TT-TOC HD Yak-54 /DLE-55

[daddysam]

Last week I dumbthumbed my trusty Aeroworks 29% Edge (from the old kit) into the ground after a substantial rebuild. I haven't been an ARF fan since getting out of trainers, but felt I needed to get a replacement fast so I could fly this summer. I did some checking and decided on the TT-TOC HD Yak54 and a DLE-55 engine. After a lot of internet searching and comparison shopping I emailed Tom at ValleyviewRC. I was hesitant because some sites had the items cheaper, plus I was going to have to pay WA state sales tax. But I'd heard great things about their customer service.
I was shocked when Tom emailed me back and was able to beat all the prices, including shipping and tax, plus he had the two schemes I was contemplating in stock. So I placed the order on Thursday and here it is Monday and I've got two huge boxes plus a smaller one waiting for me at home! Since this plane has gone through some changes I thought I'd do an assembly thread. I'll post some pix tomorrow morning.
Sam
I can't say enough good things about Valleyview RC!

[daddysam]

Here's what was waiting for me on the porch:

[daddysam]

Here's what was in the boxes:

[daddysam]

Okay, seriously, the plane was packed very well. No damage other than a very small dent on the underside of the stab.
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[daddysam]

Out of the boxes, I went over all the seams with a covering iron set to medium. The covering job is excellent. That dorky lettering had to go! I use lighter fluid to remove the sticky residue left over from the tape that held some of the parts together.

[daddysam]

According to Tom at Valleyview, a few changes have been made. They now plumb the tank including the fuel dot! Also the hinges are glued at the factory. I think I'll have to remove the tank and insert some padding under it, and figure out where to put the smoke tank. Overall, I am very impressed with the construction. There are doubled hinges on the inboard end of the ailerons.

[Rocky McCarter]

We are very happy to hear you like the plane . If you have any suggetsions please let us hear them .

[daddysam]

Thank you Rocky! I am very impressed with the quality of the plane. It is simply gorgeous. Suggestions: The new manual does not have any information about where on the firewall to mount the engine. I found an older manual online that stated to center the engine 1/4 inch to the right from the firewall center and 2-1/16" below the top. Those look close so I went with that.
Also, the plane has two cutouts for switches, and the instructions recommend redundant power systems. With the extensive lightening of the frame that has been done, there is no convenient place to put a third switch (two for rx batteries and one for the ign. battery). I am using high quality switches so I may go for one rx and one ign. battery).
I'll try to post some updates this weekend.

[Dino69]

there are three cut outs two up front the third is on the left side rear

[daddysam]

Thanks VERY much! I'll look for it when I get home tonight. Again, Awesome plane. I can't believe how well everything goes together and the attention to detail. I really like the little access hatch at the right rear of the fuse. My Vailly Hurricane is going to need exactly something like that.
Thanks again,
Sam

[Dino69]

Cool glad you like it, Rocky works very hard to make sure that the factory is make updates to the kits all the time, it may take some time for the running change to happen but it does. One thing i can tell you is make sure that you use a high torque servo for the rubber in the range of 400oz i flew mine over the weekend. I used a servo that only had about 200 oz i was getting a wag. That was an over sight of mine, now with a 9157 in there its great. I also installed a Re2 on the Da 50 its has un real power with a 22x8 for now still braking in the motor, other wise for me its a great plane to practice with and being able to just load it into car and hit the field well that great to, i always don’t have the time to drag the 35% out enjoy the build Dino

[Rocky McCarter]

I am dissapointed to hear tthere was no template. I will look into that .

[brownstripeyshirt]

The airframe looks just the same as the Pilot RC 87" yak that I am building, even the scheme is very close. Is it the same, or are there just only so many ways to build a yak at this scale?

m.

[Dino69]

the guys that own pilot worked for Sd at one time then when TT bought the company they went out on there own, thats why there planes look like ours.

[daddysam]

Is the Ultracote color on this scheme "Flame Red"? I have a bunch of "True Red" and the stuff on the plane has an orange tint to it. Uh, not that I need to cover a hole made when I misdrilled a hole for the elevator horn or anything.....