I'm going to purchase a Sig LT-40 ARF. I need help figuring out which engine to put in it. I'm bewildered by the choices. I'm looking for something that will last a while as I'm planning to take the engine out of the trainer, when I become proficient, and swap it into my second plane. I need something that is reliable, easy to maintain, and long lasting. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Bv,

Your best bet is to ask the guys at the field what engines are popular that way you will have lots of help when it comes time to set it up.

My two favorites in 2s are the Thunder Tiger Pro .46 and the OS line of engines. My TT is going on Six and two of my OS are still going after 15yrs + I bought them used in '89 and only have needed to replace the barings.

BTW I wouldn't be to concerned about using the engine in the trainer for your second plane. You may find that you still want to keep you training in flight ready condition or you might want to go four stroke on your next model. Its very difficult when starting out to be able to predict which power plant model 2 needs because your tastes and flying abilities may change radically after you solo

Lots of good options out there.

My personal first choice is the Evolution .46 or Evolution TPS (it's a .45 with a funky prop. toss the prop, and use a standard 10x7 or 11x5).

Second choice is an OS .46FX. (but not the AX or LA)

Thunder Tiger .46 is my third.

There are lots more that are good too, and I'm sure a lot of people will post their personal favorates.

Any good .46 ball bearing engine will serve you well in your trainer and most likely your 2nd plane. I'll give another vote for the OS .46FX. The newer OS .46AX is their replacement for the FX and is supposed to be better but I don't personally know anyone that has it yet.

Thanks for the input. Looks like I'm probably going to go with TT Pro .46 BB. Now I just have to figure out which radio. Don't know if I should go with a standard 4 ch. or 6 ch. computer. Any suggestions? I know as far as brand goes I should try and match the other people at my local club, just don't know how fancy I should go. So many choices, so little time, so much fun...

Without knowing what you might do in the future, it's hard to predict whether you will need just 4, maybe 6, or even more channels. I tend toward more basic models, so a 4 channel would be fine for me. However, I have a 6 channel computer model (Futaba 6EXA) to take advantage of some of the computer features. As far as brand, if most of the instructors have a particular brand then it might be useful to go with that so you have buddy box compatability. Around here Futaba and JR are considered most reliable.

If you have LHS handy, go and ask to see both Futaba and JR 6 ch radios. I suggest a 6 channes because on the offhand chance that you decide r/c flying isn't for you, you stand a better chance of getting some of your investment back with a 6 ch radio than a 4 ch. Look at both Futaba and JR, handle them, play with the programming a bit and see which one you like better. They're both very good. You would also want to check out your local field(s) and see what the instructors are using, although I'll bet you find a pretty even division between brands.

As far as engines, all the Evo engines I've seen have been strong reliable runners. I also have an OS .46 AX on a plane and it's fantastic. Might be a bit much on a trainer...


Andy

You can bet a Magnum .46 from Hobby People for 69 right now I think it is. That's a pretty good deal. I've seen the .52's run and they seem fairly decent. On this plane the biggest engine you can afford will be the best. A .52 would be perfect.