Wren 54
 

:DI just wanted to let anyone who may be interested in the MW54 what my experience has been. I previously had Ram 500s and some JetCat P80s. I was cautiously optimistic when I ordered my 54 since I had never had a non auto start engine before and there weren't many people operating them. When I received the engine (kit) I looked over the instructions and completed the assembly in about 4 hours. I ran the engine on a test stand for about 6 runs then inspected the engine. I found the slightest it of compressor rub and corrected it by adjusting the inlet position. Another 5 runs on the stand and then I installed it in my plane. I designed my own plane for the engine and now have over 30 flights on it. I had a great time flying at the Arizona jet rally. Any question I have had have been responded very quickly by the folks a Wren. I have experienced no problems and no flameouts with the engine. I have found that it lights the propane better if you use 1.5 volts rather than a standard 1.2 glow driver on the plugs. I have measured 12.75 lbs. of thrust with my engine so the claimed 12 lbs is conservative. If your thinking of a small turbine, I can sure give it my recommendation.
Happy flying,
Mike

RE: Wren 54
 

Well, do u have any pix of your setup /aircraft ?

What do u mean ?

RE: Wren 54
 

Sounds very much like another Wren that doesn't have problems with its owner, :) mate!

RE: Wren 54
 

A local jet buddy built one too. It runs like a jewel. I am very impressed. He calls Wren once in a while with a question and he said they could not be more helpful.

RE: Wren 54
 

I operate a Wren44 and can tell you, this baby sings! I have also found Wren to be one of the most helpful and responsive companies i have ever dealt with, they have real pride in the product and treat you just as well after they have your money as they did before. It is a shame more companies are not like this!
Well done Wren, keep it up!

RE: Wren 54
 

Strykaas,

When the MW-54 is assembled, the inlet cone is adjusted so that it is concentric with the compressor. This adjustment is just about the only critical step in the assembly. The instructions give good guidance on this and it is not a big deal to correct if you get it wrong the first time. I can also say that the folks at Wren couldn't be more helpful. I am looking forward to building the MW-54 Super Sport when it becomes available this spring.

I have never measured the thrust of my engine, but it sure hauls my 18 1/2 (dry weight) pound Reaper around.


Happy Holidays to All,


John

RE: Wren 54
 

MikeAcro,

If your measure is correct, you seem well beyond the average performance with this turbine !

RE: Wren 54
 

You will find that all the latest wrens are well above the stated 12lb thrust. There is a new compressor and inlet which is much better. If you have a std 12lb wren then I beleve it is available as a upgrade.

jason

RE: Wren 54
 

Ok Jason,

Wren had better update their testimonies pages, then ...

RE: Wren 54
 

Here is a pic of myWren 54 powered plane.
Cheers, Mike

RE: Wren 54
 

I'll try again

RE: Wren 54
 

that plane looks good for training ; its all wood ? do you have the plans?
what canopy did you use?


pecojets

RE: Wren 54
 

MikeaAcro,

How much static thrust do you get with your Wren 54 ? Is it a MKII kit ?

thx

RE: Wren 54
 

Hi
Can you tell us the fuel consumption and life expectancy before first teardown. I have a FD3/67. I have not used yet. Its a very simple and reliable turbine, but it uses much fuel for 8lbs of thrust at 90,000 rpm. Can go higher in rpm, but its hard to find parts.

Steve

RE: Wren 54
 

Yup, they have a new compressor for the MW54, it's supposed to increase thrust... I'm currently repairing mine after a bad crash. I bought the new compressor+inlet and hopefully will be able to run it up by next month.

As for life expectancy/maintanence, the only thing that wears down (excluding inadvertant ground encounters) are the bearings. I've heard of people running for 150+ hours with the original bearings. The neat thing about the MW54 is that you do your own maintenance.

RE: Wren 54
 

What about the vaporizers ? Do they last ?

RE: Wren 54
 

Just to chip in with my experience....
I have owned a Wren 54since April 2001, the first kit was more time consuming to put together, nothing much was drilled or threaded,but it gave me a great amount of experience and understanding of how it all works.
Since, I have visited Wren during an open day last summer, whilst back in the U.k.
At this point I upgraded the combustion chamber ( with inconel vapourisers that should last a long long time), and fuel injectors, and had the engine balanced on there dynamic balancer, along with a squeeze on the tail cone it was pushing 12.5Lbs of thrust on the test stand.
A little later I upgraded to the new compressor and inlet cone, I have not checked the new thrust, but it pushes a Super Reaper vertical with no problems.
The engine has had well over 150 starts, and runs like a dream, I did replace the bearings at about 30 hrs, but that was only due to the amount of airborn sand as i fly in the desert with temps well above 45DegC, after a good clean and wash out they can certainly be used again.
This engine does everything it should and more!! Never have i had a flame out, and any hot starts have been my earlier lack of experience.
Wrens advice and commitment is second to non, great people to deal with.

Happy New Year All
Lee

RE: Wren 54
 

Thx Lee for your input !

RE: Wren 54
 

hey guys, the wren is an impressive engine & im intending to get the plans, main componts & the electronics then to build 2 of these gems.
being a newbie to turbines, (dont worry building them is easy) i dont have much knowledge of those propane starts etc are there any "new" books etc detailing the modern model turbine operation, the old kamps book is kinda outdated

RE: Wren 54
 

mikeacro ,

You have to set your priorities !!!! get that TT out of the garage and fill the garage with more planes !!! My TT sits in the driveway, and both garages have been taken over by jets and helis :D


Wojtek