Am considering going right into a 60 ARF. Probably a Right Flyer 60H II.

I have friends that are experienced and will help me get started. They all run two strokes, just their opinion.

Is there any benefit to either a two stroke or a four stroke, one over the other?

I will be flying at about 3500-ft ground elevation, so I’ll probably use a .91.

Mike

Dirtbos


I don't fly 4 stroke, but They seem to have good qualities.

2 stroke is Maybe a little less trouble for a new flier, and is easier to maintain. But that does depend on the individual, and Their experience with engines.

Welcome to The RC world. oops "Universe"
Dan Z

First off welcome to the hobby
Pros of 2 and 4 stroke engine:
2 Stroke- Faster, easier for a beginner, cheaper, lighter.
4 Stroke- Better fuel effieciency, low nose (no big muffler), better acceleration.
Theres more but i cant think of them right now.
Both types of engines can be used on almost any glow plane. However sport, aerobatic, and trainers in my opinion should use 2 strokes. (This is because they have a better weight to power ratio). 4 Strokes can be used in scale planes because they have a low noise level and they dont have a muffler sticking out.
I suggest you get a 2 stroke at least for your first two planes (your trainer and usually a sport plane). Then if you want a scale plane and are willing to spend the extra cash you can get a 4 stroke. 4 strokes also are harder to set on the needle valve but if you have an instructor he can do it for you.
Remember that if you get a 4 stroke you need a bigger engine than if you were to get a 2 stroke.
Hope this helps,

Papa

Thanks to both of you for the input.

I'm going to purchase the trainer through Hobby People. Primarily because of the positive attitude of the people there. Kieth and Jason at the Santa Clarita, CA store have been very helpful.

The Magnum XLS 91A will be my choice.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike

in my opinion four strokes engines once they are corectly adjusted are more reliable than two strokes, but it's my opinion only...

First ask yourself whats more important to you speed and aerobatics or looks and sound. If i had a choice for the same cost a four stroke and 2 stroke i would go for the 4 only because i prefer scale planes over sport planes. But the cost is a big part of my decision so im going to stay with the 2 stroke. Im not exactly sure but is .91 engine suitable for a 60 trainer seems a little big but i might be underestimating the impact sea level has on the plane.
Anyways youve found some people that can help you which is great, get your plane start it up and have fun.

Papa

Hello Papa,

I have a private pilots licence and understand the effects that higher elivation and hotter days have on full size aircraft. I am assuming that there won't be much difference in a scale model. Although I may be over reacting.

The fellows at Hobby People are telling me the airframe on the 60H II will handle it. I don't know if you can have too much power as long as the aircraft is flown conservitavely. I guess I'll find out.

Thanks for the input.

Mike

papa,


Another point. Re: "........have fun". I am going to involve my 8 year old Grand Daughter after I learn. I don't think a guy can ask for anything that would be more fun than that.

Looking forward too it.

Mike

?? Acton?? is that hwy14 south of palmdale/Lancaster? or I 15 area. don't remember. But most two strokes worked well in the areas of Big bear, Running springs and Silverwood lake. Maybe if You flew up there regular You would try differant props or fuel/nitro percentages But we flew there on accasion (snow skis on main gear) and did not notice any real power loss.

HMMMM? now I got to look at a map

Dan Z

Papa, you might want to notice that most of the pattern guys (aerobatics) use 4-strokes.

For a beginner, it's easier to learn to tune a 2-stroke. It can be done by ear, and you don't need to own a tach. If your flying buddies only know 2-strokes, you're better off with a 2-stroke for your first engine.

Once you're ready to go to the second plane, do some more reading in the engine forum if you're still interested in 4-strokes. They've got many advantages. The real reason why they're not as popular is cost.

Posted by MikeL

First off Mike yes for pattern flying four strokes are better engines because they give a good climb and accelration at low speed. But i was talking about 3D flying (i might be mistaken but thats aerobatics right?) in 3D flying 2 stroke engines are usually better because they give a high speed to do all the crazy manuvers with low weight (i cold be mistaken). With a four stroke youll be adding wieght to the nose making you put lead in the tail to get the right CG for an aerobatic plane just adding alot of unnessasary weight. By aerobatics i meant 3D flying sorry if i put in any confusion.
Also the big factor like mike said is cost like i said i would definently choose a 4 stroke over a 2 stroke if the costs were the same.
Dirtbos i dont see alot of grandparents or parents for that matter that are taking out there kids to teach them how to fly. I really admire that and fun is what this hobby is all about hope you have alot of that.

Papa

Even for 3D, 4-strokes are popular. The Saito .72 weighs about the same as an OS 46fx, yet'll swing a bigger prop at lower pitch, which is generally what you want for 3D. As you get into larger sizes, 4-strokes and gasoline powered engines predominate.

Sorry i apologize i guess i was wrong.
I suprised though that a 4-stroke and 2-stroke weigh the same is the saito engine light or the OS just heavy? Or it it the same with all 4-strokes?

Dan. Acton is off of hwy 14. I moved up here from the San Fernando Valley because the sun shines most every morning. The spring overcast down there was depressing as the devil. The air is fresher too.

PaPa. Giving my Grand Daughter as many different life experiences as I can is what life is all about for me. She is sharp as a tack and will pick it up very quickly.

I am leaning towards picking up the ARF and getting it ready first. I think I’ll wait on the engine until last. I’m finding the four stroke very intriguing. One thought is that if I bury it in nose first I won’t have as much to lose with a two stroke though. Are the engines generally repairable or does it usually turn them into a fancy paperweight?

Mike

Most engines (probably all engines) are very durable. You wont nose one if you learn with an instructor. If noise bothers you alot you can go for a 4-stroke but for a beginner on a first plane i would still take the two-stroke. The chose is strictly up to u and how much you want to spend.

PaPa

A two stroke would probably make the learning process a little easier. Less to deal with (tuning and all). I have some friends that will help me. One of the fellows is about my age. He has a lot of years of experience and has offered to help me get started. That’s one of the reasons I’ve decided to go right to a 60. The smaller planes cost all most as much and I am told that the bigger plane will be a little easier to fly. With his help, hopefully, I will face no major disasters. Who knows, maybe I’ll be posting a positive first flight report.

Can’t wait.

Mike

I have a Superstar 60 ARF trainer.

This is roughly the same size and weight as the Right Flyer 60 you are considering.

I use an OS 65LA in it, and it has plenty of power. It will take off with 1/2 - 3/4 throttle.

Even at a higher elevation, a 60 size 2 stroke should be adequate.

You don't really want to run a prop larger than 12" diam for ground clearance.

Using a more powerful engine than you need, and increasing the pitch of the prop to load it down to the right RPM will make the plane fly faster than you would want for a trainer.

Stick with a decent 60 sized 2 stroke, there's plenty of other planes you can use it in later.....

Well,4 strokes are by far the easyest engine to use..but,for a beginner,i would start with a 2 stroke...Since you said everyone there uses 2 strokes,go with a 2 stroke.Later on,after you get flying down,4 strokes are nice...The sound...The fuel it burns (HARDLY NONE)....More for scale type flying and for planes that need lots of power....

Dirtbos

Thanks for the response, I lived all over the High Desert areas and in Palmdale for awhile (79-97) There were plenty of flying areas then, and slowly were closed and housing built.

But the upper altitudes where Your at are not much of a problem for the engines (at least 2c) Palmdale has a few clubs (Skunk works Guy's) and I think Sandy valley does to.

Good Flyin to You and Your Grand Daughter"
Dan Z

Just had a look at the instruction manual for the Magnum 91 online, Hobby People have it available.

To break this engine in you're supposed to use a 14x6!

You will not be able to fly the trainer with this size prop on it!

On the 65LA you use 12x6... I'm still using the 12x6 and it flies the plane very well.... at some point I might move to a 12x7 or 12x8 but it's not necessary...

Dan

There is a club out here called "Tail Winds" I have stopped by and talked ot them. Nice people.

My friends fly out at Ave A and 140th W. off of a section of abandoned highway. Still a lot of open ground out here.

Mike

Tiggerinva

I tend to be a horsepower freak. This is probably not the time. I need to relax a little and be sensible. Haven't looked at RC planes for years. It's hard for me not to get excited, given whats available now.

Thanks for the input.

Everyone has been very helpful.

Need to rest my eyes. Talk to all of you later.

Mike

spend the extra money, and get the os 61 fx. you won't be sorry.(i have two of these, now wish i had started with 60 sized planes instead of 40's) Good luck Loren

I second getting the OS .61FX it will generate pletty of power for a trainer even at high altitude. You can probably get a cheap one from someone in RCU ive seen them alot lately.