RE: magnum engine question,
I don't know that there is really such a thing as a "bad" engine sold in the United States anymore. I own engines by O.S., Saito, Thunder Tiger, Magnum, Super Tigre, and I like them all. I had a good experience with a GMS .47 engine that I owned, as well.
I have a Magnum XLS .52A 2-stroke that I have run for three seasons along with several O.S. .46 FX/FXi engines, and I consider the Magnum to be equal in terms of power and reliability.
As previously stated, Global Hobby is the distributor for Magnum engines and they provide service and warranty support as well as spare parts. The engines are a good value for the money and Global has a good reputation for customer service.