Does anyone have an experience with this airplane? Also need suggestions on engines for this airplane. The dealer is suggesting Zenoah gas 20cc. I prefer OS glow. Guys at the field are telling to get off of glow and go with gas for this airplane. Thanks

think they are right about gas over glow 26cc should be right

The 20cc is a perfect match for this model.

Karol

I have been flying this plane for about two years with the Zenoah G20 ei installed. If you like scale type flying then the G20ei should fit your needs. In my opinion it needs more engine and I am in the process of doing just that. The engines I have considered are the OS 120AX, Zenoah G26ei, DLE-20 and the DLE-30. I am now leaning toward the OS120AX because of the simplicity of installation. I own each of the other engines so it is not a case of having to buy another engine. I do not fly 3D but I do like large loops and such and the G20 just does not have the power but, it is the smoothest running engine and most reliable engine you can imagine. I also had serious engine overheating problems installing the G20 and cowl exactly as shown in the manual. I had to send my brand new G20 back to Horizon twice for serious overheating repairs. The first time they replaced the engiine and the second time they rebuilt it. I ultimately solved the problem by opening the cowl directly in front of the engine cylinder (fins) and using epoxy to glue lite ply flow directors to channel cooling air directly onto the cylinder cooling fins. Once I did that I had no problems with heating issues again. I use a 17-6 prop and sometimes a 16-8. The engine is usually between 2/3 to full power for the entire flight and I have many, many flights on the plane. It is built like a tank. One last comment, there are very few other planes (ARFs) that get the attention of your fellow modelers as does this one, it is a real looker. Happy flying

Howard

Running the G20 with any of the better quality and less restrictive side dump mufflers than the stock unit gives an appreciable boost in performance, approx. 500+ rpm increase at WOT.

Karol

Karol,

Do you know if that includes the B&B side dump carb for the G20ei. Also, what side dump muffler woule you recommend and what prop are you using. If I can make the G20ei work it would be great. An additional 500 rpm would be worth trying first. It is an exceptional engine, just no enough oomph for 15 lb plane. (IMHO) Thanks

Howard

The B&B side dump muffler gives the best performance of all, but unfortunately is the loudest of the lot. Regarding props by trial I have gotten the best performance from the Hawk or Xoar 17x6 or 16x6 depending on the available ground clearance. Have you watched the review video of the model flying with the G20.

Karol

I have this ARF and have installed a Syssa SAP 180 in it. What an absolutely great engine this is! Haven't touched the initial needle settings. Starts easily, idles smoooooth, and transitions to full throttle QUICK! Highly recommend this engine!! Only thing I have left to do is cut the cowl for the exhaust. <div>
</div><div>Only problem with the Taylorcraft has been the covering being fairly wrinkled. But, judicious application of the covering iron solved that problem.</div><div>
</div><div>I didn't use the included fuel tank. With the stock tank cap extending into and through the firewall, didn't leave any room for the choke plate on the Syssa. </div><div>
</div><div>I made a throttle servo box and mounted it on the plate where "Raggedy Andy" and the seat were supposed to be installed. Instead, I placed the throttle servo box on the plate along with cutting some slots to run velcro beside the throttle box. I mounted a16oz 4titude fuel tank next to it which worked GREAT!</div><div>
</div><div>Overall, this ARF went together quickly and the majority of the parts fit well except for the cabin hatch. It was WAY too large and required some fitting. The windscreen needed attention as well but NOTHING ever goes as it's supposed to....at least for me.</div><div>
</div><div>I'm using 1 2300mah 6v Nimh battery to power everything along with a Syssa IBE. Like to keep things simple and I've had good luck with this set up. I'm going to start out with a Vess 18.5X5.5 initally and have a couple of other Vess props to try as well.</div><div>
</div><div>Good Luck and Best Regards!</div>

Just as a side note, Horizon now offers this aircraft as a BNF model. The engine they use is the Zenoah G26 magneto. According to the email I got from Horizon, this is the same airfame as the ARF version.

<div>GBR2,</div><div>
</div><div>According to the Hangar 9 site, you are correct in that both offerings are the same airframe.</div><div>
</div>The Taylorcraft 26cc BNF (HAN4920) is listed at $1279.99 &amp; includes 6-Spectrum S6000 servos, Spectrum AR8000 receiver, &amp; Zenoa 26cc engine &amp; CNC spinner pre-installed. <div>
</div><div>The Taylorcraft 20cc ARF (HAN4900) is listed at $559.99.</div><div>
</div><div>Since I had a number of servos on hand along with the majority of the other bits &amp; pieces to finish this assembly &amp; knowing I wanted to try out the Syssa 30cc engine, I chose the ARF.</div><div>
</div><div>Either of these will get you in the air with a really nice aircraft!</div><div>
</div><div>Best Regards! </div>

Beginner question on this kit - the gas engines are installed with the cylinder head down (upside down) in the cowl of this aircraft.  Is the same done if you install a glow engine?  In other words you install the glow engine with the cylinder head down and when starting it you put the glow plug starter on from the bottom? Sorry for the dumb questions but am still relatively new.  Thanks

Hi Azarras,

I've gotten back into this hobby over the last 8-10 months after a break of 25+ years so Iam not the expert on this issue by any means. Idon't recall there being any/many gas engineswhen I first started flying RC back in the early/mid '80's. The equipment certainly has changed as has the quality, size, and complexity of aircraft being offered and certainly the skill level of the people this hobby has by the short hairs, me included... not skill level.....the other 'cause I'm hooked!

With that said, my opinion on your question is this-I think the mounting of any power plant is dependant upon the amount of room in the cowl and how much or little the builder/assembler wishes to cut the cowl to get the engine to fit within the cowl's confines.

I don't know that it really matters with most engines if the cylinder head is up or down, just the room allotted to install it and the cowl. I've read here on this forum that folks have tilted the engine head to just about any point in an effort to make it fit. In addition, engine cooling comes into play as do a myriad of other points such as throttle,choke, ignition, and fuel linerouting.

If I'm mistaken in my thought process, something my wife often tells me happens with great regularity,I'm VERY LUCKYto have married someone who is always right and more than willing to point out to me when I'm mistaken. THANKSDEAR!!!!!!!!!, I'm certain someone will chime in with the correct answer and will most likely make much better sense that I have here.

BTW...not a dumb question at all. There's a steep learing curve in this hobby and, as you probably know, the only dumb question is the one not asked.

It takes ALOTof research to find answers when all one has are the internet forums to glean information from. As of yet, I haven't found any books or clearly written articles that teach a newbie (ME) the step-by-step process of building or assembling either glow or gas aircraft and all the associated electronic and mechanical equipment needed. Most all I've learned has been by research and asking questions on the boards. A LOTof really good people have helped me progress to the point I'm at now and I've said"Thank You" many many times.

Best Regards &amp; Good Luck!!