ORIGINAL: last12know
I have a 40LA on my AVISTAR, it will not take off on a grass runway of any length. I don't think a 46LA would provide any more power than the 40.
I would like to thank everone who contributed to this thread, because I had the same questions about a radio and engine. I am also considering a second plane, the difference is I want something a little bigger like a 4* 60. There is one at our flying field with an OS 61 It appears to fly very well and have very good vertical performance.
We have a very weird thing that happens with Futaba radios at our field, we call it the Futaba Zone, were when the model is over a certain part of the field it take a "hit". Every plane is different in the things it does, for instance mine takes up throttle, right rudder, and up elevator, for about a second. And it only happens to people flying with Futaba. Has anyone head of this happening with other brands of radios, recievers? This will influence my decision on which brand of radio to buy. [8D]
Hope you got the extended warranty with your field!
At the field I fly at Futaba and JR are the two prominant radio brands used and I have seen them both do "funny" things with different planes. More likely a case of receiver setup in the planes than the transmitters though. We do have a couple spots at our field where you swear the plane is acting funny due to the fact that our field is in a valley and we have a small dropoff at one end of the field that seems to be where strange things typically seem to happen. My strangest flying experience was a couple months ago when we had a tornado go through town on the same day. Everything appeared calm when looking at the windsock and trees but my plane bounced around like crazy. Flying was no fun at all! I landed and packed it up after half a flight. Sometimes you just can't tell what the air over the field is doing.
bodypilot,
I recommend the TT .46 Pro if you are watching your funds. I have two of them and they are great engines. The only real advantage to the two OS choices is a slightly faster break-in period since they come from the factory machined a little finer. Either way you will be making a good choice. BTW, if you are seriously considering the OS, why not spend an extra $20.00 and get a Webra .50. These engines scream and are very light. If you want to get a .46 size 3D plane down the road you will be happy you have the extra power the Webra has to offer. Remember, planes come and go while engines tend to stick around to fly again.