Reaction 54 Jet Kit
09-29-2020, 09:31 PM
#4552
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 24
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I have pro-link structs on my reaction with the stock pneumatic retract units, and they work great off grass.
For my next sport jet I am looking at getting JP Hobby electric retracts and struts. They look to be good quality and for a good price. https://www.turbines-rc.com/en/153-s...-and-full-sets
For my next sport jet I am looking at getting JP Hobby electric retracts and struts. They look to be good quality and for a good price. https://www.turbines-rc.com/en/153-s...-and-full-sets
10-05-2020, 05:16 PM
#4553
...In the mean time I am having a think about jet engine choice. I see a lot of people using the JetCat P60-SE, although I notice Bruce lists this engine as being under size for the plane. So I am looking for some feedback on what turbines people are using and overall performance achieved. I notice the KingTech K80 is also gaining popularity. I am not looking for speed, more so reliability and adequate power without increasing weight too much.
About kits: I'm not saying for sure I'll make some more or not, but leaning towards doing another run. No clue when, except next year some time, maybe. Clear as mud, right?
10-06-2020, 06:37 AM
#4556
Senior Member
The P-60 is ok but if you have a hot humid day on a short grass runway, things can get tricky. The extra weight of a larger engine and added nose weight is a small price to pay for getting the plane off quicker and getting you out of trouble on say a poor landing attempt. In addition, there are probably more options down the road if you decide to put the engine in a different airframe.
10-06-2020, 07:43 AM
#4557
My Feedback: (48)
It all depends on how you want to fly. A friend had a P60 in his and I thought it was a dog. If you want it to fly like a trainer then a 60 would be OK. If you want it to fly like a jet then put at least an 80 in it. I have a 90 in mine and it's fun to fly. You can always throttle back.
10-06-2020, 08:59 AM
#4558
Ah, I see it now. Poor choice of words, I guess. Joeflyer got it right - it depends how you want to fly. In my mind, the R54 is still a pokey turbine trainer mostly meant for first-time turbine pilots. I can see how experienced jet pilots would consider it underpowered or limited with a P60. Truth is, with a P60, it's not a dog just struggling to fly. It would be very capable of sport aerobatics; it just wouldn't go straight up out of sight. Big deal.
Last edited by BruceTharpe; 10-06-2020 at 12:51 PM. Reason: typo
10-06-2020, 04:04 PM
#4559
Ah, I see it now. Poor choice of words, I guess. Joeflyer got it right - it depends how you want to fly. In my mind, the R54 is still a pokey turbine trainer mostly meant for first-time turbine pilots. I can see how experienced jet pilots would consider it underpowered or limited with a P60. Truth is, with a P60, it's not a dog just struggling to fly. It would be very capable of sport aerobatics; it just wouldn't go straight up out of sight. Big deal.
I agree with Bruce's comments, my Reaction at 19 lbs flew just fine with the P60 but, since the engine compressor got damaged, I mounted my K80G1( 19 lbs of thrust suggested by a few guys here ) it gained 1 lbs of weight but gained nearly 5 extra lbs of thrust and fuel consumption is about the same ( throttle management here ) the K85 is an excellent choice now with 17.5 lbs of thrust, lighter than my K80G1 and it burns a little less, also the price is right but more important, the support is excellent.
With the airplane weighting 19 lbs and having 17.5 lbs of thrust then it should be a fun plane to fly, I know mine is
Last edited by CARS II; 10-06-2020 at 04:09 PM.
10-06-2020, 04:15 PM
#4560
I have plenty of time to pick the engine but currently keeping my eye out for a used JetCat P60 or Wren 75/80. Depending on funds once the build is complete, a new purchase option would the the KingTech K85 G4 which would future proof possible progression with jets. Whilst I wait for the balsa supplier to resolve supply issues, I shall gather other parts needed for the build.
10-12-2020, 09:14 AM
#4561
I probably posted this on this thread a few years ago, but given the recent chatter, here's my old R54 on about 15 lbs of thrust (Wren MW54 MkIII). And yeah, it was a windy day. ;-) And yeah, that's a 72 mhz antenna sticking out of the nose.
https://rcairgallery.com/rcairgaller...tion54.mp4.php
And here it is a couple of years later after switching to 2.4 ghz...
It may not have had unlimited vertical, but it was still a blast to fly! One of these years I WILL build the kit I have stored in my basement...
...jim
https://rcairgallery.com/rcairgaller...tion54.mp4.php
And here it is a couple of years later after switching to 2.4 ghz...
It may not have had unlimited vertical, but it was still a blast to fly! One of these years I WILL build the kit I have stored in my basement...
...jim
10-12-2020, 03:59 PM
#4563
Great flying Jim, its amazing 15 years later Bruce's design is still brining a smile to so many faces and thoroughly enjoyed. It is a testament to the flexibility of the design, to be adapted to each individuals requirements.
I am waiting for balsa supply issues here in the UK to resolve which I think will be around Christmas time, then I can start the build in earnest. In the mean time I am researching and planning as much as I can to enable a smooth build once I get started.
I am waiting for balsa supply issues here in the UK to resolve which I think will be around Christmas time, then I can start the build in earnest. In the mean time I am researching and planning as much as I can to enable a smooth build once I get started.
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Woketman (11-06-2020)
11-07-2020, 01:05 AM
#4566
Junior Member
Just finished a mini 54 ...scaled the plans down to 70% so that I can use my Xicoy 45 in it.
Wings are off an old Ziroli Panther...modified to make them about 4" longer on each side and main gear mounting plated built into them.
Body modified to enclose the engine with some intakes made to allow the engine to breathe ..tank is a pop bottle. Tail modified ..no real reason..just preferred mine :-)
Weight so far ...complete except for the engine and ancilliaries is 3.5kg..all up weight should be about 4.3kg.
Incidences are exactly as per plan..as will be the c of g
No idea how it will fly...
Wings are off an old Ziroli Panther...modified to make them about 4" longer on each side and main gear mounting plated built into them.
Body modified to enclose the engine with some intakes made to allow the engine to breathe ..tank is a pop bottle. Tail modified ..no real reason..just preferred mine :-)
Weight so far ...complete except for the engine and ancilliaries is 3.5kg..all up weight should be about 4.3kg.
Incidences are exactly as per plan..as will be the c of g
No idea how it will fly...
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jonnyjr (11-07-2020)
11-20-2020, 07:13 PM
#4569
Okay guys, here I am at my club Amos in Roseville California, I asked my friend Nick to take video of my three takeoff and Landings as you can see this aircraft it's really easy to handle and just a ton of fun to fly
Last edited by CARS II; 11-20-2020 at 07:16 PM.
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