Hi, I'm hopefully getting a trainer over the summer and am beginning to think about which engine I should get for it. I've beem thinking about getting a .61 ASP four-stroke engine - what do you reckon? How easy are they to start and is there anything I should know about them? Would I be better off getting a .46 or .52 2-stroke instead?
Many thanks,

For your FIRST engine, I suggest a 2 stroke engine. They are easier for a newbie to set up and run, plus they are much cheaper than a 4 stroke.

Some good, reliable and USER FRIENDLY (see "runs right out of the box with little or no fiddeling with it" ) are Thunder Tiger Pro, Evolution and OS. With the OS stay away from the LA series. The difference in price between the LA and AX/FX series is minimal, but the performance/horsepower difference is VERY noticeable. I would also avoid the MDS brand - do a search on MDS and form your own decision on whether or not their nicknames (Mostly Don't Start, Metal Door Stop, etc) are justified.

Another possibility you may want to consider is the Tower/GMS engines. They have superb power, but do have one problem that I know of personally - they do not like to shut off with the transmitter.

Hope this helps.

I agree with campy get a 2s first. As far as engine size let the type of plane you pick determine the engine size. In other words decide on the plane before buying any engine

The OS .46FX or AX is a wonderful engine. A .52 would be even better though. An OS .52 is spendy. The Magnum .52 is $99 at hobby people. I've seen this engine run and it has power. Some people have had some tuning issues with it. The OS FX engines have a reputation for running without to many problems.

In addition to what spokman stated above, you could use a OS 40LA or 46LA which are great for training purposes. May not have the power as the FX, but will surely teach you to fly with confidence and the 40LA is only around $57 new. I personally own OS, Saito (4-strk) and YS (supercharged 4-strk) engines; which are all great engines by the way, but the OS 2-strk is hard to bet for a beginner such as yourself in terms of performance and price.

IMHO, stick with a 2-strk in the beginning stages. This hobby is expensive enough to get into at first, so make it lighter on your pocket. Your next plane could have a 4-strk. It all depends on what you are trying to do with the plane.

Speed = 2-strk (high revs)
3D = 4-strk (torque factor)
scale = either
training = 2-strk (price)

DTB

But if your heart desires a 4-strk, you can use it.

No one mentioned Super Tigre.... I have the super tigre .51 and It's the most reliable engine I ever owned. I let it sit for 2 months with fuel still in it and I took it out and it fired right up and it only took 1/4 turn on the high speed needle to adjust from winter temp. to summer temp. Check it out you can't go wrong.


On another note If your dead set on the fourstroke I'm gonna recommend a SAITO. I think it's the best looking best running fourstroke around! Where I fly there are fourstrokes of various brands including O.S., Magnum, ThunderTiger, and YS. IMHO none of those engines run near as well or look as good asthe SAITO.... I'm not bashing any other brands or their loyalist just giving my honest opinion.

Rob,
If you have the money and want a four stroke, then do it. But be forewarned, once you own a four stroke you're not likely to want a two stroke.

The primary reasons for recommending two strokes to beginners generally seem to be, "ease of operation", and "durability" (as in the ability to withstand nose in landings). But if you have a good instructor, and aren't too prone to overstepping your abilities, then I don't think either of these is a decent argunment.

A good instructor will help you set up your engine and getting it running reliably. Once that's done a four stroke rarely needs "tweaking" unless there's a drastic change in the weather. As for durability, an instructor should prevent anything that would damage a four stroke at least until you've soloed. And in my opinion, a good instructor will get you to the point where that first crash won't come until some months (at least) after you've soloed.

A 52 four stroke, as in OS, or Magnum would be fine for a 40 size trainer, as would a Thunder Tiger 54, or a Saito 56. I don't know anything about the ASP's so can't comment on them.

I too would say "stay away from MDS", or as I usually hear them referred to, "Multiple Dead Sticks".
Dennis-

i would look for a secondhand or nib os fp series,they are so much better than the la junk.

For a first engine and to train with you cant beat a TT pro 46. Tons of power, super easy to tune, runs great. Buy a tower muffler for it and it is an absolute beast. I have 2 gallons of fuel through mine and have yet to have a flamout or deadstick during flight (unless I ran out of fuel). It has a great low and smooth transition too. For the price and for a beginner it cant be beat!

I have the TT Pro .46 and have had the same results. I am using the stock muffler and it works great for me. It will be greatfor a student and after training it provides plenty of power to have fun with. Get an Alpha .40 and put that engine on it. Thats a perfect combination. I finished training and that engine has the power to fly circles around our field inverted until it runs out of fuel. It is a very reliable engine.

My recommendation is to go to your local flying field and see what engines the members are experienced with. If you choose the local favorites you should have no problem getting tuning assistance at the field. If your engine has any quirks the members who are familiar with the brand should be able to help you out. I have two MDS engines. I got them for next to nothing at a swap meet. One is running great on a trainer and I am looking forward to trying the other one. I think it was abandoned before it was even broken in.

You are in the UK. I hear good things about Irvines. Might want to go with one of those.