davidbarth

Is anyone planning on, or currently building an LA-7 with a gas engine. Mine is on the way from TBM, along with Sierra Retracts and cockpit kit from VQ.
I'm thinking about doing a build thread on the LA-7 using a 50cc Gasser, but honestly don't know if I'll have the time to do a thread the right way between, work, kids, the build and FLYING BABY.
So maybe just some good info swapping with any of you guys who are doing a similar build.
Would especially love to hear from anyone who's actually maidened this bird.

Saw a few threads from guys doing electric builds (whats with that on a warbird?), so I'm looking for others who have experience with the ESM warbirds (especially the LA-7).
Many thanks
looking forward to hearing from you.
DB

jmohn

A 50 cc will be way too big. I couldn't find a motor, other than glow, that would fit totally inside the cowl. The best fit was the Evolution 40 or the Bryson 2.4. The plane flys easily with a 36 cc or even smaller motor. My plane has a 3000 watt electric and has too much power. It will fly around at 1/4 trottle just fine.


Jeff

davidbarth

thanks Jeff, appreciate the input
I've heard the same thing from many people.
believe it or not I actually have a 50cc gasser in my GP super stearman.
Way overkill, but its a blast to fly
I may consider a 30 or 40 for the LA-7 but will probably go for a 50 with some customizing on the exhaust to tuck it in.
any suggeestions in the servo dept (JR radio)

jmohn

I used 625s in mine. You need a good one for the elevator as it's a pretty big control service. It's similar to the P47 in that it also has a large elevator surface.


Jeff

LDM

My Feedback: (15)

Jeff , do you have any info on your eletric conversion ? sound cool and promissing

jmohn

LDM,

I have done many conversions using the same setup with good success. I am using an Eflite Poer 160, Castle 110 amp ESC and two 6S 5000 mah packs in series for 12S. I also use a 10 amp voltage regulator with either a 1320 or 2100 11.1 volt battery for the receiver power supply. I use various motor mounts depending on the planes. Hanger 9, Hyperion and others make nice electric motor mounts for larger conversions. My last one (ESM LA-7) used an electrical type NEMA box that holds the batteries and motor all in one. Worked well! Most of the time you just put the batteries where the fuel tank would go and the CG comes out fine. Sometimes you need a little more weight up front, but not much.


Jeff

LDM

My Feedback: (15)

Jeff thanks for the great info , with batterys comeing down in price its worth a look .I like the fact that you can skip the engine break in and tuneing ect ect .

fockewulf37

My Feedback: (102)

Jeff,
How many amps/watts are you getting out od the 12s setup. I was told the 160 could not handle 12s.

Thanks Ty

jmohn

Ty,

I have used the 12S setup on 4 or 5 planes now with good success. The motors are fine as long as you don't go full throttle for very long. I am getting over 2800 watts with this setup. The other option is going with a Hacker motor, but they are VERY expensive. So far no issues with my setup. Eflite recommends using a 10S setup on the motor, but using a little higher voltage just makes it use less amps so it should be better in the long run as long as you don't over heat the motor.

I have used this on my first plane (Hanger 9 150 size P51) for about 1.5 years now without any issues. I must have 100 flights on this plan by now and haven't had an issue with the setup. I did have an ESC go out on the plane, but that was not related to the 12S setup since the Castle 110 amp can take up to 16S packs. I sent it back to Castle and they said it was a bad board.

Changed the ESC and it's still flying fine.



Jeff

kinverflyer

I love this plane, it has superb flying characteristics, this is a video of my son flying it, he does not go that low with his.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99HkD8OGM3E

Bigblock1031

I'm seriously considering this plane. Love the look. Thinking about the new DLE 40 twin. Checked the measurements and should fit in the cowl just right. Any thoughts?

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

My LA-7 has an XYZ 53 twin and it just barely fits. I bought a DLE 40 twin and I think the problem is that the spark plugs stick out too far and you will need a hole in the cowl to clear the plug caps. The Valley View 40 twin has the plugs canted and should fit easily.

Bigblock1031

Well damn. I know the total width including spark plugs is listed as 9.05 inches and the cowl is listed as 9-1/4 inches. I knew it would be tight but was hoping it would fit.

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

You could modify the engine to use 1/4x32 spark plugs and it will work.

radfordc

My Feedback: (14)

Take a look at the pic's here: http://octopusrc.com/shop/index.php?...product_id=376

You can see the difference that using 1/4x32 plugs makes.