Hi I have just picked up an MK Kit called a Silent ST
I am looking for advice re retracts for it?
Plan on putting a 91 2 stroke on a tuned pipe in it.

So if anyone has ideas for me that would be great.
Cheers Greg

Greg,

Always plenty of ideas but some good photos of the plans with the details would help to bring those about.

However, most MK kits are designed around specific retracts that they produced themselves. There were several models though for the larger birds. The plans typically specify the retract that's shown and that "ought" to be used for the model. These are however all mechanical retracts and you could always use pneumatics instead or, nowadays, electrics! These last are extremely easy to setup and promise to offer a secure level of service - we hope!

I believe the Silent is designed around mains only - it should be fairly standard. You can probably use anything you like with a touch of modification if required. I'd wait and try the new E-Flite's which should be available before the end of June. If you want to be authentic, then you could source out the MK gear recommended.

David.

I had 2 of them, painted, and they flew very well but were rockets (heavy at 9+lbs). If you can build it lighter (remove excess wood) the 91 should be great. I had 120AC's in mine and if they were a bit lighter they would have been perfect. They were perfect as trikes for those nose high take-offs and landings. We 'fit' Spring-Airs in ours.

Does yours have the fiberglass cheeks?

I just found some pics (I gave it one chance in my stash and they were on top... post soon, but NO hair comments... I was a kid with NO sense of style in anything except planes lol)

Agree with David. Pictures bring out ideas, else serve as reminders to those who might have worked it before.

Anyhow, if you decide on the original MKs, I've definitely seen them in Singapore Hobby Supplies. But the last I remember the stock dwindling.

Strangely enough, I've seen them at another hobby store in Singapore too - Rotor. Both of which are on the web.

Good luck. You've just tempted me to take a trip to Singapore Hobby to see if the MK Joker 60 is still there.

I'm just gonna put up all the pics I found. My Silent ST, Blue Angel and Aurora (bought from Chip) and Ivan's Summit III when he came down for Tangerine.

lol I couldn't leave it up 'stock'... [sm=lol.gif][sm=red_smile.gif]

Nice hair Jason!

But it doesn't compare to the models.

Thanks for the pics.

David.

that hair is awesome man, I'll bet you thought you were the business with that hair too

I knew I didn't stand a chance with the ladies... but I liked it and that was all that mattered lol

This is the box
Havn't started yet.
Will post PICs when I do.
What sort of motor do you think is best for this.
I am unsure?

I don't have my plans right here... what was wing span, length and weight on the box? It flew well with the 120AC... maybe the new 115 with less weight, some lighter servos and more wood carved (the fuselage ply doubler is way overkill) it would fly better. Mine was a bullet cause it was over 9lbs.

That's the one with the cheeks (blue part on nose).

Hey vskiwi,

Why don't you pop down to your local model shop and talk to the proprieters! Palmy is only a stones throw from Feilding.

I hear they used to both fly pattern "back in the day" and I would guess are a wealth of knowledge

I'm sure they would agree with jas's comments re MK mechanicals versus Springair, sources for stuff etc really helpful couple of guys and really know their stuff!

Good luck with the build, who ever advised you to buy that kit knew what they were talking about

Hey Jason,
That's one of the original kits - too bad the MK prop is kinda obscuring the 'cheeks'. The 'newer' kits come in a blue box and no 'cheeks' on the label photo.
The OS 110 Alpha might be a good choice as it is quite light and has respectable power (so I've been told - I have not run mine yet). The YS 115 will be plenty of power (the original Silent was powered with the first YS 4-stroke 120SF - much less power than the 'AC' version), but who knows when (or if) they will ever actually appear.

Jason, you can try and hide, but those old photos are still out there in the magazines and I have them all - besides, this isn't a dating site...

Thanks Kiwi Jet, I might just do that. I hear they are a couple of good blokes ( so they tell me)
Yes it was a truly wise Yoda like sage that put me onto this plane.
He is a real GURU....
Regards Young Skywalker.

Yea,

that's too bad. I was about to suggest bringing the ladies out and have them check out Jason's ultra smooth looks! If it didn't work back then, I'm sure they'd all want your number now!

Actually I think I had the hairdo of the dude in the Partridge family back then - I thought I was way cooler than that! Embarrassing to say the least.

Then again, ice cream, a movie and a few suave words got you just about anything you desired with the better half. [8D]

David.

P.S. This is turning into a cool thread Greg! Actually looking forward to your build...

well other than my cool looks to get the ladies...lol.

I will be watching this thread. I really liked the Silent... then again, I'd still like to continue my classic bird collection. BA is tops on the list.

I'm sure there is plenty of weight to be removed to lighten this thing up, just have to see the parts again.

So , what about a suggestion for a 2 Stroke, something that really revs .
Preferably rear exhaust.
Was planning to tilt a 120 2 stroke at 130 degrees so the exhaust/pipe would still pass thru the belly.
However that may be an issue with cutting into those little side Cheeks to enable the head to protrude.
Any thoughts on this.?

Gregg, i have the Silent St 1.20. is your's the same size?

Vskiwi,

You should look around for a Thunder Tiger 120-Rear Exhaust,although discontinued i think you will be able to find one and they were good priced too.
I have seen this engine operate and man was i surprised with the power it had and should be just what you`re looking for.

Although you can`t go wrong with the upcoming YS FZ 115-S.

A ongoing build of mine, the Wild Beat, is a similar plane. it is slightly bigger that the Silent .st 120, i am going to use an OS 1.40 rear exhaust. the 1.40's are plentiful, it might be a good fit for your Silent .st.

An OS 140 would be way too much... if there is such a thing ! Actually, the weight would be a huge problem. Build it light and a Hanno Special or YS AR will work. The more recent MK offerings (last 10 years worth) are much lighter in their design. Those plywood fuselage doublers are just plain overkill! The Silent ST is really no bigger than a Conquest 6/7 or Desire 60 and actually a little smaller.
Naruke's backup Silent and the '89 worlds was a tail dragger - gives you more prop clearance (if you decide to use an OS 140).
Looking forward to watching your building progress.
-Will

sorry Will, i was talking about my 1.20 sized Silent .st.

HI I will be able to answer the questions re Model size , v soon as it will turn up on my door early nxt week.
I think it is the 1.20 version.
The guy selling it stated that it was for a 1.20 YS, he has one for sale a YS FX 1.20 with tuned pipe and header.... was interested but our boys at the field like ballistic pattern with high revving 2 strokes and I was hoping to join in the high speed action.
The YS has crossed my mind a few times though.

i just checked mine. it is a 69" ws / 1.20 4 stroke size kit. a 1.40 is probably a little big.

The Jett 100 is available as a rear exhaust engine and will provide adequate horsepower...
The Silent with a YS 120AC was pretty fast, by the way.

I had never heard of JETT engnes, they look solid.
What has been the expeirence with running them?