Climb up to “three mistakes high” and try some 3-channel aerobatics (above left). The Yard Stik with a brushless motor can perform many
When dry, cut a kerf in the R-1 center ribs just behind the spar and install and glue the ¹⁄₃₂-inch ply dihedral brace. Do the same at the single R-1 ribs for the ¹⁄₃₂-inch ply poly- hedral braces. Add the ¹⁄₁₆-inch balsa gus- sets. Sand smooth. The wing and tail parts can now be cov-
ered with So-Lite. Plan your covering color scheme carefully so that the model can be seen far away if you plan to do any therma- ling! Choose a covering that will make it most visible against both blue sky and clouds. On a good day the Yard Stik can get really tiny, really quickly! After covering, hinge the rudder to the fin
and the elevator to the stabilizer using pack- ing tape. Be sure they move freely. Cut away the covering from the stab where it will con- tact the fuselage and glue in place, being sure it is square to the fuselage as viewed from above and from behind. Glue the fin, making sure it is square to the stab. Trial fit the spar saddle to the bottom of
aerobatic maneuvers. The Yard Stik turns tight enough so that it can fly easily in a gym or do figure eights in the street (above right).
the wing. Trim as needed for a perfect fit. Put the spar saddle in place in the wing mount pylon and attach the wing to the fuselage with rubber bands. Align the wing to be level with the stab. After making sure that the spar saddle is snug against the wing, glue the spar saddle to the pylon. Install your motor and ESC. Attach the battery with hook and loop fastener. Power up your R/C system and set the transmitter trims to neutral so your servos will be cen- tered, then unplug them and install the ser- vos, inverted, on the pylon. Use servo tape or 5-minute epoxy. Make pushrods from .032 music wire with Z-bends at each end and a “V” near the servo for fine adjustment. Be sure the hole in the ¹⁄₃₂-inch ply control horns is aligned with the hinge center lines. A small piece of tubing glued to the fuselage, in the middle of the pushrod will serve as a guide.
Attach the receiver to the pylon with hook and loop fastener and plug in your servos
and ESC. I recommend arming your ESC’s brake. It will glide much better with the prop stopped. I use a 610 mAh 2S battery outdoors. Indoors the Yard Stik performs better with less weight, so I use a 360 mAh 2S battery. If you used components of the recom- mended weights the model should balance near enough to the spar that small adjust- ments can be made by shifting the battery. Before flying, check for warps and remove them with a heat gun. Yard Stik handles fine without washout, but now is the time to add it if you like. As a starting point, set your elevator travel to ³⁄₈ inch each direction and rudder about 1 inch. You may want to increase those later. Pick a calm day for your first flight. Range
check your radio and check control direc- tions. Yard Stik will take off quickly at part throttle and respond positively to control in- put. Adjust trims as needed and learn the limits of your new creation.
Trainer, slow lazy cruiser or powered soarer, the Yard Stik will make a nice addition to your hangar.
FLYING MODELS
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