Tonight I purchase an original JB Escape kit, NIB, on eBay. This winter I'll start the build and post progress on this thread. Now I'm building a GP Ulitmate Biplane .40.
I have enjoyed my Kaos this past summer, now it is time to step it up. I have been facinated by Jett Engineering engines, the Jett Fire .60L rear exhaust motor may be the ticket. This kit will be my first to use retracts, not sure which type I'll be using. I like the features of the E-flite electrics, they are only 8.4ozs for the tri-gear set.

I welcome any and all comments,
Brad

Cool, I have considered this kit many times. I was not aware that Jett made a 60 rear exhaust, I do know there is a 90 available. Lots of photos please.

Brad,

while the Escape is a tad lighter and smaller than the XLT, a forum member built the latter within the last couple of years with a Jett 90. I believe he leaned in that direction due to the fact that Jett is no longer making large block 60's. I believe the small blocks are designed to turn props like 10x9 or 10x10 but can get bogged down with 11x8's or larger. This is just what I heard through the grape vine though.

Here's a video of that Jett 90L being fired up on the XLT:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGFzp3jKDcE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIltDwKrb04&

Apparently 15K on a Vess 12x6 and 16K on an 11x7 (probably APC).

Then again, maybe a 10x10 is what you are looking to turn... [8D]

Looking forward to the build!

David.

How do the Jett 60s do for mid-range and idle? The 90 did not demonstrate either in the video.

Jett 90 is the way to go if you can affoard one... the same would hold true for the YS.

Check out R_G's UFO build to see how a master works. Page 9-10 document the wing construction:
[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_9725072/mpage_9/key_/tm.htm[/link]

Check your wings. My stock cores were cut warped and they were much larger than the plans called for. I purchased a set of cores new from Don at Eureka that are cut with the ailerons and elevators. It may just be me, but I think the foam density is lighter in Don's cores as well... The cut is done with CNC and it is really nice. He even cuts the proper dihedral into the wing. It is worth the price. Around $50 for the wing and the stab if I remember correctly.

A lot of the methods in Kieth's XLT build thread are applicable to the Escape if you wish. Good ideas.

I'll put the servos in the wing near the retract mounts... Dean Pappas recommends digital servos. On that advice alone I will do the same.

I am also swapping out a lot of the wood for contest balsa. The stock stuff is old, but also heavy. I would estimate a 9lb+ airplane with the stock supplies.

The Escape is, next to his UFO, the nicest of Bridi's design imo. I am looking forward to building mine next fall. Mine will have a ST .61 SERIE X TST FIRE on the nose. I exchanged my quiet pipe for a stock tuned pipe to fit everything under the canopy as designed. I am also using a custom header made from flex pipe that I swapped with Jim Oliver. I really do not want to butcher the canopy!

I was going to use Eflite's on mine, but traded them for the kit instead. I am looking at Spring air at the moment.

My building has come to a stop because of the local economy... Once I survive the winter I will be back at mine again. Saving in between now and then to purchase everything I need.

Looking forward to your build. I hope to see lots of pictures!

I SOOO want to see an Escape in the air!

Brian

Thanks all for the great information! Going to send an email to Jett inquiring about my desired application, will post their comments.
I do like R_G's UFO build thread, tons of good ideas, you bet I'll build a foam cutter.

UPS will be delivering the kit this Friday, will be interesting to see what I got.

What I learned with my Kaos is that peak RPM is not the always the goal, finding the correct prop is what truely makes the difference.
I started with a 10X6, Magnum .46XL and Macs pipe was giving me just over 15k on the starter stand. Flew it for several weeks until I felt
very comfortable with the plane. Then I tried a 11x7, wow what a huge difference. The engine preformed so much better and this light weight
plane can perform. I still get good rpm out of the motor/pipe, think once airborn I may have been over-reving the Magnum. The Kaos is
pictured below.

Last January I got back into this hobby and built a Senior Telemaster. In May I flew it, it had been nearly 30 years since I flew an R/C plane.
Years ago I was too afraid to try a 4 channel plane, never learned. Thanks to my full scale flight training and Real Flight simulator, piece of cake.
As a teenager in the late 70's, the guys who flew pattern planes were the ones to watch. I was always one of those who said 'I wish I could fly one of those".
Attraction to the classic pattern planes has never faded, today I'm hell bent to learn to fly them and fly them well.
The current Ultimate Biplane project will give me some new experience as well.

Iampilot2,

Check out the CPA ( Classic Pattern Association) web site for some cool info... www.classicpatternassociation.com

Maybe you can do a build thread on the new classic pattern dedicated site...

KP.</p>

The Jett carb is probably close to the best, if not the best, to be had.

Jim

I contacted Jett, they too recommended the Jett Fire 90L, but $425.00 Not right now, maybe someday.
Tonight I purchased a used YS-60FR for $150 shipped. Keep fingers crossed regarding condition, if it
is not what's advertised I'll send it back.

CPA website was interesting, I'll think about joining.

The YS 60 FR is considered, by some, to be THE Classic Pattern engine. Yours looks nice!

Jim

I bid on that one but not seriously.

The Escape kit arrived yesterday, all is in great condition. I looked a the plans, this is going to be a fun build. The fuselage is long and sexy
The news paper packing inside the box was from 1991. Now I need to get a pipe, header and retracts before I start the build.

Question, besides Macs Muffler are there other brand of tuned pipes I should consider? Macs manufacture the style of header that I need but I'm going to need a somewhat slender pipe.

-Brad

Brad,

Using a standard Macs muffled or quiet pipe should to the trick. You might just have to raise the canopy slightly with stringers along its sides to accommodate the pipe.

There are a couple of Escape threads in the forum and on RCG that you should take a look at. One Escape is finished and flying, the other is in the planning stages but much was discussed regarding the header. Look for Brian's (Ilikebipes) thread.

There are Hatori headers and pipes for 2 strokes still to be had but they no longer manufacture. There are a couple of companies in England that are producing pipes but I don't see a need for one when a Macs will work.

David.

a standard or quiet macs pipe willl be two inches in diameter, and will be less in weight as well lower db as well.

Thanks Guys, I'll shop around for a Macs #1060 quiet pipe. There will be a few R/C swap meets in my area in the next few weeks, meantime I need to finish the ultimate bipe build.

I have a Macs muffled pipe on the Kaos, it is a bit loud at WOT.

-Brad

Eventhough I'm building another plane at this time, the tought of building this plane has comsumed my thoughts. Been reading several other threads here on RCU regarding
Bill Cunningham modifications, I like it.

Few weeks ago I had every intention of buying a Bluejay Dirty Birdy 60, they where out of stock. I emailed them and asked when they would be in, yesterday they sent note,
back in stock.

I would be interested in the Bill Cunningham thread. I will go look for it now.

Here it is
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_10416848/tm.htm

thx

My YS60 engine was delivered today, I feel good about this purchase. Diaphragm is in good condition too, it is 31F outside, I would like to bench run it.

pure junk, better send it to me so I can dispose of it properly!

Any progress on your Escape?

Brian

Have not started it yet. Did buy a header and tuned pipe for the YS 60. Need to get the retracts next.
I think about this project all the time. This will be my first foam core wing build and first experience with retracts.