Robart Electric Retract Package
– Includes everything you need to install retracts in your R54: Robart 500-series
retract units (two main, one nose), special-bent 3/16” wire struts designed exclusively for the R54, electronic controller,
two 12” extensions with locking connectors, retract mounting hardware, complete nose wheel pull-pull steering linkage
as shown on the kit plans.
BTE Price . . . . . . $399.95
About the Robart Retracts
There may be other suitable retracts out there, but these have proven their durability from pavement and grass fields alike..
Robart quality and value is second to none. Pneumatic retracts are still available in limited supply - call BTE for price.
Wheel and Brake Package
– Includes two 3” Sullivan Sky-Lite main wheels, a 3” Hangar 9 Pro-Lite nose wheel,
Kavan electro-magnetic brake, microswitch, 9V battery connector, Deans connector, brass tubing for wheel bearings,
wheel collars, mounting hardware, and instructions.
Total Retail Price $108.67
BTE Price . . . . . . $89.95
About the Kavan Brake
The R54 lands so slow that a brake is not really required, but AMA turbine regulations require some sort of braking device. The
Kavan unit is inexpensive, especially compared to a pneumatic system. It mounts on the nose wheel, so it also provides a chunk
of nose weight, which is needed anyway. It is activated by a micro switch that is contacted by the elevator servo arm at full
down elevator. In my mind, this is the ideal brake system for the R54.
Replacement Wheel Package
– Includes two 3” Sullivan Sky-Lite main wheels, a 3” Hangar 9 Pro-Lite nose wheel,
and brass tubing for optional bearings.
Retail Price $27.60
BTE Price . . . . . . $17.95
About the Replacement Wheels
A low-speed model like the R54 does not need special, high-priced “jet” wheels and tires. These sport R/C wheels handle rough
terrain with no problem and the tires have never rolled off the rim even after some bad landings with high side loads. I did
replace mine after about sixty landings on pavement. Considering the price, I can live with that!
Fuel System Package
– Includes SWB machined-aluminum fuel tank cap, Du-Bro fuel line barbs, safety wire for all
connections, Tygon tubing for vent line, Du-Bro Fuel-It receptacle and plug for vent line, tie-wraps for mounting your
UAT* and fuel pump*, Velcro for mounting your solenoids*, and fiberglass tubes for aligning the fuel tubing going to
your shut-off valve* as shown on the plans.
* Not included in package.
Retail Price $28.46
BTE Price . . . . . . $21.95
About the Fuel System Package
This is a low-cost package that brings together everything you need (except the UAT) to finish off your fuel system. As discussed
in Appendix A, a UAT or some other header tank must be purchased separately. The red anodized SWB cap is a high-tech
replacement for the nylon cap that comes with the Du-Bro fuel tank. The Fuel-It receptacle and plug are provided because I
have found that kerosene loves to dribble from the vent line at the worst times, like in your vehicle!
Handibond CA Package
– Includes one 2 oz. Thin CA, two 2 oz. Medium CA, one 2 oz. Thick CA, one 2 oz.
Accelerator Spray, micro-tips, and extra-long glue tip.
Retail Price $34.76
BTE Price . . . . . . $29.95
About the Handibond Package
This package of cyanoacrylate adhesives (CA) is tailored directly to the R54 kit. Use the thin CA for general construction and
easy hinges. The extra-long glue tip is included to use when applying the leading edge sheeting (as described on page 9). In
addition to the CA, I recommend purchasing some aliphatic resin (yellow glue like Tite-Bond or Elmers wood glue) and some
slow-dry (3 hr.) epoxy. The instruction book often specifies certain glues for certain steps.
Corner Sanding Tool
(Exclusive BTE Product, see page 25)
BTE Price . . . . . $14.95
Fourmost Sanding Stick with Sandpaper
Retail Price $6.90
BTE Price . . . . . . $5.00
Robart #164G Air Pump
(Hand-Operated, 100 psi +)
BTE Price . . . . . $35.95
Full-Size BTE Color Scheme Templates
(Six Large Sheets)
BTE Price . . . . . $29.95
Disposable Scissors
(for cutting the stainless steel heat shield)
BTE Price . . . . . . $1.95
Appendix B 37
Summary of Contents for Reaction 54
Page 1: ...INSTRUCTION BOOK...
