Folks,

I have admired the looks and size of the Great Planes ultimate bipe kit for sometime now and have just received it as a gift. I have done extensive research here at RCU and most agree that in it's stock form the kit builds on the heavy side. I have several options open to me as far as how I want to power this particular bird, and am looking for some real life recommendations from the collective, So here it goes. I have available for use both an Irvine .53 2 stroke and a OS 61 fx 2 stroke. I have read where some consider a .46 to be marginal on this bird. I realize that that the Irvine is a stouter engine than most .46's out there and is probably more in line (power wise) as say an OS .50. Secondly, I have read that the OS .61 may require some heavy modifications to the cowl, which is really no big deal, but I would question as to whether or not anyone has mounted the .61 inverted for a better fit under the cowl? The third alternative I am considering is electric power. Can the airframe be lightened enought o make this a viable good performing aternative? If i did decide to go electric I would have to buy most of the components while I have the engines on hand. any real life experiences or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.


Thanks, Skunk39