Mark,
A good place to start is with Perky and Fox35 speed events. Don't need outrageous costing engines or machinist skills just some standard off the shelf stuff and good building craftmanship will get you in the game. I am planning on doing the same for next year.
Best, DennisT
Thanks Dennis.
However I am far past that point. I have B Speed, Formula 40, Sport jet and Fast jet models. The sport jet I have held a 148 mph record before the fuel change and the fast jet is in the flight over 200 club which was almost a record holder but I missed the backup flight when I missed getting cleanly in to the pylon and consequently had several landings which resulted in a smashed tail pipe. Granted my B Speed is the classic style model built on Neddie Morris' plans. I have all of the necessary tools and skills to restart in an new assault on the 200 MPH club with the exception of either a pilot or a pit crew to man the practice.
Much of the engine work I performed myself and making a jet engine isn't outside of my experience. A new assault would include a new head utilizing the extra wide pedals after a bench mark using my current large pedal long snout head.
Having said that, a couple of my A&P students have taken up playing with pulse jets, the non valve style. I ran one of my engines for them on the new fuel and have been coaching them in their efforts. One has expressed interest which I don't know if it will develop or not. I'm hopeful it will. Our flying sight may be acceptable for speed flying as we don't have a containment fence. This is helpful from, at least temporarily, from being distracted from my current PA efforts. There's no doubt that, given some competent help, that I will do something. For now, I am focusing on PA.