RCU Forums - WM Extra 1.60: Gas Engine recommendation

Hi John,

I have this model with a 160FX. In assembling I really liked how WM designed it so you assemble the entire mounting box. This allows you to modify based on which engine you decide to use. Frankly, the mounting box is very well designed with good ply and hardwood for additional strength. You could easily put a 50 cc engine on the nose. I have seen one fly with a DA-50. The pilot was an excellent 3-D pilot and he really put her through the paces. He too was impressed with the performance. The fuse is well constructed with sheated balsa over hardwood stingers and formers on the sides and top with covering only on the bottom. The cockpit is designed so the entire top of the cockpit removes providing wide open access to the inside of the fuse. Ample room for mounting electronics. The horizontal stab is designed so it can be removed for easy transporting. I didn't like how this was held together with a aluminum dowel and two bolts so I used epoxy to make it stronger, but lost the ability to remove the stab. Not an issue for me, but if you need more room for transporting this could be an issue. The cowling and the wheel pants are the best quality I have seen in an ARF kit to date. Nice ply covered with fiberglass in the wheel pants so no need for added hard points. Just makes it simpler to assemble. Covering was very well done. Plane looks great and flies with zero bad habits. Very smooth in all aspects.

I debated putting a DA-50 in mine, but was assembling Pitts-II and the DA went in this model. I used a 160FX in mine which is ample power for scale aerobatics, but wouldn't recommend for 3-D.