Yes I did. When I first started in the hobby my first trainer was a Nexstar and I got a LA40 for it. This is a 1.0Bhp engine.
My instructor said although it would fly the plane is did not have enough power to "power" itself out of a problem if I was to get into that kind of situation. He suggested I increase the size and or Hp of engine. Not knowing any better I purchased a OS 50SX. I say not knowing any better because of the price you pay for one of these engines. BUT having 1.8 Bhp in the same space DOES make a world of difference in preformance. The plane will climb straight up to the limits of my sight now without any slowdown. Hope this helps.

Bruce