ORIGINAL: Rainman-ACRF
Also from what I've read, seen, and been told 12lb turbines just aren't the way to go. After looking around at "future" potential jets I might want to do I also quickly found out that a small turbine would not suite my needs.
I STRONGLY disagree. Low thrust does not mean low performance. Smaller turbines are lighter which for the complete jet novice has many benefits. Lighter wing loadings give much more forgiving flight characteristics and have much less residual thrust which assists with much slower landings. It could also be argued that smaller turbines have less inertia to overcome during spool-up and provide slighter better response when going from idle to full power - very useful for those aborted landings where you suddenly need to go around again.
You need to take into account precisely were you are intending to operate a gas turbine model as you might not be able to fly anything but a small turbine due to weight restrictions. We don't all have endless access to tarmac strips at a moments notice. Again, lighter aircraft will generally be easier to operate from grass or where available space might be an issue.
Anyway thats just my 0.02 cents as I am not a turbine guy.
My 0.02 cents as whilst I am full-blooded jet novice, I do actually fly one.
Phil
I think what he means when he says a 12 pound thrust turbine is a small model like a Yellow A-4 that weighs 12 pounds and is powered by a 12 pound turbine. One that has a high wing loading by design. In the case of going with a smaller motor over a larger, I would say get the extra thrust if fuel loads permit. The extra thrust can pull you out of some bad situations if used properly. In my opinion the 1/2 pound difference in weight between the larger and smaller turbines isn't enough to over ride the extra thrust. Plus the larger turbine can be used in your next project which will more than likely require more thrust. You can always turn the turbine down.
Will had some great comments. I would have to agree with the Euro as a good trainer. The Rookie is also a good one to start with. Good luck.