ORIGINAL: Fastsky
In response to "where did anyone read .40 sized glow engine vs. electric parkflyer motor." Skaggydog was asking about trainers for his son. 40 size trainers are considered to be fairly standard so I used that as a starting point.
I think he was questioning the parkflyer side of the comparison (I know I was)... looking at a .40 glow plane vs. 540+ electric motor plane would be a more fair comparison for "glow vs. electric".
The only electrics that I've seen or heard of flying very well have brushless/LiPo setups. Most of the brushed setups with NiMH or NiCd cells that I've seen, flown, or read about all seem to be underpowered. It is hard to get a good thrust to weight ratio with the brushed setups and the inexpensive NiMH or NiCd cells. Most of the reviews I've read of brushed electric kits end up with the author trying the stock brushed motor, not liking it, and then sticking a brushless setup in it, and saying it flew great afterwards...
Believe me, if someone finds a great flying electric with just a brushed setup & NiMH/NiCd batts, I'd like to hear about it! That is the cheapest and easiest way to go if it will work well!