I am in the same situation as rcslim. Going to get my first gas (26cc) engine in about two months, so I have been reading the various threads on here looking for info. Was pretty sure I was going to get a BCMA (thats one long thread to read! http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3967906/tm.htm ) engine, mostly because the BCMA is a little lighter weight, and it seems Adam? has good customer service. Now, after reading (probably too much!), I am a little undecided. Like rcslim, I would like dependable and repairable, but also an engine that has a good track record of running good right out of the box. I understand how small engines work, but I really don't want to have to become a engine "expert" right now. I keep reading about different carbs and different ignitions and what not. Please don't flame anybody here, but is there any draw backs to getting the "Chinese" engines? I don't mind spending the extra dollars, actually I would prefer to spend the money if I am getting a better product. And thanks rcslim for starting this thread. Hope you get the answers you are looking for. My son and I are probably going to do several 60 size planes in the next few years, and I would like to keep the same brand gas engine in all of them.
Thanks for the help and information.