Reaction 54 Jet Kit
05-20-2007, 06:15 PM
#1626
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
I continue to be amazed at the creativity of R54 builders! From very neat color schemes to total kit bashes! Bruce has got to love 'em all! The R54 will ALWAYS have a special spot in my heart! Enjoy the builds fellas, none is better!
Dave Rigotti
Dave Rigotti
05-20-2007, 10:53 PM
#1627
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
I have just completed and test flown my Reaction 54 and have benefitted greatly from all the information posted in this thread by all of you, and I want to say thank you. I thought I would share my Reaction and some of the minor mods that I made in building it for the benefit of new builders of this wonderful airplane and kit. My mods are minor and involve: mounting the UAT directly under the elevator servo, mounting the nose brake on the opposite side of the nosewheel, making a larger than stock rear hatch (for a future additional tank - probably unnecessary), and I think that's about it. I have some photos here that show my airplane and the minor mods/mounting choices that I made. It is all Monokote finish, has the Jet Tech kevlar tank, weighs 17.3 lbs. dry, 21.3 lbs. fully fueled. I have the fantastic little JetCat P-60 for power and it's all it needs to really scoot along. I did not have to add ANY noseweight whatsoever in mine, just located the two JR 1400 mah Extra packs and the stock ECU pack as far forward as possible. All JR servos (8411's, 8231's and a couple of 3021's), JR 945 dual-conversion receiver. My friend Tony Frackowiak test flew it this past Saturday and had a blast flying it. A "real sweetheart" was the quote. Here are some pictures, and I'll post more as I think of other things I did that might be helpful to others. I love this airplane and thank Bruce Tharpe for another great kit that's a pleasure to build and to fly.
05-21-2007, 02:29 AM
#1630
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
ORIGINAL: pyropup
I have just completed and test flown my Reaction 54 and have benefitted greatly from all the information posted in this thread by all of you, and I want to say thank you. I thought I would share my Reaction and some of the minor mods that I made in building it for the benefit of new builders of this wonderful airplane and kit. My mods are minor and involve: mounting the UAT directly under the elevator servo, mounting the nose brake on the opposite side of the nosewheel, making a larger than stock rear hatch (for a future additional tank - probably unnecessary), and I think that's about it. I have some photos here that show my airplane and the minor mods/mounting choices that I made. It is all Monokote finish, has the Jet Tech kevlar tank, weighs 17.3 lbs. dry, 21.3 lbs. fully fueled. I have the fantastic little JetCat P-60 for power and it's all it needs to really scoot along. I did not have to add ANY noseweight whatsoever in mine, just located the two JR 1400 mah Extra packs and the stock ECU pack as far forward as possible. All JR servos (8411's, 8231's and a couple of 3021's), JR 945 dual-conversion receiver. My friend Tony Frackowiak test flew it this past Saturday and had a blast flying it. A "real sweetheart" was the quote. Here are some pictures, and I'll post more as I think of other things I did that might be helpful to others. I love this airplane and thank Bruce Tharpe for another great kit that's a pleasure to build and to fly.
I have just completed and test flown my Reaction 54 and have benefitted greatly from all the information posted in this thread by all of you, and I want to say thank you. I thought I would share my Reaction and some of the minor mods that I made in building it for the benefit of new builders of this wonderful airplane and kit. My mods are minor and involve: mounting the UAT directly under the elevator servo, mounting the nose brake on the opposite side of the nosewheel, making a larger than stock rear hatch (for a future additional tank - probably unnecessary), and I think that's about it. I have some photos here that show my airplane and the minor mods/mounting choices that I made. It is all Monokote finish, has the Jet Tech kevlar tank, weighs 17.3 lbs. dry, 21.3 lbs. fully fueled. I have the fantastic little JetCat P-60 for power and it's all it needs to really scoot along. I did not have to add ANY noseweight whatsoever in mine, just located the two JR 1400 mah Extra packs and the stock ECU pack as far forward as possible. All JR servos (8411's, 8231's and a couple of 3021's), JR 945 dual-conversion receiver. My friend Tony Frackowiak test flew it this past Saturday and had a blast flying it. A "real sweetheart" was the quote. Here are some pictures, and I'll post more as I think of other things I did that might be helpful to others. I love this airplane and thank Bruce Tharpe for another great kit that's a pleasure to build and to fly.
Dave Rigotti
05-21-2007, 10:11 PM
#1632
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
It was great meeting you down there Paul - it was a day I will remember for a long time! For the record though, I'm not maxvertical (we're still waiting to hear about his maiden flight. Soon, I hope).
Anyway, I finally got my new bird in the air. Met up with pyropup and TonyF at the Tailwinds Field in Lancaster. Weather was absolutely perfect. We both put the first three flights on each of our R54s, his with P-60 power, mine with PST. Tall Paul took some great flight shots, and we all had a great lunch afterwards.
TonyF flew pyropup's R54 and preferred a flap setting less than max. Guys, I wish you could have seen him fly this model. The third flight was the best R54 flight I've ever witnessed. Gary is lucky to have that kind of access to a truly masterful pilot.
Thanks again guys; hope we can do it again some day!
Anyway, I finally got my new bird in the air. Met up with pyropup and TonyF at the Tailwinds Field in Lancaster. Weather was absolutely perfect. We both put the first three flights on each of our R54s, his with P-60 power, mine with PST. Tall Paul took some great flight shots, and we all had a great lunch afterwards.
TonyF flew pyropup's R54 and preferred a flap setting less than max. Guys, I wish you could have seen him fly this model. The third flight was the best R54 flight I've ever witnessed. Gary is lucky to have that kind of access to a truly masterful pilot.
Thanks again guys; hope we can do it again some day!
05-22-2007, 12:50 AM
#1634
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bruce - It's interesting to note that Tony F preferred a flap setting less than your 60 degree recommendation. Most of us up here in the Pacific NW have been using approx. 40 to 45 with great success.
Maxvertical will be doing his maiden flight this Wed. in Shelton, Wa. We hope to sign him off for his waiver. I'll post some pics.
Bob
Maxvertical will be doing his maiden flight this Wed. in Shelton, Wa. We hope to sign him off for his waiver. I'll post some pics.
Bob
05-22-2007, 09:08 AM
#1636
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Most significant difference? It starts 
. Every time. Doesn't flameout with rapid throttle stick movement. Significantly more power at the top end, and steadier idle. The old RAM would surge a lot on the landing approach, making it difficult to plunk it down precisely where you want it. Even though the PST idles at a higher RPM, it seems to be putting out less residual thrust. I didn't experience even a hint of floatiness, and neither did TonyF, from what I could tell.
I think the great flap "debate" will rage on for this design simply because different pilots have different flying styles and preferences. I'm gonna continue to experiment myself before deciding on my preference, but when guys like TonyF and my NW friends say 45 degrees or so, that's pretty compelling.
. Every time. Doesn't flameout with rapid throttle stick movement. Significantly more power at the top end, and steadier idle. The old RAM would surge a lot on the landing approach, making it difficult to plunk it down precisely where you want it. Even though the PST idles at a higher RPM, it seems to be putting out less residual thrust. I didn't experience even a hint of floatiness, and neither did TonyF, from what I could tell.I think the great flap "debate" will rage on for this design simply because different pilots have different flying styles and preferences. I'm gonna continue to experiment myself before deciding on my preference, but when guys like TonyF and my NW friends say 45 degrees or so, that's pretty compelling.
05-22-2007, 11:22 AM
#1637
Senior Member
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Bruce, it was good meeting you..
I loved the way yours and Gary's planes showed so much care in construction.
Not a seam to be seen anywhere.
I like this photo... could almost read the part number on the clevises...
Couple more images...
And a shot of yours and Gary's more or less at the same point in the approach..
I commented on the lower pitch angle your plane has, with the greater flap deflection.
I loved the way yours and Gary's planes showed so much care in construction.
Not a seam to be seen anywhere.
I like this photo... could almost read the part number on the clevises...
Couple more images...
And a shot of yours and Gary's more or less at the same point in the approach..
I commented on the lower pitch angle your plane has, with the greater flap deflection.
05-23-2007, 11:17 PM
#1639
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Well guys - we have a new jet pilot that joined the group today - Maxvertical (Chris R.). We signed his waiver today, and he flew 6 flights on his new R54. The plane is still in its primed version - but will be painted soon. He flew the plane great and nailed all the landings - he loves his new Reaction!!
Chris will be posting a video of the last flight soon.
Chris will be posting a video of the last flight soon.
05-24-2007, 03:11 PM
#1643
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Guys, I know you've heard it a million times, but WOW! What an airplane. Bruce, you are THE MAN! thanks for making such a great airplane I know I get a little bit of credit for being careful on the build, but no pitch trim needed at all, and at speed would drift ever so slightly, so 2 clicks on aileron. Amazing, and what a smooth flying ship. As Bob can tell you with the P70, would leap off, or should I say launch off! Bruce, I'll try to send you a nice picture once she's in her colors, right now just trying to absorb the moment. With all the goodies in this airplane, final weight in primer came out to 21.5 dry, and not an ounce of ballast anywhere for CG. Couldn't be happier with the way this one looks or flies. Dave R, you're right, time to light the fires. I'm starting to understand this feeling!
The video's aren't the best, from a still camera, and it's short. Will try to get it put together and post soon.
Thanks again for all those that helped, encouraged, and supported. I think we have the best little community going!
Another Proud R 54 pilot! Wheeeeee! oops sorry..
Chris
The video's aren't the best, from a still camera, and it's short. Will try to get it put together and post soon.
Thanks again for all those that helped, encouraged, and supported. I think we have the best little community going!
Another Proud R 54 pilot! Wheeeeee! oops sorry..
Chris
05-24-2007, 04:22 PM
#1644
RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Congrats Chris! This is a pretty big model, so seeing it isn't usually a problem, but I'm guessing that all-gray finish was a visibility challenge at times. Looking forward to the final colors. Hope we cross paths a fly-in this Summer or Fall.
Also looking forward to Eddie P's gussied up R54 - the photoshop paint job is pretty cool.
Seems like every Spring we get a new flock of R54s in the air, along with a new batch of turbine pilots. I'll second what Chris said about our "little community." There are a lot of great ARF jets out there, but you have to admit that there's a different feeling when you fly a model that you built yourself.
Also looking forward to Eddie P's gussied up R54 - the photoshop paint job is pretty cool.
Seems like every Spring we get a new flock of R54s in the air, along with a new batch of turbine pilots. I'll second what Chris said about our "little community." There are a lot of great ARF jets out there, but you have to admit that there's a different feeling when you fly a model that you built yourself.
05-25-2007, 10:18 PM
#1645
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Ok, wish it were better, but hey, it gets the point across.
Enjoy guys, and thanks again for all the support and great ideas during the build.
Special thanks to Bob1393 which did the flight video's, and was key in the waiver test, as was my good friend Brian Richmond.
Chris
[link]http://rcuvideos.com/item/F3NYJZ8JTPHZLFFQ[/link]
Enjoy guys, and thanks again for all the support and great ideas during the build.
Special thanks to Bob1393 which did the flight video's, and was key in the waiver test, as was my good friend Brian Richmond.
Chris
[link]http://rcuvideos.com/item/F3NYJZ8JTPHZLFFQ[/link]
05-25-2007, 10:59 PM
#1647
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Nice video Chris. Congrats on your succesfull maiden. When mine had its maiden last year, I couldn't wipe the smile off my face for a week.
Marty
Marty
05-26-2007, 01:57 PM
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RE: Reaction 54 Jet Kit
Hi John!
If you are not sure about P-60 or PST: Go for the PST J-600R. It has more power, I have flown the Reaction with both inbetween two days. The Cat is lighter, but the J-600R is more fun!
David
If you are not sure about P-60 or PST: Go for the PST J-600R. It has more power, I have flown the Reaction with both inbetween two days. The Cat is lighter, but the J-600R is more fun!
David