Originally posted by Kris^
Super]
I am getting some extremely negative vibes from you. . .it seems you have made this a personal vendetta to nay-say and attempt to contradict almost everything discussed.
Fact is, the BME 55, when it gets here (someday) will be a tremendous step forward in both power improvement and weight removal from an engine in the 50-55cc size class. Whether the final "maxed out" weight of the 55 is 3 lbs, 2lbs 8 ounces or 3.25 lbs does not really matter. Right now, Keith Baker is within 2 ounces of his target weight, and well above his power output level. That tells ME that the final product is going to be VERY good indeed, and that eveyone else, including all the glow guys, is going to be playing catch-up.
Now, admittedly, Keith WANTS 1.99 lbs final weight, with plug and mount. he may have to ditch the mount to get it, but rest assured he's GOING to try to get it there. And, even with a "worst case" scenario, the engine will gross no more than 3 lbs installed and ready to run.
Iis the nature of 2-stroke engines that they are going to be lighter than 4-strokes of the same power level. It's just the nature of the beast. nothing agaisnt the YS140. . at it's current price, though, it's far more expensive than a comparable BME55, requires much more expensive fuel, makes about half the power, and weighs within a few ounces once all the installation is said and done.
I REALLY hope some pattern jocks get the "stones" to try a BME55 in a pattern plane, using a 3-bladed prop and quiet pipe to out-silence the big 4-strokes. It would be interesting to see how many "hard core" YS guys make a quick switch to more power for the same weight
Then, you have to remember. . .a Gasser, unlike a glow motor, leaves NO smoke trail. . I wonder how many points Pattern jocks get gigged when the judges can easily see the bobbles and miscues just by the exhaust trail from the engine. . . Imagine going to a Meet and having NO exhaust trail to give away your mistakes. . . . Gee. . ANOTHER point in the BME55's favor. .
I was just talking to Keith Sat. at the field about making a 30 something size to go come some planes i have designed. They will replace the Y/S 120-140's that on them now. I can make the body a little wider to take them and i will have a good pattern plane. Your right on the smoke thing they see every mistake you can't cover that trail up. A 30 plus would pull the 2 meter plane at half throttle and when you need more power it would be there. Plus no more $25 a day for fuel i like that part of it to. You all so have less clean up at the end of the day. Thats lots of PLUS for BME.
James