Building Instructions - Carf-Models Composite-ARF Yak-55 SP Instruction Manual

Composite-ARF Yak-55 SP (2.6m span)
techsupport@composite-arf.com

Building Instructions

Please note that this Instruction manual shows photos of both the original Red/Blue/Yellow
scheme, and also the new-for-2004 'Shulman 2000' paint scheme.
Some of the photos of the original scheme show the prototype fuselage, which had our 'diagon-
technique' carbonfibre reinforcing on the inside surface of the fuselage moulding - but this was
found to be completely un-necessary. The 'production' Yak 2.6m fuselage is extremely torsional-
ly strong and rigid, and does not need any further reinforcement.
With experience of the prototype we also redesigned some of the internal wood parts for the fuel
tank tray and rudder servo mounting plates, etc, to save overall weight, make it quicker and
easier to assemble, and also move the weight of these items backwards as the prototype was a
bit nose-heavy.
If you have any questions during assembly of the Yak-55SP, or can suggest any information or
details that should be included in these instructions, please don't hesitate to email us at:
techsupport@composite-arf.com or feedback@composite-arf.com
We know that even a great product can be made better !
General Tips:
We recommend that you follow the order of construction shown in this manual for the fuselage,
as it makes access to everything easier and saves time in the end. The wings and stabs can be
done at almost any point, and only need servos and control horns installing anyway.
The first thing to do is protect the finished paint on the outside of the model from scratches and
dents during building - so cover your work table with a piece of soft carpet, cloth or bubble-plas-
tic. The best way to stop small spots of glue getting stuck to the outside of the fuselage is to give
the whole model 2 good coats of clear car wax first, but of course you must be sure to remove
this 100% properly before adding any decals or markings. Additionally you can cover the major-
ity of the fuselage with the bubble-plastic used to pack your model for shipping, fixed with paper
masking tape, which also protects it very well.
When sanding any areas of the inside of the fuselage to prepare the surface for gluing some-
thing onto it, do NOT sand right through the layer of glasscloth on the inside foam sandwich !
It is only necessary to rough up the surface, with 60/80 grit or equivalent, and wipe off any dust
with alcohol (or similar) before gluing to make a perfect joint.
Before starting construction it is a good idea to check inside the fuselage for any loose glass
fibres that could cut your hands, and a quick scuff over any of these with a coarse Scotchbrite
pad will remove them.
Important Note: Preparation of all mating surfaces for gluing all parts and components is
extremely important. Scuff both surfaces properly, with 80/120 grit sandpaper or a Permagrit tool,
and then clean off the dust with alcohol, or similar. Sanding and then gluing without cleaning the
surfaces gives nearly as poor joints as not sanding at all !
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