ORIGINAL: Al Gelders
I just got my box from Tower last week. I can't make up my mind about engines, though. I had planned on either the Saito 170R or 182T but after a frustrating weekend with my trusty OS 61 doing everything but run while watching the electric guys fly over and over while I dealt with one silly problem after another I've started thinking seriously that just maybe electrons make more sense than nitro. I know there are a couple of electric GP Stearmans out there. What kind of problems have been seen converting this plane to electric? Is there any safe place to put a battery hatch? Also, I would have thought that the additional drag of a bipe would make for really short flights. If someone could steer me to a thread covering the entire electric conversion of a Stearman maybe then I could make a decision. BTW, this would be my first foray into electric. Thanks.
Al
IMO this one would not be a good cadidate for electric conversion as there is no good place for a battery access hatch. Look closely at the fuse and you'll see what I mean. I have a 170 on my plane and here's what's worked for me: break it in for one gallon with 15% all castor oil fuel, then switch to 30%, use an on board glow up to half throttle and run a 16 x 8 APC prop. Don't let the price of the 30% fuel bother you, the 170 goes a long way on not that much fuel. Also, you have to stay on top of the valve adjustment, when one gets too far out it throws the engine out of whack and you start dropping cylinders. If you want more reliable engine, go with a G-26. Plenty of power and the plane needs nose weight anyway.