[nony]

A Jet Cat P-80 in one of those locked glass display cases....


..no price tag...and I've noticed a Bobcat under construction upstairs, so I'm bettin' it already has an owner.....

[Gary Maker]

Wayne, what would be a nice scale jet that would utilize a 12 lb thrust turbine (Wren 54)? Something not too difficult to build but a good second turbine model after the AV8R? just wondering!

[Youngguy]

The P-80 is slated for a BVM F-86 which is under construction. The owner is Lyndon Kendrick who also ownes Hobby Wholesale. I don't know exactly what he has planned for it. He likely will sell it if he gets the right price.
I own the Bob Cat XL which you saw. It will also get a P-80 and has just and has just been painted white and is waiting for trim colors. Hope to be flying it by April. It will take me awhile to do the trim. I have attached a picture of it in its present condition. The weight is 13 1/4 lbs. with engine but nothing else installed. Hope to be under 20 lbs. ready to go.

[nony]

Wayne, what would be a nice scale jet that would utilize a 12 lb thrust turbine (Wren 54)?

Boy, that is quite a question!! Bearing in mind that I have never built a scale jet (yet)... where I would look would be Skymaster Jets, Jet Hanger hobbies, and the BVM F-86. There is also a nice little Rafael that Jaime Cortez from California flies..I don't know the make, but I know that Dean W. knows. (edited) OOPS...he has a RAM 1000 in it, but it looks small enough for a small turbine..

If you are into scratch building, Kerry Sterner has plans for a 1/6 scale Vampire that would work with a 12 pounder. Once I get my workshop furnished, I plan on building the bigger 1/5 scale Vamp. That is going to be a long term project.....

What I would really like to see is a kit or plans for a Tutor. The Snowbird one that the fella from Kansas built is a real beaut!!!!!!!

This is by no means a comprehensive list, and I'm sure the more experienced (and prolific) guys can suggest more.....

[nony]

Youngguy.....are you going to fly it at Tofield ??

[Youngguy]

Thats the plan. There are no other fields around, other than Pigeon Lake, that can accommodate jets or have overfly areas that I consider to be safe enough. I don't want to hurt some one while playing with my toys.

By the way, the Tofield group is hoping to have a Fly In some time in July. They are hoping to attract a number of jets as well as other types of models. They have the suport of the town as well as help from them and other service organizations in the area. The airport will be shut down for the two day event. Can't tell you to much more as the whole thing is in the prleminary planning stages.

[Helijet]

Gary

Over the years I have had an opportunity to build and fly an number of SMALLER scale turbine powered models. They have included:
BVM F86 ( 2 )
JHH F86
JHH Cougar
DL Aermacchie
Avonds Rafale
BVM F16

Here is what I discovered ( in some cases the hard way ). You need at least 600 - 700 sq in of wing area otherwise it flys like a brick. BECAUSE by the time all is said ( retracts, engine, pipe, batteries ) expect a weight of around 14 - 16 lbs dry in that size aircraft. Any aircraft over 19lbs dry will likely be a bit heavy for a 12lb thrust engine. My BobCat is around 17 but it has a generous wing area to compensate. Of course the larger wing area will help. I have seen a composite Bandit flown by a RAM 500 at 22 lbs dry - it flew but....

So here is what I would look for ...now this is for a 12 lb thrust engine. Fuel cap..50 oz. That automatically will determine a minimum size requirement of airframe. Look at keeping the weight under 15 lbs dry and look at 700 sqs or more in area. The following are good choices:

Avonds / Aviation Design Rafales ( canards / great slow speed control )
DL Aermacchie
BVM F86
BVM T33
BVM P80
JHH Cougar ( lots of building though )
Venom / Vampire ( BobCat looks like them ? manuf. ???
Trim F86
Yellow Skyhawk ( believe it or not nice flyer if converted properly )
Ziroli Panther ( light weight all wood / fantastic flyer ! )

Those are aircraft I have seen that are successful. It is interesting to note that a number of manufacturers from Europe and Asia will be releasing new kits this year based on the smaller turbine engines. I think your choices will become greater. Another note....if you fly off of grass consider the landing gear design and type of gear used by the manufacturer - that can often make or break a good flying model.

Hope some of the above helps

Dean