RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Forgot to add my video for my first solo flight. Again, a huge thanks to Sean Saddler for getting me set up and started and my friend Dave for the camera man work. Notice the carrier deck landing at the end. Going to have to work on that. I couldn't figure out how to embed the video link. If someone could give me a how to embed youtube links for dummies lesson I would be grateful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vFwut6jXyMw&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Posted on: 9/17/2012 7:00 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11229860

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Also want to mention how well my Wren 75 engine pushes the Reaction around. Flies it with amazing authority! Thanks to Ron Ballard at Wren Engines in Indiana for all of the setup help including the kero start. Ron took me from knowing absolutely nothing to at least having a clue. His cookouts are great too. Have to admit, my first wet kero start was pretty exciting but I have managed to avoid those since then. Love the simplicity of it now. DRS
Posted on: 8/22/2012 12:23 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11202349

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
I really appreciated your help Terry. Flew three times today with great landings. Hopefully we will be able to fly this week. I want to put some time on this jet to help chase away the butterflies!
Posted on: 8/19/2012 7:34 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199213

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Finally, I have maiden my Reaction 54. In fact I have ten flights and have earned my turbine waiver. What an amazing jet, smooth, predictable, quick and easy to work on. WOT is an awesome experience. Video and pictures soon.
Posted on: 8/19/2012 6:24 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11199120

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Ok, I am hoping that I didn't do wrong here even though it looks like things turned out ok. A friend of mine and I were doing one of my first kero starts (Wren 75) tonight in preparation for my first flight on Saturday. To make a long story short we had one heck of a wet start. Since I knew that this was because extra fuel had pooled into the turbine I decided the "run it out". The flames were contained in the tube and after about ten to 15 seconds went out. I ran the turbine for a couple of minutes and then proceeded with a shutdown. I had two follow-on starts that were uneventful and the turbine ran beautifully. Sounds fantastic! Would you have done the same? Standard procedure is probably to shutdown the turbine but at that point it was running and I was reasonably sure that the flames would blow out with the thrust that had built up. I think that the wet start ignition was "later" in the start process. Don S.
Posted on: 6/27/2012 9:56 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11134693

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Jim, Thanks for the info...it is reassuring. Hanapi, I have been watching your videos...really makes me want to get mine going. You do like those slow landings don't you?
Posted on: 5/2/2012 1:41 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11065759

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hmmm....I think that I want to avoid the negative incidence and the required compensation on takeoff. Probably going to start with shimming the nose gear. I also have a little room for shortening the main struts. Those two things together I may be able to elimate 1/2 inch of the problem. Thanks for the feedback. I am really ready to be done working on it so that I can get to the maiden flight.
Posted on: 5/2/2012 12:46 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11065708

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
A possible problem before I am ready to launch. I have about everything done and was checking over my setup. Found that because of my Prolink setup my nose sits 3/4 inch lower that what the plans show that it should. My Prolink mains were longer than I thought and I didn't compensate with the wing mounts. So, how big an issue is this. Some of the guys here think that I could have some major rotation problems on taking off. Sure would appreciate your opinions on this. Thanks Don S.
Posted on: 5/2/2012 11:51 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11065644

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hanapi Great flight but wow...scary slow landing. The wind turbines look really close to your field. DRS
Posted on: 4/25/2012 4:17 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11056702

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Have to admit...I added the Prolink to my Reaction because I just plain liked their looks and the "knee joint" seemed like a good idea. I know that there was nothing wrong with the wire struts. Had to make a few changes for the wheel well but nothing major or difficult. Also, I have the brakes too. I hope to fly my Reaction at Jets Over the Heartland in June and I am pretty sure that they require "traditional" brakes. I have a few things left on my Reaction to finish and hopefully its maiden flight is mid-April. Definitely will post a video. My Reaction: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10899776 Don
Posted on: 3/26/2012 11:27 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11015790

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Thanks for the comments on the color scheme. The underside has blue stars for contrast. Have to admit the pictures look better. I had a heck of a time getting Monokote to lay on Monokote. Lots of tiny bubbles etc.
Posted on: 1/9/2012 11:43 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10900066

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Just about ready for the maiden flight. Still have some gear to add but this jet is going to fly this Spring. For propulsion I am using a Wren 75 converted to Kero start. Landing gear are a combination of Prolink and Robart. JR/Spectrum radio equipment including the higher end JR digital servos. This is my first jet and I am looking forward to getting the initial flights under my belt. Don S.
Posted on: 1/9/2012 9:12 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10899776

RE: Need Your Help- Deployed Soldier looking for any information on a possible RC donation site
I am late to this thread. With Rob's return home will more RC items be needed for deployed soldiers? DRS
Posted on: 9/22/2011 4:58 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10729602

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
I always love a chance to demonstrate my ignorance. The Robart retract uses a trunion bushing for the 3/16"s wire. Without the bushing it the size is 7/16", what I need for the Prolink small mains. I am slow but usually I catch on. Don S.
Posted on: 2/15/2011 10:51 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10338060

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Guys, I spoke with Todd at Dreamworks and he told me that the 3/16's inch wire off of the Robart retracts will not work with the Prolinks (1/4" nose, 7/16" mains). I get the impression from these pages that most of you that used the Prolinks mounted them on the Robart retracts from Bruce. What am I missing? Thanks Don S.
Posted on: 2/15/2011 7:40 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10337664

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Ok, I am almost set except for servos. Bruce's FAQ suggests HS-5625MG and HS-5645MG. I have looked through the thread and saw some info. Does anyone have anything current to add for servo suggestions? I am not afraid to send money for safety but I don't want to throw it away either. I don't have a problem with Bruce's suggestion...just want to know about options. Don
Posted on: 2/8/2011 2:00 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10321533

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Jim, Good deal...I see the quarter inch strut on the DW web site. I think that I will use the Intairco (spelling) brakes and wheels and brakes. That should hook me up. Now to put all the parts together! Don
Posted on: 1/31/2011 6:17 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10303706

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bob and Paul, Thanks for the info on the A123. I will go the larger size and get those ordered. I didn't want to go Lipo or NiMh. I am also glad to hear that the two switch setup into the receive will be good enough. I wasn't against going with a power system with regulators but don't have a clue about them. Glad the issue goes away. Jim, I don't see the 7/16" nose gear on the DW site. I see the 3/16" nose gear. Is that what you used? Thanks Don S
Posted on: 1/31/2011 6:52 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10302076

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Dave, Thanks for the A123 advice. Is there a perferred vender and what mAh should I look for (yes, this is my first round with A123s). I am putting my Wren 75 in my Reaction and I am really pumped for it. Soon I am going to start collecting fuel and field equipment. This is a whole new world for my from my warbirds....awesome. Don
Posted on: 1/30/2011 6:28 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10301159

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
I am currently building a Reaction 54 and really appreciate all the information that this thread has provided. I really feel that my chances for success are greatly increased having read it. A couple of questions and clarifications: I would like to use the Prolink trailing links because of their additional function and they look awesome (nothing against the Robart wired setup). I see that most guys have used the small links for the nose and main. The Dreamworks web site shows two sizes of small links for the nose and mains. The nose has 3/16ths and 1/4th. The mains are 7/16ths and 1/2. Can someone tell me which ones are the most appropriate size? I am assuming that the wheel well location and dimensions have to be adjusted because of axel length etc. Is this true or is there something else that I should be looking out for? I have already ordered my Kevlar fuel tank from Gary. I am on using my 9503 JR transmitter and the 9000 receiver. I not sure what I want to do for a receiver power supply...thinking about the A123 batteries. Any thoughts on this? Thanks Don S.
Posted on: 1/30/2011 5:34 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10301034

RE: Great Planes Seawind
Sonny, Thanks for the info. I am hoping to fly it off both water and land so it looks like the Robart gear are needed. Probably better get that order in before those are discontinued. From what I have read the Seawind is heavy so my concern is that will it be too heavy as electric and with retracts. So not I have to consider which is heavier, glow or electric? Your suggestion of formation flying in a boat with the Seawind sounds awesome! Thanks Don
Posted on: 1/28/2011 11:54 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10295776

RE: Great Planes Seawind
All, I just order my Seawind yesterday and it was in stock. Today it says discontinued but looks like my order was filled. I think that I got lucky. I am planning to go electric and will use one of the setups that I see in this thread. My question - what is the current conventional wisdom of using retracts. I was planning on the Robart set. I have read the thread and guys go back and forth. From my previous experience I have been able to have large electrics with retracts. The Seawind might be a different beast due to weight and etc. Any new thoughts about this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Don S.
Posted on: 1/28/2011 11:07 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "Seaplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10295665

RE: Will it get banned
[quote]ORIGINAL: chipmunkman <p class=''MsoNormal'' style=''margin: 0in 0in 0pt''><span style=''font-family: Arial; font-size: 9pt''>What's wrong with you Europeans? We crash all the time - frankly speak for yourself, I don't crash at all. You’re typical of most Europeans who want to ban what you’re not good at, and for that matter ban all the fun in life. Turbines won't be banned in the U.S, because contrary to your solcialist way of life we have the freedom in the states to do what we want, when we want and how we want.  We stood the attack of your socialist pig world order,and we defeated your policies in the November election. Just because you idiots sit around and drink and watch your stupid sport of soccer and beat the crap out of each other in your drunken rage when you loose, doesn't give you the right to tell us what's going on. Down the Brits! [/quote] Boy, talk about the ugly American...or just trying to get attention.
Posted on: 12/7/2010 1:10 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10182647

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Well all, here is the good and the bad of it. I have attached pictures of the SPAD that Gary and I built. It took about 18 months, a ton of money, paint, etc. and we were rewarded with a beautiful airplane. We did the maiden flight during the 2nd week of July. It was truly awesome. Even though I did not get all the detail work finished before the maiden flight our SPAD still looked great. And it flew great. I had one false start take off (not enough rudder). The second take off was beautiful and the plane was awesome to fly. Landing was a pleasure and non event (unlike my Hangar 9 Sopwith Camel which use the propeller hub as a brake most of the time). The SPAD was a success and we looked forward to many more flights. Then came Sunday evening August 8. Our attached garage caught on fire during a dinner party (shorted out refrigerator). By the time we discovered it the garage was engulfed in flame and starting on the rest of the house. The good news - we got everyone out including my Irish Setters. The bad news...everything in the garage along with most of the house interior was a complete loss including my beloved SPAD. We are going to rebuild it but have decided to finish a couple of existing projects first including my intro to turbine jets (Reaction 54). I imagine that I will buy the next SPAD kit at Toledo in the Spring. Don S
Posted on: 11/1/2010 12:37 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10108567

RE: Hangar 9 1/4 Scale Piper Cub ARF???
All, We just had a major house fire and everything RC is loss including my helicopters, warbirds, edf jets, etc. I have had a bad August. Now I am starting to rebuild my flock and the 1/4 scale Hangar 9 Cub is first on my list. It is replacing my Goldberg Cub that I have had for 16 years. I have picked up the Cub and ordered the floats. I have read this thread and still cannot decide which engine to use. Some say the G-20 is just right but it just seems small to me. When thinking about float plane flying it seems to me that the G-26 might be a better choice. Are there any current opinions on this? Also, I plan on using HS-645mg servos. Does this sound good? Thanks Don Snyder
Posted on: 9/2/2010 4:04 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9976526

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
I have a Zinger 20x8 too. One nice thing about it is that it looks better like a better size looks wise. I will use this one first. Moving the GC forward sounds like a great idea. My H9 Sopwith Camel has a tends to nosing over but I am beginning avoid that. Its nice to know that the SPAD doesn't tend towards the same thing. Thanks for the info. Maiden flight set for the end of next week! Don S.
Posted on: 7/6/2010 11:36 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9849082

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Can anyone tell me what the current thinking is in terms of a prop for my G-38 on my SPAD? I currenly have a Zinger 18x10 but its been so long since I bought it that I don't remember what the decision was based on. Thanks in advance. Don S.
Posted on: 7/6/2010 4:02 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9848157

RE: Balsa USA Spad 13 build
Gary, Well a bit of a detour...my wife had to have surgery and everything got sideline. All is good now and the SPAD is really close to being ready for its maiden flight. I am finishing the engine install this evening along with paint touch up. I hope to have a couple of Baltimore trips in the later summer and fall and plan on bringing the SPAD with me if the timing is right. Since this is my first build I would really like to compare it against one that is already successfully flying. I really envy you your job. Things like meeting Ray Brooks and working with original aircraft have to be awesome. As an Air Force officer I gave tours of the SAC musuem in Bellevue NE (Omaha, NE) and the Air Force Musuem. The part that I really enjoyed was meeting the different people that originally flew the planes or were involved in some other aspect of their missions. Awesome. New pictures soon. Don
Posted on: 7/6/2010 4:00 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Scale Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9848146

RE: Landing Warbirds
This has been an really useful thread. Before this point I have been struggling with my landings and it was a gamble each time I brought a plane in. Now I see what I have been doing wrong with my warbirds. Occasionally I would do a steep approach and have a good landing but thought that I was just bein lucky. Now I understand that I was doing it correctly then and that the long approach was wrong. I can't wait to go out again.
Posted on: 6/23/2010 8:53 AM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9821486

RE: New 81
All, I remaidened (first ended in a crash last year) my P-47 today. What a big beautiful airplane. The only problem that I had was that it felt a little slow (its my first giant size). I am running a g-38 engine with a 18x10 Master Airscrew prop. My RPM is ~8000. My buddy flies a Hanger 9 P-51 150 with a 200 size Saito engine. He is using the same prop and is getting about 9500 RPM (it moves quick and smooth). He and some of the other guys think that my RMP is too low for this plane but a review of the previous posts tells me that 8000 RPM in my configuration is pretty much good. My plane weights approximately 19 pounds. What am I missing? Is 8000 RPM good for flying this plane. As this is my first giant scale maybe my perspective is off Ideas?
Posted on: 6/10/2010 11:19 PM by Author "JustFlyIt" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9795442