TOPIC: Jetex article

Hi out there in jetex land
This might be of interest to some, In the February 2015 issue of Model Boats Magazine there will be an article about jetex in model boats could be interesting
Jim Free

Hi Jim,

living in the Styx with no posh newsagents locally, I have found it difficult to find a copy of 'Model Boats'. Would it be possible to photocopy the article on Jetex-powered boats and send it to me?

Meanwhile we look forward to more 'rocket-related stuff in the Aeromodeller. I was quite pleased with my article last year, and hope to write at least a couple more when I can.

Having had a chance to look at the article, I have written to the editor of 'Model Boats' thusly:

"It was so good to see an article about 'jet' (or rather rocket propelled boats) in the February edition. I hope it engenders some interest in this field. Jetex powered hydroplanes have a long and honourable history, and the good doctor is not the only person to discover their delights at the present time.

It would be helpful to Bluebird builders if they and your readers could be told that there is a modern alternative to Jetex - Rapier 'one shot' motors. These have a similar performance to the old Jetex motors and a Rapier L-2 would be very suitable for the Bluebird, and an alternative to a frustrating hunt on eBay ('supply' is very patchy, especially of fuse).

Could readers be told that details of Rapiers and how to buy them can be found on the Jetex website. We have details of how to use Rapier and Jetex motors and a selection of hydroplane plans. We also have a resident hydroplane expert on hand and a discussion forum.

I would be very grateful If all this could be included in a future edition of 'Model Boats'. Keep up the good work!"

Let's hope the article brings in a few more hydroplaners!

Hi Roger
Good to hear from you. I will send you a copy of the article asap, I hope you are not disappointed with it as there are several inacuracies in it especialy about Donald Campbell.
All the best
Jim

I had a nice email from Paul, the editor of 'Model Boats' saying he will put the relevant information in April's issue.
This is most pleasing.

The February issue also included an articel about the old Triang boats. As you know, two Triang employees, John Wilmot and Joe Mansour went on to found Jetex.
The early Jetex 'hydroJet' was a seminal design with many imitators, see archivesite.jetex.org/cja/pages-more/article-hydrojet-mbb.html

There were also some 'toy' hydroplanes made by Jetex. See: archivesite.jetex.org/models/kits/kits-c...oats.html#speedboats

These often appear on eBay (at a price) so they were very popular, but are unlikely to merit a full article.

Onwards and upwards (or for all you hydroplaners, 'onwards and across the lake (and beyond!) .

Hi Roger
Well that was a result, last time I wrote to them about jet powered models they did`nt want to know so well done again.
I built two versions of the HYDRO JET model, one powered with a Scorpion that was quite sucsessful,
the other was fitted with an Estes D12 rocket motor. It suffered stress fractures in the hull due to acceleration, but the speed was awsome
Jim