RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
The turbine is mounted. Need to finish the hatches and hook everything up. Fortunately there was enough room in the fuselage to relocate the turbine...everything fits. Both batteries are under the canopy...as is the receiver. Need to bind the transmitter and receiver.....connect all the servos and set throws. Should have it ready for engine run this week. Keith
Posted on: 9/18/2012 4:12 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232810

RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
finally back to work on the Delta. I was unable to balance the model with the turbine in the original position. It took about three pounds to get close. I decided to move the turbine forward rather then adding all that weight. It was moved forward 10 inches. The airframe is fairly light weight so adding all that ballast just didn't make sense. The turbine thrust line is set for zero incidence....thus the shaped pieces for the engine mount. A plywood piece on each side will tie the wing structure to the fuselage and mount. Should be a strong mount structure when done. A 1/4 inch plywood mount plate will epoxied across the top. I will add a metal hatch cover from the rear of the mount to the original mount location....just in case it is too warm for monokote. I plan to run the turbine to check the fuel system this weekend. And...if all is well I'll fly it before the end of the month. Keith
Posted on: 9/18/2012 10:02 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232469

RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
Hello, The entire canard doesn't move but a small elevator on the trailing edge does. It will move about 3/16 up and down...just enough to get the nose moving. The primary elevator control is still the elevons. The canard elevator is closer to the CG than the elevons...so should be less sensitive. I'm anxious to find out by flying it. A pulse jet will be interesting. Bruce will like that...one of his pulse jet designs was the idea behind the Reaction Jet. Let me know how it flies. I'll be happy to share what I have. Although the drawings are probably in Bahrain, I can trace the fuselage for you. The canard is 1/3 the size of the wing...just measure out and draw a smaller one. I used 1/4 inch balsa. I also have a computer program that locates the CG for canards..can share that to. Just give me your address. Keith
Posted on: 7/3/2012 6:49 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141963

RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
Most of the wiring and plumbing is done. Need to make an extension for the ECU battery; install the receiver, center all the servos...set throws, and balance the model. I used the kit front LG wire and it was a bit too long. I installed a 2 inch wheel (replacing a 3 inch) and that was enough for a slight nose up attitude while on the ground. The steering bellcrank worked out well. Should be ready for first flight in about a week or so. Model still feels light...will use a bathroom scale to get total weight before flying. I will ground run the engine to ensure the tanks are plumbed properly. Still couldn't upload photos....not sure what the problem is...my computer/server or RCU. Keith
Posted on: 7/2/2012 1:32 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11140206

RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
Installed the turbine, ECU and on-board propane tank. Next is the propane valve, the fuel valve, receiver battery switch, and ECU switch. The servos in the picture are the nose wheel steering and canard elevator. The nose wheel steering hook up will be a little more work that first thought. The steering arm on the LGR wire is below the servo. I thought about inverting the servo but that doesn't allow much access....even thought about putting a hatch on the bottom of the fuselage...too much work. I'm going to install a U-control bellcrank behind the servo. This will permit a straight wire to connect to the bellcrank and the steering arm, and long enough to attach to the servo on the top side. The canard is one third the size of the wing. I thought this would be a sufficient size to allow elevator control using the canard. But after framing the canard and wing it became obvious that the canard is too small. I will try this again with the canard at least half the size of the wing and make the canard the primary pitch control. Can't load all the pictures...network too busy. Will try again later Keith
Posted on: 7/1/2012 9:14 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11138604

RE: Delta Vortex Turbine
Back to work. The sub-fins have been mounted and the rudders installed. All the servos are mounted, the elevon and rudder push rods are done. After laying out all the turbine wires and plugs I decided to remove the UAT and place it under the canard. The ECU will go where the UAT was, thus allowing a more orderly flow of wires/plugs. There are four hatches on top of the wing and fuselage. Just one will need to be opened prior to engine start....receiver switch, ECU switch, propane valve, and fuel fill will be under a single hatch. The receiver, batteries and ballast will be in the forward compartment. The engine pump will be under the turbine. The middle hatch will house most of the wires and plugs, propane tank and valve. The downside of re-starting a project after many months of inactivity is finding all the components. Right now I can't find the propane tank. I hope to run the turbine by the weekend. If all goes well perhaps have it flying by the second week in July. Keith
Posted on: 6/26/2012 6:56 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11133172

RE: George Miller F-4 Build - also, welcome George!
The retracts arrived today. The package was mailed on the 19th. The total time was 60 days. As I said before, I can deal with extended time periods as long as I'm aware of what is going on. The quality of the retracts is very good. Keith
Posted on: 5/2/2012 1:30 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11061160

RE: George Miller F-4 Build - also, welcome George!
Well......... no retracts yet. Priority mail usually takes 6 to 10 days from the states. A total of 60 days since I ordered a set of retracts.
Posted on: 4/28/2012 11:52 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11060835

RE: George Miller F-4 Build - also, welcome George!
I'm station on Bahrain. We learn to expect long delays with mail. But...lesson learned about Paypal. They wouldn't help and said it was my problem because I didn't file earlier. I did phone SpringAir and they said the order was mailed today....19 April. I'll keep this thread posted on when the package arrives and what the postmark date is. SpringAir was sorry for the delay. We are encouraged to buy American...but it sure can leave a sour taste doing so!! Keith
Posted on: 4/19/2012 1:07 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11048840

RE: George Miller F-4 Build - also, welcome George!
Today is day 50 after ordering something from SpringAir. No product and no word from them. I emailed them five days ago but have yet to receive an answer. I don't mind waiting for a product if I know what is going on with the transaction. Failing to keep a paying customer aware is an absolute dismal business practice. Regardless of how good their product is I will probably not purchase from them again. Keith
Posted on: 4/18/2012 6:47 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11046983

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Michael, You didn't mention which version of the R54 you were buying. The ARF version comes with composite tanks and has a retract system available with brakes from PST for $650. The balsa kit has a retract system available from BTE. Robart has struts and brakes available for that system. There are composite tanks available for the balsa kit. Sorry I don't have a company name for you...read through the R54 thread and you will find one. The Dreamworks retracts look really nice. They are designed for the ARF kit. I'm sure they would fit the balsa kit as well. The fuel fitting looks really cool, however I plumbed both the ARF and balsa kits per directions with no problems. The fuel vent on both exit the bottom of the fuselage just in front of the wing. Good luck, Keith
Posted on: 3/25/2012 3:05 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11013882

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
This is the scheme I'll probably use. It isn't a D model scheme but I like it and will use anyway. Nice bit of flying in the wind. Looks like you are very comfortable with the plane. Keith
Posted on: 3/20/2012 12:27 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11007924

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
After forty-five days in operation...the first WW squadron (F100F) had one aircraft remaing. The F100 didn't have the performance to survive in the North Vietnam airspace. As I said earlier, I don't know if the F100 ever had the WW tail code. That may have started with the f105. Anyway, what a fitting tribute to the Hun by using the WW paint scheme. I'll keep looking for any special external differences. The pictures provided are from a plastic modelers research and finished model. Also, the F100 was succesful in destroying SAM sites. The first WWs were so secret that the planes lacked any conventional tail flash. So it may be they never did have the WW on the fin. There was some special electronic gear added to the planes, so there should be some additional antennas mounted. I'll keep looking. Keith
Posted on: 3/19/2012 3:23 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11006499

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
The first Wild Weasel. Not sure if the F100 ever had WW tail flash. I'll keep looking. Keith
Posted on: 3/18/2012 1:50 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11005724

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
Luke, Paint the next one as a Wild Weasel. The Hun had that role before the F105. Keith
Posted on: 3/18/2012 12:27 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11005645

RE: RBC Kits A-4
The wing is mounted to the mid section. I added a plywood pad for the mount screw...much stronger than a single piece of 3/32 lite ply. I can now finish the wing LE center section. The inlet ducting pieces are the ones that are missing so have to wait to finish the mid section. Also installed the screws that hold the mid and tail sections together...can now sheet the tail section Still had trouble fitting the wing to the saddle...the TE is too wide and thin at the center. I decided to cut a notch in the TE instead of sanding. The wing now sits in the saddle perfectly. All the ribs were positioned and glued per the plans, as was the wing sheeting...not sure why al the trouble. Keith
Posted on: 3/18/2012 5:23 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11005176

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
This is a bash of Tharpe's Delta. Added a nose section and canard. The canard will supplement the elevons, elevator only. A PST 600R will power it. I'll place a rotating beacon on the top of the fuselage between the front hatch (canopy) and the turbine. It hasn't flown yet and will be my priority to get flying this summer. If I were to use two rotating beacons, this is the plane I would install them on. Place one on each vertical. I think having them in sync would look better. Bob, check out the Wing Span rotating beacon system. Prices seem the same, not sure how they compare. Keith
Posted on: 3/17/2012 12:48 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11002210

RE: RBC Kits A-4
The tail section is fairly straight forward. It is recommended to fit the fan shroud during assembly. I added some plywood pads for the mounting screws, much better than just the lite ply. This area will not be accessible after assembly. I noticed the top stringer is not straight, has a slight bow. I'll be sure to assemble the vertical fin with the tail and mid fuselage sections screwed together and the fin bottom rib laying on top. That way there will be no gaps between the fin and fuselage. Still waiting for the missing parts. I can sheet the tail section now. The mid section can be sheeted after I mount the wing. Keith
Posted on: 3/17/2012 12:39 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11004215

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
That looks awesome! Nice work. In the video there was a hint of a rotation beacon on the belly, near the speedbrake. Couldn't tell if it was a strobe or rotating beacon. Check out BrainCube Aeromodels. He sells controllers which simulate a rotating beacon...I bought some for my turbine jets. I'll use them for a visual indicator that the battery switch is on (because I always forget
Posted on: 3/17/2012 6:26 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11003823

RE: RBC Kits A-4
The wing is now rough sanded. I will do the final sanding just before covering. I'm happy with the new TE, it is straight and the airfoil matches the wing. Next will be to finish the LE center section to match the fuselage former. I'll start assembling the tail section. The previous A4 thread showed a photo of the tail section. The vertical fin didn't fit on the tail section, there was a large gap between the vertical and the tail section. Will never know how that was fixed...but the horizontal stab incidence was affected. I think I'll assemble the vertical fin while it is sitting on top of the tail section...less likely to repeat the same problem. Keith
Posted on: 3/16/2012 10:08 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11002749

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
I noticed the price is fairly consistant among the dealers. There is a price difference between EPO and EPS foam versions. What is the difference in the foam? Because I fly on grass, I would probably do without the retracts...just too tough on them in the long run. But I love the F100! Will get one for sure. I have a HET 90mm fan set coming...will use that. I'm building an A4 on another thread...a lot of work but should be a fun plane to fly. I will put the changefun 10 blade fan in that. I am going to use the same set up you used in the F86. Keith
Posted on: 3/15/2012 10:34 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11002150

RE: Fly Fly F-100F Build (W/video)
I like it! I might have to get one of those. I'm curious...are you Maximus? I found another thread similar to this one from 2010. Same home town............ Which retracts are you using? Did they come with the struts? Keith
Posted on: 3/15/2012 1:28 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001454

RE: Hobby King 70mm F-86 and Banana Hobby Mig15
I'm curious...which F100 is it? I have the RBC F100 kit and plan to put the ChangeSun fan in it. Will be a bungee project though. Keith
Posted on: 3/15/2012 9:44 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001121

RE: RBC Kits A-4
I removed about one inch of the TE. After sanding the edge straight, I glued on a piece of TE stock I had. The TE stock was 1 1/4" wide so removed 1/4". I used a 1/4 X 1 1/2" stick to hold the wing to the board, careful not to crush the wing. There is a 1/32" difference between the TE stock and the wing. I'll sand that down after the glue dries. I'm happy with the left side, the TE is now straight with no curl. Also, the wing tips can now be added...with the curl the tip blocks were not thick enough. Will add the tips tomorrow and then finish off the center LE area to match the fuselage former. Keith
Posted on: 3/15/2012 9:35 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11001109

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bob, What size canopy did you use? The size seems perfect for the fuselage. Also, can the rotating beacon controllers be synchronized? Something like having strobe lights pulsing at the same time. If the LEDs are bright enough, the effect would be enhanced with both LEDs flashing at the same time........or at opposite cycles. Just a thought. I didn't purchase the larger light controller so I don't know how much programming capability there is. Keith
Posted on: 3/15/2012 12:13 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11000636

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
OK Bob, what is the downside of a flicker? Isn't that how the effect is made...with a bit of a flicker? Fade out the light and then brighten it to a flicker. As long as it gets my attention then it will have done its job. I plan to place it along the top of the fuselage...probably on the aft hatch. I bought three units, one for each jet. If nothing else, it will look cool. Keith
Posted on: 3/14/2012 12:44 PM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11000055

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
As I understand the system, the rotating beacon controller can be used as a stand alone system. It is not necessay to have it plugged into the larger light system controller. I plan to use just the single red metal core LED and that should be minimal drain on the flight battery...and besides the battery is way over sized anyway. My idea was to have a visual indicator that the battery switch is on. I can't believe how many times I've forgotten to turn the darn switch off after a flight. Keith
Posted on: 3/14/2012 11:28 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999923

RE: Hobby King 70mm F-86 and Banana Hobby Mig15
Dion, I found out what happened. They wanted a copy of my credit card for their files. So the entire order was placed on hold until I responded. I didn't receive their email so......... I'll just go PayPal from now on. I did buy the 10 blade fan so will pursue that...will install in another plane. Just as well...my two flying fields are grass..the F86 would have trouble with the grass. How is that F4 coming along? You should be about done. Keith
Posted on: 3/14/2012 1:50 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999400

RE: RBC Kits A-4
Was not happy with the wing TE. It was curled downward, almost like having flaps. I cut off the TE and will add some more wood and sand it to shape. Still haven't received the missing pieces from RBC. I can work on the tail section, just can't glue the vertical on. Keith
Posted on: 3/14/2012 1:39 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "Electric RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999395

RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bob, Did you connect the rotating beacons directly to the airborne battery pack? It would seem like a good idea to have them connected to the battery and have a visual indication the battery switch is on. I like your jet [:D] Keith
Posted on: 3/14/2012 1:33 AM by Author "speedbrake" in the forum "RC Jets"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10999391