Carl Goldberg Products Yak 54 User manual

1
INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING
A radio-controlled model is not a toy and is not intended for persons under 16 years old. Keep
this kit out of the reach of younger children, as it contains parts that could be dangerous. A radio-
controlled model is capable of causing serious bodily injury and property damage. It is the buyer's
responsibility to assemble this aircraft correctly and to properly install the motor, radio, and all other
equipment. Test and fly the finished model only in the presence and with the assistance of another
experienced R/C flyer. The model must always be operated and flown using great care and common
sense, as well as in accordance with the Safety Code of the Academy of Model Aeronautics
(www.modelaircraft.org). We suggest you join the AMA and become properly insured prior to flying this
model. Also, consult with the AMA or your local hobby dealer to find an experienced instructor in your
area. Per the Federal Communications Commission, you are required to use only those radio frequen-
cies specified "for Model Aircraft."
LIMITED WARRANTY
Carl Goldberg Products has inspected and certified the components of this aircraft. The company urges the buyer to perform his
own inspection, prior to assembly, and to immediately request a replacement of any parts he believes to be defective for their
intended use. The company warrants replacement of any such components, provided the buyer requests such replacement with-
in a period of 90 days from the date of purchase and provided the defective part is returned, if so requested by the company.
No other warranty, expressed or implied, is made by the company with respect to this kit. The buyer acknowledges and under-
stands that it is his responsibility to carefully assemble the finished flying model airplane and to fly it safely. The buyer hereby
assumes full responsibility for the risk and all liability for personal or property damage or injury arising out of the buyer's use of the
components of this kit.
CARL GOLDBERG PRODUCTS, LTD.
P.O. Box 818 Oakwood GA 30566 Phone #[phone] Fax # [phone] www.carlgoldbergproducts.com
© Copyright 2006 Carl Goldberg Products LTD
TM
67” YAK 54

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Congratulations on your purchase of the
67”Yak 54 ARF. Every effort has been made to
produce a lightweight, straight, easy to assem-
ble aircraft. Because of its oversize control sur-
faces which are double beveled to allow for
extreme throws, great care must be taken in the
set-up and flying of this airplane. Quality hard-
ware components have been provided to allow
for 3D set-up while maintaining adequate
mechanical advantage to eliminate flutter. It is
your responsibility as an advanced pilot to fly
the aircraft in an intelligent manner. THROTTLE
MANAGEMENT IS A MUST!!!!!!! Carl
Goldberg Products has flown the 67”Yak 54
ARF through a very rigorous flight-testing
schedule and have stressed the airframe
beyond all practical parameters without a single
failure. Carl Goldberg Products will NOT war-
ranty the 67”Yak 54 ARF against flutter due to
improper set-up or excessive speed maneuvers.
having said that, we believe you will find the
67”Yak 54 ARF to be one of the most respon-
sive, in-the-grove aircraft on the market. Just
remember to use common sense when flying
this high performance machine.
We are very proud of the construction of the
67”Yak 54 ARF and all of our other ARF aircraft.
Each aircraft is jig built to insure a straight true
airframe. Every effort is made to build as light an
aircraft as possible. As with any professional
builder, glue is used sparingly. Please take a
moment during assembly and run a bead of
CA or aliphatic resin into the high stress
joints that you can reach such as the landing
gear plate, servo mounting trays, wing hold
down blocks, Firewall, etc. Also, during the
course of shipping from the manufacturer to our
facility in the United States, it is not uncommon
for the aircraft to experience several changes in
climate. This may cause the iron-on covering to
develop wrinkles. This is not a fault of the manu-
facturer. Please take a few minutes with your
heating iron and iron down the seams and re-
shrink the covering where needed. The results
will be a beautiful aircraft with a breathtaking fin-
ish that you will be proud to display at your flying
club.
Before beginning assembly of your 67”Yak 54
ARF, we highly recommend that you study this
manual in its entirety. You should begin planning
your radio installation based on your choice of
engine and equipment from the beginning.
Because the 67”Yak 54 ARF is intended for
those with some degree of modeling experi-
ence, every minute detail will not be cov-
ered. This is not a basic trainer. Assembly of
this aircraft will be easy for the experienced
modeler, and by following the instructions
within this manual and using the skills
you’ve gained during your modeling career
you will be able to produce a first class air-
craft.
Building supplies needed
Hobby knife w/#11 blades
Thin CA
Medium CA
Canopy glue
30 minute epoxy
Thread lock
Diagonal wire cutters
Pliers
Assorted drill bits
Various sized screwdrivers( both Phillips and
standard head)
Tape measure
Dry-erase marker
Paper towels
Rubbing alcohol
Electrical tape
4-40 Tap & Die Set
3/32, 7/64, 9/64 & 3mm Allen wrench
Wax Paper
3-1 Oil
Note:
Thread lock must be used where
ever any machine bolts are threading
into any type of nuts. If you do not
use thread lock the bolts could
become loose and fall out in flight.

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ADHESIVES & GLUING TECHNIQUES
CA adhesives are specially formulated to firmly glue the
plywood, hardwood, and balsa used in your model and to
withstand the vibration and stresses of high performance
flight. However, there are times, such as when you are
installing the stabilizer and fin on the fuselage and want
more set-up time for careful alignment and positioning,
then you should use epoxy. Occasionally, you also will
want to use thin CA, which "wicks" into the surrounding
areas. Aliphatic resin glue or similar water-based glues can
also be used, but they will add to the assembly time
because they dry so much more slowly than CA glue.
Remember, when ever using any CA, you must be careful
to read instructions thoroughly, as you will have only sec-
onds for positioning of parts. Be sure to trial fit parts
together before gluing. Also, never use watery THIN type
CA glue for gluing plywood and hardwood parts. Thin CA's
do not adequately bond these areas.
CAUTION
Some people may experience an allergic reaction when
exposed to fumes from CA glue or epoxy. As with paints,
thinners, and solvents, it is always important to use glues
only where there is adequate ventilation to carry fumes
away. A fan is recommended. Also, special care must be
taken when using CA, as it will bond skin as well as other
surfaces. Before using any CA, carefully read all label pre-
cautions. When using CA, protective eye-wear and care in
keeping the glue away from the face is highly recommend-
ed. If CA does happen to get into the eye, hold lid open
and flush with water only. Seek immediate medical atten-
tion.
CONSTRUCTION TIPS
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS READ A FEW STEPS AHEAD.
This will alert you to coming instructions and will help you
plan accordingly.
COVERING
The 67”Yak 54 ARF is covered in a premium polyester
film chosen by many of the world's top flyers for its beau-
ty, toughness, and ease of application and repair. It is not
uncommon for ARF's to develop a few wrinkles in transit.
If this is true of your model, the situation is easily correct-
ed. Before you begin putting the pieces together, run
around the edge of the seams first then over the surface
of each section with an iron (either specially designed for
airplane use or the more cumbersome household iron).
Apply the heat (set at about 350° F), following along with
a soft cloth and pressing down on the covering as you go
around. This will more firmly set the covering adhesive
into the wood and keep your aircraft covering tight and
smooth in the future. Once you have ironed the seams
stay away from them with the heat or the covering will
slide when you try to shrink the middle. If this happens the
wrinkles will not come out of the covering.
ITEMS NEEDED TO COMPLETE THIS AIRCRAFT
1 24” FUEL LINE
1 ENGINE .90 TO 1.20 4-STROKE.
1 RADIO GUIDANCE SYSTEM
212” AILERON SERVO EXTENSION WIRES
2Y-HARNESS
1 CA ACCELERATOR
1 2 OZ. BOTTLE CA MEDIUM GLUE
1 1/2 OZ. BOTTLE CA THIN GLUE
1 30 MINUET EPOXY
1 1/2” FOAM RUBBER
1 3” SPINNER
OPTIONAL:
1 PILOT FIGURE
8 SERVO ARM EXTENSIONS
NOTE: The 67”Yak 54 ARF covering closely
matches Ultracote:
#872 Bright Yellow
#874 Black
#885 Midnight Blue
#866 True Red
#870 White

3. Using a 1/8” drill, drill half way through the
aileron hole from both top and bottom till the
drill passes through the aileron.
Insert the 4-40 x 3” allen head bolt into the top
of the aileron.
Thread the bolt all the way till the head is flush
with the top of the aileron.
4. On the bottom of the aileron, place first the
cup washer then the nylon nut onto the 4-40
bolt.
Using a 3 mm metric allen wrench tighten the
nylon nut all the way down till it rest in the cup
washer and is tight to the aileron.
Thread the nylon adjustable control horn onto
the bolt.(Note: Thread the side that you can
see the cut threads in the nylon onto the
bolt)
2. With the aileron servo in place, make a mark
on the aileron at a 90º degree angle to the
trailing edge and in line with the servo. Look
for the control horn hard point under the cov-
ering. This is the location for the control horn.
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AILERON CONTROL HORN INSTALLATION
1. Collect the following items
(2) 2-56 Metal Clevis
(2) 2-56 Hex Nut
(2) Clevis retainers
(2) 2-56 x 6" Threaded Wire
(2) 4-40 x 3” socket head bolt
(2) Nylon Adjustable Control horns
(2) Nylon Nut
(2) Nylon Cup Washer
(2) Nylon swing in keepers
CONTROL HORN PART NAMES
Wing Tip
4-40 bolt
nylon washer
nylon nuts
horn fittings
swing in keepers
WING ASSEMBLY

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2. Locate the pre-drilled aileron hinge holes in
both wing halves. Using a 3/16” drill, drill each
hole 1/8” deep. This will allow the center of
the hinge to be inserted half way into each of
the surfaces.
Repeat this process with the ailerons, making
sure all hinges insert half way.
3. Place 1 drop of oil on each of the hinge joints
at the center. This is to keep the hinges loose
and prevent epoxy from sticking at the joint.
Caution: Do not get any oil on the length of the
hinge or it will not glue into the surface.
AILERON INSTALLATION
1. Collect the following parts:
(1) Left wing
(1) Right wing
(1) Left aileron
(1) Right aileron
(10) hinges
(2) 1/4-20 nylon wing bolts
4. Select the aileron for the wing half on which
you are working.
Mix up a liberal amount of 30 minute epoxy.
Using a piece of wire or a toothpick, work some
epoxy into each hole on the wing and aileron.
Working with 1 hinge at a time, place a dab of
epoxy and insert the hinge half way into one of
the aileron holes.
Repeat for each of the other hinges for that
aileron.
5. Working quickly, place some epoxy on the
second half of each hinge and insert the
aileron into the wing.
Slide the aileron toward the wing until no gap
remains between the aileron and the wing.
When satisfied with the alignment, flex the
aileron up and down to confirm that the hinges
are working freely. remove any excess epoxy.
Apply a few strips of masking tape to keep the
pieces in place.
Allow to dry before flexing the aileron.
6. Repeat the above steps for the other half of
the wing.
AILERON SERVO INSTALLATION
1. Collect the following parts:
(1) Left wing
(1) Right wing
(2) Servos
(2) 12” Servo Extension
(1) Servo “Y” Harness
2. Locate the servo hole in the bottom of wing.
Carefully cut the covering over the servo
holes.

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3. Attach the 12” servo extension to the servo.
IMPORTANT! To ensure that any connections locat-
ed inside the wing will not come loose, either when
the wires are pulled, or during flying, always tape
them securely together with electrical tape.
4. Starting from the servo hole, insert the servo
extension and the servo wire into the servo
hole.
Allow the wire to fall straight down through
though the wing till it exits the root rib.
5. Tape the end of the plug to the root rib.
Repeat for the other wing half.
Aileron Servos Pushrods
1. Collect the following items:
(2) nylon swing in keepers
(2) 2-56 pushrods threaded one end
(2) 2-56 clevis
(2) silicone clevis retainers
2. Slide the silicone keeper on the clevis
Screw the 2-56 pushrod into the clevis so
1/16” of threads extend past the opening
Attach the clevis to the connector on the
aileron horn.
1/16”
3. Center the aileron servo and make sure the
aileron is aligned with the wing at the root end.
Make a mark where the pushrod crosses the
servo control arm.

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4. Bend the pushrod 90 degrees at the location
of your mark.
Cut the remaining wire leaving 3/8”.
3/8”
5. Install the nylon swing in keeper to attach the
pushrod.
Repeat for the other aileron.

WHEEL AND WHEEL PANTS
1. Collect the following items:
(2) 5-32 x 1-1/4” Axle with Locking Nut
(4) 5/32 Wheel Collars
(6) 6-32 x 1” Cap Screws
(2) 4-40 Blind Nuts
(2) 4-40 x 1/2” Button Head Screws
(2) 3-1/4” Wheels
(2) Landing gear legs
3. Mount the axle to the landing gears.
8
FUSELAGE HATCH
The top front half of the fuselage is a hatch. Remove
the 4-40 socket head bolts on the side of the fuse-
lage to disengage the hatch.
2. Insert the gear legs through the slots in the
fuselage side.
Use the six 6-32 x 1” bolts to secure the gear.
The blind nuts are already installed in the
fuselage. The bolts install from the inside of
the fuselage.
Be sure and use a thread lock on the bolts.

9
4. Install the blind nut in the wheel pant using the
4-40 bolt to pull it into the hole.
Wheel Collars
Wheel Pant
Wheel
Landing Gear
5. Mount the wheel pant on the landing gear
along with the wheel collars and wheels.
Center the wheel on the axle.
Use the 4-40 x 1/2” bolt to hold the wheel pant
to the gear.
Be sure to use thread lock on the bolts.
HINGING RUDDER
1. Locate the rudder, four hinges and the tail
wheel bracket.
Use the 3/6” drill and drill each hinge hole 1/8”
deep so the shoulder of the hinge will fit into
the hole up to the hinge pin.
Do the same on the hinge holes on the fin.
Fit the tail wheel bracket in place.
2. Trial fit the rudder in place on the fin. Make
sure the hinge line is tight and the counter bal-
ance does not rub on the top of the fin.
Align a straight edge with the outlet hole for
the rudder cable (holes on bottom are rudder,
holes on top are elevator) and make a mark
on the rudder in line with the outlet hole.

10
3. Draw a line across the hinge line of the rudder
and transfer the mark to the other side of the
rudder.
Using a 1\8” drill, drill half way through the rud-
der from both sides Complete the hole com-
pletely through the rudder.
4. Install the 4-40 x 3-1/2” threaded rod in the hole
with a nylon washer and nylon nut on each side
Thread the nylon pushrod fitting on each end of
the rod.
5. Mix some 30 minute epoxy and apply some in
the holes in the rudder and fin using a tooth pick
or piece of wire.
Apply a drop of oil to each hinge. Put a dab of
glue on the end of each hinge and install.
Fit the rudder in place and work back and forth
several times to rotate the hinges in place.
Use tape to hold the rudder in place till the glue
dries.
6. Use the four #2 x 1/2” screws to mount the tail
wheel bracket to the bottom of the fuselage.
7. Install the tail wheel using the wheel collar.
MOUNTING STABILIZERS
1. Insert the two aluminum tubes in the fuselage
sides.

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2Slide the stab onto the aluminum tubes.
Use the two #4x 1/2” screws to lock the stab
in place. The blind nuts are already installed in
the fuselage.
Be sure and use thread lock on the bolts.
Repeat for the other stab half.
3. Use a 3/16” drill and drill 1/8” into the hinge
holes on both the stab and elevator so the
hinges will fit up to the hinge pin.
Trial fit the elevator to the stab.
4. Make a mark 1/4” inboard from the center of
the stab and 1/8” back from the top of the
bevel.
Transfer this mark to the other side of the
stab.
Using a 1/8” drill, drill the hole for the control
horn.
5. Install the 4-40x3” bolt, nylon washer, nylon nut,
and tighten down.
Install the pushrod fitting on the end.
Repeat for the other elevator.
6. Hinge the elevators in place using the same
method we did on the ailerons and rudder.
HINT: Drill the hole from the bottom half way.
Then measure and mark the top of the
aileron and drill down to the hole from the
top of the aileron.
7. Make sure not to screw the pushrod con-
nector down from the top of the screw
more than 1/8” from the top. Leave them
long to provide the mechanical advantage
needed on large surfaces. If more throw is
needed use a longer servo arm.

ELEVATOR SERVOS
1. Collect the following items
(2) Servos
(2) 2-56 x 32” pushrods
(2) 2-56 clevis
(2) silicone clevis keepers
(2) nylon swing in keepers
2. Locate the hole in the fuselage side and install
the 2-56 pushrod into the pushrod tube
already installed in the fuselage.
3. Slide the silicone clevis keeper on the clevis.
Screw the clevis on the pushrod till the
threads extend past the end 1/16”.
Attach the clevis to the elevator control horn.
4. Install the servos in the servo tray as shown.
5. Install your control horns. You will need heavy
duty long horns (1”) to get full 3-D throw.
Make sure the elevator is centered and the
servo is centered.
Mark the location of the bend on the wire
where it crosses the control horn.
12

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6. You can bend the pushrod in the plane Make
the 90 degree bend and then cut the remain-
ing wire off leaving a 3/8” length.
With the pushrod reinstall, attach to the servo
output arm and retain with the nylon swing in
keeper.
Depending on the length of your output arm,
you may have to put about a 30 degree bend
in the end of the pushrod to prevent binding.
Operate the servo using your radio and bend
till there is no binding.
7. Repeat for the other elevator servo.
Rudder Servo Installation
1. Collect the following parts:
(2) 2-56 clevis
(2) silicon clevis keepers
(2) rigging couplers
(4) brass cable swages
(6-1/2’) braided cable
2. Take the end of the braided cable and thread
through one of the brass cable swages, then
through one of the rigging couplers.
Loop the cable back through the cable swage.
Take the end and loop it back around the
cable swage and go through the swage again.

14
3. Pull the cable tight and crimp the swage with
a pair of pliers.
4. Slide the silicone keeper on the clevis.
Thread the clevis onto the rigging coupler.
Screw the clevis till the threads are even with
the inside edge.
Attach the clevis to the rudder horn.
5. Thread the other end of the cable through the
hole in the side of the fuselage and pull it up
to the servo inside the fuselage.
Pull the cable about 4” or 5” past the servo
and measure to see if this is about half the
cable.
Adjust till the cable is equal lengths and cut
into two pieces.
6. Repeat for the other side.
7. Install the rudder servo in the center slot of
servo tray.
8. You will need a heavy duty double sided con-
trol arm.
Tape the rudder in the neutral position.
Make sure the rudder servo is centered.
Thread each cable through one of the
swages, through the servo arm and back
through the swage.
Pull both cables tight, loop through the swage
again, and crimp.
9. Adjust the cables tight using the clevis on the
back end.
Tighten the lock nut on the rigging coupler
against the clevis.

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ENGINE INSTALLATION
The Motor you choose may have a different type
installation as show. We show an O.S. 1.20 motor,
this motor has more than enough power to make
this plane perform to its limits.
If you choose this powerful motor
then you must make sure that you go over
all high stress joints with white glue or a
epoxy.
Because of the size of propellers used
in these type of engines any kind of prop
strike on the ground, or any other type of
object, can cause structural damage that
might not be easily visible. When a accident
occurs you must check for damage though
out the plane before flying. This damage can
cause airframe failure at any time, so inspec-
tions must be thorough.
We will not warranty any structural failures
do to neglect or accidents.
1. You will find both the horizontal and vertical
lines marked on the firewall.
The vertical line is off set to compensate for
the 2 degrees right thrust.
Mark your motor mount location from these
marks.
The front of the cowl is 6” from the firewall.
Caution:
Always use thread lock on any bolt
that is threading into metal threads.
1. Locate the following items:
(2) nylon motor mounts
(4) 3mm x 25mm bolts
(4) 3mm t-nuts
(4) 3mm flat washers
(4) 3mm x 20mm self tapping screws
2. Clamp the motor to the motor mounts and sit
flat on the table.
Put a piece of scrap wood in the prop position.
Measure from the table to piece of wood and
adjust motor until you have 6-1/8” on both
sides.
(Check your spinner for the proper clearance
required)

16
Mark the location of the mounting holes on the
mounts. Remove the engine and drill a 1/8”
hole at each location.
Mount the engine to the mounts using the four
3mm x 20mm self tapping screws.
Be careful and don’t over tighten the screws,
they will break if over torqued.
3. Position the engine on the firewall centered on
the marks.
Mark the location of the holes on the firewall.
Drill a 25/64” hole at the four locations.
4. Using the 3mm mounting bolt and washer pull
the blind nuts into the firewall.
5. Mount the engine using the four 3mm x 25mm
screws and flat washers.
Be sure and use thread lock on the bolts.
Cowl Mounting
1. Collect the following items:
(1) cowl
(4) 4-40 x 1/2” screws
(4) nylon cup washers.
2. Take four strips of paper (Not Included) and
tape to the side of the fuselage where they
extend over the cowl mounting tabs.
Use a screw and transfer the location of the
mounting holes to the paper.
Do this on both sides of the fuselage.

17
3. Mount the cowl in position and hold in place
using masking tape. You will have to make a
cut out for the engine head on the bottom of
the cowl.
Slide the cowl on till the engine touches and
reach through the opening in the front of the
cowl and mark the location of the hole.
Start small and make the hole larger as you
continue to check the fit. The cowl should
have about 1/2” clearance on all sides.
4. When the cowl is aligned properly, stripes on
sides aligned, transfer the location of the mount-
ing holes from the paper to the cowl.
Remove the cowl and drill a 1/8” hole at the
four locations.
5. To locate the needle valve outlet hole, tape a
piece of paper to the side of the fuselage with
the needle valve extension through the paper.
6. Remove the needle valve.
Reinstall the cowl using the bolts and transfer
the hole location to the cowl.
Remove the cowl and drill a 1/4” hole at the
location you marked.
After the cowl is install you can insert the nee-
dle valve through the hole.
7. To locate the muffler exit, install the muffler,
cut a piece of paper (Not Included) to fit
around it leaving about 1/2” clearance and
tape to the side of the fuselage.

18
8. Reinstall the cowl and transfer the hole loca-
tion to the cowl.
Throttle Servo Installation
1. Collect the following items:
(1) 2-56 x 18” throttle pushrod
(1) 5/32” nylon tube
(1) nylon snap link
(1) e-z pushrod connector.
(1) Laser cut throttle mount
3. Mount the throttle servo on either the left or
right side of the plane depending on the
engine you use.
Mount the servo so it will be on the same side
of the plane as your throttle arm on the
engine.
4. Drill a hole(1/4”) in the motor box that will give
you the most direct access to the servo.
This will vary depending on the engine used
Make sure it will clear the tank inside.
Thread the nylon snap link on the pushrod,
insert the pushrod in the nylon tube and fit into
the hole you just drilled.
5. Locate the ez-connector and remove the nut.
2. Assemble the throttle servo mount as shown.

19
6. Attach the ez-connector to your servo arm.
Put a drop of CA on the nut to make sure it
does not come loose.
7. Insert the pushrod into the ez-connector and
attach servo arm to servo.
Move the throttle servo to full throttle, move
engine throttle arm to full throttle and tighten
the screw on top of ez-connector.
Cut off excess pushrod wire.
Fuel Tank Installation
1. Collect the following items:
(1) fuel tank
(1) cap assembly
(1) clunk
(1) pick up tube
(3) aluminum tubes
2. Insert the three aluminum tubes into the cap
assembly.
There should be two short tubes that extend
out the front and back of the cap about 1/2” to
5/8”. The third line is the vent and should be
bent at an angle so it touches the top of the
tank when installed.

20
3. Attach the fuel pickup line to one of the
straight tubes.
Attach the clunk to the other end.
Fit assembly into the tank and adjust the
length of the pickup line so the clunk is about
1/4” off the bottom of the tank when held ver-
tically.
4. When adjusted properly, tighten the screw
Be careful and don’t over tighten as you can split
the tank.
Mark the lines so you can identify the vent, fill
line and pickup line when ready to attach to
engine.
5. Locate the laser cut tank mount, two wooden
strips and the velcro straps.
6. The two rails can be glued the the fuselage
sides and the tank tray glued to the rails. This
shows the tank mount in the forward position.
7. The tank mount can be slid to the rear of the
compartment and glued in place to get the
tank closer to the CG. You will need an engine
with a fuel pump to move the tank to the rear
position.
8. Install the tank with the cap through the hole in
the firewall and sitting in the cradle in the rear.
Put a thin piece of foam under the tank in the
rear cradle and hold tank in place with rubber
bands (not supplied).
Install fuel tubing (not supplied) between the
fuel pickup line and the carb.
Route the fill line and vent tube out the bottom
of the cowl.
The fill line will have to be plugged, the vent
line must be left open.