mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Hi Bruce,

What mods would need to be made for a P-70? Are they extensive?

Also, does this plane have a foam wing, and if so is it presheeted?

Thanks

JohnVH

My Feedback: (38)

Thanks Bruce, big bummer.. are you planning on making a R54 that will fit the larger size engines???

See you at the Puyallup?

BruceTharpe

My Feedback: (1)

Yeah, John, I knew there would be guys "bummed" about not being able to bolt on a 18lb (or bigger) turbine, but I will have to live with that. I hope to be selling this kit ten years from now, and expect turbines to continually creep up in power. You are already seeing it in the 54 class. The norm used to be 11-12 lb, now it's 13-14. Wren is talking 18lb with its Mark III. Sorry, I have no plans on doing a larger version of the model.

Matt, no structural mods need to made as far as I can tell. On the Reaction 54, the turbine hangs externally from the fuselage tail boom, and the front of the engine is actually above the trailing edge of the wing to protect it from FOD. That vertical space was sized for the 54 class turbines, but there's just enough room for a P-70. The P70 is just a little heavier than the typical 54-class turbine, which means you have the extra weight of the turbine plus extra balance weight in the nose. It will probably require a custom mounting bracket which is not too big of a deal.

Ultimately, I think the P-60 is going to become a very popular choice for this bird.

Bruce Tharpe - BTE

Helijet

GOT THE KIT TODAY!!! Nice package, great info on the plans and excellent quality wood. Ive heard of Bruce's reputation as a manufacturer. Now I can see why! Going to be my personal bird....getting started this evening!

Dean Wichmann
www.helijet.ca

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

Man you know how to hurt a guy! Haven't rec'd mine yet! Shipped out on Tuesday. Looking forward to building it. Have Fun!

Dave Rigotti

TonyF

My Feedback: (92)

Got mine yesterday. I can't believe Bruce puts so much airplane into such a small box! I haven't taken much out of the box yet except for the instructions. This is one well thought out model! Should be a blast!

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

"King Frack is Back!" :-))

Mine is on the way....I'm getting worried that it won't fit into the Escort station wagon!

Dave Rigotti

Topgun2mo

My Feedback: (45)

How about someone getting a build thread going.......?

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Hi Bruce,

Thanks for the feedback on the P-70 installation.

2 more questions:

1.) Is the wing foam core, and if so is it presheeted?

2.) What is the leadtime if I order a kit now?

Thanks

Helijet

Matt

I just got off the phone with Bruce and can answer your questions. He has about 8 kits left out of the initial 48 order cut. There is no foam anywhere on the plane.

Dean Wichmann
www.helijet.ca

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

http://www.btemodels.com/intheworks.html

Dave

B777

The 54 looks like a winner. The shape and general design is superb especially when Bruce takes into consideration of protecting the engine from FOD with the wing trailling edge.

Well done.

B777

BruceTharpe

My Feedback: (1)

Thank you Dean for the quick answers and to Dave for providing a link. Matt, I'm a big fan of balsa/spruce structures, so that's what I'm comfortable manufacturing. Sure is a lot more work - for me! Anyway, kits are still available and are ready right now.

To all of the eager builders who have taken the plunge so far - THANK YOU!!!

Bruce Tharpe - BTE

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

So is my Dad, he is the one that would build it and he no likee the foam.

Thanks for the feedback I think I might raid the piggy bank (seriously I have a lot of change!)

Thanks,

oops almost forgot, do you have a mount for a P-70 or would I need to fabricate something?

Gordon Mc

My Feedback: (11)

Does your Dad fly too - or is he just going to build it for you to fly ?

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Yeah he has been flying since reeds.

He flies big planes with converted weedeater motors and stuff like that. Turns 80 next March, he is a great builder, does it for fun but wood only!

Gordon Mc

My Feedback: (11)

That's neat - hope I'm still flying RC at 80 years old. I'll be looking for your Dad at the jet meets from now on

rcguy!

My Feedback: (69)

Bruce,

Rec'd the kit otday, right on schedule....WOW!!! BEAUTIFUL! Going to get started this weekend. I'll shoot some pics as I go. NOT promising a "build" thread.

Bruce...you da man!

Looks like a SIMJET 1200 AES SP at 16 pounds thrust will be the turbine of my choice.

Thanks again!

Dave "we don't need no stinkin' tail pipe" Rigotti

TommyWatson

My Feedback: (1)

The first Reaction 54 kit has arrived in Australia.!!!

I think I will not go flying tomorrow (sunday) and start building instead.

Regards

BruceTharpe

My Feedback: (1)

The answer right now is no. You and I should be able to work something out for the P70, and the coming P-60, and make it available for others as well. This is one area where I'm trying to be very flexible and work with builders as needed to adapt engines to the airframe.

For those unfamiliar with the details, I currently offer two types of turbine mounting brackets. The RAM-style works with the straps and tabs that used to come with the RAM 500. Most 54-class turbines can be mounted this way, but you may have to purchase the straps and tabs (they are available from BVM). The PST-style was made to work with the straps provided with the PST J600R.

Bruce
----------
BTE www.btemodels.com

Ron Stahl

My Feedback: (12)

Got a call and a email from Bruce this week when my kit shipped. I am taking off the week between Christmas and New Years to start the build. Will take pictures during the build and post them as possible.

B777

Regarding the turbine mounting bracket, PST will redesign special brakets so that the J600R will fit effortlessly into the Reaction 54. We just bought one of the Reaction 54 kit and it is on the way to Thailand now. Once the kit arrived, we should be able to design and make the brackets quickly. So, for J600R owners, the new Reaction 54 mounting bracket will be available to you free of charge.

Thank you.
Kraivuth S.
B777

Charlie H.

My Feedback: (38)

HI
You guys that have purchased the Reaction 54 , won't be disappointed on the way it flys . I saw Bruce put it through the paces this year , at Jets Over Idaho . The 54 has looks and a great flight envelope .

Have Fun
Charlie H

John Redman

My Feedback: (8)

Would it help if I were to send you a mount for hte P-70 and P-60 for you to do some fitting?

I could get them out to you on Monday.

mr_matt

My Feedback: (10)

Hey John do you think 54 ounces is enough for a P-70?