Hello
Am in the process of buying the Boomerang 40 Trainer, which would be better to learn on 40 or 60 size, it say that the motor suitable for this plane is 40-46 size, which would be the better out of the two?

Also what is the difference between the OS 46LA and the OS 46AX.

(Am thinking of buying the OS brand any thoughts?)

dutchy50

they are both good motors...if you can afford the AX id go with that one...its like comparing a stock v6 mustang against a stock v8 GT...the AX has dual ball bearing while the other is bushed.... If you go with the AX, you can use it in second plane, perhaps a more sporty one that can use the extra power

Typically most learn on a 40 size trainer

Either will fly your trainer very well and last you a very long time. As was pointed out though, the AX is a higher performance engine. If you plan on progressing to more aerobatic planes then then it might make sense to go for the AX now since you'll probably want one later. That doesn't mean that the LA is bad of course, just different.

One thing to consider is the fuels available to you. Because the LA is a bushed engine it needs a fuel with a fairly high proportion of castor for long life while the AX being ABN can survive with normal RC fuels but I'd still recommend a fuel with some castor in it.

You'll need to join a club and I found [link=http://www.cmac.org.au/default.htm]this one[/link] in Canberra but there's a link on their page to a [link=http://69.89.27.224/~monaromo/categories.php?category=Engines/Aircraft&page=1&sort=featured]hobby shop[/link] which seems to be in Canberra. The LA46 is $139 and the AX46 is $169 but have a look also at the ST GS45 which is $139, true ABC and every bit as good as an OS.

Hi dutchy50,

Can't argue with downunder's logic and I don't want to open the castor debate, . To each their own. However IMHO the bigger the better and I would suggest the 60 size over the 40 as it is easier to see and orientate when learning.
I would also suggest you first visit a club a few times and ask if they have a "club trainer" that someone might buddy box you on before you invest in your own equipment. That way you will establish if there are members willing to train you, what mode that most fly, etc, etc. There are at least three clubs in the ACT so why not visit them all and see which set up and membership is the "best fit" for you.

Cheers,

Colin

Dutchy,

I learnt on the Boomerang 40 and OS46AX combo a few years ago. Both worked a treat. The Boomerang 40 is a lot more aerobatic than the 60 so it will help you to progress further. Mine had over 200 flights on it before I retired it due to the covering starting to peel. The 46ax is a great motor, easy to tune and great power and it will give you more options when you move on to bigger and better planes.

cheers

I of course cannot speak for you local considerations; price, avaliability customer service and so forth but as far as the actual product goes the entire AX series are clearly superior to their OS predecessors as well as the current bottom line OS engines such as the LA line.

If you are able to afford the differance in price then the AX is well worth it for the new or experianced flyers.

Not withstanding the ABN versus ABC debate I feel that the cylinder sleeve/piston materials technology of ABC offers no real advantage at all for the majority of us in the way we use our engines. The entire AX line are truly great engines and the newest of the AX's (.25, .35, .75) with the improved front slanted needle valve that uses a different type of mid range needle is even better yet. Thats not speculation but actual extensive use of both by myself especially in the smaller sizes.

John

They are both good engines. The 46 Ax is superior but if you are a beginner the 46 LA in my opinion is the best choice due to price. In addition the 46 AX uses more fuel than the 46 LA.

Sort of depends on how old you are and how your eyesight is. For those of us that have a touch of silver on the roof.. bigger is always better. Visibility is a good thing, especially in a trainer. The more you see the better you learn. And, with larger airframes, you get a somewhat slower aircraft and maneuvers are a tad bit more predictable... they can be very sedate which helps you react when things are happening.

As far as engines are concerned, well, I've never owned an LA.. well, not exactly true, I sold one to Stang a few years ago, but I never ran the engine, it was brand new when I sold it. I seem to gravitate to the AX's lately, and really love them. I have three 1.20's, and a pair of .75's. I also have a couple of older .46's that have been workhorses on smaller aircraft. Good engines.

I also owned a Super Tigre 75 that was a great performer.. always started easy and had great power. I put a tuned pipe on it and it really was a stump puller.

I also had three Evolutions. I don't own them any longer. One was their infamous 1.00 NX... enough said I think.

CGr.

Wow, I thought those prices were high ,, here an LA46 is $85, but I dont know the exchange rate of our respective dollars...Rog