ORIGINAL: harttvboy04
Hi guys,
I'd like to start a topic up about something that has been almost consuming for me -
I own a wonderful Webra 120 with a BCM pitts muffler. This engine, as described by others, does not miss a beat. Just starts wonderfully and runs as well. It does drink glow fuel, but produces seemingly more power than any sub 30cc gasser will produce.
I'd like to go a touch faster and can justify having more power ( this is on a cmpro 120 zero). The upfront cost seems steep, especially when it is easier to swallow 65$ cases every few weeks, as a pose to close to 450 for the least expensive 30cc I'd consider (dle 30) by the time all accessories and equipment is purchased.
So, the ultimate question.
When does it make sense to just bite the bullet and go gas?
In the size range you are looking at, you are right on the cusp of that decision.
Do you trade one set of issues for another?
Yes. You add additional weight to the plane, you add the complexity of an ignition system, Ignition power supply etc.
Does it make sense to go down the road of converting glow engines to gas?
Generally - NO unless you do it as a hobby and "just because. For a Gasser to be worthwhile, you will want to have roller bearings etc in it and it is rarely justified. Without rollers, you need to run a high oil percentage and there goes the "Clean plane" advantage..
I am good at tuning the glow engines, and I assume that most principles still apply.
Yes they do - as long as you are not good at tuning because you are a "Needle fiddler". If you like fiddling with needles - DO NOT GO GAS. If you like to set and pretty much leave them alone - gas is good.
Please, let's open this up to honest, kind interaction so that people in my shoes can have good info.
Thanks!
Chris
I am basing the above remarks without taking the cost of fuel into account as you mentioned that is not an issue to you.
The other regularly quoted reason is for cleaner planes - electrics are cleaner than gas or glow and are readily available in the size range you are looking at.
In the size range you are looking at
Gas = lower fuel cost
Glow = less complexity
Field box really isn't that much different. I carry my small field box around that I always used. It has a power panel in it and had a small gel cel powering that when I was flying glow. When I fly Gas, all I take to the field is a plane, a small field box, a fuel jug and a radio. Same when I flew glow.
In larger planes, Gas makes a lot of sense due to fuel costs and the lack of availability of glow power in the sizes. Around 30cc is the real changeover point for those comments, 20cc becomes marginal and les than 20cc gas becomes a "Bling Thing".
Now I will sit back and watch this thread urill into many pages of personal opinions - just as I have given.