I brought a SIG Rascal 40 from my brother in law (he moved to California). Flown 4 times, almost new. Until now, I have flown some homemade electrics (also courtesy of brother-in-law) and a Schoolboy trainer.
1. I want to start learning Ailerons. I need advice wether the Rascal would be a good aileron trainer.
2. I want to buy the right engine, I was thinking a Saito 52? Are these engines somewhat forgiving? If they are too "impact sensitive", I might go with a Fox .46 two stroke. I like the cool sound of a 4 stroke, but are there any downfalls?

Haven't flown a Rascal so can't answer the "trainer" question.

You ARE going to find an instructor, for the first flight at least, right?
Dennis-

The Saito 52 would be good, I fly mine with a Saito 56. The Rascal is a very good stable flyer. Keep the control throws on the low side especially the rudder and elevator, they are very powerful. I can fly mine in a knife for a complete circuit around the field. The plane almost lands itself. You'll have alot of fun with this plane but do get someone to help you at first.

I am planning on some help with trimming the plane. The president of our club offers this for the newer guys. I'm adventurous, but not stupid.

I've flown the Rascal with a Saito .56 and last weekend a Rascal 110 with a Saito 1.80. Both are absolutely a dream to fly. Probably both are overpowered, but I've always been of the opinion that that is why the throttle stick moves up and back!
Randy

Actually, I wish I had installed the Saito 65 in mine.

Rascal 40 is my third a/c, and it is easier to fly than my trainner 60 size. Have a Saito 50 with a 12X4 APC, which is running at 1/4 open for slow flight. Have the rudder and aileron mix at 50%, makes smooth turns. Using the X4 prop for some drag at idle for the landing, if you are fast on the approach, she will just float to the end of the runway, or bounce back into the air on touch down! Keep the rail bolts tight on the engine mounts, they work loose, need about 1/4 turn at the end of the day. On the first flight, I had all controls even with their control surfaces, she took a nasty roll to the left on lift off climbing out. You will find that the a/c is very light and with the Saito 50's she is over powered which is nice, nothing like having excess power when you need it!

Powered mine with a Magnum 61 F/S vertical is great and will climb in knife edge, does every thing you want it to do. It doesn't know its not an aerobatic craft. Only two draw backs does not track well on take offs, reverse the landing gear an move back as for as the mounting plate allows. aileron's are sluggish. Throttle back and it flys and lands like a trainer. lots of fun to fly.

I'm running mine with a TT .46 Pro. Great combination. I haven't noticed any problem with tracking after I tightened the springs from the rear wheel to the rudder. The only problem I've had is that the stock aluminum motor mounting plates break. I've replaced these with steel.

I'm training my brother-in-law on the buddy box with the Rascal. He has been having a ball. I think it makes a better trainer than my LT-40.

Your opinion may vary.
John

I crashed mine yesterday due to a radio failure that I have to investigate better.
I like this airplane so much that I ordered another one today from tower hobbies.
The only thing that bothered me is the strong left turn on take-off, so maybe on the next one I'll try to give some more right trust.
I use a saito 56, plenty of power, no problems at all.
I usually fly with 30% of throttle. At full power this ship is very fast. Landings are a breeze, actually easier than my h-9 xtra easy trainer.
You're gonna have a lot of fun.