glow engines are fading away
11-09-2017, 10:50 AM
#76
Hmmm, nobody's come up with a 60 inch high wing ARF powered by a gas engine inspired by a "Popper", apparently a Saito.
There are tons of high wing ARFs that size, but nothing I would put a gas engine on. It would weigh too much and be overkill in power. Glow fuel doesn't cost much if you're running a four stroke on a 60 inch airplane. Also, a gas 2 stroke sounds nothing like a 4 stroke, so if 4 stroke is what you want to hear, get that.
There's a terrific video of someone flying a Sig LT-25 on a Saito 40. Check out youtube and see if it's the kind of thing you're looking for. The key is that it is light, so a lot of ARFs will not fly like that. You can spend $30 a gallon on fuel and a Saito 40 still won't cost you much to run.
Jim
There are tons of high wing ARFs that size, but nothing I would put a gas engine on. It would weigh too much and be overkill in power. Glow fuel doesn't cost much if you're running a four stroke on a 60 inch airplane. Also, a gas 2 stroke sounds nothing like a 4 stroke, so if 4 stroke is what you want to hear, get that.
There's a terrific video of someone flying a Sig LT-25 on a Saito 40. Check out youtube and see if it's the kind of thing you're looking for. The key is that it is light, so a lot of ARFs will not fly like that. You can spend $30 a gallon on fuel and a Saito 40 still won't cost you much to run.
Jim
11-09-2017, 11:29 AM
#77
When I saw the milk truck, the ole' brain cell started working. ASpeed has it covered with a HEMI, and an 'old school' hemi at that (the mid 60's '426' elephant engine and solid running gear.
And the "The Piece of Resis- T - Ance" ( That's redneck talk for French)
Convert it to a PLANE hauler, with the appropriate amenities of supporting operation of aircraft and PILOT.
And call it done !
And the "The Piece of Resis- T - Ance" ( That's redneck talk for French)
Convert it to a PLANE hauler, with the appropriate amenities of supporting operation of aircraft and PILOT.
And call it done !
When I saw the milk truck, "plane hauler" was the first thing that came to my mind, too. It would be awesome !
11-09-2017, 11:42 AM
#78
It is getting more difficult to make street rods now with emission tests, and the cops steal your car and hold you for ransom for about $5,000 if you speed. It is called racing even if by yourself. I sold my Vette, and most of my streetrods. I had considered a small Grumman mail truck. They are quite cute, and have a straight 6, and the mailmen/lady say they are pretty peppy. I did not like the steering wheel on the right, and found a PT Cruiser, and replaced my 30 yr. old Astro van with a 15 year old one. I guess the mail truck would have been enough, and I could have one less vehicle. I do like the PT though, even if it is a Chrysler. The mail truck would have had a flame and carried toys for sure.
11-09-2017, 03:00 PM
#79
Re Acdii: The LT-40 has a 70 inch span, not a 60 inch span. The LT-25 comes close at 63 inches; probably leaving off the tips would get you to 60 if necessary. Not an ARF, but it's a laser cut kit that goes together fast. Hardest part would be covering; use Solartex and it should be easy. Maybe there is an equivalent ARF, but check the weight.
As Hobbsy says, it can be flown with much less than a Saito 40. A buddy's flew great on a plain bearing TT 25; fly against a good strong wind and it would go backwards.
Jim
As Hobbsy says, it can be flown with much less than a Saito 40. A buddy's flew great on a plain bearing TT 25; fly against a good strong wind and it would go backwards.
Jim
11-09-2017, 03:05 PM
#80
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As Hobbsy says, it can be flown with much less than a Saito 40. A buddy's flew great on a plain bearing TT 25; fly against a good strong wind and it would go backwards.
Backwards, like a Telemaster in a slight breeze.
Backwards, like a Telemaster in a slight breeze.
11-12-2017, 08:23 AM
#88
11-12-2017, 03:27 PM
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11-15-2017, 04:36 PM
#94
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I don't think glow will go totally away until electric craft can match the flight time, for example, I spent $260 on 2 big batteries (both needed for 1 flight), another couple hundred on a speed controller, another couple hundred on a big brush-less motor. Take the thing out and get a 4 to 5 minute flight, less than that without thoughtful throttle management, Highly annoying. Now the same plane set up with a good glow engine, the plane was lighter, the flight timer is set at 8.5 minutes, and that leaves fuel for a few go-rounds. The plane has less torque, but overall performance was much improved with glow IMO.
11-15-2017, 10:03 PM
#95
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I don't know,but it seems like glow engines are fading into oblivion. Back in the early 1980's, here is what was readily available;; Fox,Enya,Webra,Rossi,Magnum,YS,Thunder Tiger,Supertiger ASP,Etc. Now it seems like OS,and Evolution are about it. Its' all going to electric now.
Glow engine are my thing but I do have a couple of Park Zone electrics but that's about it for me. Until someone can put a smoke system in an electric I may consider going larger.
11-16-2017, 01:24 AM
#96
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A check on the fuel/air ratio required for good combustion, and the calorific value of the two will show why. The increased amount of methanol required compared to gasoline far outweighs its lower calorific value.
11-16-2017, 01:46 AM
#97
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I don't think glow will go totally away until electric craft can match the flight time, for example, I spent $260 on 2 big batteries (both needed for 1 flight), another couple hundred on a speed controller, another couple hundred on a big brush-less motor. Take the thing out and get a 4 to 5 minute flight, less than that without thoughtful throttle management, Highly annoying. Now the same plane set up with a good glow engine, the plane was lighter, the flight timer is set at 8.5 minutes, and that leaves fuel for a few go-rounds. The plane has less torque, but overall performance was much improved with glow IMO.
Among other things I like to build 90mm and 120mm EDFs. It difficult to get a duration of more than about 7 minutes out of them, even with good 'throttle management'.
Then there is the cost. In addition to the costs you mention, if you want to fly 'continually' you need an absolute minimum of two sets of batteries, preferably three, so you can charge them while flying on the other one.
And by the time you have paid for all this a turbine is not much more expensive, and lighter, particularly on landing as you have used up most of the fuel. 'Fuel' weight for 'fuel' weight turbines have a longer duration too. Unfortunately they are not allowed at our site as we have a high fire risk.
And as for electric helis, the small ones are OK as you don't expect much duration, but once you go electric on '40' size and up they are hopeless. They may just complete a competition schedule but for 'Sunday flying' their duration is far too short.
So other than EDFs I only use electric for small planes.
11-16-2017, 03:26 AM
#98
Size for size glow engines, both two stroke and four stroke, are more powerful than gasoline engines. (Just check the BHP on the OS site.) Even on 'straight' fuel, which contains no nitromethane.
A check on the fuel/air ratio required for good combustion, and the calorific value of the two will show why. The increased amount of methanol required compared to gasoline far outweighs its lower calorific value.
A check on the fuel/air ratio required for good combustion, and the calorific value of the two will show why. The increased amount of methanol required compared to gasoline far outweighs its lower calorific value.
and probably some oil too for the same price or cheaper.
11-16-2017, 06:19 AM
#99
I just can't see buying all the ignition parts, adding all the weight, finding a place to put it in the fuselage, charging yet another battery (I am so tired of batteries, even just for receiver packs) Then multiply that times 50 for each plane in the squadron. Not when I have so many motors to choose from in the drawers that are so great. As long as I can buy glow plugs I will be happy. Long live Al Kelly of Merlin plugs. Electric, may be OK as two of certain size batteries is ok, like the micro 150, 1,200. 2,200 mah size. Anything larger is a waste of (my) money. MECOA is not a good thing IMHO. I feel a pain in my tummy when I hear that they have taken over a line of great motors that decided to quit production. Us old cheap guys don't spend big cash on motors like the dune buggy racers going with the "motor of the week" that is $700. It seems like a one man push and he is tired and old like me. To really go, there needs to be some extra younger hires, and yet again, pricing did cause the downfall of the previous manufacturer. Also young machinists are hard to find. All they seem to know is the start button on a CNC.
