The wheels are the stock 2 3/4" i have a os 46ax in it and it flies this plane with plenty to spare but the 52 should do well. The engine is mounted slightly down from a 90 degree. I flew it this morning in some wind and it handled it very well. Our club has a paved runway but i did taxi it in the grass and landed in the grass once and it did fine. The wheel pants are pretty strong so i don't think you would have any problems with them. I will post some pictures later that i took yesterday.