What information does anyone have on the BalsaUSA stingray40? I am in the market for a strong 40 size plane that can take an OS61FX.... the kit says .40 to .60. I would like to modify it and wonder what the wing thickness will allow in the way of speed. Any info would be great..... thanks.

The Balsa USA Stingray is a very nice airplane. One of our club members has one. Powered with an OS52-4stroke. It flys like a dream. If you put an OS .61 in it will be a rocket. We fly at 5000' ASL and the .52 is plenty of power. At sea level or up to about 2000' I think you will find a 46FX or a newer .50 engine plenty of power.

thanks for the information..... I am getting some people tell me the wing is too fat to get much speed out of the kit. What are your thoughts on this? I do like a fast plane; hence the 61. Is it more of a trainer wing?

The wing airfoil is semi-symetrical, but is not very fast. A .61 will vastly overpower a Stingray. If you want a lot of power an OS.46FX will make it a pretty speedy aircraft. It should be close to fully aerobatic with the possible exception of sustained knife edge without a lot top rudder. The OS.52 4 stroke does very well at 5000' ASL.

is there a better kit for a 61FX that you think is more adapted for speed? I don't care for the ARF propositions; I enjoy building.....

You could probably get away with a .61 in a Sig Four Star 60. You won't burn any hole in the sky but it will satisfy
your speed craving. There are some 3D aircraft avilable on the web sites, Tower, Horizon, Hobby People, etc. Check them out and find a .46 airplane and put you large engine in one.