jets for dummies
07-17-2002, 12:04 AM
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jets for dummies
What's the best way to start flying jets?
Any sites that could help a newbie get familiar with what is needed, etc.
Some of the stuff is so complicated, I have no idea where to begin.
Any sites that could help a newbie get familiar with what is needed, etc.
Some of the stuff is so complicated, I have no idea where to begin.
07-17-2002, 04:49 AM
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Jet Models
Hi Josef,
You are probably not alone. I remember picking up an issue of R/C Jet International magazine for the first time and having the same reaction. The 'inards' of jet models look most intimidating, whether its ducted fans or especially real turbine model engines. Definitely hold off on the latter for the time being. My first suggestion is make sure you have enough cash for this area of the hobby. The costs can mount like lightning. Once that's taken care of, get a hold of every RCJI magazine (Traplet Publications) you can muster, including back issues. Get a hold of videos of jet events or better yet attend one. You will see the difference in how the models fly from the propellered ones. Hopefully you can already fly a fast prop plane with ease. You might consider getting a second hand jet here on RCU. Some of them you'll find almost ready to fly for about 1000-1800 or so, an extremely good deal. Great Planes makes an RC simulator, where you can practice some of the characteristics of ducted fan flying. Also, continually surf this site. Every jet topic under the sun is covered here, by people who live and breath jet modeling. And before you know it, YOU will be an expert too.
Steve
PS: As I write this, there's a BVM Maverick Pro for sale at 1500 bucks. You'd have to do some hard searching to find a better first jet package.
You are probably not alone. I remember picking up an issue of R/C Jet International magazine for the first time and having the same reaction. The 'inards' of jet models look most intimidating, whether its ducted fans or especially real turbine model engines. Definitely hold off on the latter for the time being. My first suggestion is make sure you have enough cash for this area of the hobby. The costs can mount like lightning. Once that's taken care of, get a hold of every RCJI magazine (Traplet Publications) you can muster, including back issues. Get a hold of videos of jet events or better yet attend one. You will see the difference in how the models fly from the propellered ones. Hopefully you can already fly a fast prop plane with ease. You might consider getting a second hand jet here on RCU. Some of them you'll find almost ready to fly for about 1000-1800 or so, an extremely good deal. Great Planes makes an RC simulator, where you can practice some of the characteristics of ducted fan flying. Also, continually surf this site. Every jet topic under the sun is covered here, by people who live and breath jet modeling. And before you know it, YOU will be an expert too.
Steve
PS: As I write this, there's a BVM Maverick Pro for sale at 1500 bucks. You'd have to do some hard searching to find a better first jet package.
07-18-2002, 04:54 PM
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jets for dummies
You want a basic ecucation in Jet modeling?
"Mike's Jet Book" by Mike Cherry, published by Traplett. See Traplett USA ads in RC Modeler.
Get it and read it.
"Mike's Jet Book" by Mike Cherry, published by Traplett. See Traplett USA ads in RC Modeler.
Get it and read it.
07-18-2002, 05:31 PM
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Turbines 101
Hi Josef you might like to check out our web site for a pretty good introduction to jet turbine operations- http://www.TJT.bz
Let me know if I can answer any questions or offer advice....
Cheers-
Let me know if I can answer any questions or offer advice....
Cheers-
07-18-2002, 11:08 PM
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jets for dummies
Thanks for all the info. Much appreciated.
For the sake of learning and cost, I'll be trying out a ducted fan unit of some type first. I'm having some trouble finding good info on them, though - since they seem to be less popular than turbines.
For the sake of learning and cost, I'll be trying out a ducted fan unit of some type first. I'm having some trouble finding good info on them, though - since they seem to be less popular than turbines.
07-19-2002, 01:40 AM
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jets for dummies
So glad you asked 
:
Tractor or Pusher? Which? Why?
What motor should I start with?
What's a nice model to begin with, an entry-level or trainer one?
Any specific fans that work best? I've seen ones that have a dozen or so blades - how do they match up to ones with say 5 blades.
:Tractor or Pusher? Which? Why?
What motor should I start with?
What's a nice model to begin with, an entry-level or trainer one?
Any specific fans that work best? I've seen ones that have a dozen or so blades - how do they match up to ones with say 5 blades.
07-19-2002, 02:20 PM
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D/F Stuff
Josef, as to which model/kit? this depends on a few things! including the amount of building you want to do? flying skill level? and budget?
There are just so many kit options today it can be difficult choosing!
Sport or scale??? if you want an F15 ( you suggested Regal Eagle), my suggestion would be the Top Gun F15....
Although my first D/F was a Byron F16 then a Byron MIG 15, both of these Byron kits and fans can be found at times for sale hear on RCU for good $ value.
Of the various ducted fan choices! I would say Dynamax and Ramtec of the larger fans only because the Byron fan is harder to come by, but it is a good fan unit as well. As to best motor for these fans thats easy! - O.S. 91 fan engine it is simple to set-up and a very reliable engine.
There are just so many kit options today it can be difficult choosing!
Sport or scale??? if you want an F15 ( you suggested Regal Eagle), my suggestion would be the Top Gun F15....
Although my first D/F was a Byron F16 then a Byron MIG 15, both of these Byron kits and fans can be found at times for sale hear on RCU for good $ value.
Of the various ducted fan choices! I would say Dynamax and Ramtec of the larger fans only because the Byron fan is harder to come by, but it is a good fan unit as well. As to best motor for these fans thats easy! - O.S. 91 fan engine it is simple to set-up and a very reliable engine.
07-19-2002, 05:19 PM
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jets for dummies
Just a "forgiving" entry-level jet that won't hit the sound barrier the first time around, so not too sporty.
I'm not going to get real picky about model preferences, since I'd rather learn first.
RE seemed to be these things, and cheaper too.
I'm not going to get real picky about model preferences, since I'd rather learn first.
RE seemed to be these things, and cheaper too.
07-19-2002, 05:43 PM
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RE
The Regal Eagle is a good DF trainer if you can find a kit from someone. Beware of buying directly from Bob Parkinson it took me two months and twenty dollars worth of phone calls to get mine. Every time I called he would say it was ready to ship. He even e mailed me a fake shipping receipt once. After all said and done he also overcharged my credit card by $14.88.
Mitchell
Mitchell
