I picked up a Rambler 45 today. what engines seem to work well on this plane? They recommend something in the .46 range but the plane seems a little on the large side for that. I'm sure it would fly it fine I guess. I was thinking a .61 or a 4-stroke of some sort though.

Also, how are the retracts? I have the WM .46 size P-51 and they are pretty weak. I'll admit that I've landed it hard a time or two but they seem like they'll bend just from the weight of the plane alone.

We don't have one in our hanger but there are a couple at one of our clubs. One has a 46Ax - it flies pretty good with it. They slide through the air pretty well. The other has a Saito 72 - it's also pretty good flier.

I had one with a 46 and loved it, then I put a .60 in it and loved it even more I would say thoug anywhere from 46-60 2stroke or 70-91 4stroke you will be very happy.

Oh.. and I would Highly recommend shimming the retracts to lean more forward... mine had a tendancy to nose over a lot, and I flew it off pavement. The wires are weak, but the bodies of the retracts can be taken apart and drilled out for 3/16" wire, and that makes them much stiffer. The bodies of the gear themselves are actually quite tough. They have withstood Much more impact force than the Hobbico type ones.

I agree- you definately want to shim the back of the retracts. Mine noses over even after shimming them, but I fly off of grass.
Mine is powered with an ASP .80 four stroke, mounted on its side. Its a great combination. I tried a .46 2 stroke when I first got the plane, but that just didn't do it for me.
Overall, its a great plane, IMHO.

I started mine with a TT61 2S then the TT46 2C ... preferred the 46, wing loading was better and was not so nose heavy. The retracts work fine once you have it locked into place. I love fast planes but for me the 46 2C was just right.

A good in betweener size engine is a either an ASP Super 52 or an OS 55 AX. Both would have more than enough power to make you happy. The ASP is less pricy and just as strong as the OS based on my engines.

I had a 46 in mine and I thought it was just right. The plane has a slippery shape and flies faster than I thought it would. It is an excellent design, excellent flyer. A bigger engine just makes it heavier, detracts from the flight characteristics and makes the nose over tendency much worse, which of course is treated by adding weight to the rear, whch makes it heavier , which .........(you get the idea). The retracts on mine seemed to be better wire than some other WM kits. I just got fed up with the nose overs.

Also, I put on a SIG P-51 type canopy instead of the strange one that comes with the kit. A definate improvement. Enjoy the plane.

I flew mine with a 2s Magnum 52. It was plenty of power for the Rambler. I was going to try my Saito 72 in it before I dumb thumbed the retracts and lost the plane.

I liked to bring in low and screaming across the deck. Makes a good money shot.