SlowPoke40

I am putting together a NexStar Arf and have a problem installing the engine. My engine is a OS .46 LA. When I mount the engine, the muffler does not fit into the space provided. The engine is too far away from the side. Did I screw something up or does the engine not fit the plane?

DTB

My Feedback: (15)

The 46 LA should fit, but a 46FXI (rebadged 46FX with a different head) is what's designed for that plane. If the muffler won't clear the side, you need to get a muffler extension to allow the muffler to clear the sides.

Click Here to view extensions...

DTB

My Feedback: (15)

Double Posted...

[:@]

SlowPoke40

That is what I was thinking. It is pretty hard to mess up putting that plane together that is why I thought it was strange it wouldnt fit. I am not very mechanically inclined so if it is possible to screw it up, I will.

bruce88123

Make sure to get the correct extension obviously.

britbrat

That engine can be made to fit, but it is physically smaller and lighter than the originally intended powerplant. Not only does the muffler interfere with the side of the cowl, you will need to add nose weight to balance the model. Since it is also marginal in terms of power for that model, you may be better off installing a physically larger and more powerfull motor, such as an OS 46 AX, or a Thunder Tiger .46 Pro, or any other similarly sized engine with similar output.

trekkerguy

My Feedback: (9)

Just finished building my Nexstar, but haven't flown it yet. I installed a O.S. 46 AX and it fits just fine.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

The .46 AX engine should give good performance on the NexSTAR. I use it on my Midwest Aerobat and it handles that plane just fine, althouth the NexSTAR is a tad heavier. Let us know how it flys.

DS

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

I agree that the LA may be a tad under powered for the NexSTAR. I have the NexSTAR RTF which comes with the 46 FXi. That engine handles the plane nicely. The .46 ABX is also a great power plant for that plane, more power than the FXi although for a trainer, I don't believe it's necessary. As we both said, the LA may prove to be a little under powered. It will definitely show up on take-off, especially on a grass field and moreso if the grass is a bit tall.

SkyDemon

I finished putting my NexSTAR ARF together last night, powered with a Tiger Shark 46. It will be having it's maiden flight tomorrow, assuming the weather cooperates, and there is an available instructor.

CGRetired

My Feedback: (1)

Good man! "And if there is an instructor available".

SkyDemon

My NexSTAR had it's maiden flight at the able hands of one of the HRRC instuctors, Rick. Prior to it's first flight he gave it a good going over, and recommended increasing the elevator throws. After doing the range checks with both the engine off and running, he taxied it out to the landing strip, and took it off. It took off with a very short roll. He had to give it quite a bit of down elevator trim to keep it from climbing, even at 1/2 throttle. He brought it in for a nice landing, dead stick.

On the second flight, we hooked up the buddy box, and after checking all the functions, he took off and let me fly. I have to say, the experience I had while using RealFlight G3 helped tremendously, though there is nothing like the real thing. I stuck to just flying the circuit with left hand turns most of the first flight, and he brought it in with a nice dead stick landing. We worked on the adjustments for a while before the third flight, and Earl provided a replacement glow plug, and that helped smooth out the mid-range, and the engine ran smoother. For my second flight (plane's third) Rick took off and I flew about 15 minutes more, throwing in some figure eights and even did a loop and an aileron roll (though not very pretty ones). Rick brought it in for it's first powered landing, though it didn't want to come down, so it took a couple tries. With the "speedbrake/landing flaps" attached it's a real floater, and probably accounted for much of the required down trim on the elevator. Rick wanted me to take them off, but I'm going to stick with them as recommended by the manual, at least till I get some landings and take offs under my belt.

Unfortunately it will be a couple weeks before I get to take her up again, since I'll be out of town next weekend.

Mike

MountaineerFan36

Mike:

Congrats on the flights!

I have a Nexstar and can tell you that the advice to remove those speedbrake flaps is right on. It is much easier to land and do mild aerobatics without them on. Additionally, I had the same issue with the bird climbing and requiring a lot of elevator trim for strait level flight. Once I took the flaps and the extenstions on the leading edge off, this problem was corrected.

Just my 2 cents.

Joe

SlowPoke40

SkyDemon,

Sounds like you are catching on quick! I just took the advice from the people in this forum and bought a OS .46AX for my plane. I hope to have it in the air on Wednesday, weather permitting.

SkyDemon

Joe,

Now that it's trimmed out, it flies much better. My plans are one step at a time, I'll take the flaps off, then the leading edge extensions. I have an extra servo, and the servo extensions, so I plan on putting dual aileron servos, and with my Futaba EXA transmitter I can program flapperons. I'm already looking for a second plane which I might put a ASP 70 four cycle into. That will probably wait till fall though, when it's cooler in the garage for building.

Mike

Bax

My Feedback: (11)

Please realize that when you take the flaps off, but leave on the wingtip droops, you'll have a considerable pitch change. This is explained in the instructions. Flaps tend to cause a pitch up and the droops a pitch down. The two offset each other.

SkyDemon

Bill,

Thanks for the info. Are you suggesting removing both the flaps and extensions at the same time, or just reminding me to reset the elevator trims?

Mike

wheels4009

Hey.......

I just maidened my Nexstar today.....after some trim adjustments flew pretty well (flew with instructor) After the flights took off
the leading edge taped on stuff, so hoping I fly a little better next time.

WORD OF CAUTION THO.......after second landing, was getting ready to take off and ....LANDING GEAR FELL OFF !!!!!!

You might want to check yours......should just slide in and "click"......but had to take out a servo to get to it. Held the tab
down with a screwdriver and dropped some CA on it........so far seems to be locked in now.

My flights today worked I guess......but not very pretty......gonna work on that ( and have a long talk with plane)

Capt. Nexstar

I fly with flaps and extensions and have a great time, just converted her to a tail dagger.

Nexstar with Saito FA 56

DTB

My Feedback: (15)

Can you post a picture. I'd love to see a taildragger NextStar. I converted my old trainer from years past to a taildragger recently and put a Saito 72 upfront Spinning a 13x8.

Ever seen a trainer that will torque roll? It is pretty cool to see.

SkyDemon

Winghawg/DTB,

What did you use for the steerable tail wheel?

Capt. Nexstar

I plan to take some pics today, I used a Sullivan tail wheel has springs hooked to the rudder.
My wife has plans today so I'll post pics later, thanks for asking.

bruce88123

SlowPoke40 - When you get ready to take the "gadgets" off the wings, it would not hurt to have your instructor do the first trim flight as there may be a considerable pitch change that you may not be prepared to handle as yet. Better safe than sorry.

Capt. Nexstar

Okay here is the pics.
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Capt. Nexstar

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