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1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 21st, 2015, 5:40 pm
by Ken Bones
Another project I'm working on is the 1/3 scale Yak52. Basically a blown up version of the popular Willis Warbirds 1/4 scale kit.
Engine will be 3w150cc and estimated weight around 22kg.
Chris is himself building a1/3 scale Yak 50.
Bonzey

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Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 22nd, 2015, 11:44 am
by Philip Goff
Dear Ken
The Yak is looking very nice mate, what did it take you about three days to make?
I must admit I do feel part of the Yak project

. I can remember Chris having the idea to make
a Yak after having a look around one of the Aerostars aircraft on the Saturday before the Tibenham airshow.
After that it was like he had designed and built it in about three weeks, I am sure it was longer than that but that is what it seemed like.
Those 1/4 scale models seem to fly well, you would think the 1/3rd scale ones will be even better.
Keep up the good work, hopefully will see you soon.
Regards Phil G.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 22nd, 2015, 12:22 pm
by Ken Bones
Hi Phil. I'm good thanks as I hope you are my friend .
Yes, it's all your fault!

The 1/4 scale yak is one of my favourite models to fly, so I am also hopeful that the 1/3 scale one will be better still.
Ken.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 22nd, 2015, 1:14 pm
by chris willis
And that's the way the cookie crumbles

Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 3:20 pm
by Tinus Nielsen
What are your plans regarding the retracts?
I assume that the basic construction is similar to the 50, just adding the extra cockpit, retracts and the flaps?
One more question.
I´m building a 1:3 scale 50 myself, and this is set up with the original Clark YH airfoil, set at +2° incidence. The engine and tailplane set at 0°.
What are the angles on your Yak?
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 5:43 pm
by David Whiteley
Ken Bones wrote:Another project I'm working on is the 1/3 scale Yak52.
Do you have a colour scheme in mind? If not, then can I suggest Betsy.
This is the Yak 52 that usually visits the show at Elvington. Mrs Hairy Dave has a particularly soft spot for this aircraft.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 7:10 pm
by Ken Bones
The 52 UC is yet to be sorted, but I know what's needed in my mind and should be easy enough.
Incidence angles are the same as per the 1/4 scale version of the Willis Warbirds kit. The designer will have to comment on that as I have no idea what they are.
I will put up a piccy of the scheme I'm thinking of later. Only thing is, I keep changing my mind.

Bonzey
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 7:17 pm
by Ken Bones

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Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 7:37 pm
by David Brown
Ken I like the color scheme on that pic. Hi Tinus how are you doing, have you run the radial up yet ? on the retract side I have done the 1/3 set for the Yak 50 but I have no pics, they are the same as the 1/4 one shown just larger. Are the 52's just 50's in reverse ??, plus a nose leg. These builds are great, they will have real presence in the air.
Dave
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 9:11 pm
by Ken Bones
Hi Dave, the mains on the 52 just need to have a reversed action because the main spar is in the way for piston.
Ken
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 10:39 pm
by chris willis
Yes 2 degrees positive on wing, 1degree down thrust, zero tail
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 23rd, 2015, 10:41 pm
by Dave Jones
Love the colour scheme, looks similar to the one Ali has just been flying?
Dave.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: February 24th, 2015, 8:57 am
by Tinus Nielsen
Thanks for the reply. Seems I´m on track for a sweet flying 50. :-)
The Moki 250 has been run on the test stand, using the proposed engine dome, and it runs perfectly it seems.
Much like a full size engine it runs quite lumpy at low idle when cold, but after 20-30 seconds it smooths out and ticks away at a lovely rumbling idle. It´s extremely easy to start also.
I have attached a few drawings of the retracts on the 52. Maybe they are useful to you.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 14th, 2025, 6:14 pm
by Paolo_Bortotto
Dear Mr. Bones,
I'm Paolo and I live in Italy. I'm an old builder from scrath rc models aircraft
in large scale since '60 years.
I have seen in the forum you posted your costruction of 1/3 scale Yakovlev Yak-52, from plans to Mr. Willis, If I undestand well.
But Is he Willis Warbirds?
Is he the designer of this rc models aircraft?
I'm very interested into buy Plans or Kit about Yak-52 1/4 or 1/3 scale like your costruction.
Kindly, could you let me know how I can do to contact him or where I can find this Mr. Willis?
I asked also to Mr. Rob Burkey that has very kind to halp me to subscribe to the Forum,
but regarding where to look for Mr. Willis, he isn't never responded me.
I hope you can help me because is a very trouble to find Kit or Plans by this model aircraft around the Europe
Many thanks
Kind Regards
Paolo
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 18th, 2025, 11:02 am
by Philip Goff
Paolo,
Sadly Ken Bones passed away,
quite a few years a go now.
He was a sad loss to the modelling
fraternity. I for one miss him dearly.
Regards Phil Goff.
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 18th, 2025, 3:34 pm
by Paolo_Bortotto
Dear Mr. Philip
I'm very sorry for the loss of your dearest
friend Ken.
My name is Paolo and I live in Italy. I've only been a member of the forum for a few days and don't know anyone.
I sent a private message to Mr. Bones, obviously unaware of his passing.
Since I've been trying to purchase the plans 1/4 or 1/3 scale or the kit of the Yak 52 from some time, I saw a post by Mr. Bones on the forum while he was building the rc model aircraft I'm looking for. He mentioned a certain Mr. Willis as a seller of kits or plans about the Yak 52. I asked him if he could provide me with more information about Mr. Willis.
Could you please help me in any way?
Thanks you so much Sir.
Kind Regards
Paolo
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 18th, 2025, 5:18 pm
by Philip Goff
Paolo
As far as I am aware, Mr Willis
no longer makes model aircraft kits.
I think he now makes bespoke motor cycle wheels.
Regards Phil Goff
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 18th, 2025, 5:51 pm
by Paolo_Bortotto
Ok! Thanks you so much anyway Phil
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: July 30th, 2025, 9:15 pm
by stewart clifford
Hi Paolo
The model was purchased by a friend Ken’s and has now been completed by Jon Horne, he might be able to assist in some way.
The model is absolutely stunning.
Adam Boxall had the 1/3 Yak 50, he might also help.
Also, I have a part built Willis Warbirds 1/4 scale Yak 50, I have the mouldings, plans and retracts, you can buy it all from me if you’re interested?
Re: 1/3 scale Yak 52
Posted: August 1st, 2025, 3:12 pm
by Paolo_Bortotto
Dear Stewart, I wrote to you via Email.
Thanks
Paolo