1.20-size "Pipe-friendly" aerobatic or Pattern ship
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From: Houston, TX
I am looking for a good aerobatic or pattern airplane for my TT Pro 1.20RP 2stroke. This is a very good running and powerful engine, but the rear exhaust tuned pipe sticks out of the fueslage of the typical CAP/Giles/Extra. I would like to get a model, preferably an ARF, that is designed specifically for a tuned pipe setup.
I'm nowhere near competitive level, but I would like to start learning pattern and IMAC routines.
I'm nowhere near competitive level, but I would like to start learning pattern and IMAC routines.
#2

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Piedmont Models ARF and ARC Focus accommodates two-cylce pipes.
http://www.piedmontmodels.com/focus.htm
Glen Watson
http://www.geocities.com/rcprecision/pah.html
http://www.piedmontmodels.com/focus.htm
Glen Watson
http://www.geocities.com/rcprecision/pah.html
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From: Chapel Hill, NC
Thanks for the Focus recommendation. Add: You'll want that motor to be able to swing a 16x10 APC in the mid 8s for the Focus. There are plenty of other suitable prop/rpm combinations, but that's pretty much where it starts.
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From: Houston, TX
Lee, I didn't see engine recommendation for the focus. Also, does it accomodate a regular pipe (e.g. Mac's or Hatori) or just the Greve's pipe? Thanks.
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From: Chapel Hill, NC
Volfy,
I don't generally recommend specific engines for the Focus unless asked, because as soon as I say something isn't appropriate somebody will tell that I'm an idiot and that they're using it with no problem. Since you asked, my list is OS 1.40 and Webra 1.45 2 stroke, YS 1.40L and YS 1.40DZ 4 stroke. These engines will do the job in any class all the way to the top. There are any number of less powerful engines that are fine for somebody starting off.
The Focus will accomodate most any tuned pipe except for the Bolly tuned pipes. At 640mm they don't fit many planes. The Bolly 590 or Bolly 480 mufflers fit fine though they give up 200-300 rpm compared to a tuned pipe. For many beginning Pattern pilots the rpm loss is academic.
The above info applies to most current Pattern plane designs. The newer high volume fuselages fly at slower speeds than in years past, but the additional drag requires serious horsepower to get through some of the more difficult maneuvers. The situation is compounded on windy days.
Radfly,
It's difficult to determine fuel consuption rates that have meaning in real world application. Most are given for full throttle operation, but with high horsepower engines the only time you are at full throttle is during some vertical lines. All I can say is that the Webra 1.45 is economical relative to other engines in it's class. On a 20 oz tank my practice flights are 2 consecutive rounds of Masters with a more than safe margin left in the tank. Also, one of the nice things about 2 strokes is that they like cheap fuel compared to 4 strokes. I run 15% nito/17% oil Red Max that I buy by the barrel for around $7.50/gal.
I don't generally recommend specific engines for the Focus unless asked, because as soon as I say something isn't appropriate somebody will tell that I'm an idiot and that they're using it with no problem. Since you asked, my list is OS 1.40 and Webra 1.45 2 stroke, YS 1.40L and YS 1.40DZ 4 stroke. These engines will do the job in any class all the way to the top. There are any number of less powerful engines that are fine for somebody starting off.
The Focus will accomodate most any tuned pipe except for the Bolly tuned pipes. At 640mm they don't fit many planes. The Bolly 590 or Bolly 480 mufflers fit fine though they give up 200-300 rpm compared to a tuned pipe. For many beginning Pattern pilots the rpm loss is academic.
The above info applies to most current Pattern plane designs. The newer high volume fuselages fly at slower speeds than in years past, but the additional drag requires serious horsepower to get through some of the more difficult maneuvers. The situation is compounded on windy days.
Radfly,
It's difficult to determine fuel consuption rates that have meaning in real world application. Most are given for full throttle operation, but with high horsepower engines the only time you are at full throttle is during some vertical lines. All I can say is that the Webra 1.45 is economical relative to other engines in it's class. On a 20 oz tank my practice flights are 2 consecutive rounds of Masters with a more than safe margin left in the tank. Also, one of the nice things about 2 strokes is that they like cheap fuel compared to 4 strokes. I run 15% nito/17% oil Red Max that I buy by the barrel for around $7.50/gal.
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From: Florence, SC
I am just starting pattern, hopefully will enter my FOCUS in this weekends District 2 contest in Latta, SC.
Apparently, I have been practicing the wrong way. I have been flying all maneuvers full throttle, except on the down lines. This prevents the need to constantly correct the elevator for level flight.
The only reason I really know the consumption rates on my engines is bacause I set a count down timer on my radio which starts counting when my throttle is advanced. I can only get a ball park timer setting, but that is better than nothing.
You are right, is full throttle is not maintained, then there is no good way to know when your fuel reaches a critical level. And, atmospheric changes would change the consumption rate a bit.
I love my YS 1.40L, but as you say, the fuel is a bit expensive. I just slapped an OS 1.60 on my H9 Cap, and have fallen in love with the simplicity of the engine, and the cheaper 10% fuel.
I may continue to use my YS, but when it gives out, I will most likely buy the Webra 1.45. Mainly because I can use my current ARI mount with it, possibly my Hatori pipe as well.
Different subject, you guys may wish to offer either a carbon fiber or aluminum landing gear alternative. I notice most of the guys flying the FOCUS do not use the resin standard gear, so someone out there is making some money. Might as well be you.
Apparently, I have been practicing the wrong way. I have been flying all maneuvers full throttle, except on the down lines. This prevents the need to constantly correct the elevator for level flight.
The only reason I really know the consumption rates on my engines is bacause I set a count down timer on my radio which starts counting when my throttle is advanced. I can only get a ball park timer setting, but that is better than nothing.
You are right, is full throttle is not maintained, then there is no good way to know when your fuel reaches a critical level. And, atmospheric changes would change the consumption rate a bit.
I love my YS 1.40L, but as you say, the fuel is a bit expensive. I just slapped an OS 1.60 on my H9 Cap, and have fallen in love with the simplicity of the engine, and the cheaper 10% fuel.
I may continue to use my YS, but when it gives out, I will most likely buy the Webra 1.45. Mainly because I can use my current ARI mount with it, possibly my Hatori pipe as well.
Different subject, you guys may wish to offer either a carbon fiber or aluminum landing gear alternative. I notice most of the guys flying the FOCUS do not use the resin standard gear, so someone out there is making some money. Might as well be you.
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From: Lebanon,
OH
welcome to RCU Lee, glad to see you've joined.
Radyfly,
I use a 16oz tank with my focus/webra. can get one complete masters flight and some additional practice manuvers before landing. 2 complete sequences would be pushing it. there is no reason I used the 16oz other than thats what I had laying around at the time
I run 15% cool power and have since the engine was new. the plane has well over three hundred flights now.
Vofly,
I have a TT 1.20 pro at home as well. I started the same as you lokking for a plane for it, but ended up with the Webra / bolly 590 muffler. you would not be dissapointed with that combination. do you already have the header/ pipe combo for it? I had trouble finding a header for mine this spring.
Hubb
Radyfly,
I use a 16oz tank with my focus/webra. can get one complete masters flight and some additional practice manuvers before landing. 2 complete sequences would be pushing it. there is no reason I used the 16oz other than thats what I had laying around at the time
I run 15% cool power and have since the engine was new. the plane has well over three hundred flights now.Vofly,
I have a TT 1.20 pro at home as well. I started the same as you lokking for a plane for it, but ended up with the Webra / bolly 590 muffler. you would not be dissapointed with that combination. do you already have the header/ pipe combo for it? I had trouble finding a header for mine this spring.
Hubb
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From: Florence, SC
I really appreciate it.
The only thing I know I have botched up is the engine thrust. I have given it tremendous right thrust and I still need right rudder to make a straight upline.
Perhaps you can give me some pointers.
I am still not confident in my competing ability, so I may not fly. But, I will bring the bird for you to check out.
Thanks.
The only thing I know I have botched up is the engine thrust. I have given it tremendous right thrust and I still need right rudder to make a straight upline.
Perhaps you can give me some pointers.
I am still not confident in my competing ability, so I may not fly. But, I will bring the bird for you to check out.
Thanks.
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From: Houston, TX
Hubb,
I have two of these TT Pro120RP engines, and I bought them with "fuse-top" headers. I later bought a Mac's 25cc (#1195) tuned pipe for one of them but haven't decided what I'll get for the other one. BTW, this is the rear exhaust version with an integral pump, and it is designed specifically for use with a pipe. I really like this engine because it is extremely lightweight at 27.5 Oz. w/o pipe.
Lee,
I understand your reluctance to recommend engines. No problem. I ran the TT Pro120RP briefly on the bench and it wants to turn a MA 16x6 way past 10k rpm running overly rich and before I've even started tuning the pipe, all with 5%Nitro. Mac's website listed this engine as turning 8000rpm peak with an APC 16x14 on the pipe, so I have no doubt it will swing mid 8's with an APC 16x10, easily. My only concern is that the Mac's pipe is 23" long and has a fairly fat expansion section, so it may not fit the focus.
BTW, who sells Bolly pipes?
I have two of these TT Pro120RP engines, and I bought them with "fuse-top" headers. I later bought a Mac's 25cc (#1195) tuned pipe for one of them but haven't decided what I'll get for the other one. BTW, this is the rear exhaust version with an integral pump, and it is designed specifically for use with a pipe. I really like this engine because it is extremely lightweight at 27.5 Oz. w/o pipe.
Lee,
I understand your reluctance to recommend engines. No problem. I ran the TT Pro120RP briefly on the bench and it wants to turn a MA 16x6 way past 10k rpm running overly rich and before I've even started tuning the pipe, all with 5%Nitro. Mac's website listed this engine as turning 8000rpm peak with an APC 16x14 on the pipe, so I have no doubt it will swing mid 8's with an APC 16x10, easily. My only concern is that the Mac's pipe is 23" long and has a fairly fat expansion section, so it may not fit the focus.
BTW, who sells Bolly pipes?
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From: Lebanon,
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Vofly,
I understand now. mine is the side exhaust version. that is why I had so much trouble with the header. I think the pipe tunnel on the focus is plenty long enough for your pipe however. you can get bolly pipes from falcon hobby in canada, thats where mine came from although ill probably go with the greives pipe on my next one.
Hubb
I understand now. mine is the side exhaust version. that is why I had so much trouble with the header. I think the pipe tunnel on the focus is plenty long enough for your pipe however. you can get bolly pipes from falcon hobby in canada, thats where mine came from although ill probably go with the greives pipe on my next one.
Hubb
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From: Chapel Hill, NC
Volfy,
The Greve pipe is also 23" long and fits in my Focus OK. Here's a picture of it from the Piedmont Models web site.
www.piedmontmodels.com/greve_pipe_pic.htm
The Greve pipe is also 23" long and fits in my Focus OK. Here's a picture of it from the Piedmont Models web site.
www.piedmontmodels.com/greve_pipe_pic.htm
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I am rebuilding a TT120 Rear exhaust. Got all the parts except the engine, header & pipe. Somehow the postal service is delaying the delivery.
Volfy,
What size props have you tried with your TT 120?
How is the fuel consumption?
I am planning on using an ES Carbon 4C120SQ80 with Macs header replacing my YS91AC. (14 oz) fuel tank.
Based on what I heard from the original owner of the engine, I you should not have problem using the TT120 on the Focus.
He was flying CG Finesse with it. Enough power.
Volfy,
What size props have you tried with your TT 120?
How is the fuel consumption?
I am planning on using an ES Carbon 4C120SQ80 with Macs header replacing my YS91AC. (14 oz) fuel tank.
Based on what I heard from the original owner of the engine, I you should not have problem using the TT120 on the Focus.
He was flying CG Finesse with it. Enough power.



