Thinking about getting into turbines.

[charlesyoung]

Been thinking about it for a while. I love the turbine idea and I like mild aerobatics. Used to do the 3D stuff, but not really interested anymore.
I hardley ever see them come up for sale, but out of curiosity, what could I expect to spend to land me a turbine heli? I imagine the sky is the limit on higher range mechanics and turbines, but I'm talking entry level for learning. Something like a TRex. I'm flying a Goblin700 elec now.
Any suggestions would be great.
Are their any other websites that kind of tailor towards turbine helis?

[JEEPWORLD2002]

I really like that n7 turbine that a guy did look so sweet with the red msr fuel bottles I ll post a link shortly if not search here

[boogeyhillrc]

Really depends on condition and what the seller thinks its worth. I bought mine pretty much ready to fly for $4,500. Im now the 3rd owner and the engine had around 15 hours on it when i got it. Its taken some elbow grease but ive gotten the engine to start and run like its suppose to.
Im sure if one was in better shape in a newer airframe youd be looking at around $6,000 or so. Some of these airframes are approaching $2,000 before you even consider the $4,500 powerplant.

[charlesyoung]

I was asking about a used turbine heli.
This one is new for just over$5000 if they're still available.

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/cheap...elicopter.html

I know I remember seeing them go cheaper but maybe that was back around 13 when everything was going for crap money.

[KevinChiu123]

Please choose your engine first~ what is your favorite choice?
Wren, Jetcat, Jakadofsky, Taurus......, etc ?!

Engine decides your mechanism, heli (sport or scale), and blade size.

Attached a picture for your reference.

From left to right,

Align 700 => 800 (Wren 44)

MD- Triple blades 810 (Jetcat sph-5)

MD-850 (Wren44)

Jetcopter from Airstar International (Jetcat pht-3)

[boogeyhillrc]

Originally Posted by charlesyoung

I was asking about a used turbine heli.
This one is new for just over$5000 if they're still available.

http://www.rchelicopterfun.com/cheap...elicopter.html

I know I remember seeing them go cheaper but maybe that was back around 13 when everything was going for crap money.

$4500 was used, im the 3rd owner.

New is:

Wren turbine $4,500
Airframe $1,500
Elctronics $1,000 (servos, fbl controller, reciever, batteries)
Hardware $200-$400 (festo fittings, valves, UAT)

Depending what you load it out with your between $7k-$8k.

[charlesyoung]

Was thinking Wren or Jetcat. I'm guessin bottom line around $3000-$3500, Synergy N7 around $750, Vbar with satellites, servos, batt. around $500. This is what things are honestly selling for. That should make a good combination.

[MattJenner]

Over here in UK prices on second hand turbines have seriously dropped.

I had a Predator With the older style WrenMw54, all I got was £1600.00 which was less than half of it when bought new.

The newer Mw44 is still holding its price.

[boogeyhillrc]

If you buy used you could get into it alot cheaper obviously, but youll still be be around the $4k-$5k. Then you need to make all your mounts for the valves and pumps, various line routing. Possibly widening or extending the frame down. The gearbox has the same dimension as a .90 glow engine but you still have a 3.5"-4" diameter turbine to stuff somewhere. Youll have another $200 in lines and fittings.

Theres a bit more to it than just a normal build, but if you can pull it off the payout is nothing short of fantastic. People cant believe turbine powered helicopters exist

[charlesyoung]

I've been looking at a copter with a Wren Mw54.
What's going on with Wren? Is the company doing ok?

[Skiddz]

Originally Posted by charlesyoung

I've been looking at a copter with a Wren Mw54.
What's going on with Wren? Is the company doing ok?

Yep, they're still cruising along. The '54 is no longer made, but they are servicing the engines still. Downside is that the engine will need to be returned to the UK for said service.

[charlesyoung]

Hate to be a bother, but in your opinion is the 54 worth messing with or should I hold off and get another? Them being in Germany is no big deal, I'm not one to rush and I work for a company out of Nürtingen.
I would like to start with a Synergy and a Wren44, but looking for a first turbine. Not worried about crashing, just don't want to go all out for my first one.

[Skiddz]

I have no plans on peddling my 54 any time soon. I was told just a few months ago that service and parts are still available, just that new engines were no longer being built.

IMO, if you can find a deal on a good '54, it'd be a good start into the turbine world.

Now, having said that, I'd love to get my hands on a '44 for a smaller airframe....

[charlesyoung]

Thank you. Great information.

[MattJenner]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wren-MW54-...EAAOSwUKxYhi-B


there is a guy selling his spare with only 2 hrs on, he had it in a Bergen, cant really go wrong, hes from the States

cheap start as well..

[gcms]

Charles I just sent you a PM. Getting out of the sport and one is a Intrepid 800 class with a Wren 54. Ready to fly with all of the support equipment.

[Skiddz]

Originally Posted by MattJenner

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wren-MW54-...EAAOSwUKxYhi-B


there is a guy selling his spare with only 2 hrs on, he had it in a Bergen, cant really go wrong, hes from the States

cheap start as well..

Unfortunately, that auction ended a couple hours ago... Might be worthwhile to contact the seller and see if you can make a deal "offline".

Originally Posted by gcms

Charles I just sent you a PM. Getting out of the sport and one is a Intrepid 800 class with a Wren 54. Ready to fly with all of the support equipment.

Good airframe and great support from Bergen.

[Old NEET]

Originally Posted by Skiddz

Unfortunately, that auction ended a couple hours ago... Might be worthwhile to contact the seller and see if you can make a deal "offline".
Good airframe and great support from Bergen.

HI Skiddz,

I would like to watch your "Bergen Intrepid Turbine Build Videos" but the files are not there anymore. Could you upload those to YouTube?

[Skiddz]

Originally Posted by Old NEET

HI Skiddz,

I would like to watch your "Bergen Intrepid Turbine Build Videos" but the files are not there anymore. Could you upload those to YouTube?

The files were removed at my request to address a "legal" request regarding some of the content.

I have removed the content and re-rendered everything, but am looking at different hosting options. I tried uploading a couple to YouTube, but their process buggers up the sound for some reason. That and something with their compression kills the quality.

Once I get a "home" for the vids, I'll change all the links in the thread so check back in a couple weeks...

[Old NEET]

Thanks Skiddz,
One more "personal" question.
Would you introduce me where is the flight pad for turbine helicopters in San Diego county? I'm not a turbine chopper flyer yet but am very interested in turbine after years of electric, nitro and gasser's.

Since I have been a good boy these days, Santa just visited and asked me if I want anything as an irregular present.
Bergen Intrepid Turbine Helicopter with Wren MW54H has been approved and it is on the way.