ORIGINAL: vetagator
The Cougar is ready.....however, I need opinions on the pipe. The pipe was round when it was installed, now its all warped after three seperate taxi/range tests. There were no hot starts. The fuselage stayed fairly cool around the pipe and turbine areas during and after taxi tests. Do you think I should fly, or should I follow my gut instinct and order a new pipe? This is my first scale jet and weathering job. It was fun assembling this model.
No definitely dont fly or even run the turbine again with that pipe it's toast. It does look like you have some overheating issues occurring that 'may' have to do with the turbine/pipe installation?? I would like to see an over head view of your engine bay install/layout as it has been running to see if there is any obvious clue's causing latent heat build up. Airflow or lack there of directly around the pipe and at prolonged idle RPM could well be the cause at a guess? Keep an eye on and check any wiring and/or linkages etc. that maybe directly above and in close proximity to the pipe along its length. Really need to see an over head view of the turbine set up...
Cheers- Marty