Yoko (oz12101)

About this Plan

Yoko. Radio control sport aerobatic model.

Quote: "Another great 'fun' model. You'll either love it or hate it at first sight. 68 in span for 4-function propo and .61 power. Yoko, by AD Wright.

THIS MODEL was designed to fill the role of fun model - semi-scale appearance combined with acrobatic performance. I have in Yoko tried to create a model that has an atmosphere of a 'tween wars machine - open cockpit, low wing configuration and conventional two-wheel undercarriage. I have always liked the sinister appearance of Japanese camouflage, so Yoko is dressed up like a Japanese fighter.

The plans are of the Mk.II version, which is the machine I am currently flying. The original was powered with a .35 motor, and performed surprisingly well considering its size - probably because the weight had been kept clown to a minimum (4lb). It made nice slow take-offs and looked very realistic just flying around but, of course, aerobatics were very limited with the low power.

After a great deal of flying with the Mk.I, I replaced the .35 with a .61 motor and the performance was, needless to say, drastically hotted up. Instead of long take-off runs, with the .61 the model becomes airborne in only a few yards, taking rough ground and thick grass in its stride. When trimmed out properly, it is surprising how far it will fly 'hands off.'

After the sixth flight with the larger engine, tail flutter set in, and I was lucky to bring the model down in one piece. On inspection I found three cracks running from the tailplane for almost three-quarters of the length of the fuselage. It was clear that the fuselage needed to be beefed up for higher stresses with the larger motor. I therefore made a new fuselage, and used the Mk.I wings and tail unit. The large balanced rudder was retained, as it had given good ground control, without necessitating a coupled tail-wheel though, of course, one could fit this if desired. Also, with this type of rudder, stall turns are easier and spins seem to be flatter.

On my original, I have installed the engine inclined at 43° as you will see from the photographs. On the plan, it is suggested you locate it in the optimum position to enclose the silencer, I installed it at this particular angle on my own model for three reasons. First, it facilitates the use of a very short, straight piece of fuel pipe to the tank, which is conducive to smooth, reliable running. Secondly, at this angle, with the extension stack removed and the silencer bolted direct, the engine nestles very neatly into a very small radial cowl, with no bits and pieces sticking out, giving a nice clean profile. Thirdly, in this position the throttle linkage becomes lower and nearer the centre, which permits a straight run under the fuel tank for the cable control to the engine servo. However, since bulkhead mounting is used, the builder can choose the best position for his own particular engine silencer combination..."

Yoko, Radio Modeller, December 1972.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Supplementary file notes

Article pages, thanks to RFJ.

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