I have a OS .40 LA laying around that I want to put to use. I was looking at the Modeltech Magic fun fly plane. It only weighs 3.5lbs.

Would a .40LA have enought power to do the 3D stuff this plane
is capable of?

If not, is there a cheap ARF you can recommend.



Modeltech magic: http://hobbypeople.net/gallery/123740.asp
OS .40 LA: http://www.osengines.com/engines/la.html

I have an OS .46 LA on my Magic.
It has an APC 12.25 X 3.75 prop.
The plane weighs 4 lbs.
I don't know how they got it at 3.5 lbs.
I have JR 517 servos on everything.
600 mah flat battery under fuel tank.
Receiver behind fuel tank.
It is currently balanced at 5 inches from the leading edge and still needs to bo moved back. I started out at 4.5 inches as stated in the manual.
E-mail me if you want me to send a copy of the video that my friend took.

I REALLY like this plane.

Barry Finck
Grantville, PA

Cookie:
The 40-LA is sold to be an entry level sport engine. The timing
in the engine is set for easy start and good mid-range power. To
do 3D you need the 46/50 range min. with more rpm & torque.

Randy

I used an LA 40 in mine because it was the largest engine I could find that was light enough so I didn' t need to add weight to the tail.

I was going to use a saito 56 but I would have needed to add 5 oz. in the tail.

This engine pulled my trainer at almost 2x the weight very easily - I haven't flown my magic yet, so I will let you know how it works.

I am flying my Magic with a Webra .32 and APC 10x4. It will hover just fine, I am not sure if some of the posters have experience with this airplane and power combo. I am hovering at about the telephone pole high level. I need to get some inflight pictures before I go lower since I am doing a review for a magazine on the Magic. I will try to tach my engine so you can check out the engine you want to use.
Sparky

I had two Magics. The first had a 40LA. The second had a 46LA. I believe that they are the same weight.

The 46 was a definite improvement.

Ken

Go ahead and use the .40. Don,t believe these guys who say you must be able to tear the wings off in a vertical climb in order to have a little fun with your plane. I have flown my Magic with a tired old K&B .40 at 3 Lb. 11 Oz. and the vertical was fair (not good). What's really fun are the slow flight abilities of this plane. I kept the weight down on mine by using Hi-Tec 225B servos and a AAA NiMH battery pack. Anyway, if and when you feel you need a little more vertical it is very simple to swap in a little more power as I did. Mine is now powered by a Leo .37 and the vertical is like out of sight. Just try to keep your engine weight under 13 Oz.
and you will not lose the slow flight capabilities.

Bob C.

Thanks for all your reply's.
I'll try the Magic with the .40 LA. It's a cheap setup for a engine that I have just laying around.

If you have the motor laying around, by all means use it. I fly my magic with a used TT 36 heli motor using the stock heli pipe, and it hovers at under half throttle. My plane came in at 3 3/4 lbs and the mods I made are in the following threads.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...440&forumid=21


http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...451&forumid=21

The LA's are longer stroke engines, not made for all out hp, but they do have some lower end torque. And they are lighter. The key to these planes is to keep it as light as possible. I can see if you used all mini-servos, and a small 350 pack and feathter 6 channel receiver, you could get the weight to 3.5 lbs. Mine has all standard servos(mini on the throttle), a futaba 127 receiver, and a 1600 ni mh pack. Obviously, if you went to the smaller pack, you would need to recharge at the field after every couple of flights..

Dont use the feather recever it has limited range!

It is ment for Small electrics


if you remove the baffle in the stock muffler you will get a little more power.

Props try a top flite 11/4 best for 3d with that moter

I just got inside from running my engine outside undo the winter gunk in it. I have a .46 LA on a Great Planes Big Stik. Although it does run a bit rough it will pull my stik slightly verticle when held. I am using a Master Airscrew 10/7 and am guessing it weighs on the upper range of 5 pounds. In a sub 4 pound models it should have enough power to do well.

Ahhhhh...it warms the ears to hear that high wine of a glow engine. I just wish it warmed the hands, BURRRR!!!!

The Magic is a typical ARF in that kit weights vary.

Mine has an OS46FX, Hitec 422 servos, 600mah Futaba pack with mini switch, used cable pull-pull. Ready to fly weight is exactly 3.5 pounds. Added 1 oz to tail to balance.

Hovers at less than 1/3 throttle, vertical unlimited. Nicely built, great covering job andis a real treat to fly. It is not touchy, flys very solid as though it weighs more and lands on a dime.

Right now a great combo both in power and cost is direct from Hobby People.....$99.00 for the Magic 3D and $49.95 for a Magnum .40XL (cheaper than an LA and a lot more power).

Go have fun, it is a great model.