RADIO CONTROL JETS
Delmar Ellis, 8877 Meadowview Drive, West Chester, OH 45069
Jets were well represented at the RC Expo in Toledo. Most of the major manufacturers were present, and a growing number of gas-turbine suppliers attended as well. It was a great reunion—and a shopping spree—for jet modelers.
Airtronics
Their new J450 turbine engine was highlighted in their electronics display booth. The engine is very similar to the JPX turbine; a major difference is its use of JP4 (kerosene) fuel. Fuel is pressurized using nitrogen at 75 psi. The engine is manufactured by Sanwa Electronics and is priced at $5,500. It will be commercially available in June 1995 and produces 11 pounds of thrust.
Airtronics, 11 Autry, Irvine, CA 92718; Tel.: (714) 830-8769.
Bob Violett Models
BVM displayed their usual range of sport and scale models, and also the JPX turbine. Most of these models have been demonstrated at recent fan-flys. BVM order forms now list three Aviation Design kits from Europe: the Rafale (single- and two-seat) and the Starjet, all designed especially for the JPX turbine. The Rafales were demonstrated at DeLand and showed excellent flight characteristics. The Starjet was on display at Toledo and is a slick sport jet.
BVM, 170 State Road 419, Winter Springs, FL 32708; Tel.: (407) 327-6333.
Byron Originals
Byron had their usual large display of models, including several jets. The newest was a large-scale T-33 with an 82-inch wingspan, first seen at DeLand 1995. The latest word is that a turbine-powered version is in the works, which should make an already excellent airplane even more exciting.
Byron Originals, Box 279, Ida Grove, IA 51445; Tel.: (712) 364-3165.
Golden West Models
Golden West is now selling the Schreckling FD 3/67 LS turbine produced by Schneider-Sanchez in Austria. The engine is very light (27.5 ounces) and produces almost seven pounds of thrust. It uses a kerosene-gasoline mix for fuel. Originally offered as a kit in Europe, it is being offered in the United States as a fully assembled engine. Price: $2,700. Availability is anticipated by midsummer. They are also offering bench-test stands for sale.
Golden West Models, 16520 Arminta St., Van Nuys, CA 91406; Tel.: (818) 781-7364.
Jet Hangar Hobbies
A new fan was displayed (still under development) designed to absorb the power output of the new 1.0 cubic-inch K&B engine at 22,000 rpm. The Talon 2000 is reported to generate 13 pounds of static thrust and, more significantly, 200 mph tailpipe exhaust velocities. Speed competition should get exciting when this fan becomes available—perhaps later this year.
Jet Hangar Hobbies, 12132 G. Carson, Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716; Tel.: (310) 429-1249.
Jet Model Products
JMP's mainstays remain the large T-33 and the updated Starfire IIC, along with the Dynamax fan. Both incorporate high-percentage graphite structures and largely premolded assemblies. For more JMP news, see the SWB report.
Jet Model Products, 211 N. Mullen Rd., Belton, MO 64013; Tel.: (816) 331-0356.
SWB
The SWB-4 turbine engine, demonstrated at DeLand in a JMP T-33, was the centerpiece of their display. This engine produces 20 pounds of thrust. A newer engine, the SWB-5, rated at 12 pounds of thrust, was displayed installed in a JMP Starfire IIC. SWB engines operate on kerosene. If the SWB-5 moves the Starfire like the SWB-4 moved the T-33 at DeLand '95, it should be an exciting combination.
SWB Turbines, Inc., 336 White Hill Ln., West Chester, OH 45069; Tel.: (513) 779-4046.
Top Gun Aircraft
In addition to their F-15 Ultra Eagle and MiG-29, Top Gun showed a new high-performance sport-jet interceptor. The aircraft is a tightly formed package around either a Dynamax or Ramtec fan and has demonstrated good speed and stability in recent fan-flys. It looks very streamlined in the pits, with a distinctive F-4 Phantom–like tail section.
Top Gun Aircraft, 410 W. Jefferson St., Ottawa, IL 61350; Tel.: (815) 433-6132.
Static Contest and Awards
Static contest jet entries looked great and demonstrated the high quality standards and personal pride in the jet hobby.
- Jet Scale: Dennis Crooks, Learjet (winner)
- 2nd Place: Jerry Caudle, P-80 Sport Jet
- Best Finish: Terry Nitsch, Hot Flash (a re-engineered variation of the Italian Sagittario configuration aircraft powered by a JPX turbine). Terry is a member of the AMA's Gas Turbine Committee.
JPO Request
JPO requests that any 1994 member applicants who did not receive membership cards, Contrails newsletters, or other membership services contact their area representative or the secretary/treasurer:
Donna Lines, 7964 Hillside Ct., Rome, NY 13440; Tel.: (315) 336-0001.
Evidently a few applications were misplaced. JPO reports that they wish to correct this situation to the satisfaction of anyone affected.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
