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Discussion
What 30cc Yak 54?
Hi All
I have been on FG for a while, but am new to the Aus region as I moved to Melbourne in January. I fly mainly 60-90 size scale and competition helicopters, but also like to play around with scale and aerobatic planes. Just before moving here, I was flying a BH Yak 54 120 with a Moki 135 nitro engine. I am particularly keen on the Yak 54 and I am looking to buy a 30cc petrol one. Speaking to guys at my club, the consensus on engine is the DLE 30cc, but advice on an airframe was divided. The suppliers I was advised to look at were Dolphin, Pilot and Goldwing. Pilot came out on top regarding quality and I like the scheme on offer. I looked into the combo kit from the Aus dealer. With shipping, it will cost in the region of $890.00. Is it worth paying this for the airframe, engine and shipping? |
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Joined Oct 2009
636 Posts
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I am pretty sure that the Dolphinco kits are Goldwing Kits... I had a Goldwing 50cc extra 330L (bought with a Dolphinco badge / sticker on it..) and it flew really well... quality was pretty good.. just spend a bit of time wicking joints with CA as per most wood ARF aerobats and give her an iron every now and then and I am sure it will be a good little airframe..
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Yep dolphin is goldwing as tim said. you also have slipstream.
Have you looked at tates models in vic he dose a few different brands. hobby king also dose a few 30cc airframes. Pilot are a bit more expensive than the others but are also of a higher standard of quality. altough with the dolphinco you may save a couple of hundred on the combo |
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Azza that may have something to do with them being out the same factory as is slipstream and goldwing and peak arf mfg make all of them just of different production lines with a few mods for the different companies.
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I also looked at the Dolphinco kit and would have been interested in it if they did more than one scheme. The red one on offer doesn't do it for me. |
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I want one of these from Chief .
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At the low end of the scale things can be bad enough that the model is rubbish and not worth the fix-up weight and effort. But in reality most ARFs these days in the 30cc+ stage are reasonable quality. Having said that, I've never seen anything finished as well as Extreme flight kits. They are slightly more expensive than Pilot. Pilot have to be a close second, I was happy with mine. Both Pilot and Extreme flight build their planes for canister/pipe mounting. Cheaper planes don't tend to do this. You should check specifically about the plane tho as in the 30cc range its harder to get a can mounted. My DLE30cc engine ran well but was louder than my 50cc because it had the standard muffler. Dolphin are ok, and they are cheaper so it I consider them an option. Remember that you'll put more effort into getting something like this going. I ended up with Tim's old one and it did fly well. Recently sold it so it's on it's 3rd owner now. I'd ask, what your plans are for the plane? Will you keep it for a long time? Will you fly it hard and thrash it or will you dutifully wipe it down with a baby daiper after each flight? The reason I ask is, if you REALLY look after a plane, then I'd say pilot and extreme flight are worth the extra $$$ since they won't deteriorate over time. My EF Extra after two years looked almost brand new when I sold it. I had a pilot 30cc sbach that also wore well. After a few years, on a cheaper model, you'll be struggling to keep the film looking good. But if you want to thrash it, then I'd go for goldwing. The airframe is much cheaper to replace when it wears out. The last point I'd like to make is consider the all up $$$ for 30cc vs 50cc. There isn't that much of a difference and the benefits are worth it. It just depends if you can get a 50cc in your car. Just my 0.04c |
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One more thing.... About planes coming from the same factory. That may well be true, but that does NOT mean that they are the same quality.
When a company arranges for a manufacturer to build the planes, they often have a different design (it's all CNC after all) and to save money you'll often see them using cheaper/thinner wood. The chinese can build to whatever quality you'd like. Also, if the completed components for a high quality brand dont make QC then they are put into a pile and sold as a secondary brand for much cheaper. I've seen two extra 330s (my goldwing and another) side by side with pretty much IDENTICAL covering and even the same cowls. From the outside you could not tell them apart. The "other brand" was made at the same factory as goldwing. Here is how it's maiden went:
I suspect the servos were actually to blame for the flutter but after seeing inside the busted wings, and comparing to my goldwing, I was happy to have the GW. I sold mine recently after 3 years. |
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Yeah i ordered direct. Fast delivery. Im not sure of MLD but my DLA32 runs like a swiss clock. As far as quality is concerned it was spot on. Just go over the glue jionts as much as you can, i do this with any arf. I didnt need to go over any of the covering at all and even the paint match from the cowl to the covering was excellent
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Going 30cc for me was a serious waste of money. Id say skip the 30 and go to 50, like mentioned before there isnt much difference. PilotRC usually offers custom scheme,motor, exhaust and free shipping for an awesome price. Id never buy 30cc size again, ever! If it doesnt fit in the car/whatever, put it on the roof. Just not worth the time and money going 30cc. JMO, sorry it doesnt answer your question
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Joined May 2009
115 Posts
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SDS have good qualityAircraft. Most are made by Flight-Model. Yes you can deal direct with them. About the MLD-35. Not a bad engine, but there CDI's are a bit flueky. I'll send you a PM. Azza. When are you coming on up for a fly?? I'm away this weekend, flying Warbirds at Musewellbrook. Cheers Grossy |
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Hi Guys
Thanks for all the input. I'll try and answer all the questions. The best way I can describe quality is possibly to compare something like OS and ASP. I have used both engines and I know I'll pay more for the OS, but get better, longer service out of it compared to the ASP. I am looking for a model that I can take out most weekends and know that it is going to stand up to the rigors of a grass strip and the usual knocks. I also want a model that is going to last a few years. My flying style is generally large scale and FAI type aerobatics. Practically, I am in a two bed unit with a carport. I brought most of my modelling tools, but do not have much space to work on models. (the kitchen unit at the moment). I have a small hatchback which I am able to fit my 90 size Agusta A109E (1.66m long), so from that and the storage point of view, the 30cc is my only choice at this point. Possibly later I may be in a position to get a 50cc model. What I was initially looking for was opinions on whether the cost I was quoted was in step with the model. In other words is it over the top, is it worth it or will I get something just as good and reliable for less money? |
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