Regal Eagle F15

[zee]

Good day guys,

This is my first post on this forum, hello!

I have been flying various models for about 5 years, working my way towards flying jets. To me this is my ultimate goal.

I have practised with many aerobatic planes 40 - 120 size, the latest being a 15 sized chaos at 40" and 900g. Very nervous and quick with mvvs and tuned pipe (thought it would help the reflexes).

Next I am comitting to flying my Regal Eagle F15/Rossi 90/Ramtec/Robart

Before I do this, could anyone with experience let me have some pointers and anything to watch out for on my first jet flight. Pattern to fly/ speeds/ landing tips etc.

All the best
Zee.

[gregg f]

Welcome to rc groups Zee.

double check everything in your preflight check.
plan your flight pattern before you take off. keep it simple the first flight. say a race track pattern for example. test the slow flight capabilities at altitude. this will give you a feel for how it will land.
and remember to stay ahead of the plane. jets don't have prop wash over the tail surfaces, so keep the airspeed up for good elevator control.
when you have it dialed in and are comfortable, then explore what the plane can do..........good luck gregg

[zee]

Gregg,
Thanks for the welcome and tips. I am aiming at this maiden flight on the weekend. I'll let you know how it goes.

Does the ducted fan setuphave noticeble torque. Ie. on takeoff do you feel like there is some pull like a prop plane, or is it a case of keeping it smooth as possible and waiting for some speed to build up.

The take off is what concerns me the most.

Regards-Zee

[Haldor]

The Rossi .91 is apparently a little tricky to get running right, but once it runs its a hoawler. Its rpm is kinda high for the Ramtec though, I'd rather have you invest in the OS.91 VRDF which is less of an hassle to get to run right and its rpm band is more suited towards the Ramtec. The OS dont like to run above 22k much and over this area bearing life is compromised, however the Ramtec will allow ~21k which is ideal for the OS.

Also get a minipipe such as Weston Mini or the likes, a long pipe is more trublesome setting up and also have a longer moment of arm to wear out the O-ring/exhaust port. At 21k rpm the OS wont run too hot which is good for Exhaust O-ring life.

If you do pick up a OS get a couple of spare headshims, and add one to the origianal shims making them two, this will allow the slightly lower compression which is kinder to the plugs and motor run reliability.

Cheers!
Haldor

[Haldor]

I just noticed you have the hardware already ;) Sorry about that..

No there is no real torque to notice on takeoff, just allow the model to get good speed before you'll attempt rotation. 300' rollout minimum.
There are mainly two things that can spoil the takeoff, thats trying to rotate prematurely and overcorrection on the steering. Use low rates on nose gear steering on the takeoff run, for taxiing more is better so high-low rates are recommended.

Also get the motor to run slightly on the rich side, the acceleration on take-off will lean it slightly. It will also lean out once airborne as the tank drain.

Good luck!

[zee]

Haldor

I have read a lot of your posts on many sites, so your information is most appreciated.
I enjoy you site as well and fully intend to build your Mig 29 someday.

Do you/anyone know of a web page that assists photographically with the Ramtec setup? Throttle link, fuel system etc.?

[monkamarm2000]

Not sure about all the detail pics but go to USRCJC.ORG for some pretty good tips on setup. The fact that you even got your plane from Bob is a big step in itself. I did the Hornet a few years back and it took over a year to get the parts. But the Regal is a great Trainer, and just overall a good flyer. Put big wheels on it and you can take off from grass even!

Barry

[zee]

Thanks for your note Barry,

I got as far as trying a startup, this weekend, but it turned out that my std. 12v high torque starter can't turn against the compression of the Rossi.

Anyone have any sugestions on what starter to use?

Any help please this was very frustrating!

[Haldor]

Yes starting can be a problem. The engine is high compression and need a strong starter. However most people use a skimpy 12V battery for the starter, a battery that will drop voltage when under heavy load = less power and not enough to get it over.

I had a StarfireII with an OS.91 and I first removed the plug, spooled it up with some fuel to get rid of any old fuel etc. Then add plug and start it. I held the starterwand in my hand and the starter was spooled up to speed before pushing it against the wand. This got mine running.

www.usrcjc.org is good place to go for input.

[zee]

Give that a try, at the moment I am thinking electric. I am about to complete a Graupner taxi with two Speed 480 race ducts under the wings. No landing gear, lightened shortened wing.

[Gastronom]

I am considering ordering one of those for myself. How was it to build? Would an OS .90 be too much power or be about right? I had another guy locally tell me that the kit has too much cheap plastic in it and that Bob doesn't support them. So what'cha think? Is it really worth it to get this model and fly it? I really want something fast and my dominator 500 isn't doing it anymore.

[zee]

I dont know what happened to my reply yesterday so if this is duplicated I apologize.
I cant comment about the service from Mr. Parkinson, I got my Regal Eagle second hand. There doesnt seem to be too much wear on it and I know it has many flights on it. The plastic is not terribly fragile and it has no cracks. The construction seems relatively simple. Formers, box and sheeting with foam wing and slab tail feathers.
I would buy/build one again I dont regret getting it yet.
However I still hav'nt flown it, I cant start the dang motor. This weekend I am trying to fly it again, perhaps I can tell you about the flight on monday.
I am in no big rush though I have been waiting 5 years to fly a jet, I have 3 waiting to go. This one, a SAAB Viggen and a Bandit.

[jetsetr]

Try backing the glow plug out a few turns to reduce compression and tighten plug when engine starts-best to have a second set of hands take care of the plug.After first flight of the day,should start normally.Have an old OS 91[7-8 yrs] that requires this.

[easytiger]

Please please please sell the rossi and get an OS91. Maybe some of the most experienced rossi guys will get some flights out of it, but most people will just crash. Take my word on this...hedge your bets and get the OS. I'll second the Weston mini pipe, too.
Bob Parkinson has been out of business for a while. No support there.
The Top Gun Ultra Eagle is a good alternative.
Loosen the plug and re-tigten it when the engine starts, that's the ticket with these engines. An OS 91 needs it. An R90 won't ever turn over with a regular starter and 12v, needs the plug loosened or a dynatron starter and 24 volts.
Put the plane away. Take the Rossi out. Get an OS. THEN fly it. Your chances of running out the tanks flying that rossi are fifty-fifty, TOPS.

[zee]

Thanks for your advice, I know a guy who is selling an OS and Ramtec with a bvm pipe for abt $250,- Ill get in touch with him. I have tried a lot to get the Rossi to fire, but no luck.

I have never heard a good report on them so why should mine be any better - Right?

I have been practising my flying for 6 years just to get to the point where I can fly jets, I am not giving up because of a bad motor.

[easytiger]

That's a great deal, go for it!
You are doing the right thing.
I used to have a box full of blown up rossi motors from my early DF days. And I smashed quite a few airplanes before I realized that those rossis that were going for so cheap were not a bargain.
There are a handful of guys out there who have mastered the rossis. The first thing they do is put an OS91 Carb on them! Go price out a 91 carb and see...unless you have one in your scrap box, it's not much of an option.
Go to the field on any sunday and see how many Rossi DF motors people are flying. Out of 25 jets, you MIGHT see one. That speaks volumes, it really does.

[easytiger]

Flying wise, I think you will be fine. It's a good airplane, you should have no trouble at all. If you lose the motor, get the nose down, that's all. Jets glide pretty poorly!

[monkamarm2000]

I agree go for the O.S . I love my Rossi Motor's but they are finicky. And the smaller ones make alot of power but in .91 fro a fan the O.S has got hands down.

Barry

[easytiger]

I have to say, that an R81, when it's actually running, outpowers the 91OS. The R90, more powerful still. The R105 is supposed to put out 6.15HP(!)(I have never had one) but I do not know of ONE person flying that engine.
But I would take the OS, which is ten times more reliable, than ANY rossi. All that theoretical power is not much good if the engine stops.

[monkamarm2000]

your right. And they key to any motor is RPM. RPM will kill connecting rods not power. if you look at consumption and all that extra rpm the R has to spin, you'll see that it sacrifices alot for power that you rarely use on the top end.

Barry

[Gastronom]

Originally posted by easytiger

Bob Parkinson has been out of business for a while. No support there.



I talked to BP via email about 3 weeks ago and while I didn't receive an immediate responce, I did receive one, so I know they are not out of business. This is what I sent...
"I happened upon your site the other day and have since been reading everything that you have to offer on the F-15. I am very interested in purchasing the F-15 craftsman's kit from you, lets say in the next 3 months. My question is about the turn around of the kit. How long would it take to receive the kit after I order it?? The reason that I ask is that I am a very im-patient person when it comes to my money and I have read about other people on the net complaining about the turn around time on your kits and would like to avoid any problems. If I know ahead of time as to when to expect it then I wouldn't be so antsy about getting it. I hope this makes sense to you.
If you have any more information, electronic or hard copy, would you mind sending it to me?

Thank you in advance,
Donald"

This is what I received.....


'Hi Don,
We are always backlogged on Regal Eagles, Depending on the time of year it
could take up to 12 weeks.
Money orders have 1st priority.
checks take abour 4 weeks to clear from Canada.
Credit cards- Many times credit cards do not clear and we have to contact the
customer and get an answering machine. We do not discuss personal busines on
an answering maching, customer does not call back , but complaines he did not
get kit.
We have been shipping Regal Eagles since 1986 (thousands) if you do not get
it or
it is damaged it is insured and we send you another.
If you use a credit card you can claim NONE RECEIT and you will get the money
back from your bank.
Regards, BPFM / rcjets'



If in fact I can get this airplane, I will be getting the OS .91, now, should I get the big or little head for the engine??

[easytiger]

Too many people have had too many problems in the past with Bob Parkinson, in my opinion. Just my opinion.
As I understand it, his wife passed away, and he has been having a hard time ever since. All second-hand information, take it with a grain of salt, as I have never ordered from him myself.
If you are impatient with your money, you should probably NOT order from this company, based upon what people I know have had to deal with.
On the other hand, you can put out a want ad on the internet, it's not a rare kit at all, and you will probably find one. Or you can order from Top Gun Aircraft, who have great support, and should have their eagle in stock.
I would look at the Top Gun Ultra Eagle instead.
The Regal Eagle uses a Byron fan, hence the large head is what you need.

[Gastronom]

Could you give me a URL to where I can view the Top Gun Ultra Eagle? Thanx for your help Easytiger... Hey I remeber your name from RCU from some reason ?? hmmm

[Haldor]

http://www.dbalsa.com/jets/top_gun_jets.htm

For a tractor fan as the Dynamax/Ramtec get the smallhead OS, for the pusher Robart and Hurricane fans get the large head.

The best (as in optimum) fan for the OS.91 is the Ramtec because it holds a little lower rpm which suits the OS better (longer bearing life)

[easytiger]

Or www.tgajets.com
I have flown the Ultra Eagle, it's a great first jet. There are three versions, different ones for Byron or Dynamax.
Yup, that was me over at RCU, I used to post a lot, but I got banned from the jets forum for tussling with a particular less-than-honest commercial interest over there, who bought a big banner and silenced any critics. I don't participate over there any more...
I have had very good luck with the 91 in the Dynamax. Never had a Ramtech, but as I understand it, it's a little better, yes, with the 91, due to the pitch.
But the 91 is the engine of choice for the Byron setup.
My own OPINION is if you are looking for a first big jet, and it's going to be something like a Regal or Ultra Eagle, go for the Byron pusher setup. It will be slower, but it will take off much easier, and the top end of a plane like that is not going to be great anyway.
If you really want to go fast, you need to get something slick like a BVM plane or a Starfire or something like that and a tractor fan. If you have the dough and want to go really fast, go for BVM and the BVM fan and engine. They are the most reliable of them all, they just cost more. And flying something like a viper or agressor is MUCH more difficult than something like an Ultra Eagle.

[flyb4dark]

Hey zee I'm selling an os 91vrdf Just broke in runs great works well with a ramtec. The Rossis work real well with Byron fans if your familiar with those. Be willing to trade!

[zee]

Sure thing, the Rossi is a large head intended for the byron fan. How do you propose we do the swop?

[flyb4dark]

I don't want the rossi, I would be willing to trade for somthing of equal value though, sorry if my offer was a little miss understood. If you don't have anything to trade,I will be willing to sell for$250 plus shipping.

[flyb4dark]

Ihave a pipe and a fan(dynamax) available also. let me know

[monkamarm2000]

I have doen buisness with Bob and it was a nightmare. I heard 10 weeks a few times, And what I finally got, about a year later, I could have done in a day. I got fuse parts for only half the plane with the intent that I now had templates to be able to do the other half. There was maybe 5 laser cut parts and the rest were sheets of balsa that he had layed templates on and drew around them with a sharpie. This is not here say this is me, and my experience and what I got from him. I never got my complete order but the $150 that I spent for $75 was good enough after a year of waiting. For what you spend extra to get it going I say go for the TGA, run the O.S with the Ramtec and you will have a great setup, and a great flying plane with tons of poeple out there who have flown it and can give support. Most of Bobs planes were setup for Byron unit, and he hasn't converted most of the plans, so your in nomans land trying to convert to 5" setup

Barry

[zee]

Well, just to finish what I started, I report that the two S480bb race, jets on a 25 size trainer idea flew. 1700g all up with 1700cp's 4 min flight very marginal at only 600g thrust. It flew very slow and performance was marginal. I will convert it to twin s400, 1.88 geared with 8x5 props and compare.

Anyone considering the same setup, I would make sure to keep it as light as possible. I think 1200g would make it a good setup. I learned a lot about twin electric jet setup, there was a lot of head scratching and although the flight performace was minimal I think it was a good experience.

Next I an A10, will have to be scratch built, there are no kits for it that I know of.

[Gordito Volador]

I am a Byron jet flyer (F16 & Mig 15) and use OS .91 fan engines. I have seen the TGA F15 for the Byron fan and it is really a nice kit. They also have a Mig 29 that is supposed to be pretty nice. I have wanted a Regal Eagle but the bad press regarding Parkinson Models has discouraged me.

[zee]

I am happy with the Regal Eagle, I just cant figure out how to start the Rossi 90 that I have in it.
Too much compression, I have a high torque starter, I have even tried it on 24v, still wont turn.
I took the glow plug out and spun it to try loosen it up a bit, no luck.
V V dispondent... ):

[edwin1]

I cancelled my order for the BP Regal Eagle. Waited about 3 or 4 months and only got 2 reply's thru email. Never a call back. I wont do business with someone that wont return calls or email.
Edwin

[cbruder]

Hi Zee,

Aeronaut in Germany has a kit with full balsa construction and one kit with a composite fuse.
For the balsa kit the wings are full wood, for the composite kit they are balsa sheeted foam.

Both models can be flown with either props and BB400/6V or Wemotec Minifans with Speed 480 / 7,2 V



Their URL is as follows:

www.aeronaut.de

regards,

cbruder

[cbruder]

Hi again Zee,

as i read of your previous problems with the Graupner Trainer, I remembered having the same problems with a converted (mounted twin ducted fans on wings) hi-wing model as well.

The problem was, that I´ve mounted the fans too close to the leading edge, thus causing the fans to suck the air off the leading edges and so drastically reducing performance.

If you place the fans a bit lower and away from the leading edges you`ll see an immediate increase in handling and performance.

It took me two crashes to learn this solution !!:mad:


regards,

cbruder

[easytiger]

Originally posted by zee
I am happy with the Regal Eagle, I just cant figure out how to start the Rossi 90 that I have in it.
Too much compression, I have a high torque starter, I have even tried it on 24v, still wont turn.
I took the glow plug out and spun it to try loosen it up a bit, no luck.
V V dispondent... ):

Loosen the plug AND put a little fuel in the plug hole. Just a little, so the engine is not dry.

Are you saying the engine won't turn over with the plug entirely out? It's frozen, then, and you need to take it out, heat it up, and free it up.
If you are saying that it won't turn over with the plug in, that's not unusual for this type of engine. Loosen the plug a bit, start the engine, then tighten the plug.

[KiTCyclic]

I purchased a Regal Eagle kit brand new and everything. While it was shipping I realized that my passion was still for helicopters. So I am selling it. Search ebay for keyword regal eagle it will pop up. or contact me directly and I can sell it straight out for a little cheaper to avoid eBay Fees, Thanks. :rolleyes:

[SR-71 Pilot]

Hello All.

I have a friend that is getting out of RC planes. He's retired & moving to Florida. He has a built Regal Eagle F-15 with OS.77 & Byron Fan unit for sale. It's painted in Military Gray no retracts. It was built as his first jet but never flew it.
He's open for offers and if it's a good offer, I'm sure it will be free shipping in the US.
I've been flying a RE F-15 for years & have the Parkinson F-18 as well. I've done business with Bob for over 15 years & know him. I have NEVER had an issue when ordering anything from him. If something has changed with him sense the alleged passing of his wife, that's news to me. I'm sorry for all that has had problems, I just have never had them on my end.
If anyone is interested in my friends RE F-15 email me at bsisson@triton.net and I'll get back with you on the offer.
Thanks
Bill

[Wildweasel]

My first jet was the Regal Eagle F-15 I put over 100 flights on her before i retired it. Just one thing when you come out of a dive and go level and hear what sounds like humming bird comming from your jet slow down fast because your about to have flight control fail of the up and down.The stab in back is too thin to take high speed.I put carbon fiber inlays to make it stiff.

[jackjet]

:cool: Rossi DF engines are like Top Fuel dragster engines - you have to KNOW how to set them up . OS are good, I have eight OS .91 DF engines - but the Rossi .90 and 105 are MUCH more powerful..........I have NO problems with my Rossi DF engines at all.

You HAVE to learn the Rossi..........thats it.

I have been flying Rossi engines since 1980 - and believe it or not - you DO NOT have to run a heat sink head with a Byron fan - all you have to do is set the fuel mixture right and keep it rich of peak - use a #5 Byron tuned pipe - make SURE cooling air can get to the front of the pipe in forward flight - lenght is 12.5 inches from apex to glow plug. Use an inflight mixture control. I could go on and on.......

JackjetRossi DF Engines