Hi,

I have been away from the hobby for a few years and have been itching to return. I started flying in 1973 with my dad and continued flying with him for the next 16 years or so. I left the hobby to attend college, so flying was out for a while. I later started flying again for a few years and but left the hobby (started a family). Now that my children are all grown and on their own, I, once again am back (hopefully to stay)!!

I flew what is now called "Classic Pattern" and some scale. Since winter will soon be here (Michigan), I am planning to build a .40 size classic pattern plane (Gator Flea, or Dirty Birdy - I flew both these back in the 70's & 80's). I have a Magnum XLS 46 that I bought a few years ago new and have never ran it. It still turns over like it was when I first got it. My question is:

Will this be a good "fit" for either of the (2) planes that I listed above, or should I invest in a newer engine, possibly an O.S. 35AX or O.S. 46AXII? Also, what brand of retracts would be a good match for a .40 pattern plane (I used Rhom-Air back in the day)?

Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,