Even if you completely forget about the HP claims, the bottom line is that .60 trainers are designed around lesser engines, and give very good performance with the .60LA style engines.

As such the .46 normally aspirated engines are their equivalents and will fly the plane equally well.

There is no need for the OP to settle for a smaller plane, nor spend his money on a larger engine for his desired trainer. Doing either is a "poor idea".

I've instructed many students on .60 trainers with .60LA engines and NO "disappointment" was involved.

The planes would not prop hang, but otherwise they performed VERY well and were perfectly configured for their intended purposes... to be a trainer.

Given that the .46 ABC style engines produce the same amount of power as a .60LA for which the trainers were designed, it may be a bit disingenuous to suggest that he must upgrade to avoid disappointment.


If anything there is a reason that .60 trainers like this one : [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGHD4**&P=ML]Click me![/link] , underscore the point and the configuration.

The above trainer is supplied with a .60LA engine.