Align Trex 700 turbine build

[torque to twist]

I thought I would share my latest project with fellow rcheliaddicts with a bit of sly plan to achieve 50 posts so I can gain access to the for sale forum.
I have so much heli stuff that could be moved on it's unbelievable.

I acquired a re-conditioned wren 44i kero start turbine from the factory with a one year warranty for lot less than the price of a new turbine. It's had all the upgrades of a 2017 turbine so should be sweet. Talking of sweet the fuel used on it's last run smells sweet and I have a job to get rid of the smell from my hands.
The airframe chosen is the Trex 700N DFC narrow side frame as parts are easy to get at a fairly good price.
Time to post some pics.



I don't know what's up with the first photo, So first hurdle is the front legs of the main frames are too narrow for the turbine so need to be hacked in order to make the turbine fit.
That's all for now, i'll post some more very soon.

[hedge]

Excellent stuff, I am tempted to do the same so will follow this with great interest. Are you planning on modding the frames your self or getting a kit?

[Grumpy]

Fascinating stuff, look forward to seeing it coming together.

[Mike Sanders]

Great. Should be an interesting thread.

[coolice]

Evening Mate.

Cool, you'll have fun with this conversion.

Here are some photos of one I got involved in a few years back, this model is now in the hands of another addict and yet to fly since purchase :-( he's been swayed by the dark side (quads) !!!

I should have some more photos somewhere of the mechanics, but I can't seem to find them at the moment.

Ian

[Coxy]

Do you intend putting a scale body onto the chassis or just running it naked as above post by Coolice?
A club member where I fly has recently added a body to his 700 and it looks awesome.

[torque to twist]

Hi Hedge
I can't believe there's so much interest this is great.
I am doing the mods myself keep following it gets interesting for the home build fans.

[mgt4fun]

Good luck with the build. Looking forward to seeing some pictures. Any questions just ask - there are a few of us on here who have done this conversion so plenty of help available. I've got a few different helis but my Trex turbine is my favourite. Sight, sound and smell unrivalled.

[torque to twist]

Thanks mgt4fun. Do you know how long the standard fuel tank will last ?
I should be able to post more tomorrow.
Cheers

[torque to twist]

Hi Coxy. I will start with pod &boom but I would do a scale body if I have the time.

[torque to twist]

Hi Ian I've read a fair few of your posts on this site. If you have any photos I always like to see different idea's,cheers

[torque to twist]

I'm sure turbines will get addictive it's just the the dam cost of them.

[mgt4fun]

Thanks mgt4fun. Do you know how long the standard fuel tank will last ?
I should be able to post more tomorrow.
Cheers

Hi mate, I'm running the old airframe, basically the wider frames, but upgraded the fuel tank to the DFC version which I understand has slightly more capacity. I think you've already got that sorted. Next tip is a large second tank, basically a header or feeder tank for the uat - airtrap. That set up gives me 7-8 minutes of flying around, with a bit to spare for the cool down bit at the end which needs a bit of fuel. That's 1 litre of paraffin for that flight time of 7-8 minutes.

if you only run the main original tank with the airtrap then you are looking at 4-5 minutes flight times I would guess. The second tank hanging off th side isn't pretty but I appreciate the extra flight time.

But easy enough to fill and go again. Turbines like a drink, and you definately need to remember to leave some fuel in the main system for the cool down cycle. Or you will very quickly cook the turbine bearings, obviously not good.

[dillwhacker]

another addict and yet to fly since purchase :-( he's been swayed by the dark side (quads) !!!
Ian

LOL Ian...If (when) I get free of this addiction to FPV, I'll get back to you and hopefully you'll still be willing to help get it set up & flying.
In the mean time, it sits in my living room dripping paraffin onto the carpet....
Ya know, jet fuel smells much better at 700 degrees F

[torque to twist]

Hi mgt4fun
I'm still learning how to use this forum, how do you get the blue bubble of my text up?

Thanks for the advise on running out of fuel and cooking the bearings. I have bought 2 msr fuel bottles to have a similar set up like bergen.

Hi mate, I'm running the old airframe, basically the wider frames, but upgraded the fuel tank to the DFC version which I understand has slightly more capacity. I think you've already got that sorted. Next tip is a large second tank, basically a header or feeder tank for the uat - airtrap. That set up gives me 7-8 minutes of flying around, with a bit to spare for the cool down bit at the end which needs a bit of fuel. That's 1 litre of paraffin for that flight time of 7-8 minutes.

if you only run the main original tank with the airtrap then you are looking at 4-5 minutes flight times I would guess. The second tank hanging off th side isn't pretty but I appreciate the extra flight time.

But easy enough to fill and go again. Turbines like a drink, and you definately need to remember to leave some fuel in the main system for the cool down cycle. Or you will very quickly cook the turbine bearings, obviously not good.