I have got most of the parts to start assembling my Hempel Yak 55M. I am waiting on a few more items but got enough to slowly get started. This airplane is not intended to be a 3D airplane, but more of a scale flyer.

DISCLAIMER: It does take me some time to put an airplane together so the progress may seem slow to you guys at times.

The motor for the project is a SL Engines SL150. The motor produces 14 HP and will swing a 32 x 12 prop with no problem. The motor weighs in a 12.5 pounds with ignition. This motor is new to the radial market and this is one of the first models in the US. The motor has already been test run at the factory for three hours and still requires another five hours of run-in before it is ready to go. The motor requires 98 octane and 50:1 oil mix (Shell advanced M30 Kart oil is recommend, but I can not find it in the US) Any help sourcing it would be a big help! Castrol is another recommend brand and I think it will be a little easier to find. I have used Red Line in the past and will probably use that if I can not find the recommend oil I need to build a test stand and start running it so that will be first on my agenda to get done.

All radio gear are standard 40% stuff. I am going with 8711's all around (except for throttle and choke), Spektrun Powerbox Royal 2.4, Duralite batteries, SWB arms and turnbuckles, SWB 2 servo self adjusting tray, etc...

I am still trying to find the Rocket City horns but will go with the H9 version if I can not find them.

I am still undecided if I am going to run smoke and trying to finalize the fuel tank and location. I really like the 3W tanks, so I will probable get another 1.5L tank.

I am still waiting on the exhaust ring and shorter standoffs (might not need them) for the motor before I start mocking up the engine. The airplane has mounting dimensions of 7" from the front of the firewall to the front of the cowl. The motor is 8.5" from the back of the mounting plate to the front of the prop hub. That puts the prop 1.5" in front of the cowl and if I remember right, Bill recommends 1.25" - 1.75". If that is the case I will stick with the standoff's I have right now. Just looks a little too far in front for me when measuring it with the ruler.

That is all I got for now. Please chime in with any inputs. Take care guys.

Jason

The engine looks GREAT )))

Please post a video of it flying so that we see what this engine can do ... it's probably going to sound like nothing else

Hey Jason, check PM's
Next time you run that engine, I'd like to be there.
Thanks,
Greg in Gulf Breeze

Originally Posted by gljja204

The engine looks GREAT )))

Please post a video of it flying so that we see what this engine can do ... it's probably going to sound like nothing else

I will post video as soon as i get the engine on the test stand and run in. It is going to be a bit though, waiting on some parts.

Greg, replied to your PM, I will let you know. Take it easy.

Jason

Must Have Smoke!!!

Originally Posted by keyepitts

Must Have Smoke!!!

I hear ya, i think I could mount the smoke system in the tunnel for the cans since I will not need it with the radial.

Got the motor mounted and cowl cut. The motor is a perfect fit for this airframe! Spacing is darn near perfect and the center line mark on the firewall put the prop hub almost perfect center. The spacing is 1.5" in front of the cowl and does not look that bad with the crankcase visible. The seven cylinder really make a difference in regards to the scale appearance in the front.

The cowl needs to be final sanded, but almost there.

Here are some pictures. More to follow. Thanks for the interest in the project. Take care.

Jason

Now THAT is purdy.

This is gonna be sweeettt

sub scribed

That came out sweet man can wait to hear it run

Thanks Dan, just getting ready to e-mail you the link. I guess I don't have to do that anymore. Talk to you soon. thank for swinging by yesterday to check it out. Take it easy.

Smitty

did Bill approve of his plane to fly in a scale like manner? LOL

I Love a radial, sound just makes it real.

That is so awesome...

Pefect match!

Originally Posted by spookyeng

Thanks Dan, just getting ready to e-mail you the link. I guess I don't have to do that anymore. Talk to you soon. thank for swinging by yesterday to check it out. Take it easy.

Smitty

Man that was awsome checking this thing out cant wait to see this thing fly, knowing your OCD this thing will be perfect.