Do not know about converting to glow power but I have one using a brushless outrunner and it is great. I did build a new wing (flat--i.e. no dihedral) and installed ailerons. It is a blast, getting 10 to 15 minute flights and it will do it all although the rolls are a little slow. Even take offs on a grass field is no problem. I would expect an .049 to be more than ample glow power.