Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I just received my new Tiger 2 kit yesterday and after being away from the hobby for the past 17 years I have to say I am excited to be back into the hobby and building again. I have been looking at different engines to put into this new bird and think I have narrowed it down to two. I am thinking about either the O.S. 46 2 stroke or Magnum XL 52 four stroke. Any recommendations are greatly appreciated as well as pros/cons of each.
Thank you,
Glenn

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Between those two choices the OS 2 stroke would be my choice. I have a Magnum .52 4s in my .40 size Cub, and it doesn't have nearly the power of the 2 stroke .46 it replaced. To get the same power from a 4 stroke, you'd need to be up around a .65 or .70. FWIW, I'm going to suggest having a look at the Thunder Tiger .46 pro. They are essentially copies of the older OS .46 (FX I believe) and are well made. I'd say they are the best value in RC engines on the market today.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Of those two I would go with the OS. Those Tigers are great flyers. I would suggest a different 4 stroke to you, but the engine compartment is tight on those. Especially if you build it as a trike.


David

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

The 52FS is going to have the power of a 30 two stroke. A 30 two stroke won't fly that Tiger very well at all. Does Magnum make a 75 four stroke? That'd be a more honest comparison.

If you are planning to buy a new engine, then an OS46AX would be a great choice. They break in perfectly with one tank of gas, following OS's instructions, followed by a couple of safely rich flights. I lost count of the 46AXs I've broken in and maidened for guys. And don't remember how many I've had. They are superb engines, maybe the best beginner's engine ever.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Those two are both powered by 46AXs. The Tiger2 was assembled in 2006. The Calmato Sport first flew in 2010. I sold the Tiger2 about that time with it's original 46AX on it. Trust me, it had burned some fuel. and some sky...


The Calmato flew about the same as the Tiger2, but my next plane after it was a Tiger60... and there was a 60 size Calmato available.

The Tiger60 maidened behind an OS 60FX. It did have an OS 75AX on it when I sold the sucker. Tigers are good flyers.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Thank you all for the input. I will check into the Thunder Tiger .46 as well. It sounds like I am on the right track with the O.S. though. How does the Thunder Tiger .46 compare to the O.S.? Is it as reliable? I will stay away fromeither the Magnum .52orlarger four stroke for now as there is a pretty substantial price difference between those and this is my first plane in 17+ years so there will be a huge relearning I am sure.</p>

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

DaRock those are some sweet looking planes.

I had always heard great things about the Tiger's back when I was flying and figured it would be a goodway to get into it. I flew a club trainer at mylocal club and was toldby the instructor not to waste my time with a trainer as I was still solo and all I needed to do was shake out a few cobwebs (glad he thought so). He told me to buyagood second planeand I figured this wasa good second plane.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Most of the popular engines are worth their price. The TT46 two stroke is pretty much equal to the OS46AX in power. Usually the less expensive engines vary in quality more than the more expensive ones vary. Every 46AX I've handled and flown has been a jewel. They really ought to be. They ain't cheap.

Truth is, Thunder Tigers are about the only other engine I've seen at any of the flying fields around here when considering 2strokes around 45-60 size.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

As the others have already posted above, go with the OS 2-stroke. The 52 4-stroke engine isn't going to be quite enough to fly a Tiger 2.<div>
</div><div>Ken</div>

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Thank you all for the responses. I am going to go with the O.S. 46

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

If you are going with the OS 46 and you are going with a new 46AX (the .46FX I beleve is long gone in new production) I would recommend you make sure you are buying the .46AX series 11 not the older version with the rear needle valve. The Original 46AX was a design orphan and its carburation set up was vastly different from all the other AX's in the series.

The Fx was an excellent engine but the AX's are superb.

Having said that and if you are buying new (excellent) my engine recomendation For that airplane would be either the OS .55AX or even the .65AX agine both superb in many ways as well as probally the best user friendliness avalible.

I tested a Tiger two last year for a fellow that was a retractable and he had a Bar Stock Jett .90 installed great fun and an airplane I would have liked to own. Don,t say that to much anymore about other folks stuff:D


John

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Hi

Well I have to be dfferent ,........................... For the dollar value and the power, and the weght ,............. OS-55 AX .

Michel

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

if you plan on doing a lot of building and flying stay with a 2 stroke easer to run

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

i also had a 61 os engine in one of them wow

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

stay with os

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Would the Magnum XL 70 four stroke fit? Or should I stick with two stroke?

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Two Stroke

OS 55AX over a Magnum .70FS any day of the week and you will have a better performing airplane as well as an engine that is way ahead in terms of repeatability flight after flight Plus you will find the extreme slant needle with the long flex cable included with the engine makes tuning a a joy instead of a fearful experiance.


Notice the needle valve on the cable on top of the cowling slanting to the rear on my little Ultimate china arf. The engine is 55ax. There is no way I would trade that engine for any four stroke that would be practical in that airplane.

Also yes the Magnum 70FS could certainly be used however you might have to change the throttle pushrod positioning and or change sides with the throttle servo. Along with possibly some minor modifications.

Not everyone thinks four strokes are the best in every airplane even if four strokes are the only way to be politically correct these days. Nope not everyone.

John

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I would go with the OS 46 ax ...You can up size later to the 55 as it has the same footprint...If you are just getting back in the OS46 ax will have plenty of power...Thats the plane and motor combo I restarted with and it was perfect....The Tiger 2 is a real nice kit and a nice flying plane..Dont be surprized if it comes out tail heavy...They have long tails and tend to build that way. Just watch you dont build any extra weight into the tail if you can help it...

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

It would fit. Whether to stick with 2 strokes is your choice. A 2 stroke is easier to tune and take care of and can rev higher with a smaller prop. 4 strokes give you more torque and top out around 10k rpm, turning a bigger or higher pitch prop to compensate for the lower RPM. If you want to emphasize vertical performance and acceleration or just want that throaty growl of the 4 stroke, then go for it. If you want a bit more top end speed and the simplest possible tuning and break in, get the 2 stroke. I can tell you that Magnum 4 strokes take a long time to break in fully because they are ringed. The OS 2 stroke will be ready to fly after 1 tankful with some rich running for the first 5-6 flights. The Magnum will need to be started and stopped 10 times (about 3 minutes per run) before you can even think about flying it, and will likely not maintain a good idle until after 10 flights or more. It won't be at its best until easily 20 flights on it.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

STAY WITH THE 2 STROKE MORE 2 STROKES AT THE FIELDS THEN 4 STROKES

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I really appreciate all the responses. I am going to go ahead and stick with two stroke as that is what I know best. I have never had a four stroke but love the sound. Now I just have to decide between .46 and .55. Is there quite a bit of difference in power? Also what fuel and nitro content would you recommend? Around here locally we have Powermaster and Omega (along with cool power).
Thank you all again for the input

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

5 or 10% is all you need. I run 15% myself, but only because I use the same jug for 2 and 4 stroke planes. 10% is the most popular around here and will run about anything.

David

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

While either engine would be fine, the nose area ahead of the firewall is not terribly spacious. I installed an OS .46 AX in my Tiger 2 and couldn't be happier with it. It has plenty of power for all sport manuevers and it's easy starting and reliability can't be over-emphasized. It is a perfect combination for the plane. I've attached a couple of shots of my T2 that I've been flying since 2009.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Don't get a poor quality Chinese engine. If you want good quality at a reasonable price call Fox, don't buy on their website. You can trade in a trash engine and get 50% off. Better quality than OS right now. Yes, I know they have had quality issues before but right now they are very good.

www.foxmanufacturing.com

Their phone number is there somewhere and I know they will give you a good deal.


If price is no issue then get a Jett engine. But don't get a Magnum.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

LKruse,
that is a beautiful plane. Great job on it.

What prop are you using with the .46?

Thanks,

Glenn<br type="_moz" />

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

4 strokes are cool sounding. They are more expensive however, weigh more and there is more to maintain.

I've flown my Tiger2 and Calmato with both the 46AX and 55AX. I doubt anyone on the ground could tell which engine was in the air. About the only time I noticed was on straight climbs. They really don't happen too often. And even then, the 46 has absolutely no problem with tear drops, humpty bumps, or anything with verticals.

I fly 5% nitro in all my glow engines in the winter. In the middle of summer, I'll usually switch over to 10%. When it gets real hot, I'll use 15% or if I'm visiting a field that's in the mountains. Nitro provides oxygen. It also burns with less heat. It's better in the summer than low nitro fuel for helping the engine run cooler and with better power. It's not needed in the winter. There is no real magic to fuel brands. I use Omega with and without castor. With castor in the summer when it's easier to fly with too lean a needle. But it's not a big deal. Synthetic fuel is cleaner and provides excellent lubrication. I make sure to run some synthetic every so often in all my planes to help clean out the castor buildup. Also not a big deal.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

the Tiger 2 is built very excellent with its very little flexing light plywood fuse and large wing
i aquired one with very little damagemade it a tail drager
i run a Webra 61 champion speed in mineold school very powerful 61 ( turns 1000 more RPMS on the same prop as my OS 61 SF )
i would run a 55 AX or 65 AX ( depending on weight needed ) if i was needing a newer engine design for the airframe
the 55 AX and all the OS AX series of engines just produce more power for an OS than any engines of the same size did in the past
i fly a 75 AX in my 60 size Stikmost powerful 75 i have used myself
do remember to add more engine if you need nose weight to balance well
i run 15 % morgan omega fuel and recommend you do the same for long engine life (need the castor oil )
you made a very good choice for a second plane really good flying smooth aircraft
welcome back to the hobby !

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Yes and it is substancial and one only needs to look recommended props are for the 55AX and the forty six. The middle of the road reccomended sport prop for the 55AX is 12x7/8. This is even more propellor than most sixtys will pull and much more prop than either the 46FX (dicontinued) 46AX series 1 (discontinued with possibly some still in the pipeline) and the 46AX series 11 will handle. The 12x 8 is what I use on the Ultimate biplane I pictured in my earlier post.

At your elevations for two strokes 10% is fine 15% becomes much more desirable when density altitudes go past about 3000 MSL and over 5000 and up, 25% can make the differeance in even being able to fly.

Oh and the The 55AX is a drop in for the 46AX which means on your airplane there are no modifications needed at all.

You have never really made it clear if your listed options were existing engines or you were going to buy. Now if you opt for a 46AX you need to be sure and make sure you are getting the series 11 and not the series I. The series 11 is a totally different carburation system and in particular the midrange setup and the new one is far better than the old carbs of the FX series as alway of course just my opinion.



John

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I am looking at the new engines and the OS .46 I was looking at is the series II. Now you all have me interested in the .55 though as I have always been a speed junkie. I just don't want to go overboard engine wise with just getting back in the hobby. Won't the .55 change my landing speed a bit or would it be the same? Is it a slow easy landing plane as it is?

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Yes of course it will if in fact it actually weights more the the typical four strokes or the older 61 two strokes the fellows tend to hang on the Tiger but thats not normally the case.

The 55 will not turn you Tiger in to an overweight goat. It is in fact the perfect (there goes that opinion thing sneaking in agine) engine for your airplane.

And yes Your airplane has for years been my recomendation for the best second or low wing airplane.


John

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

The prop is a Master Air Screw 11X7, which seems to be just right.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

A Fox .50 weighs the same as most .46 AX and has almost the power of a 55 AX.  Better carb as well.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I'd consider the Aviastar .46 from SIG. At 49.95 it's hard to beat. Once its broke it, it's a good running engine. Have on in my Falcon III on floats, didn't dead stick once this summer.

Jeff

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

stay with the 46 i use 10% cool power but i have not seen any differnt with the other fuels ck with your local flying field see what they got everyone likes what they got no matter what engine or fuel

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

Evolution. 52 would be perfect, I have 3 evolution engines and they are awesome

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

start with the os 46. I had a super tiger 40 on my old one and it was a little slow. I just finished building a new one today need to cover it yet. Going to cover it with ultra coat, probabily the orange with the white strips. I found out the hard way that I can't see matalic blue when it's comming straight at me. That's why I built a new one. I do like that navy theme on the other post. It gave me an idea on the canopy.

Mike

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

You are going to need to add weight to the nose of your Tiger anyway they are almost always tail heavy so the OS 55 is not going to add any weight to the plane...They are just a tiny bit heavier than the 46 anyway....The only reason I promote the OS46's is because I have had better luck with my 46 motors...They just run better for me although the OS55's run great too...John is probably rite , the OS 55 might be a better choice..Its a toss up really...But you will not save any weight with the OS 46....

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I have just an interesting observation here. I bought an OS .70FL by mistake. I bought it on the internet and assumed the seller had made a typo, meaning FS instead of FL. When I got it, I realized it was not the FS series I was used to seeing. I did some research on it at that point and found that it was the poor man's OS .70 four stroke engine. It had an air bleed carburetor and non-ringed piston to make it cheaper. I further found that it weighed just 19 ounces with the muffler installed (I believe that is what it weighed, but my memory is not perfect). And the most amazing thing I discovered is that it has exactly the same mounting pattern as most .46 engines. Sooooo, I was looking for a plane to put it on. I was building another Sig 4*40 at the time and decided to try it on that plane. It is a dream to fly. It has the sound and torque of a four stroke but power of a .46 two stroke. I have never had a Tiger 2, but I suspect they are pretty similar in size and flight characteristics.

In my research, I discovered this is a love it or hate it kind of engine. A little search here or on other sites will reveal a lot of criticism of the engine, but I had it and was determined to use it. It has one unique feature in that it has two nipples on the muffler, one to pressurize the tank and the other to blow some lubrication back into the crankcase. A lot of people say this engine will self destruct early, and it might. I have only flown mine a half dozen times or so, but I really like the combination of engine/airplane.

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

I have flowen both the OS46 and the OS55 on the Tiger 2 and to be honest you will be hard pressed to tell the difference in power...The 55 does have a tiny bit more but I sure did not find it to be a very big differance...What I did find was my 46 would always start by hand , was very easy on fuel , I always got comments on how quiet it was. It is very easy to tune but seldom needs tuning...

RE: Engine for Tiger 2 Kit
 

i have 3 os 46 all hand start very good engines