What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

Hi,

Want to know which is the best gas engine I could use in my English J3 piper cub? They recommend a 2 stroke 15-25 scale engine but not a lot of places have come up with those engines. Does anyone have a better engine and a place to buy it.

Thanks a lot

Matthew

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

Do they mean a .15 to .25 cubic inch glow engine or a 15 to 25 cc gasoline (petrol) engine?

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

What is the scale of the plane? What is the wingspan and weight? 1/6 is about 72 inches, 1/5 is 84 inches, 1/4 is 102 inches. We can better advise knowing the size.

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

Matthew asked this question in 3 different forums. From them, it looks like it's a small plane that would take a .15 to .25 nitro engine. A natural alternative would be a .30 4 stroke. However...

Matthew, I have a few observations and questions.

First, while the car people tend to use the term "gas" when talking about alcohol/nitro fueled engines, you will find that plane people do not do the same. When we talk about "gas" engines, we mean engines that are powered with gasoline. The engines fueled by alcohol/nitro fuel are commonly called "nitro" or "glow" engines.

Next, is this your first plane? If so, it may not be the best choice. I've flown this size Piper Cub and while it was fun, it was extremely challenging to get off the ground. The problem is that the design doesn't like to go straight during takeoff. It's just not a good beginner plane.

Also, if you haven't flown yet, do you have an instructor? The instsructor can help you choose a more appropriate first plane. This will significantly reduce the chances of destroying your plane the first time our. You can also look at the list of beginner planes that is pinned to the top of this forum: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

I was once told using a 2 stroke engine in a Cub is just plain wrong. Cubs sound sooooo much better with a four stroke. ;)

Oh,,,,,they also 'require' a wooden prop. :D

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

I have a Great Planes "Cub 20" with an OS .26 four stroke (no longer made, it's a .30 now) and it flys very well with that engine. I agree that it's not the best plane for a beginner. Sure, it flies a lot like a trainer but it's tricky to take off with and it won't shrug off botched landings like a true trainer will. Also, Cubs demand the use of the rudder during flight. Yes, I can fly with ailerons and elevator only but it sure looks ugly.

The G.P. Cub 20 has a 61.5 inch wingspan and weighs about 3.5 pounds.

Your first plane needs to be cheap, rugged, easy to fly, and not something that won't make you cry if you crash it. Build something that takes a lot of time and TLC to build and you end up with a plane that you won't dare fly.

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

Well thatnks guys,

Im going to reply to all of you in this e mail. I am a biginner to this. I am going to be joining a club once Ive built the plane and what you guys have told me I think its best to take a instructor. Im a pilot my self but speaking to a friend who flew RC places told me that its a lot diffrent cause you not sitting in the plane. The specs for the plane are

Wing Span: 49.6in/1260mm
Wing Area: 286sq in/18.6 sqdm
Take-off weight: 2.30 lb/1050 g
Length: 31.7 in/805 mm
Engine **: 2 Stroke 15-25 class or 480 electric motor (not included).
Radio system required **: 4 channel with 4 servos (not included)

Its not big But thats what I want at this time and can aford. The engine they say I should use is diffrent to what someone told me to get. They said get a .20 (3.5cc) two stroke glow engine. What you guys think? In Cape Town the wind is quite strong. Just want to know if I had to give the aircraft full power would the nose lift and hit the ground or do you have to hold elavator full back during taxi and slowly let the elevator down for take off so the plane lifts to two wheels and then give a bit of a pull back and you in the sky? Hope I answer all the questions if not ask me again and Ill reply.

Thanks a lot guys

Matthew

RE: What type of engine do I need for my piper cub
 

Closing per originator's request. Direct any further responses here: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5048363/tm.htm