I just picked up an ACE 4-60 (out of production) Biplane at a great price with 5 servos in really clean condition. This will be my first biplane and was told it is a real gentle flyer. I have an older OS61 4-stoke I was thinking about using on this. The owner had a 61 2-stroke that he took off and used on another airplane. My question is will the 61-4S be enough power for this machine or do I need a 90-4S? For a Bipe it's size, it's pretty light weight. DG

What is the wing spread and the weight? My guess is that if it is a 60 size, that you will want a 91 four stroke in it. The 61 4s is just about a 45 2s size in power. You don't need the speed, but you do need the power. A Mag or OS 91 would be a good engine, as well as a Saito.

For what it's worth, I built a Great Planes Super Aeromaster bipe. It weighs around 9 lbs and has a wing span of around 50 inches. It called for a 91 to 1.20 four stroke. I had both, but I couldn't figure a way to get the 1.20 on the firewall. I ended up with the 91. Haven't flown it yet, but I'm afraid that it may be a bit underpowered.

Don

Thanks, I just found some info. on the net finally about this airplane.

ACE R/C 4-60 BIPE balsa biplane kit. 58" top wing, 50" bottom wing, .60-90 4 stroke or .60 2 stroke engine, 7-8 lbs. finished wt.

I may try the OS61FS on it since I already have it, and the box info. said it will fly it, but I agree with you, I'll probably be on the sluggish side of the spectrum.

DG

Here is few photos of her, ready to fly! I added a homemade machine gun, and some Canadian markers for fun!

gregoryda,
Wow, what a sharp looking plane!!! If you can get some shots of it flying!! And by all means give a flight report on it!!

Ken

DG
Great looking plane never seen one done in orange before and Canadian markers.
it is a great flyer got one myself with a 91 4 stroke in her
make sure you check your wing struts every once in a while they have a bad tenance to work lose.
they dont fly well with one wing i should know

phatom

Funny you should post that comment. My instructor took it up on Thurs. after work. He trimmed it out, and was flying ok with the 61FS, he lowered the throttle a bit, and checked out how it stalled, rolled it, did a few inverted circles to check the tank and engine, and did a few slow loops when I told him the top wing looks a bit crooked. He said he saw it at the same time I did and was about 2 mistakes high. He lowered the throttle to idle and started to the runway when the top wing moved more, and then slowly proceeded to turned 45-60 degrees to the lower wing. The plane started to do a quick spiraling dive to the ground and he was able to put it in the weeds but it still sustained some damage. I didn't have high rates setup and he didn't have enough throw to level it out. I told him I guess I should have tightened the upper wing bolts better. When we walked up to the plane the wings were perfect, no damage and all the top wing bolts were still in. The wire struts had pulled out of the fuse somehow (they only go in about an inch or so. He was really perplexed as he had a 61-2s on it and I had seen him do all kinds of 3d like crazy stuff with it a week earlier and we checked them before flying and they seemed taunt. Anyway, the firewall popped out and I have a crack in the fuse just behind the pilot on the left side of the fuse to repair, and a few other little things plus a little covering.

I'm thinking about a rod with maybe a come-along or spring to go from one side to the other to keep the struts from coming out, either that, or put a groove in the where they current insert and make it a permanent installation in the fuse with either epoxy or make it a solid rod all the way across. I think if this plane had outer wing cabanas/struts or whatever you call them, that would have prevented the struts form coming out as well. What do you think is the best fix?

Actually, I like the orange and tan combo, easy to see in the sky, the Canadian decals were just to dress it up a bit, kind of a WWI look just for kicks.

Ken, I'll get some pics of it flying next time[] DG

DG
sorry to here about the 4-60 hope it's Not to bad

I would take some sand paper and rough up the wire that goes in to the fuse
and clean the holes out in the fuse also. Then put some epoxy in the holes and wire
make sure the strut is in the correct postion and glue them on.
This is what mine has and havent had a problem yet

phatom