I started out with an RTF trainer. I aquired a few more fliers and eventually got too brave with and destoyed the trainer. However, I found a great use for the engine and radio gear. I came into a World Model's Air combat series Zero. This pane is made for a 25 size engine and four channel radio. There are four differnt trim schemes available. Well the good old 40LA is pretty mild and extremely reliable, so I put all of the hardware from my trainer into one of these. What a kick in the pants. Low cost equals low risk. The ARF kit is listed at only $80. I put a 9x7 prop on it, and had a great time. I had a bit too much fun with it and stuffed it last week, but a new one is on the way. I'm trying to get a few guys together to race 'em. Talk about cheap entry. I had no flutter problems. The 40LA is mild enough that it seems to work out as a hotter 25. So, for $80 I put together a quick little taildragger that's kind of a high speed trainer. I think it's a great way to "store" an old 40LA.

Can you post a link to where you got it for $80? How about some pics?

I used my OS 40LA in the Thunder Tiger Lazy Tiger P-51. It's a great match for that plane and is a lot of fun to fly. It balances out pretty good as well.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAVN4&P=7

Find it here.
Air Borne models is in Livermore. They ship fast.
It's called the Aircombat series.

http://www.airborne-models.com/html/...html#aircombat

Did you have to put much weight in the tail?
I had one of these (the P47) a while back but used a GMS .32 for power. Slammed it nose first into a boulder on the maiden flight due to a bum rx. Repaired the front end (was pretty well splintered) and flew it a few times but the engine turned out to have a cracked case and I ended up scrapping the whole plane for parts. I had originally gotten the plane to combat with another flier at the field but he vanished once I got it and I decided to go a different direction as far as flying.
I happen to have an LA .46 that is semi-retired and another one of the combat series planes might be a good home from what you say.
I remember that they do retail for $80.

I keep an LA by the back door to throw at the neighbors' dogs when they come in my yard. It's a nice size and weight for throwing. It's painted flame orange for easy retrieval.

I had a 46la and put it in the TT Lazy Cub. It balanced easy, and with an 11x3 MA prop all but torqued the thing.

I never thought of throwing it at the neighborhood dogs... Where the heck is my Spectrum wing?

The Tower Uproar is also a good match for this engine. I've seen this combo fly, very light and looked like a lot of fun.

Another use for the LA.
I decided to get with the speed stuff a while back but wanted a slower engine for the Shrike 40.This is a very fast plane so wanted to get comfy with it before I went to a hot type engine. I had a LA40 laying around and decided to go with it. Talkin bout perfect.It really worked out and still have a Shrike with the LA in it.
For those of you that have thought about going the Shrike route.Try it first,and you'll have a ball.It's much quicker than you'd think.

Later
Walt

This is a great thread....I have an LA .40 sitting idle that could use a good home also......keep the ideas coming!

Stick it in an arf Quickie like Lanier's. Goes fairly fast, for quickie training or sport flying, good windy day plane. You do need to add a tailwheel, though if you want to taxi.

Jim,
You said Lanier.I assume you meant the Predator,Dominator and those types.Good idea.I have a Viper with a 46 Pro and it's plenty fast and fun.Mine has the V tail and if your using a computer radio (6XA) you can program "ruddervators" into it and the tail acts somewhat like a rudder for turning left or rite for taxying.I'd never heard the term ruddervators till I got this plane. By holding left or rite and goosing the engine,it will kick around rite or left from the sudden burst of air over the tail.This don't work too well if it's windy because the plane is so lite, but if it's somewhat calm,it works well.This way I don't need a tailwheel which would be a pain on a V tail.

I agree,the LA would move this plane pretty well too as long as you just want a comfy flier without the blistering speed.I like speed too but when I want a good easy flier and somewhat fast,I break out the LA on the Shrike.I'll say this.I got some of those whistles from I4C and even with the LA engine,they sound off perfect.So the LA moves it plenty fast enough to sound off.

Later
Walt