vertigo72480

I recently picked up a brand new ARF from a fellow RC pilot. The box has the website for Powerline Hobbies on it. [link=http://www.powerlinehobbies.com/.]Powerlinehobbies.[/link]

It looks like a great ARF. Good glue joints, excellent fitment, awesome covering job. But I don't know what engine to put in it. I am considering an OS .91, but I'm just not sure. This plane has huge control surfaces, dual servos in the wing and elevator, and a pull pull setup for the rudder. The wingspan in 55.5 inches.

Can anyone suggest an engine for this model?

Here's a picture of the plane with my radio up against it for perspective. The radio is a Futaba 6EXA.

tIANci

Its a 40 sized plane and is made for 3D for sure. If the AUW is about 6 lbs then any 46 sized 2C will fly her for sure. A SA82 would be more fun. If you want to have more fun then the OS91 (2C or 4C) will be really nuts. Your plane will be possibly nose heavy and you should need to move your RX battery further back.

What does Powerline say? The website is down. You need to know the AUW. Calculate the current plane's weight, add about 16 oz for radio equipment etc and then see which engine you wanna go with and you should have a good idea of the AUW. The SA82 is fine for anything of about 6 lbs maxfor 3D. The OS91FX will haul butt on a 8 lbs plane.

Using the OS91 may not be what you want. The wing loading will go up and may not be that fun to fly. Still to each their own ... I love Lasers but I have yet to see one for 3D.

Salty25

My Feedback: (9)

Mike, did you try comparing this Laser to others? PA makes a 40 size Laser that has a 55 inch wing span. Not sure about the weight difference. But it may help you get in the ball park with engine choices.

vertigo72480

OK, the link works now. If the OS91 is going to be too much how about a Supertiger 75? I would estimate that total weight with radio equip is around 6 to 8 pounds. Powerline doesn't have the aircraft listed, but I was able to get a hold of Phyllis at Powerline throught email, and all she was able to do was send me another copy of the assembly instructions which has no mention of engine size.

Speed isn't the idea with this plane. With the huge control surfaces I'm looking more at precision aerobatics. Too much speed and I'm afraid that it'll rip something off. I was planning on running a low pitch prop too. Lots of power, not too much speed. Perhaps the .75 would be a better fitment?

Salty, who is PA? I'm pretty sure I've never heard of them. I'll probably slap myself when you tell me.

Thanks for the info so far!

Salty25

My Feedback: (9)

Sorry Mike. I tend to forget everyone doesn't speak my code.

Pacific Aeromodel; here is a link to their Laser 40 http://www.pacaeromodel.com/Laser200/40size/Lase40r.htm

The instruction manual doesn't say anything about the engine size? Now that is weird; hope it gave you the CG range.

CG = Center of Gravity

vertigo72480

The pictures that the link takes me to shows a plane that is almost identical to the one I have, right down to the yellow covered wing tube. Just a little different in the lightening holes. HMMM....

WELL, I know what CG stands for. I reread the instructions again. They refer to the model as a Laser200-40. SO, I am assuming that they mean the model is 40 sized. Seems way too big to be a 40 size plane. I think I'm going to go with the 75. A good mix of power, and not too big I feel. I can still swing a big prop, and have enough power to tug this thing around.

Salty25

My Feedback: (9)

I figured you would know what CG stood for.

If you're going to put a 75 on the plane I'd check to make sure you ahve enough room for your prop to clear. Or maybe put a 3 blade on for a little extra clearance.

I'm going to be starting a Seagull Laser pretty soon. It's basically the same cover scheme, just swap the colors around. Mine is mostly yellow with blue highlights.

vertigo72480

As far as props go, I was thinking maybe a 12x4 or a 13x4, even thought Supertigre suggests a 12x6 or 13x6. I think a pitch of 6 will be too much. I'm not afraid to experiment though.

ehfleming

My Feedback: (5)

I don't think a 12x4 is going to be enough prop for your engine, IMO. You may have trouble with idle and mid-range, plus over-speed at the top-end. I have a 12x6 APC on my ST 75/UCD, works fine, but I still have to watch over-speed at full throttle. My ST runs best with a 12x8, but my UCD flies better with the 12x6. The Laser isn't much of a 3D plane, desinged more for pattern type flying. Most Laser models behave very well in "normal" flight, no real bad tendencies, and they can handle some speed. But you don't want to get any of them too slow on approach, most will drop a wing in an instant, if you do. I'm not familiar with this particular model, but if it is designed like most other Lasers, with that sharp leading edge, I'm guessing it will fly like them too. My first engine choice for this plane would be a strong .46, then an SA72 or 82. Any way you go, hope it flies like you want[8D]

vertigo72480

Well the wing doesn't have too sharp of an edge. I suspect that the slow speed characteristics will be on the "floaty" side. 3D isn't in the flight plans right away, but pattern and precision aerobatics are. I'm stepping up from the Modeltech .25 Extra. and Tower Hobbies Uproar 40. This plane promises to be a lot of fun. If you think that 12x4 is too small, how about a 13x5? I'm not looking to bog the engine down, but I want to be able to rocket vertically with no problem. I think that a 13x5 might do the trick then.

vertigo72480

I've got a whole bunch of pictures for you guys. Some show deflection, some just show off. Here you go!

ehfleming

My Feedback: (5)

13x5? Sure, give it a try. Rocket vertically? I dunno. That may have as much to do with available engine torque at a given rpm as over all power. But I sense I'm getting into theoretical mud now. Bottom line, you'll decide what you like and what you'll want to change on this bird and the next. Of course, now is the time for you to hang out with the pattern guys. I'm sure they will be glad to tell you everything you're doing right and wrong and wrong[:'(] and wrong[sm=tired.gif] and wrong[&:]. For now, first priority is get her flying, then take it from there. Happy Landings

vertigo72480

I'm considered one of the pattern guys. Also one of the crazy guys. I do full speed touch and go's with my Tower Hobbies Uproar.

vertigo72480

This plane is no longer in existence. It flew apart on it's maiden flight and I have yet to hear from Powerline Hobbies. Upon inspection, myself, the field safety officer, and another experienced pilot discovered that a glue joint in the rear fuselage failed. There was a butt joint where the rudder and elevator met that failed. This joint could not be checked as it was under the covering and sheeting. I've never had a proble with an ARF before, but I guess everyone gets one at some point in time. I'm very disappointed in this situation.