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I have to choose between a .40GMS, .40Magnum, and .40Towwer hobbies. I want to spend less than a hundred dollars. I also need to know the best 4 channel radio Futaba, Towwer hobbies, Hitec, and Airtonics. Price dosen't matter on radio but i would like to stick with the 4 channels.

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HI LEE! I THINK THE OS LA 46 WILL TAKE YOU FARTHER IN THE HOBBY FOR THE LEAST MONEY. See how much radio you can get for your money for $200 or slightly less. Field programmability with mixing options adds alot to convenience and fun. It also has more potential for disaster if you don't pay attention to what you're doing., just triple check yourself before turning the plane loose. If you can handle a video game, you can handle a computer radio. For $300 you should be looking good.

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ok, the .46 la is a great engine. i'm not sure how much the o.s. one runs, i do know that the evolution .46la is a great engine. i have used it in many slow flyers with great results. i'm still on my first one actually. still haven't had n e problems with it. one question, what type of aircraft are you putting the engine in? oh, one more, why only a 4 channel? i would go with a 7 channel. you can easily upgrade to a better plane if/when you crash the current one. 4 channels are very limiting. i do use one futaba radio, it's a 4-6 channel, maybe 7, i'm not really sure. it is relatively inexpensive, very durable(been dropped many times and still works perfect). it's the futaba skysport 4. works great, and i've upgraded planes with it rendering very good results.
that's my 2 cents. you can take it or leave it. oh, by the way, the evolution engine runs exactly $100. (99.99msrp) good luck, let me know what kinda plane your working on. i always love trying to find my next project!

-james

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The LA is a dog. The best bang for the buck in an engine that can be used well beyond training is a Thunder Tiger 46 Pro.

As for radios, most of the 4-channel offerings are of equal quality and features. If you're just starting out, the very best way to pick a radio is to contact the club you'll be joining and find out what they have for buddy-box options. If they've only got JR and you buy Airtronics, you're out of luck. A little coordination at the beginning can save some frustrating and disappointment when you're ready to start flying.

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HI LEE! I did a little research for you. The 46 engines give you more for the money VS the 40s. The 40s main place anymore is rulebook events where that is the size limit. If you can get a 46 for the same price and weight as a 40, then you are getting a good deal. I have a TT PRO 40, and 46. They put out tons of power, but they vibrate, and they are heavy. The TT46 weighs almost a pound, It costs $75. They tend to shake the muffler halves apart if run in the 17K range alot. The EVOLUTION 46 is $90 and it is only rated up to 12K RPM. It weighs 13 oz. The OS LA is $65. It weighs 11 oz which is lighter than many 40s. It's got 1.2HP compared to the TT46 1.4 HP and it's rating is taken at a realistic 15K instead of 16K RPM for the TT. I think the weak point about the LA 46 is the plastic backplate. I run the LA 40 [same engine basically] in combat and they have survived numerous crashes without any damage, we don't even have time to clean them out, just change the prop and restart.

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lee,
My two cents.

Definitely spend a couple of extra dollars to get a 46. The OS 46LA is inexpensive and not the most powerful engine out there, but they start easily and run very reliably. (I have one I bought on eBay used for $40, and it's been excellent.)
The TT 46 Pro also has a good reputation, and should be a good engine for the price.
Tower Hobbies engines use to be junk. They do seem to have improved them a lot in the past couple of years, so....
The Evolution 46 is rumored to be the best of these 46 class engines (in this price range). MinnFlyer is well known here, and he did a review of the Evo 46. He loved it!

Any of the brand name radios are good today. Check with your club and see what most instructors use. Get a computer 6 channel if you can afford one. The Futaba 6 XAS, or 6 EXA are both good, but Hitec, JR and Airtroanics all have equally good equipment.

Best of luck,
Dennis-

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I am knonw for hurting myself so i wanted the remote needle valve so it would be harder to hurt myself. right now i am building a SPAD but if i ever get past that then i will get a better plane. I was going to get the OS but I wanted one with Ball Bearings so it will last longer

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that word is known not knonw. anyway i don't mind geting the .46. I am teaching myself and do'nt know of any clubs here in hawaii. i don't know if i would ever need more than 4 channels but i don't mind getting more if it would be better.

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radio wise get the JR XF631 that radio will last a long time. It has mixing, up to 3 aircraft, V Tail Flaperons ect. Its a great little radio! And you could go with the JR Quartoo (spelling) but for the 40 bucks more just get the 6 channel. you will need one eventually and you wuold have to pay ANOTHER 200 bucks. Go with a 6 chanell.. thats just me though

Hope this helps!

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who sells the jr radios

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how about a Jr xf421ex 5 channel computer radio and the Evolution .46 glow engine? How doe that sound?

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I agree with MikeL, Avoid the LA series

Go with the TTpro 46 or the Evolution. Both are outstanding and not overly expensive

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what about the JR radio i listed above is that a good radio?

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The Futaba 6 channel computer radios will store 6 airplanes, and have all the mixes of the JR. ;)

Lee,
That JR 5 channel and the Evo 46 will both serve you very well.

Go to the AMA's website and look for the "club finder" page. You plug in your Zip Code and it will give you local clubs. (This site has a club locator too, but I think the database is still a bit small.) http://www.modelaircraft.org

You really would have an easier time if you could find experienced help.

Good luck, and have fun!
Dennis-

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what is the AMA website?

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i have a thunder tiger .46pro and i love it.. under 100 .. i think i paid 89.99

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Magnum .46 for $69 at Hobby People. You cant go wrong.

Look at what your instructor flying field flys. Most manufaturer have great systems at comparitive prices.

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There are definatly guys flying out in your area, though I don't know what island they are on. You will do well to track them down.

AMA : http://www.modelaircraft.org

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Stay away from the LA series and don't let the remote needle give you a false sense of security. That happens a lot. You are still close to the prop and need to be carefull. The remote needle is a huge pain in the butt. THe needle in the carb is way easier to set up and use. I like it a lot better.

The TT engines are great, as are the Irvine.

As for the radio, get the best one you can afford. I would get at least a 6 ch so if you ever need the extra, you don't have to buy a new radio. You can get them for not a lot of extra money, and it will save you money in the future. I prefer futaba, but just about everyone will tell you that their brand is the best, so find one you like and enjoy it. They are all pretty good.

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$69.99 For a Magnum .46?!? I bought mine for $89.99!!! [:@]:(:eek:

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How about the Futaba 6 channel computer radio and .47 GMS engine sound

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Out of these three engines which would you pic Evolution .46, GMS .47, or the Magnum .46. I want one that will last and is easy on mantinence

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GMS Dual BB 47 PRO w/ muffler $104.99canadian this is what i would pic. what do you guys think i am it the same situation and i need a radieo to? i found a 4channel for $169canadian comes with all radieo stuff. good deal or no this stuff is new.

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well lee,

i am very partial to the evo .46. like i said, i bought one and am still using it today. it isn't the fastest engine by far, but it is very easy to start, and very reliable. i have been using it for about 3 years now. i have only replaced the glo plug 2 times, and the only maintnance i have had to do with it is put a new needle valve on it,(it broke off in a crash!), and sand down the piston diameter.(same crash, still don't know how the piston expanded, or did the sleeve shrink???) n e way, easy maintnace on all occasions, comes with metal back plate. i'd sell you mine, but i'm still using it!!:)

gms engines are very good (from what i hear), and i am about to buy the .61 ringed w/muffler. they offer $20 off if you send them an engine(.10 or larger). total cost on the .61=$66.99, i'll tell you how it runs if and when i actually have $67 dollars to spend!

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The GMS .47 is only $4 more than the 46 la. It is a pretty good engine, user friendly and has good power. I think they still have them for $ 70 at gmsengines.com. Also, the magnum .46 is on sale for 70 at hobbypeople.com, similar power to the os .46FX