RADIO CONTROL JETS
Delmar Ellis, 8877 Meadowview Drive, West Chester, OH 45069
Toledo Expo
An appropriate start to the modeling year in the Midwest is the Toledo Expo. It is not just for jets, but highlights all aspects of modeling. Some of the best individual model entries are displayed, in addition to all of the coming attractions from the manufacturers. The jet segment was very evident and well represented. The Expo showed evidence that another exciting new year is underway.
Static Competition
Toledo shows some of the best finished models to be found anywhere.
- Sport Jet: The first-place winner also took Best Finish for the entire show. The winner was Terry Nitsch of Grove City, Ohio. Terry's entry was a BVM Bandit powered by the new AMT Mercury turbine engine. The model was finished in brilliant white with fluorescent yellow and orange trim; lettering was done in iridescent silver. Second place in Sport Jet went to Jim Ferrel of the Palos RC Flying Club, Illinois. His model was a Vortex with a Ramtec fan and Rossi 105 engine, titled "World Champion." It looked clean and fast.
- Scale Jets: Competition was keen. First place went to John Carlson of Minneapolis for his 11-1/2-foot-wingspan Boeing 757. This huge model took up most of the display table and was beautifully finished. Many witnessed it fly last fall at Superman; it flies as scale as it looks. Second place went to a Century Jet Models F-105 Thunderchief decked in warbird colors, with full weapons racks and drop tanks, built by Jack Swint of Brighton, Michigan. Third place went to a MiG-29 Fulcrum dressed in Russia's show team colors, entered by Terry Holston of Ft. Wayne, Indiana.
All of the jet models were of the highest quality and a credit to the hobby.
Turbine Engines
One of the most exciting aspects of jet modeling is the recent introduction of turbine engines. Toledo is the place to shop, get educated, see them run, and even obtain ground-school training. All of the current turbine companies were represented.
Golden West / Turbomin
The Planes Plus booth, run by Don Kanak, displayed a variety of products from Killer Cockpits to giant prop engines and jet kits and engines. A subsidiary is Turbine Connection, a dealer of Sophia, Golden West, RAM, and AMT turbine engines.
Their latest display introduced a turbine resulting from combined efforts of Golden West and Turbomin, along with Turbine Connection. The engine, the T1000, is derived from the Turbomin T60, with new components including a compressor rotor. Static thrust has been increased to 34 pounds, running on Jet A or kerosene. The control system incorporates a version of Golden West's electronic package.
Bob Wilcox was present at Toledo to help introduce the engine. Show sale price was $3,000, with a standard list price of $3,395. Orders were being taken with delivery in 60 to 90 days. AMA decisions on increasing single-thrust limits from the current 22 pounds were still pending later in 1998; however, this engine can be procured with a 22-pound thrust controller. A second controller can be obtained later if higher thrust levels become approved.
AMT
AMT displayed a range of three turbines:
- Mercury — 16 pounds thrust; very compact and price-competitive at $2,595.
- Pegasus — 22 pounds thrust.
- Olympus — 42 pounds thrust (awaiting possible AMA rule changes to allow the thrust increase).
These engines run on Jet A or kerosene, with lube oil mixed in.
RAM
The RA Microjet (RAM) 500 and 750 were on display, producing 13 and 17 pounds of thrust. They run on Jet A or kerosene and feature excellent control systems. They ran frequently in the outdoor runup area at Toledo.
A large number of modelers have bought or ordered these engines. RAM was conducting a factory recall for a turbine rotor replacement and promised an expedient turnaround (about six weeks). This corrective measure is commendable and reassures modelers about manufacturer responsibility. RAM engines were also promoted in the BVM and Century Jet booths.
Sophia / CAI
The Sophia T450 was on display in the RJL Industries booth, along with CAI. CAI offers an attractive alternative control system that tracks EGT and compressor discharge pressure; they also offer shrouds and ducting. Their system was scheduled for AMA review. The Sophia burns a fuel mixture of white gas and kerosene.
JPX
The long-awaited kerosene-burning version of the JPX turbine was displayed in the Bob Violet Models booth, along with RAM engines. Prices were not yet announced.
Aircraft Models
Almost all major jet model kit manufacturers were present at Toledo.
#### Byron Originals
Byron was back in force as usual. Notably, none of their jet models were on display; their representative Al Tuttle (well known as Contest Director at DeLand) said their jets are still in stock and available for sale.
#### BVM
BVM still lists a wide variety of scale and sport jets. Best known recently is the Bandit, a large, sleek, high-performance sport jet. Their latest additions were the MiG-15 (based on Dave Ribbe's international scale competition model) and a large Rafale B-01. A bright red MiG was on display and is available for ducted fans or turbines. The Rafale was to be offered in mid-1998, kitted for single-engine power with the AMT Pegasus or twin-engine power with a choice of JPX, RAM, or AMT Mercury turbines.
#### Century Jet Models
Century displayed its entire array of warbirds, including the MiG-15 (presented in the red Russian show team scheme) and models such as the F-104, F-4, and F-105. The F-104 recently flew at Florida Jets and was shown on video; it flew remarkably well despite having very small wings.
#### DL Aeromodeles
DL Aeromodeles of Quebec offers a range of aircraft models, including the Cyclone sport jet, which is growing in popularity and pairs well with the Golden West turbine. They displayed a new MiG-21 available for ducted fan or turbine (fuselage length 85 inches, wingspan 45 inches) and announced an upcoming F-86 Sabre kit with a 72-inch span.
#### Planes Plus
Don Kanak and Planes Plus are expanding. They are kitting an improved version of the A-4 and F-15 previously introduced by Air Champ. A recent addition is a giant F-86 Sabre (previously developed by Herney Serrano). Also pending is a giant-scale MiG-15 still in development.
#### Yellow Aircraft International
A new corporation providing the familiar line of Yellow Aircraft kits. It remains to be seen whether they will complete development of the new sport jet line.
#### Top Gun
Top Gun's Interceptor sport jet and scale models, including the MiG-29, remain unchanged. They again showed an eye-catching giant-scale F-16, showing real progress and expected to be available in late 1998 with advance orders being taken. Price was estimated at $2,900, with honeycomb composite construction and fully molded wings. Optional scale landing gear will be available. Weight with an AMT Pegasus is projected to be about 32 pounds. It is a clean aircraft and will be very fast.
Jet Model Products
#### Tom Cook and IMP
IMP continues to offer its Giant Scale T-33 and the sport jet Starfire II-C. Both aircraft are great performers, especially with turbine power. New turbine engine prototypes were seen on display, though discussion is premature.
#### Air Magic
Air Magic had a great-looking F-5 on display. I did not have an opportunity to meet with them to discuss it in detail and will follow up.
#### Custom RC Aircraft
John Craig and Custom RC suffered a major setback when a fire damaged much of their production tooling. They are recovering, making deliveries on their YF-22, and plan to reintroduce other kits shortly.
#### Meys Models
Eric Meys continues to offer the A-6 along with a variety of other models, including a neat A-10.
Altogether, the Toledo Expo displayed an exciting array of jet products, promising a great modeling year in 1998 and beyond.
Jet Pilot's Organization
The JPO booth exhibited renewed enthusiasm following recent elections. New officers promise increased achievement and participation for jet enthusiasts. JPO is a Special Interest Group (SIG) for the AMA and expects to increase participation in future developments.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
