Hello,
I am an avid electric flyer. I can fly very superbly with my electric models, the E-Starter, Slow-Stick, and some other creations. Now, I want to get into the nitro. I like the idea of having more power than I can use, seeing as with electrics, you always seem to be at full throttle. Now, I have a chance to buy a OS .15 LA engine, muffler, glow plug, fuel tank, and a semi-built House of Balsa P-51, for 75 dollars. Is this a good deal. The motor is brand new, and the airplane isnt even completed. I am just looking for opinions on the OS .15 LA. Is this a good engine?? Also, what would a ACE SIMPLE SERIES model be a good one to start with. Thanx -patrick

I would have to say pass it up...

The LA .15 and that small P-51 most likely won't give you a very good first impression of glow airplanes...

The LA .15 is a fairly reliable engine, but weak on power. I would look around for something else, maybe a .40 size trainer to start with. It's a BIG jump from the Slow-Stick to any glow powered airplane, which is why I recommend the trainer. Cruise around this forum for a while and you will find tons of information on trainers and engines.

Hey Putt,
Saw you around Ezone a lot, welcome to RCU!

I have to agree about that HOB P-51 and LA 15 deal. Pass on it. That thing would be real twitchy (tough to fly). You'd be much better off holding out for a 40 size bird.

I want to recommend a trainer, 'cuz I know you're fairly new to flying. But I'll go out on a limb and say go with something like a Sig 4 Star 40, or a Super Sportster. The kits are relatively inexpensive if you think you could build one (a lot more work than a foamie).

Oh wait. You like to experiment, right? Check out "Spadtothebone", or the Spad forum here. You can build your own plane for around $40. (And have enough material left over for a couple more.)

Spring for a Thunder Tiger 42. Decent, inexpensive, fairly reliable 40 size engine.

Expect to shell out around $250 to really get into glow. (But if you try Spads, more like $150.) Hey, at least your Tx and Rx will work! If you have Hitec HS 81 servos you can use those for some control sufaces. (I'd spring for full size servos for elevator and ailerons though.)

Folks here are at least as nice, and as helpful, as Ezone by the way!
Dennis-

Putt,,

Hey,,,remember me. lol, welcome to the slimer world. I've been flying one for about a month now, but still take my electrics to the field. I'm flying both.

If you decide on that P51, careful with it. I fly with this guy who flies the Hanger 9 version and it doesn't like to be flown slowly. Landings are a bit tricky with it and he's a great pilot.

Hello,
Yeah, I am expecting to shell out some money to get into slimer flying. Will my PICO receivers work?? I am thinking of making a buy from a guy I work with. He is actually my boss, and is filthy rich. He got into flying, but didnt like it, and has a lot of stuff he doesnt use. I think I am going to buy it all, and sell what I dont need. I need a covering iron, heat gun, etc etc etc. I am looking to build a kit, because I think building would be great fun. I need to find soem good CA though. I know ZAP is pretty decent. I am reading a LOT of Model Aviation magazines. I used to skim them, becuase 5/6 of it was for slimers, but now I have a reason to read the rest of it.

Also, will I need to get a new RX battery. I have a 4 cell 180mah NIMH. Will I need a bigger battery?? Any info or threads about getting into slimer flight is GREATLY appreciated.

PS- Would you say the biggest change from electric to nitro is the speed?

I'd have to say...I am a fairly good pilot. I know everyone says that, but I mean, I could fly my PICO STICK in 1 day. Everyone else seemed to learn in like a month, so I think I am a fairly fast learner...if this makes a difference. -Patrick

I would not use the Pico Rx's. They're single conversion and you'll be at club fields now. Buy a dual conversion.

A 180 maH battery is pretty small. I wouldn't go below about 280 to 300 minimum. (I use 800 to 1100 maH usually.)

Biggest difference IS probably speed, but you really don't understand, can't understand, the difference in speed and power between your slowflyers and glow.

Please have someone with experience with you when you make your first couple flights at least.

(And DO NOT try to fly glow in a park!)
Dennis-

Hello,
Yes, I will be with an experienced flyer. I actually might be flying on this coming Wednsday with a 4-H club in the area. I know the guy who runs to club, and he is an experienced slimer. He is going to let me fly his trainer, with a buddy cord. I am super excited. Hope all goes well....-Patrick

That's great news Putt! This is the best way to get a feel for glow vs. E power. I think you're going to fall hard for glow.

Let us know how it goes.
Dennis-

The Pico's Rx range is very limitid...You need a standard reciever. The little one probably won't be able to take the vibration as well either...You will need all new radio equipment for this to work.

I've been flying electrics for about 3 years, but just recently started flying glow. Now I know what unlimited vertical means and get amazed when I see my plane go straight up at a 90 degree climb.

I'll still keep my electrics flying though. Kinda like having the best of both worlds.

I have a couple of electrics too, Park Flyers and a Simple 400. I doubt I'll ever give up glow, but electrics have their place in my flying.
Dennis-

Thats how I feel. I will definatly keep my electrics, becuase I can fly them in the confinded space of my neighborhood, but I want gas, to get that unlimited vertical. With electric you need to be going full throttle to get vertical, but I have seen glow going vertical on 3/4 throttle. Its just amazing...they have so much power to spare, even the .15 engines.

Man....I think I will fall too. I love the idea of having power to spare. I cant wait to fly glow this wednsday. I am anxious to see what the big difference is.

Well, I will keep you guys informed about my adventures of GLOW flight. -Patrick

WOW, was it amazing. I flew an Aerostar 40. It was great. I was with an experienced pilot. He took it off, and then gave me control. I flew some circles for awhile, then asked how it rolls. He told me to give it a try(expecting I would fail i assume). Well, I was rolling, doing inside and outside loops, and just astonishing this guy. He said "wow, your pretty good". I didnt get to land it but WOW, it was fun. There is SO MUCH POWER to spare with gas, unlike electric. I cant wait to get my 1/2A airplanes up in the air. I have a P-51 and an F4U coming...YIPPEE -Patrick

...and that's just a trainer!

Keep in mind, while the 1/2 A's will have power comparable to the Aerostar, they will NOT have the same stability! They will be quick and twitchy in the air requiring very subtle/gentle control inputs.
Dennis-

Yes, I realized that. I am still unsure if I will be getting a 1/2A. I am waiting to see if I guy I work with is going to sell some of his stuff to me. THanx -Patrick

PS- Do 1/2A engines get better fuel economy??

Glad to hear you liked it!! And you thought us "slimers" did it just to get greasy........

Yeah,
I started electric, and always heard bad about the slime, and all the hassle, but I think I would enjoy keeping my models in PRIMO shape. I also LOVE the extra power. -Patrick

Putt,
1/2 A's will fly forever on a few ounces of fuel. In fact, many come equipped with a one ounce tank mounted to the back of the engine, and will fly for 8 minutes or so.

I'd highly recommend using Norvel engines in your 1/2 A's if thats the way you go. The Norvel 061's run better and are easier to set up than the Cox engines. (You can get them with the built in spring starter too, if you want.)

Dennis-

Yes, I am going with Norvel or AP...Most likely Norvel. I dont like COX at all. I had a Cox .049 Babe Bee. I hated it. I am getting a .074 or a .061 Norvel or AP. I CANT WAIT. -Patrick