Topic: ViperJet build

I've been meaning to post this build for some time but hadn't really got that much to show other than a few servos.  This is a full customer build that's been waiting for those elusive Jetcat RX series of engines to appear.  Soon I hope.........

So then...

I started by installing the cockpits into the canopy meaning you can just lift it off in one unit making everyday use nice and practical.  With these you also have to reinforce the frame with carbon tow as well as adding a third peg in the twelve o'clock position.  Internals have all been painted grey and servo wires running from the back are in heat resistant sleeving.

I've just started making the lighting set.  First were the navigation lights.  I made some moldings cut the parts to size.  The landing lights will be done in a similar fashion .  The nav lights are very intense.  I'll get a few photos in the daylight but I'm pleased thus far.

I've managed a little bit more on this jet.  I've received the turbine which is the new 100RX, I'll do a very geeky unboxing video shortly  I've built and owned loads of jets but I still get wet excited when a new turbine arrives    I've installed the lighting into the wings and used a dual switch that controls the the nav and landing lights separately but still uses one channel.

2m Viper Lights.MOV

You can't beat Red White & Blue colour schemes. Very RAF

I suppose there's blue on it when the covers are on... 

The spec for this installation is carbon look internals but to get a nice install using this method I feel it needs to be seamless.  I've started to make a light ply surround where the central area is then removable.  The carbon ABS will be mounted on top and feathered into the fuz side.  I did this on a BARF and it worked well.

All the airline has been run so its just a matter of sorting out the electrics and plumb everything in. 

The P100 has been test fitted and should run for ages on the 4 litres of fuel this carries. 

Delivery is scheduled for the first half of February so its time to crack on...

I spent some time trying various ways to position the equipment and came up with something like this.  The receiver will be mounted underneath the PowerBox with a separate bind lead mounted to the tray making it easy to swap transmitters without taking the tray up.  The lack of external solenoid valves makes life easier on these RX engines.

The wing connections are all in.  I use BVM EZairs which just plug into each other when rigging the model.  The servos are connected with a PB wing connection kit which is basically a MPX plug but professionally smelted so its good for thousands of uses without worrying.  The EZ airs are a PITA to install especially as there's no easy fit on the Viperjet but well worth it once your out in the field.  The other extension you can see is for the lights.  I have an electronic switch so I ganged all the positives together and separately ran the negatives to the switching point allowing me to control the two separate lights using just one channel.

The wing needs to cleaned up then a light coat of grey on the root to make it all uniform.

The start of the final installation.  The nose wheel servo is a 579 which is my preferred choice for such jobs.  A butchered down GBR jets UAT holder was used for convenience as it has to tucked well into the side of the fuz to allow the cockpit tubs in and this was lighter than making a ply structure to it to sit in.

Power supply will be from this little lot.  Ive never used LiFe packs before so it was nice to be sent these for this model, Ive been meaning to replace all my own packs with these once they start to wear out.

I've built a few of these Vipers now and I always forget how much I like them, although its on the smaller side it has real presence due to its bulk.

hey nice build and layout, I'm stuck with mine at the moment as i bought a 2nd hand turbine only to find out the ecu is duff, any suggestions as to a new ecu the turbine is a simjet 3000 im doing a build log too when i can navigate the site as I'm a newbee here.

cheers
wayne

Hi Alex,

I'd be greatful for any tips on how to obtain/make the clear plastic covers for the lighting system.

Hi Guys

I'm not sure about the SimJet ECU perhaps try giving Ali or Dave W a call.

I'll dig out some picture showing how I made the lens covers.

Cheers, Alex

Its all finished and delivered now 

A few pictures.... I wish I'd taken more but like every build I've ever done it was a mad rush at the end.  I used Tcut then wax on the model to bring out the best in the paint work.  The sticker set I got from Als Hobbies was excellent and really enhances things, I would recommend it.

Nice job as usual Alex. 

That looks very impressive 

Thanks guys.