All,

After a run in with a six foot high dirt pile guarding one end of our runway (long story), both prongs of the engine mount snapped.

The other damage was minor.

However, the LHS didn't have the SIG engine mount. They suggested a Hanger 9 mount (which I bought). The problem is that the screw holes to go through the firewall are too narrow. The LT-40 firewall has an elongated hole pre-drilled to mount the SIG mounts. The Hangar 9 is a single piece (the SIG mount is two pieces). So, the holes in the H9 mount have to be either bath redrilled, or I could use existing hole and drill the other. This would leave the enginemount slightly off center.

It may be a week befire the SIG mounts arrive, so I was going to go ahead and use the Hanger 9 mount.

Should I?

If so, should I drill the new holes slightly above the existing elongated holes or beside (inside of ) them? Or should I use one set and have the motor mount slightly off center?

I want to maintain as much strength as possible, since my repeated hard landings have damaged the firewall (due to the nose gear wheel trying to punch through it).

GB

Bummer on the motor mounts. I was just in Starfleet Hobbies here in Cincinnati yesterday, I am sure I saw the Sig Motor mounts there. Give them a call at 513 984-9889, they can probably sent you one.

Muffinman

Why not just cut the Hangar 9 mount in half?

I had considered that, but wasn't sure if it would affect its lateral stability.

Have you done that yourself?

Hi Ghostbear,
take a piece of plywood,screw the motor mount to it ,then screw the plywood to the firewall,yes I have cut motor mounts in half,but to me it's easier to use above method.
Have a goodun,John.

Ghostbear,

No, I haven't done that myself. But I did just build an LT40 and I don't think you'd have any lateral problems with a 2 piece mount. Remember- the engine will act as a "stressed member" of the assembly and supply all the needed side to side stiffness.

Dan

I feel bad for you. I havent flown my LT since I picked up the 4 star 60....The LT had 12 flights on it when I moved up. I never did use the original mount, I went with the Dave Brown one piece, part #4650. Was able to use the 2 top holes, drilled 2 new for the lower mount holes.
Looking back, I think the Lt is a great airplane, but after owning the 4 star 60, I think the 4 star is much easier to fly.

Groundforce,

I'm going to build a 4* 60 over the winter for next year. Its interesting that you say its easier to fly than the LT-40. I had been trying some of the sport flyers in G2 and thought they were easier to fly than the LT-40.

Some of its trainer characteristics seem to be problems when you get some experience. Especially its unwillingness to land. I've had perfectly lined up landings (repeatedly) and then had it float at 3 feet up all the way down the runway (200').

Also, I was trying some basic aerobatics and it loops fine, but doing rolls is a bear due to the dihedral.

BTW, I've cut the Hanger 9 mount in half and it looks like its going to fit in the existing holes.

Thanks for all the advice everyone.

GB