Author: Jim Hiller
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/06
Page Numbers: 125,126
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RADIO CONTROL JETS

Author

Jim Hiller 6090 Downs Rd., Champion, OH 44481

I cannot believe the flurry of activity this winter with the new turbines submitted to the AMA Safety Committee for approval. By the time this goes to print, I expect most of them to have completed the approval process and be in the hands of modelers. I had thought last year was a bit slower than before in the growth of the turbine market, but what a finish to the year.

AMT Netherlands has new models complete with autostart features. JetCat USA is starting to deliver the P-160, and Frank Tiano has picked up the old RAM line, with improvements to the manufacturing process. SimJet is really hitting the market with its line of turbines, and some new manufacturers are entering the United States market. We now have a wide selection of turbines from which to choose.

Custom servo extensions and electrical solutions

I ran into an interesting problem on my new model, a Blade from Golden West Models. The aircraft required two 52-inch and two 32-inch servo extensions. Some of these are longer leads than I have experience with, so I called Andy Low of ElectroDynamics for a solution.

Andy set me up with custom-length extensions matched to my requirements. He made them with 22 AWG (American Wire Gauge) 60-strand wire, top-quality connectors, and installed chokes on the extensions that were more than 48 inches in length. The chokes are recommended because of the length of these extensions. Each extension was made with separate color connectors to allow easy tracing of the appropriate extension from the receiver to the servo. This feature alone has converted me to his extensions as my favorites — the color-coded connectors are so convenient. Delivery of my custom extensions took approximately a week.

Quality one-piece servo extensions are necessary to reduce the voltage losses as these wire lengths get longer. Some recent testing has shown just how much is lost, particularly at the connectors. Add to that the digital servo current draws, and you will be surprised to find servos failing under flight loads as their current draw causes excessive voltage drops because of poor-quality servo extensions. A quality digital servo is useless if you cannot get the necessary voltage to it — it will just cut out and leave you with nothing when you need it.

ElectroDynamics provides many solutions to our electrical needs. Andy Low made the original RAM ECUs (electric control units). Andy is an active jet modeler in the Michigan area and part of the team that brought us the Almost Ready-to-Fly Aermacchi MB 339 from Cermark. His company provides many items related to electrical solutions for models from jets to Giant Scale. Check out ElectroDynamics' web site at www.electrodynam.com for additional product information.

Suppliers and services

Another source that has worked out well for me is Art's Hobby. My Crow Aviation Razor has molded flex plates for the main gear, but my set has been well used and these flex plates are no longer available. I planned to make a new set from carbon-fiber plate, but I wasn't really looking forward to cutting carbon fiber since it is hard on saw blades. A few minutes of discussion with Art Gajewski of Art's Hobby led me to take advantage of his cutting service to provide me with a set of precut flex plates, ready for immediate installation in my Razor. If you have ever cut 0.125" carbon-fiber plate, you will appreciate this service. Art's Hobby is another source for specialty products — in this case composite materials — for our modeling needs. The company's web site even includes pointers for making lightweight carbon-fiber landing gear. Check out his product offerings at www.artshobby.com.

Useful web sites

While I am mentioning web pages, here are some neat sites put together by various jet modelers:

A great site with pictures taken at jet meets throughout the Midwest; includes information about the sport-model Firebird and the giant A-10 Warthog.

This group includes a Top Gun champion and has been featured on the DIY Network Radio Control series hosted by Chris Chianelli.

Serious jet modelers who put on quite a show when they arrive with their Phantoms at a jet meet.

Covers activities and events in the West.

If you have an interest in learning about jet modeling, meeting other jet modelers in your area, or just seeing what some active sport turbine modelers are doing, check out these sites.

Jet meets and events

I am a strong believer in the value of attending jet meets. This helps new jet modelers get a successful start in jet modeling. Ducted-fan engines, turbine engines, and the complexity of some of these airframes can be overwhelming at first, but they perform well and can provide years of enjoyment. If you have an interest in jet modeling, I suggest attending some local jet meets, talking with the modelers, and asking many questions.

We are entering a busy season of jet meets throughout the country. Events in the Midwest include:

  • Mississippi Afterburner
  • Michigan Jets
  • Heart of Ohio
  • Jets Over the Heartland

To get more information about jet meets in your area, look in the "Competition Calendar" section of this magazine or go to the jet-event section of the Jet Pilots Organization web site at www.jetpilots.org.

Notable teams and flying progression

One jet-modeling team that showed up to impress the crowds at the Superman Jet Rally last year comprised Tracey and Justin Sands. Justin is a model maker for Boeing and showed his building skills on his Bob Violett BobCat. Justin's flying was even more impressive — very smooth and professional. I thought he had been flying jet models for decades, but not so: the BobCat was his introduction to turbines, following a year or so of ducted-fan modeling. Tracey served as the airplane chief and kept that BobCat ready to go at a moment's notice. They make quite a team and are professional in all aspects of jet modeling. I hope they can make it out again next year to the Superman Jet Rally.

The path to jet modeling that starts with a ducted-fan model and then progresses to a turbine model is a popular and proven method to move into turbine-powered models. The ducted-fan model requires mostly the same building, maintenance, and flying skills as a turbine, but with much less investment. Once mastered, the turbine follows with the confidence gained from the ducted-fan experience. Many turbine modelers today came up this way and can help newcomers get started.

We are starting to see modelers step straight from propeller models to turbines. It can be done, but the right experiences in modeling and the proper attention to detail need to be in place to be successful. Retractable landing gear, brakes, paved runways, speed brakes and/or flaps, and the complexity of turbine engine systems are all involved when viewed as a whole package.

Should you follow this path, take your time, gain the right experiences, and seek experienced help. Do not try to tackle the most complicated scale jet from the beginning; start with a good sport turbine model that is within your flight-skill levels. Don't try to tackle turbines, complicated airframes, and high-speed models all at the same time.

We now have manufacturers providing airframes that even include high-wing, fixed-gear designs with pod-mounted turbines. These may not fit your typical image of a jet aircraft, but they simplify the learning curve.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the jet meets now that the season is in full swing.

MA

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.