Reaction 54 Jet Kit
#777

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G'Day Mate,
Yes that's my first R54. I have just sold it to a friend in my club. We are working on a buddy box system so he can get some stick time before he does the inspection and test flying. He has a R54 in construction but was getting a little impatient to get flying. He will install his own Wren Mk3. We both have Futaba 9ZAP radios but his is on mode 1 and mine on Mode 2. So hence the need for a buddy box lead.
Regards
Yes that's my first R54. I have just sold it to a friend in my club. We are working on a buddy box system so he can get some stick time before he does the inspection and test flying. He has a R54 in construction but was getting a little impatient to get flying. He will install his own Wren Mk3. We both have Futaba 9ZAP radios but his is on mode 1 and mine on Mode 2. So hence the need for a buddy box lead.
Regards
#778
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Hello,
Here is another simple mod to the fuel door cover to eliminate the rubber bands. I just ordered a extra hatch latch and glued it on and added a small block of hardwood with the hole drilled for the latch to catch. Here are a couple of pics...
Mike
Here is another simple mod to the fuel door cover to eliminate the rubber bands. I just ordered a extra hatch latch and glued it on and added a small block of hardwood with the hole drilled for the latch to catch. Here are a couple of pics...
Mike
#780
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HI PETE
WILL SEE YOU WITH MY RE 54 DURING THE COMING SEASON.
I BOUGHT THE ONE FROM HAL PETERS FOR A GOOD PRICE AND ONLY MADE A FEW CHANGES, PRIMARILY PULL PULL ON THE RUDDER. ALL THE EQUIPMENT IS IN AND NOW I AM ONLY WAITING FOR A LITTEL BETTER WEATHER
ED REINTS
WILL SEE YOU WITH MY RE 54 DURING THE COMING SEASON.
I BOUGHT THE ONE FROM HAL PETERS FOR A GOOD PRICE AND ONLY MADE A FEW CHANGES, PRIMARILY PULL PULL ON THE RUDDER. ALL THE EQUIPMENT IS IN AND NOW I AM ONLY WAITING FOR A LITTEL BETTER WEATHER
ED REINTS
#781
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HI BRUCE
I BOUGHT A NEW READY BUILT RE 54 FROM HAL PETERS. HAD TO DRIVE DOWN TO FLORIDA FROM NEW YORK TO GET IT. BUT IT WAS WELL WORTH IT. THE ONLY CHANGE I MADE REALLY WAS TO ACTIVATE THE RUDDER BY PULL PULL. USED THE ORIGINAL TUBE MOVED THE RUDDERSERVO FORWARD ON AN EXTENSION AND HOOKED UP THE TWO CABLES. RUDDER IS NOW VERY SOLID.
ALL THE EQUIPMENT IS IN AND NOW THE WAITING IS FOR A LITTLE BETTER WEATHER
VERY IMPRESSIVE AIRPLANE. I HAVE NOT WEIGHED IT YET
THANKS FOR A GREAT DESIGN
ED REINTS
I BOUGHT A NEW READY BUILT RE 54 FROM HAL PETERS. HAD TO DRIVE DOWN TO FLORIDA FROM NEW YORK TO GET IT. BUT IT WAS WELL WORTH IT. THE ONLY CHANGE I MADE REALLY WAS TO ACTIVATE THE RUDDER BY PULL PULL. USED THE ORIGINAL TUBE MOVED THE RUDDERSERVO FORWARD ON AN EXTENSION AND HOOKED UP THE TWO CABLES. RUDDER IS NOW VERY SOLID.
ALL THE EQUIPMENT IS IN AND NOW THE WAITING IS FOR A LITTLE BETTER WEATHER
VERY IMPRESSIVE AIRPLANE. I HAVE NOT WEIGHED IT YET
THANKS FOR A GREAT DESIGN
ED REINTS
#784
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HI PETE AGAIN
JUST HAD A CLOSEUP LOOK AT YOURS. VEEEEERRRRYYY INTERESTING
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT
PLEASE NOTE THE DUTCH FLAG ON THE TAIL OF MINE. I ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING DUTCH ON ALL MY PLANES. SINCE I BOUGHT THE PLANE READYBUILT I DID NOT MAKE TOO MANY CHANGES. JUST SOME MINOR INSTALLATION DIFFERENCES
HOPE TO TRY IT SOON.
ED
JUST HAD A CLOSEUP LOOK AT YOURS. VEEEEERRRRYYY INTERESTING
CAN'T WAIT TO SEE IT
PLEASE NOTE THE DUTCH FLAG ON THE TAIL OF MINE. I ALWAYS HAVE SOMETHING DUTCH ON ALL MY PLANES. SINCE I BOUGHT THE PLANE READYBUILT I DID NOT MAKE TOO MANY CHANGES. JUST SOME MINOR INSTALLATION DIFFERENCES
HOPE TO TRY IT SOON.
ED
#786

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Hi Ed, welcome to the R54 family! Yours looks like it is built well and it should be easy to see - love those bright colors!
I'll expand on Dave's comment a bit. I see you only have a dozen posts, so I'm guessing you are fairly new to RCU. In cyberworld, when you are having a discussion like in these forums, capitalized letters mean you are shouting at people. Reserve the "all caps" for when you're trying to make a strong point. Many people are in the habit of typing in all caps and simply bring that habit online without knowing. No harm done.
For example: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY REACTIONARY FRIENDS!!!
I'm looking forward to a great year for the R54. There were quite a few at jet events last summer, but more and more are getting finished, so I hope they become a common sight at 2006 events. Wouldn't mind getting around to a few more of them myself...
I'll expand on Dave's comment a bit. I see you only have a dozen posts, so I'm guessing you are fairly new to RCU. In cyberworld, when you are having a discussion like in these forums, capitalized letters mean you are shouting at people. Reserve the "all caps" for when you're trying to make a strong point. Many people are in the habit of typing in all caps and simply bring that habit online without knowing. No harm done.
For example: HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY REACTIONARY FRIENDS!!!
I'm looking forward to a great year for the R54. There were quite a few at jet events last summer, but more and more are getting finished, so I hope they become a common sight at 2006 events. Wouldn't mind getting around to a few more of them myself...
#787

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Bruce, would you ever consider producing a reaction kit for the wren 44? Maybe a big bigger than half the size of the R-54? I am interested in this plane for some relaxing aerobatic flight. Does it do rolling circles? From the video of yours it seems to have the capabilities. Is it axial in roll or does the differential need tweeking a bit. I love you 4star40 design, I have many many many hours on that one.
Joe !~)
Joe !~)
#788

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Joe,
I have had the same idea myself. I have a Wren 44 in a savex L39 and would like to build a smaller R54 (44). I think about 80-85% of the full size would be good. I would still like to have the same wing loading as the R54. I have started to do some calculations.
it would have to be small enough to get into my car!!.
Regards
I have had the same idea myself. I have a Wren 44 in a savex L39 and would like to build a smaller R54 (44). I think about 80-85% of the full size would be good. I would still like to have the same wing loading as the R54. I have started to do some calculations.
it would have to be small enough to get into my car!!.
Regards
#790

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Tom, let us know what you come up with. It is just an idea but it would be really sweet. BTW, how do you like the L-39/44 combo? I hear they fly super nice?
JOe
JOe
#791

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G'Day Joe,
Well I have not flown the L39 yet. I saw plenty of them fly at Wangaratta. The really get up and go. Mine is the Swiss colours.
Although they are ARF, there is still a lot of work to do.
I will let you know when I fly it.
Regards
Well I have not flown the L39 yet. I saw plenty of them fly at Wangaratta. The really get up and go. Mine is the Swiss colours.
Although they are ARF, there is still a lot of work to do.
I will let you know when I fly it.
Regards
#794

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Hi Joe,
I did some quick calcs and came up with the following:-
82% R54
Wing Span 64"
Length 66"
Approx wing Area 1050 Sq"
I hope to get it around 13 pounds to keep the wing loading the same as the 54
I will probably monokote the wings and glass and paint the rest. Most of the added weight on my second r54 is in the glassed wings.
I feel the most of the reason for the R54's success is in the light wing loading. I have to use my trailer to get the R54 around so one that fits into my car would be great.
The really hard part will be to cut the parts even close to as good as Bruce does. I have been really spoiled by these two R54's I have built.
I did some quick calcs and came up with the following:-
82% R54
Wing Span 64"
Length 66"
Approx wing Area 1050 Sq"
I hope to get it around 13 pounds to keep the wing loading the same as the 54
I will probably monokote the wings and glass and paint the rest. Most of the added weight on my second r54 is in the glassed wings.
I feel the most of the reason for the R54's success is in the light wing loading. I have to use my trailer to get the R54 around so one that fits into my car would be great.
The really hard part will be to cut the parts even close to as good as Bruce does. I have been really spoiled by these two R54's I have built.
#797

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Tom, good work mate. ! That might be a great flyer as well. The 44 is 32N and should be good on that. Even better on a 10lbs frame. Maybe Bruce can have a 1/2 a reaction cut?
Phill, your plane looks fantastic, good luck!
Joe
Phill, your plane looks fantastic, good luck!
Joe
#798

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Believe me, I've given some thought to making an R44. It would be a real sweetie. I do know of one builder who has one in the works, but will not steal his thunder. Just to be clear, I don't have any problem with guys sizing my designs up or down as long as it's built purely for their own pleasure (no commercial intent). The hobby needs more creative builders!
#799

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Thats cool of you Bruce. Can you describe the dimentions of the 44 size that man is working on? I'd like it half the size of the R54 as the 44 puts out 32N and or about 7lbs. I love you work Bruce! Is there anything that could be enhanced to the R54 design to make it fully aeorbatic? ie tail feathers and maybe mix flaps to move with ailerons so full length aileron when switched? Is it pretty symetrical inverted as well as up right?
The fuel bill on the 44 makes it really attractive on a design like yours if it is a quarter as fun as the 5 star!~).
Joe Kelley
The fuel bill on the 44 makes it really attractive on a design like yours if it is a quarter as fun as the 5 star!~).
Joe Kelley