I currently have both brand new OS 50sx and a Saito 72. I am wonder which one is the best for this. Keep in Mind I am not the best pilot there is. I am still in the learning curve so reliabilty to me is alot cause I want maximum fly time...

I would start with the 50SX. The Saito will require longer landing gear to get the clearance needed to swing a 13" prop. The 50SX will need a prop that is 12" or less is my guess.

FYI -- TNT landing gear makes several taller landing gear versions for the SE. I have the 5/8" taller set, the tallest they make, on my SE and I love it.

I have a Dubro landing gear for the sig and also have some 3" and 3 1/4" tires ready for it. Just can't decide on the engine. I have had a saito 56 and had some trouble with it. But I am thinking it was the operator.

Without a doubt, the Saito .72 is a perfect match for the SE. My son and I both have been running the SE/.72 combo and still get grins each time we fly. Do a 'search' on the SE and read all the reviews and upgrades on the pair.

quint

Go with the Satio, have OS 70 FS on mine,same landing gear ,but taller lite weight wheels,love it.
Have a goodun,John.

I chose the Saito .72

It is a tight fit so some work will need to be done to get the throttle linkage setup.

Dremel and a hammer works every time.
Have a goodun,John.

I have a a .50 on mine and have no complaints.

I run a 11x6 prop and it has unlimited vert and hovers nice.

it seems like the .50 and the .72 are about equal. I would choose the one that balences the CG closest to the recomended, or just a tad rear of it.

We cut the right cheek cowl and mounted the engine sideways. - No linkage hastle and the exhaust goes mostly under the plane.

Install a larger fuel tank, build a larger rudder, etc. (from the threads on SE) and go hover below half throttle. If you don't then get set for short runs (thirsty engine), no sustained knife edge or unlimited hover. It's not hard to do and worth the rewards. By the way hang a 13 x 6 prop on it. At the low rates it's as gentle as a trainer and on high rates with the CG moved a bit aft as Unstable Boy stated, it's pure adrenaline. It can do it all at such low speeds and so tight on the deck (if your nerves are good) that it seems to defy gravity.

quint

P.S Unstable Boy Try a flight with the big .72 and you might change your mind; we tried both...

How reliable is the Satio 72 compared to the OS 50sx? I have a Saito 56 that I have had nothing but trouble with it destroying planes because of dead sticks. That it my big worry.

I have never had a problem with a Saito engine, you may want to send your .52 in and have them make corrections. Also. I have never had a problem with any of the O.S. engines but I would lean toward the Saito .72 with a 12X8 or 13X6 prop. for your SE.

Hi Coop1,don't know how much you know about engines,needle valve adj. valve adj,or oil content in fuel,but if it's something else then I would send the engine in for repair.There is a small amount of engines that should be used as paper weights but Satio rates as some of the best.
Have a goodun,John.

Sounds like the Saito is the clear winner here..Keep in mind though that I am a sport flier that is really just learning. So hovering for now is out of the equation..

Hey Coop:

I would go with the smaller engine if you can, but you do need a reliable engine which ever one you use. Keep the CG at the recommended point. You can always move it back when you become more proficient at controlling the plane. If you are just learning keep in mind that the SE is a highly acrobatic plane, it can be a bit squirrelly ie very quick, but a very nice flier if you keep the control throws low at first, no more than 3/8 to 1/2 inch on the ailerons and 3/4 to 1 inch on the elevator. If you can use exponential on your radio use plenty 50 - 60%. Once you get used to the plane you can increase the control throws.

By the way I use a YS53 on mine and has plenty of power. Good luck and have fun

Any you fellows running the 72 saito's tried running a three blade prop on it for clerance? If so what size did you have the best luck with? I was thinking 12-6?

I think a 12X6 three blade will be too much prop for the Saito 72... I thnk that I would start with a Graupner 11X7 three blade. I guess you should shoot for any prop that will not exceed 10,000 RPM on the ground.

A 12 x anything will still require new gear so why not avoid the efficiency losses of a 3-blade and go with a gear that will clear the 13 x 6? If you must try the 3-bladed props, a MA 12 x 6 gives 9,700 RPM (richened from a peak of 9.900) on mine using Wildcat 15% at sea level. The 13 x 6 will hang that SE in a hover for as long as you can balance it at below 1/2 throttle and give you enough disk area to slow on a dime when you pull the throttle back.

quint