I want to side mount an OS FX .46 in this plane. Is it possible to do this with the nose gear mounted to the firewall? What other parts do I need to accomplish this? Has anyone had any experience doing this on this plane or any other with a firewall mounted nose gear? Any help is appreciated. Be gentle, this is my first post.

Why would you want to mount the engine sideways?? Looks wise on this plane, it might even look worse with the engine sticking out on the side because you would have to chop away the sides of the fuselage for the engine to clear which would look like crap. Also there won't be room for the standard muffler. You would have to go to a a pitts style muffler to keep from interferring with the nose wheel. You would also have to change the engine mount but with the wheel assembly sticking down I don't even know how you could do this. If you did find a mount that would work, you would now have to install new T nuts inside the firewall which isn't easy to do once the fuselage is built around the fuel tank compartment. Personally I don't see any advantage and I wouldn't bother.[8D]

Welcome to RCU !

I am sure it could be done if you want that bad enough. I am just curious as to why ? I have had three of these fine planes and mounted all the engines stock (OS .52FS).

Quickly thinking about your solution would include purchasing :

New engine mount. One possibly with a side install in mind with a nosegear mount integrated. Do not know if this exists or not (??).

If you cannot find a mount as noted above. Get the Carl Goldberg nosegear bearing (or two) and mount the nosegear on the inside of the firewall. You will have to make a hole in the fuse underside for the nosegear to poke through to get to the CG nosegear bearings (this is ala Eagle 2 (63) setup). This will also cut into your space for your fuel tank; this is just another potential problem.

You will also have to cut the side of the fuse so the engine can stick out. This alone would deter me from doing this. It seems the further I go into this (lol), the more you have to "fix" with your fix.

Hope this helps you and good luck !

CJ

The main reason for trying to do this is mainly for looks. I would be getting a Bisson muffler so the pipe comes out the bottom of the cowl. I just don't like the look of the stock muffler thats all.

There are some pictures of a side mount earlier in this thread.

If its going to be real pain I won't bother I guess. But I think it can be done.

squatch,

Do what you want, I would ! lol

Seriously, I saw another thread where you asked the same questions and another poster did what you describe. Go for it if it is what you want. Post some pictures of your progress too ! I love seeing mods so I can use them later if needed .

CJ