I was wondering if anyone knew of some good websites, or maybe even a book, for learning about different engines. Something ,say, what the differences between gas and glow, ringed engines versus bearings, you know, the stuff that most people know but I don't. I'm really looking for guidelines for my first engine purchase and I don't want to end up with something that perfoms poorly or just plain won't work with my plane.

You've found a good place right here for advice and tips. There are a couple good books you can find at your LHS or possibly at www.rcstore.com

Gas engines run of gasoline like your car and use a spark plug...

Glow engines run off of glow fuel and use a glow plug, sort of like a diesel engine.

All engines have bearings...There are bushing type and ball bearing. Ball bearing engines tend to have more power and runs moother. They are a little more expensive too, but are usually of a higher quality.

Bushing type engines are usually just standard sport engines witohut a lot of power. They are cheap and will last for a very long time if oiled properly.

There are a couple types of engines including ringed, ABC, ABN, and AAC. All gas engines and car engines are ringed. A small number of glow engines still use rings. ABC are VERY popular for glow...

Get an engine recommended by the manufacturer of your airplane. If they recommend a .40, stay within the .40-.50 range.

Try this place-

http://www.easyrc.com/engines/index.html

Read all you can and also check out the links from that page to books and other references.

Ask for some learning material before I start asking questions that I could easily pick up from a good website or book. I've learned enough from RCU to get me started on the right path, but I would want to learn enough on my own so that when I do ask a question it will be a good one.

BotleRocketWar thanks for the link, just from browsing for a minute I think I will gain some usefull knowledge from some general reading there. I plan on checking the hobby shop tommorow to see If they have some more reading material also.

You know I should probably go down to the strip someday just to hang around with the pilots there. Considering that I've never been there before, they'd most likely get annoyed with the questions I would ask though.

Have a good night all,
Amish

That is a really great idea. You will learn all you could ever want about engines, airplanes, radios, and all that stuff by seeing it with your own eyes. Much easier than trying to understand it frrom reading and it's A LOT more fun! They won't get annoyed. You will soon learn that some of the nicest people you will ever meet are in this great hobby. You might even get a chance to get some stick time out there...

try http://www.modelaircraft.org to find a field in your area, if you don't already know the locations.

Good night? You mean Good Morning?

We have some information under our glow/gas section.
http://www.geistware.com/rcmodeling/glowpower/index.htm

Definitely go to the field!! I, and almost everyone I know at our field, are more than happy to talk with ANYONE who shows an interest. (And sometimes people who aren't interested. )

Some guys may not be able to answer specific detailed questions regarding engines, and you should be careful of some of the 'field experts' answers, but you can always get clarification/verification here. (Anyone gives bad info here, you and they will know it soon!)

It's admirable that you want to know enough to ask intelligent questions, but why should you be any different than the rest of us. Get involved at the local field and just ask!
Dennis-

Thanks for the great replies and links guys. I actually didn't wake up in time to head down to the hobby shop, but that's ok there's always tommorrow.

As for the whole good night/morning thing I work 2nd shift and it kinda puts me in a weird time for doing things in the daytime. I hate 2nd shift because I usually get off of work at like 0330 and I end up sleeping untill 1300 or so.

Ah, but I do love weekends. I guess that's when I'll be able to get out and down to that field lol. Maybe, just maybe, they'll be as helpfull as the folks around here.