what was the SD Models Yak 54? I know you can still buy these Yaks but I have not heard that Thunder Tiger has started producing these under the new ownership yet.

Thanks,
Keith

[Mark Davis]

I spoke with the US Thunder Tiger rep in charge of the SD product line back in November... I was trying to source some spare parts and had exhausted all known vendors, so I went straight to the source... I was advised that TT is in the process of organizing parts and new SD products delivery to the US in the 1st quarter of 2008, operating under the TT name... No other information was provided, even though I tried to pry it out of him...

[main_gears_bent]

I heard that TT only took over the U.S. distribution, still owned by the same (SD) company. IMHO if TT does take over it will only ruin the company and kill the great products that SD (TOC, Aviation, etc.) have been producing. Lets look at the amazing line up they have, oh wait a rare bear and a september fury, maybe a boat anchor engine now and then. I have absolutely no room in my hangar for any of their products, they are over priced and poorly built. Again, just my opinion, glad I bought my yak before the take over.

[GMoney]

kieth, Rumor has it they have a shipment on the water that should have been here already. The planes will be made at the same plant with the same people using the same jigs. I hear some minor (very minor) changes in the schemes but only time will tell.. I am still waiting for the all new TT53 heli motor Yeah it was supposed to be here months ago.. I think one of the reps actually wore his out already waiting for the new ones to get in.. Off topic/ but I have seen this motor go head to head with a hyper and it killed the Hyper... So I WAIT!!!!!

Send Ace a Email or maybe a phone call to CS you may get a possible delivery date.. Tell them GMONEY sent you...... Dont do that they may hang up on you....

[Chris]

	Quote: Originally Posted by main_gears_bent
	I heard that TT only took over the U.S. distribution, still owned by the same (SD) company. IMHO if TT does take over it will only ruin the company and kill the great products that SD (TOC, Aviation, etc.) have been producing. Lets look at the amazing line up they have, oh wait a rare bear and a september fury, maybe a boat anchor engine now and then. I have absolutely no room in my hangar for any of their products, they are over priced and poorly built. Again, just my opinion, glad I bought my yak before the take over.

Ditto what he said about the quality of their planes. All they can do to SD is screw up a good thing. I guess if I had an SD/TOC airplane, I'd be happy to get some parts.

I do like their engines though.

[Toro]

Rocky, You lurking here ???? your presence in here would be great !

[Rabbit Ron]

	Quote: Originally Posted by main_gears_bent
	I heard that TT only took over the U.S. distribution, still owned by the same (SD) company. IMHO if TT does take over it will only ruin the company and kill the great products that SD (TOC, Aviation, etc.) have been producing. Lets look at the amazing line up they have, oh wait a rare bear and a september fury, maybe a boat anchor engine now and then. I have absolutely no room in my hangar for any of their products, they are over priced and poorly built. Again, just my opinion, glad I bought my yak before the take over.

TT will not be taking over the factory or manufacturing of these planes they will only be handling the importing of the SD product. This is a good thing for past and present customers of these planes,TT is not just some guy that has some warehouse space that needs to be filled up. TT is a solid company with commuted and knowledgeable employees that are very active in the hobby. In the future you will be able to get parts and there should be some new scheams for some of the planes and maybe some other supizes, so like I said this will be a good thing.

[Rockoflyer]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Harleyflyer
	Not sure if this is the best place to post this but here it goes. Does anyone know when/if Thunder Tiger will again start producing what was the SD Models Yak 54? I know you can still buy these Yaks but I have not heard that Thunder Tiger has started producing these under the new ownership yet. Thanks, Keith

Hello Keith,
To answer your question, yes, currently 30% Yaks are being wrapped in the new Team Scheme. We also have stock of old schemes that are being shipped. We are looking to start shipping planes in the first quarter of 2008. As for the planes, they will be the same Sd planes you have all come to know. They will be of the same quality as the planes that are currently flying. We at TT and Ace Hobby only hope to get these planes in the hands of as many pilots as possible. We will also strive to have the best customer service possible. We plan to carry parts for the planes, so in case of the usual mishaps, we will have the parts you need to get your plane back in the air. We look forward to serving you in 2008 as your new giant scale provider.

Best Regards
Rocky McCarter
Air Plane Product Line Manager
Ace Hobby Dist

[JEFFRO503]

EXACTLY what Rabbit Ron said , is exactly what i heard as well from a very well known factory pilot of theirs. TT will not change the production of these planes at all , only be the U.S. distributor. This is GREAT NEWS ,.....not bad news. The reason being is because the owner of SD models has openley admitted that he knows how to "build" the planes , but has no idea how to "advertise" or "distibute" planes and parts to the consumer.

Believe me , come spring time , you will have a ton of SD models planes in stock in all the right places , and a ton of parts. Thunder Tiger will be the best thing that ever happened to SD models.

[Harleyflyer]

This is exactly what I wanted to hear! I have been considering getting a 33% SD Models Yak to mate to a DA 85. I got my first gasser from TBM which was a 35% SD Models Yak and really enjoyed their HP version which had the canopy, engine box and hinging already done. What they have right now is only the HP version in the Russian Thunder scheme but this is the same scheme that I have on my 35% plane and I wanted to change that up on my second plane.

I like what I am hearing with regard to the fact that it looks like these wonderful planes will continue to roll off the assembly line without significant changes and continue along with hopefully some good parts support.

Thanks again for the responses....guess I just need to be patient!
Keith