4 star prop?
 

Hi guys,this is my first post on rc.univers and I got a question,so here goes,I just finished a 4 star 40 (arf) and just wondering what prop to use? the engine is a os 46 and the directions don't say what prop to use and either does the directions for the plane,and also any other tips anyone can give me on my new 4 star would be great.
Thanks

RE: 4 star prop?
 

I maidened a Four Star 40 last weekend and used a Master Airscrew 11x7. It flew just fine. O.S 46AX

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Definitely need to experiment. It depends on what kind of flying you do. I've been using an 11x5 prop on the 46AX on high wing planes. Next plane is a Dolphin (copy of the Four Star 40) and I'll be using a 12x5 prop to start. This will give me a little more pull at low end, while sacrificing a touch on the high end. Generally when you go up a size in diameter, you drop a number in pitch. The lowest pitch OS recommends for an 11 inch prop though is 11x6, so it would make sense that a 12x5 would create about the same amount of resistance on the engine.

Manual says for sport flying: 10.5x6, 11x6-8, 12x6-7/

These are just reference points, though. If you want some real top speed, try a 10x7. If you want to do more 3D stuff, try a 12x4. Something in the middle would be an 11x6 or a 12x5.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

In my experience a 12" prop really is almost too much for the 46 engine (although it is listed in the manual). The other issue you may wind up with using a 12" prop will be ground clearance, you may find the prop hitting the ground. I would go with an 11x6 on it for the 4-star.

Ken

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Hummm I see a lot of talk about if you are going to do 3-D. I guess I was thinking this is a beginners forum. If they know how to do 3-D they probably know what prop to use. Just my 2c worth.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

11x5 or 11x6 should be just about perfect.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

I think someone about to fly a Four Star could very well be close to trying some basic aerobatics/3D moves. If not, they may know that they want to either go in that direction or not, by seeing people fly at their club. I've personally only been flying for a month, so consider myself a beginner, and I have been trying some basic aerobatics. I'll be flying a copy of the OP's plane, too:)

RE: 4 star prop?
 

The Four-Star is a sport/aerobatic plane, not even remotely close to a 3D plane. This is exactly what you want after graduating form a trainer. The .46-AX will be an excellent match for the airframe. I can tell you from extensive personal experience that this particular engine works excellent with 11x5 and 11x6 props for sport flying. APC's have performed best for me mut something more flexible like Master Airscrew props might not get damaged as easily. One drawback of the airframe, as RCKen pointed out, is ground clearance.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Hi Chuck!! Yep, the 4* is always one of my favorite planes for anyone just starting out after A trainer, my youngest student is building the 4*60 right now.
And A big yep for the 11X5 or 11X6 prop on A .46 engine and the 4* will have the clearence for it.
I'm with Chuck all the way on make of prop too, I like the APC props myself but for new pilots I always put them into the Master Air Screws just because they are about bullet proof. I had them for my trainer and even with all the ground strikes I didn't need to change it until I needed A new trainer. That student was upset about the plane, for me it was loosing my old MAS prop. :)

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Graybeard,

How's the flying around Las Vegas? I'll be down there the 28th through July 1st. I may have to sneak a plane along for the ride if there is room. Even if I don't, I may be looking for stuff to do during the day while the other half is at her conference. I may just go watch other people fly. I'll hit the casinos and "other venues" of course but I've been there done that so much that it gets old quickly.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

I agree with ken, My .46 AX's love apc 11x6's. I flew my four star
with a magnum .52 four stroke, 12x5 Zinger, great combo. I miss
that one!

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Thanks so much on all of the replys.So I will take a trip to my LHS and see if I can get a few 11x5 or 11x6 they have a lot of props there all different brands reduced to a buck so i will pick up as many as I can for that price:D should I buy both sizes or should i just stick with one size?

RE: 4 star prop?
 

At a buck apiece I'd buy all sorts of different props. That's a good deal.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Chuck, I will PM you my number. The days it's nice i'm busy and the days I have the time to fly it's 40+mph winds.
At A buck A pop I would fill my flight box. Every thing from A 10X8 to as big as I could get. I don't need them but between greed and want I just couldn't help myself!!:D

RE: 4 star prop?
 

I have 5 OS .46 AX's and they all love the 11x6 Master Airscrew. Not quite as efficient as the APC 11x6 but a little bit more durable and "OH THE SOUND"!!!!!:D

Curt

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Well I got some 11x6 props today, got my engine mounted and ballanced front to rear, so looks like it will be ready to fly this weekend.do I need to ballance the fourstar from side to side or should it be fine?

RE: 4 star prop?
 

I would say on a new plane, test everything just to be sure. I am in the process of kit building a 4* 40 right now, and I plan on doing quite a bit of pre-flight before it ever gets taken to the field. This is my first kit build and I want to make sure that it is not going to crash on it's maiden.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

It's a good idea to balance the plane laterally. With the high wing trainers it's not AS important. You can hang the tail of the plane from a loop of string, and hold one blade of the prop with your hand. If the plane wants to roll to one side continuously, then add some weight to the wingtip of the other side. You can do it upside down with the string just in front of the stab if the plane has a flat bottom fuse.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

OS 46AX on my Four star 40 and 11x6 has been working REALLY WELL. I get good flight times, good speed and all. Plus it clears the plane well so that the prop doesn't hit the paved runway.

Good pro to try. I would suggest Master Airscrew at first until you get used to the plane. The APC gets damaged too easy.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Side to side or lateral balancing is not mandatory like center of gravity balancing but it will help the plane fly and track better with less trim. I set up a hook on the ceiling and suspend the plane with a string between the tail wheel and prop hub on the engine. On kit built planes I do this before covering so I can easily make changes to the structure or hide added weight internally. On ARF's you can screw lead weights to the wing tip on many planes or open up the covering and glue it internally. If only a little weight is needed, you can put nails or pins into the wing tip.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Ok then i will hang it from the ceilling in the basement and ballance it lateral.If you guys think of any other tips just post it up.
Thanks again

RE: 4 star prop?
 

JUST FOR KICKS-If you have a os 46 AX, try the APC 12.25x3.75, this prop is so much fun, pulls like a truck, will slow the plane down the minute you drop the throttle, the clearance may be an issue but what fun. I change the landing gear on my 40 to the 4* 60, Little taller, the the stock 40 gear seems to flatten out right away. Just an idea to have some fun with.

RE: 4 star prop?
 

Hi Everyone, just to let any interested I am selling my Four Star 60.

[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemID=405882[/link]

Thanks,
DTB