I don't feel that my Balsa Nova with an OS .46 FX is powered or propped correctly. I started with a MA 11x6 prop. Performance was just OK. I then installed a Tower Hobbies muffler power seemed to pick up, but still not the vertical performance I would like. Also the muffler leaks fuel from every seem--what a mess.

I went back to the OS muffler, but put on a MA 11x4 prop. Now the plane flies slow and doesn't have any better vertical performance. I had wanted to put on a 12x4 but couldn't find one.

How would a Macs muffler perform?

Should I just bite the bullet and put on a new engine and maybe purchase a new cowl--say a .61 or .75? What larger engine would fit in the cowl that would let me pull out of a hover or do a knife edge loop? Would a Saito .72 4C fit within the cowl?

Should I sell the plane and put the .46 on a Something extra?

Webra 50 needed

11x5 for a good speed/thrust combination

APC "fun-fly" 12.25x3.75 for max thrust

I don't know what that plane weighs, but I have a 12.25x3.75 prop on a fun fly I built that weighs 5.5 lbs and it will go straight up. Just FYI

Josh

I have a Balsa Nova 40 with OS46FX in it too. I run stock muffler, Master Airscrew 11x5 and 20/20 fuel. Mine will hover at around 3/4 throttle. I even have 4 Futaba 148's in it which are heavy in my opinion. I LOVE my Nova. I'm going to get an APC 12.25x3.75 and one of those after market mufflers and that should make it really rock!!!

If I was to build another one, I think I would put a YS63 in the nose of it.

Trying to post a picture of my Nova.

Save the MA props for mixing paint and epoxy. Bolt an APC on the front of the engine and you will have better performance.

John

Don't chuck the tower muffler... Just disassemble it... clean it with hot soapy water.... seal the barrel with the two end pieces with high temp silicone, let it dry for 24 hours and bolt that puppy on!!!

I agree with tossing the MA props in the river, but it was all I had. I am waiting on a new spinner for the 12" APC to fit in, the one I have wont fit over the prop I have.

2fast4u, that is one sweet looking plane you have. What's it covered with and how long did it take?

John

Thanks JWN, it's all Monokote, and the gear and pants are Monokote paint too. The color scheme took longer to come up with, than it did to apply. I think I spent the better part of 4 days covering it.

create the curved checkerboard?

John

Look closer, the checks are in a straight line, but the outside border of the checkered area is curved. I draw the pattern on the plans, then transfer it to a stiff poster board paper, cut the pattern out of that, then use it as the pattern to cut the Monokote. (That is for shapes and curves) Checkers are easyer than they look. Use a straight edge (ruler or metal yard stick) to cut a strip of covering, then just cut lengths of that strip and lay them down. Vary the sizes and do another row. You will get it real quickly. Draw the border on the covering and stop your checkers at the border. Now lay a "cheater strip" (the yellow part) down to hide the edges. There you are, a knock out visual effect.

The slanted checkers on the fuse threw me off on the wing. I didn't look very close and at first thought the wing checkers were curved because of the yellow strip, varied size, and slanted fuse checkers.

It's a great looking plane and I now have some new ideas for my SE if I can ever get moving on it!

John

You should try Master Airscrew's SCIMITAR props; I think for .61 an smaller planes work better than APC's
I'm not sure if they have a 12.25 x 3.75 though but hey are very good
Regards
patrick

I had a Tower 46 in my modified Balsanova 40 and while the plane weighed under 5 lbs the performance was not good enough. I bought a MDS 68 and while it was nearly a half pound more it turned the plane into a really stout performer. It's a great plane and with enough power I liked it even more. I just wish that I wouldn't have lightened the stab as much as I did. Opps ouch bye bye nice plane. I have another one half built and I'm planning on learning from my mistake. :stupid:

I have seen 2fast's Balsa Fly and will attest to its performance. I liked it so much I had to have one, recently got one thanks to RCU. 2Fast would not sell me that sweet looking one, the meanie!

I really cooks on the .46 flat out. I did not get to see th hover, but I saw some really nice flat spins and high roll rate. I have not gotten mine ready to fly yet, but I can't wait.

Have you not purchased that YS63 yet 2Fast? Guess you need 2 of them now.

Kirby

I'd bet you'd get the performance you looking for in a lighter package... Say for example the Irvine 53... awesome performer and even more powerfull with a pipe..... You won't have to sacrifice in the weight department...

I got the YS63 this week, but it's going on the Seduction Free Style Ono!! I am going to change props and go to a Performance Specialties exhaust. That should be all the extra power I need to really get into this plane. I have the Balsa Nova 120 kit waiting in the wings, and a Saito 150 to go in it. One of my buddies has this set up and WOW is it a GREAT combo. Knife edge loops at 1/3 throttle, unlimited vert at 1/2 throttle and more.