Hi,

I would like to build a small (40 ish) sized ducted fan model. I am not really too concerned what plane it is and I would prefer an all built up construction(due to price), what do you guys reccomend?

Regards

Big Bubba

Hey Bubba,

If you decide to build a 40 sized DF from scratch (that is put the kit together, install engine, etc...) you will most likely spend the same as buying a used-good condition .90 sized jet.

I believe Jet Hangar Hobbies is what you are looking for in the .40 size range. I think the only good .40 sized DF engine left is the OS. There are more options when it comes to .90's (but only one is really-really good).

I saw recently a post for a BVM Agressor RTF for $900. At that price, you can't go wrong. If your budget is less than that then Electric Ducted Fans (EDF's) may suit you better. I recommend buying a second hand DF to get the feel for the jet, and you can learn how things are installed, and then fly the hell out of it. If you crash it, just replace the airframe. Remember that these kits used to be gold 10 years ago.

This is the time to buy DF

There is also a Bob Parkinson Regal Eagle currently on Ebay at $85.00. That is an absolute steal. Add one of the OS 91 engines floating around out there and you have a great flying ducted fan trainer. It was designed to take anywhere from a 60 to 91 sized engine, and considered by many to be one of the finest jet trainers around. The Regal Eagles have gotten hard to come by lately but are well known for being a good first DF airplane. Construction is also mostly built up as you desire, with a few fiberglass or plastic parts.

Good luck in your quest.

Hey Bubba. I had the exact same question as you about a year ago and my research let me to JDEnterprises as they have an F-15 kit for under 300 dollars. Or you can buy the plans and the construction article for the same plane from flying models and build it yourself. It's designed by Ivan Munninghoff. The only draw back to building this plane yourself is the entire nose section and canopy are fiberglass, as well as the ducting and cover cap for the engine. BUT, if you have any interest in learning how to make fiberglass molds this is a great plane. I thought i'd save money by making this plane myself and by the time i made the fiberglass molds I wished i'd just payed JDEnterprises the money. Also the wings are foam. I took on the challenge because i'd never made foam wings or a fiberglass mold so i figured i'd learn something. It was a chore and a mess, but boy what a blast the first flight was. I should mention as well that i'm no expert builder or flyer. This is a great flying plane that really has no bad vices. If you have any questions email me and I'd be glad to fill you in. If you want to see a pic of my plane do a search under "ivan munninghoff f-15" where i have posted a few pics. good luck in your search for your first DF and again any questions email me and i'd be glad to help you out!

Chris

My first DF jet was an HB A7 with .18DF. It was...... shall we say.... underpowered I've recentley come back to DF with a BAe "Red Arrows" Hawk. OS46VXDF with Thorjet fan unit. AUW is expected to be around 8lbs. Cant wait to get back to Jets again! its great!
I cant really suggest any to you, but as previously said, watch out for the 2nd hand deals...there are plenty about. good luck, and let us know how you get on.[sm=thumbup.gif]

Thanx Guys,

You have all given me food for thought!

Bigbubba

Hello,
Am planning on building the Parkinson Reagle Eagle. I have not seen it fly for several years now. Wondering if you know which fan setup seems to work the best with the OS 91 engine? Any info is helpful to me.
Thanks in Advance
Dave T

IF YOU ARE LOOKING TO BUILD A .46 DUCTED FAN FROM PLANS, THEN THORJET IN THE UK HAVE PLAN PACKS FOR VARIOUS TYPES OF FIGHTER MODELS INCLUDING A FANTASTIC F20 TIGERSHARK (I HAVE BUILT 2).
THEY ARE NOT ON THE NET BUT HERE IS THEIR ADDRESS WHERE YOU CAN GET THEIR CATALOGUE:

THORJET
C/O THE GLASTON GARAGE
MAIN STREET
GLASTON
OAKHAM
RUTLAND
LEICS.
LE15 9BP.

TELEPHONE (INTL) 01572 823394.

duthie.

Equally, if you have any specific interest I could scan and email the relevant page of info about the F20.

Hey Dave,

That would be great if you could email me the details of the F20.

[email protected]

Thank you very much

Sheridan

cassat10
I have built 5 Regal Eagles (2 for hire / 3 for me) I much preferred the Dynamax Fan over the Byron. Although the Byron is supposed to put out more static thrust, My Dynamax powered ones performed better on take off roll and top speed.

There is a pic of the last one I built in my gallery.

Good luck with yours

just looking through my catalogue, The Kit that they produce of an F20 is for 91 sized ducted fan and £250
There is a plan and a page of info for a .45 sized F20.

Confirm which page(s) you want.

Hi Dave,

Could you please email me the info for the 45 size F20.

Thank you

Sheridan

Sheridan, got my email yet?

No Not yet?

When did you send it?

Sheridan

Hi Dave,

Just got it,

Thank you very much, it looks great,

I will call them tomorrow

Well im not into bashing but I know you'll want honest advice.. Ive had problems with bpfm and jdf getting they kits purchased and and delivered like you would expect. bpfm just no replys after promised kit, jdf just doesnt make the f-4,f-15 (cheap kits) that often, i waited for like 6-10months and fell onto broken promises.. aggrevated i just started looking for a used 45-91 size jets for sale. i got lucky and found one in miami, its a jhh mirage III older kit, just put a new computer radio, upgraded to os.91/dynamax.. will be refinishing it with airbursh soon. this jet is a great trainer with the 45inch sport delta wing.. LOTS of lift, slower stall speeds. and im only got like 1000.00 dollars for everything I needed to start off, including field stuff too. So take your time making a decision and always do your RESEARCH on companys & kits before you decide to buy!! thats my opinion and im stickin to it![:-]

If you build a THORJET F20, then I would advise you to buy their CNC cut former set - they are really good quality and it saves so much time and effort during the build. I would also use the thinnest PROSKIN sheeting from Mick Reeves Models http://www.mickreevesmodels.co.uk/ for all the ducting instead of the lithoplate as detailed on the plans.
I have made an F20 with both the built up and the foam wings - make the built up wings - they are easier to fit out.
I also used mini servos to operate all the flying surfaces - I would not go with the bowden cables, they suggest. Finally, I used an OS 46 VX ducted fan engine with the THORJET fan unit, header and pipe.
Build the model as light as possible and make the C/G the same as the plans and you will have a fantastic handling model, which is pretty fast but can be slowed down for really smooth and stable landings.

duthie.

Hi Gary,

Nice pic of the Reagle Eagle! I have decided on the OS 91 and Dynamax also.
Springairs are hard to find here in the north. I agree they are the best choice.

Dave T

I believe morrison hobbies carrys spring air.. try a web search..

i just bought my first DF its a acro star midsize 40 with os 46 and a tuned pipe has anyone ever seen or flown this bird before info would be appriciated

any pictures of it?

no none yet it looks like the jet that james bond flew. i cant find anything on the plane