GP .60 Reactor Bibe
#1

Guys,
Startedassembly ofthe newReactor Bibe fromGreat Planes.Theparts fit and covering job is really nice.
Power OS .91 Surpass
Servos Futaba 3050 on theRudder
Hobbico CS-35 Mini's onthe Ailerons and Elevators.
Thekit includes a templete toopen up the servo bays for standard size servos if you want touse them. Of course the airplane will weigh a little more.
Putting the standard case rudder servo in was a breeze. Justmark the templete and cutthe bay carefullywith an X-cato knife. I haveabout 3.5 hours into it at this stage.
Jason
#2

More pictures of the engine install. The battery hatch for running electric power sure makes it easy to work on when using a glow engine.
Tank slides right in and you can get to it simply by pulling that battery hatch.Manual has a MonoKote templete to cut out a hatch seal once the tank is installed. Just keeps the grime out of the fuse.
Tank slides right in and you can get to it simply by pulling that battery hatch.Manual has a MonoKote templete to cut out a hatch seal once the tank is installed. Just keeps the grime out of the fuse.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: mullen,
NE
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Looking good your a lucky man to already have this plane i just saw it last week on the great planes web site. Can't wait till you give us a flying report.
#6

Well I made some more progress. Here are some shots of the wings and tail section. I completed more of the project after these pictures were taken. The tail servos are installed and linkage is complete. I will get more pictures tonight. This is going really smooth. The wheel pants are very narrow so you have to take your time aligning the wheel in the center of the pant. No big deal just make sure you plan on a little extra massaging when installing the pants.
More updates soon.
Jason
More updates soon.
Jason
#9


Wow, you are the first kid on the block to have this new plane!!! I just noticed it in the last hour in another thread, then went to Tower to see more about it, then to the GP site. Looks very COOL and rakish. Looks like it flies real light. I was hoping it was larger though, since my older eyes need planes bigger planes, lol. This size is really nice for taking to the field assembled though! Keep us updated on the build and fly!! Vids needed! Jon
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Fremont,
NH
Posts: 436
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Can't wait for a flight report and video, Jason. Great to see someone who knows what he's doing doing the build, rather than some old guy who puts a SuperTigre 61 in it and says "loops are as tight as you want them."
Looks awesome, I want one.
Looks awesome, I want one.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Vancouver,
BC, CANADA
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

I was planning on ordering one of these, so Iread reviewed the manual at Tower Hobbies.
I'm notvery impressed with the design of this model after reviewing the manual - it seems like something that was designed years ago. Having to solder the connectors for the control rods, why? I'm no fan of soldering, I don't mind doing it where necessary, but it certainly isn't necessary here. Why isn't there an alignment jig to make sure you have the wing incidences setup correctly? Plus lots of little pieces to glue when installing the wing.
Does a biplane this size really need 4 aileron servos - is there that much play between wings if you use connectors? I was hoping to build a light weight electric version of this plane, use a controller with a switching BEC that would eliminate the need for a receiver pack. But with a total of 7 servos I don't think I want to risk this, the Eflight Pro 60A only supports 6 digital servos.
Compared to the small Reactor Bipe, this one seems like a big step backwards. For $300, I expected more. I was all set to order one, now I'm not so sure.
I'm also disappointed that there isn't a designed for electric version of this plane. If it is designed like the Reactor .46 monoplane glow/electric, it will be much heavier than necessary for electric.
The last two Reactors have been a bit of a disappointment to me, I was also interested in the 160 size until Iread the manualand decided I didn't like the design.
I'm notvery impressed with the design of this model after reviewing the manual - it seems like something that was designed years ago. Having to solder the connectors for the control rods, why? I'm no fan of soldering, I don't mind doing it where necessary, but it certainly isn't necessary here. Why isn't there an alignment jig to make sure you have the wing incidences setup correctly? Plus lots of little pieces to glue when installing the wing.
Does a biplane this size really need 4 aileron servos - is there that much play between wings if you use connectors? I was hoping to build a light weight electric version of this plane, use a controller with a switching BEC that would eliminate the need for a receiver pack. But with a total of 7 servos I don't think I want to risk this, the Eflight Pro 60A only supports 6 digital servos.
Compared to the small Reactor Bipe, this one seems like a big step backwards. For $300, I expected more. I was all set to order one, now I'm not so sure.
I'm also disappointed that there isn't a designed for electric version of this plane. If it is designed like the Reactor .46 monoplane glow/electric, it will be much heavier than necessary for electric.
The last two Reactors have been a bit of a disappointment to me, I was also interested in the 160 size until Iread the manualand decided I didn't like the design.
#13

ORIGINAL: Cody-RCU
Can't wait for a flight report and video, Jason. Great to see someone who knows what he's doing doing the build, rather than some old guy who puts a SuperTigre 61 in it and says "loops are as tight as you want them."
Looks awesome, I want one.
Can't wait for a flight report and video, Jason. Great to see someone who knows what he's doing doing the build, rather than some old guy who puts a SuperTigre 61 in it and says "loops are as tight as you want them."
Looks awesome, I want one.
I will be sure and keep posting the progress. Planning on working on it tonight some. Getting really close so I might have it ready before the XFC.
The wings are really easy to mount to the fuse. That is a where most Bibe's are a PINTA.This only has the fiberglassone piece cabane and the solid interplanes struts just bolt onto tabs in thewing. ps. I will make sure it does akiller loop just for you!
Malcolmm,
This model is designed to accept electric power very easily. Just knockout laser cut air vents and installthe battery tray where the fuel tank is on mine.
The ailerons arepretty big so I wouldnot want to use just one per side. The linkage would not be that hard but youwould have to usea very strong servo. Still think flutter potential is to high.
You are claiming you like electric set ups but your scared tosolder? How can that be?This model uses what I would consider typical linkages for a 60 size model.
Jason
#14
Senior Member
My Feedback: (7)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Joplin,
MO
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Hey Jason,
Got any idea of weight yet? I've got an extra 300sp setup on electric and I'm not real happy with it so I'm lookin for another airframe to put everything in.
Roy
Got any idea of weight yet? I've got an extra 300sp setup on electric and I'm not real happy with it so I'm lookin for another airframe to put everything in.
Roy
#16

My Feedback: (61)
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Niceville , FL
Posts: 562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Dan-hal-lakil-li !!!
That is one seriously old engine, I should know, I have the .70 surpass 1. What happened to the little reactor bipe you were smashing around? Good luck at the XFC, enjoy your riotactor bipe .61.
-Nate
That is one seriously old engine, I should know, I have the .70 surpass 1. What happened to the little reactor bipe you were smashing around? Good luck at the XFC, enjoy your riotactor bipe .61.
-Nate
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Vancouver,
BC, CANADA
Posts: 309
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

ORIGINAL: Jason 3-Danhakl
...
You are claiming you like electric set ups but your scared tosolder? How can that be?This model uses what I would consider typical linkages for a 60 size model.
Jason
...
You are claiming you like electric set ups but your scared tosolder? How can that be?This model uses what I would consider typical linkages for a 60 size model.
Jason
Iam still consideringthis plane, I'm just disappointed that, to me, it isn't as attractive for electric setups as the smaller one.
Malcolm
#18

Nate,
Still have the little Reactor Bibe. It is showing some wear but sure is flying well. The U-Can Do is dead! Hence the new larger bibe.
Thanks for the encouragment on the XFC. Looking good so far. We shall see Sunday afternoon how it went.
Later Jason
BTW I put a Xoar 26x12 on my DA100.You should try one if your still running the 27x10. Night and day improvement.
Still have the little Reactor Bibe. It is showing some wear but sure is flying well. The U-Can Do is dead! Hence the new larger bibe.
Thanks for the encouragment on the XFC. Looking good so far. We shall see Sunday afternoon how it went.
Later Jason
BTW I put a Xoar 26x12 on my DA100.You should try one if your still running the 27x10. Night and day improvement.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: mullen,
NE
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

I ordered the recommended set up from great planes except for the castle creations 60 amp speed controller. I also have an axi motor that should also work well. I've been having really good luck with the rimfire motors. Tower also mine should be on the way this week.
#21

ORIGINAL: nmking09
Jason,
Sent you a PM but I guess you were too busey getting top ten at the XFC to respond!!! Congrats man.... Great Job!!!
Jason,
Sent you a PM but I guess you were too busey getting top ten at the XFC to respond!!! Congrats man.... Great Job!!!
One problem is I put a DA170 in the Yak and it is calling!
Flew the Giant Reactor in the night fly. That turned out much better than expected.
JD
#22
Senior Member
My Feedback: (7)
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Joplin,
MO
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts

Jason,
Congrats on the finish at XFC. I talked to Kevin the other day and he said you weren't gonna make it down here for the funfly. I'm really looking forward to hearing your impressions of this plane. Do you think 2 hi torque servo's would be suffecient for the ailerons for the average sport flyer? I.E. me?
Once again congrats!
Roy
Congrats on the finish at XFC. I talked to Kevin the other day and he said you weren't gonna make it down here for the funfly. I'm really looking forward to hearing your impressions of this plane. Do you think 2 hi torque servo's would be suffecient for the ailerons for the average sport flyer? I.E. me?
Once again congrats!
Roy
#23

Well I have it ready to go and hope to test hop her tonight.
Some specs:
OS .91 Surpass
Tru Turn Anodized Spinner
APC 15x6
Ailerons and Elevator Hobbico CS-35 servos x6
Rudder s3050 Futaba
Throttle s 3151 Futaba
RX R617FS FASST
Battery FlightPower 2100 RX 2s Lipo
Regulator 5 Amp FlightTech
Used all the hardware but the nylon clevis' and 2-56 aileron pushrods. Used Great Planes 4-40 Metal clevis' and pushrods instead.
AUW 7 pounds 5 oz. with the listed equipment.
I don't have pictures right now but will get some later tonight.
Roy sorry I did not make it down this weekend. I went to the HuckFest in Rockford, IL instead.
Using just 2 servos on the ailerons is not a good idea. To much flex and torsion load. When you see how large the ailerons really are you won't have any doubt that 4 servos are needed.
Jason
Some specs:
OS .91 Surpass
Tru Turn Anodized Spinner
APC 15x6
Ailerons and Elevator Hobbico CS-35 servos x6
Rudder s3050 Futaba
Throttle s 3151 Futaba
RX R617FS FASST
Battery FlightPower 2100 RX 2s Lipo
Regulator 5 Amp FlightTech
Used all the hardware but the nylon clevis' and 2-56 aileron pushrods. Used Great Planes 4-40 Metal clevis' and pushrods instead.
AUW 7 pounds 5 oz. with the listed equipment.
I don't have pictures right now but will get some later tonight.
Roy sorry I did not make it down this weekend. I went to the HuckFest in Rockford, IL instead.
Using just 2 servos on the ailerons is not a good idea. To much flex and torsion load. When you see how large the ailerons really are you won't have any doubt that 4 servos are needed.
Jason
#25

ORIGINAL: Cody-RCU
Any flights yet?
Any flights yet?
FYI: You don't need very much aileron throw at all. The roll rate is unreal.
Jason