I got this kit because I I love flight and most fast modern day planes, use jet engines. The build was tedious but rewarding as everything was on a small scale.
For the combustion chamber I started with raw sheet metal steel and steel tubes. I started welding them using TIG and a 3D print to get the right size, but after a while I found MIG to be so much faster and easier because the metal would not have time to melt at the edges and corners before material was added. Then I drilled the holes and welded the liners and flame tubes together.
For the fuel lines I brazed together some brass tubes which was very challenging because often times the flux would pull the solder into the fuel line, clogging it up. I eventually found a method to over come this and tested the system with propane. The actual fuel is a 95% Kerosene - 5% Jet engine oil.
I decided to machine the exhaust guide vains at a 15 degree angle to provide enough force on the turbine while still keeping the exhaust velocity high. This is better than if I had drilled them at a 0 degree angle (perpendicular to the axis of rotation). There where many other holes I had to machine and tap to mount all of the components like the, inlet guide vane plate, axel hubs for the front and rear plates, and the sleeve of the engine.
I also built a test stand to provide fuel and the starting gas. I still need to add a measuring system for the rpm, and exhaust temp. I have the sensors, but I need to design mounts for them. This along with the flow meter on the fuel system should let me have a controlled start up sequence.
This project helped me understand the basics of what goes into making a turbine jet engine. In the future I would like to make my own design, make it easier to manufacture, and build a RC plane with it (printed or made out of composites). Eventually I would like to make a super sonic RC plane but that will probably require either metal 3D printing or wire EDM to get precise parts at such a small scale. A lathe, mill, and laser welder for precise welds would also help.
