RE: Smallest Engine Possible/Four Star 60???
How much does it weigh? Eight pounds is common, even nine, but the 4*60 can come out under 7 if I'm right about my current build. If not overweight, a good .32 - .36 should fly it decently with the right prop--I'm guessing 11x4.
I flew a Senior Falcon on an OS .40 FP and it could do outside loops, but it only weighed 5 1/4 lbs. Still, it took off easily and I'm sure it would have gotten off with a lot more weight. Very similar size and airfoil to the 4*60. I've got a Skylark (smaller but similar) with a .25 FP that weighs 4 lbs and it needs a good 200 feet of runway.
Those "Spirit of St. Louis" takeoffs are a fun challenge! Do tell us what happens...
Jim