Engine suggestions
 

Hi all I'm a beginner to the field of RC airplanes and am in the processing my very 1st trainer.
An experienced flyer at my local hobby club suggested i buy the OS .46 AX engine.This costs 140 $. Can you suggest an alternate to this model, as the price is a bit on the higher side for me. Please suggest an engine that is as good as this one in terms of performance (and any other specs). Please keep in mind that this will be my first Airplane.

RE: Engine suggestions
 

Magnum 46. On sale now for $59.99. Great running engine.


http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/210756.asp

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+1 for the magnum .46 Great and powerful engine. After it is broken in, it runs as well as any other in my fleet.
Curtis

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Don't buy an OS that will wear out in a few years, or a Magnum that will wear out in even less time. Buy an engine that may last a lifetime. A Fox .45. If you call they will sell for 40% less than listed, and if you have a worn out engine they may trade it and give you 50% off. At 40% off the 45 will cost $105.57.

http://www.foxmanufacturing.com/inde...5a804437cb3fd6

RE: Engine suggestions
 

When I started...I knew nothing. (not so sure that I've improved much)...

A friend gave me a used Tower .46. The pros at the club, and I, screwed around with that engine trying to keep it going. After buying an electric starter; glow igniter; batteries and all sorts of crap..inlcuding a too big trainer plane that needed a .46 fuel engiine...I finally said, screw fuel-power and went back to electric.

A year later, I bought an OS .46 AX. Started the first time...ran great...even after I nose dived in a number of times. I cleaned the mud out...and she started right back up, every time. I've had other engines since...NONE worked so well as the OS out of the box. It STILL is my #1 confidence engine.

Make sure your first engine is a very easy to run; reliable one...or you can lose interest real fast. Rich

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Have you already got a plane picked out for your engine? For a complete beginner, your best deal may come as a complete, ready-to-fly (RTF) package, which includes a plane, engine, and radio. Something like a Tower Trainer:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0

Or a Hangar 9 Alpha 40:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=HAN4400

Might give you the best bang for your buck. Some may try to steer you to a more expensive radio and engine that you can re-use in the future, but I am more a believer in buying the first plane as economically as possible, and getting the upgraded radio and engine for your next plane.

Good luck

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Ive had an OS 46ax and Super Tiger 45. OS was easy to get in the air out of the box. The ST required serious break-in on the ground, but the power was amazing.

I liked them both. If its your first engine, maybe get the OS so it doesnt become frustrating as you learn to deal with glow engines. Look in the classifieds for a lightly used engine. I recently sold my 46ax, well cared for, and lightly used for $100. Maybe you can find something similar.

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If you've never worked or tuned Nitro Engines, I'd highly suggest you get the O.S. It costs a little more, but there's nothing more frustrating then getting to the field and not being able to fly because you bought a cheap engine and can't get it tuned correctly. Nothing is as easy to get up and running as an O.S. If you are a beginner, I'd suggest starting with an O.S. and then once you have some experience tuning engines, trying some different brands. You can find used O.S engines on the cheap in craigslist or ebay.

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If you can't stomach the price of a new .46 AX, you'll find the Thunder Tiger Pro .46 to be just as easy to tune, just as powerful, just as reliable, and it comes with a better warranty. Long time RCU posters in the Glow Engines forum also report that the Pro .46 will considerably outlast the .46 AX as well, running twice as long before needing a new piston and sleeve. The Thunder Tiger Pro .46 typically sells for around $95.

I also like the Magnum XLS .46A, and think it is a terrific bargain at $59.99. I'm not sure it's quite as powerful as the Pro .46 or .46 AX, but it is very close. It is also easy to tune, easy to break in, and dead solid reliable.

RE: Engine suggestions
 

I'd suggest either the Magnum .46 or the Thunder Tiger, both mentioned above. After about 2 tanks of break in the Thunder Tiger is very easy to tune. Just don't hammer it for a couple more tanks of flying and you should be good to go.

I have 3 Magnums that I've bought used and all have been exceptional.

That said, you can't go wrong with an O.S. if you are willing to spend the money.

RE: Engine suggestions
 

I've flown with several engines, including Super Tigre, OS, and Evolution. Of the three, the OS engines were far superior in reliability, starting, ease of tuning, and endurance. They were also great in the power department, although there are some that have more. But, that's always a give-and-take situation in that they may not last as long as an OS.

I still have my first OS engine and it runs just fine. I have three OS 1.20 AX's, two OS .75 AX's, several OS 46's, and an OS 50. All run great. I'd never own anything else.

There was a posting a short time ago about selecting a radio. The choices were give, the usual, but one person made a statement that makes perfect sense to me. Buy what you need, and what performs for you, but consider the future and if you will have to buy another because the one you originally bought wasn't good enough for future uses.

Stick with OS engines. You'll never regret it.

CGr.

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Which often translates to....

Go ahead and pay more now, it may save you MUCH more in the long run!

Newbies often think things are too expensive when they start out.

If you get really hooked into this hobby, you'll be kicking yourself later.
Of course your wallet will be considerably thinner in the future too!

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Very true!

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Thundertiger is a great engine, I have several. But the service is almost nonexistant. You may never be able to get warranty work, or it will take 8 month's to get it back as I did. So I no longer buy or recommend TT.

RE: Engine suggestions
 

I've had great luck with my Super Tigre G45. Lots of power and almost half the price of the OS. Its been dead nuts reliable.

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Wow, I'm surprised to hear you say that, Sport_Pilot. I'd be the first to admit that Ace Hobby (the North American distribution arm of Thunder Tiger) isn't the most responsive hobby distributor by any means. I've never had a bad experience with them from a warranty or service standpoint, though.

I had a brand new GP-42 break a connecting rod or pin on its first tank of fuel early last fall. I mailed it off with a copy of my receipt and I had the engine back in hand within about two weeks without any hassle at all.

ForktailedDevil38 - Super Tigre engines are terrific, but I haven't found them to be quite as user friendly as O.S. Max or Thunder Tiger. The exhaust gasket shipped with the engine should be thrown away and not used. I also learned to double nut my exhaust manifold bolts in addition to thread locking them.

One of the differences between a top quality engine like O.S. Max, Enya, or Thunder Tiger versus budget brands like Super Tigre, GMS, or Aviastar is that the expensive engines tend to stay screwed together better. The budget engines need to be checked more often for loose exhaust hardware, cylinder head bolts, or back plate bolts.

I've gotten terrific performance and reliability from all of these brands, but I would tend to favor the premium brands for a cowled installation or any airframe where checking these areas isn't easy to do on a regular basis.

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All you need is the OS .40LA plain bushed engine, half the money ...easiset to use/tune....my favorite engine...I do have a .46AX and it does run well.....but I got it used.....yet another aspect you should look at...any swap meets over your way?....Rog
My personal take is at least in the radio area,,you should get all you can afford at least 6-7 channels....

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I was going to suggest this. The .46LA anyway, since they quit selling the .40LA a couple of years back. I have two .46LA's and they are good, reliable engines and put out plenty of power for a trainer. The problem with them is that they are now selling for like $85, which is much more than a Magnum, ST, or GMS which will put out much more power. This is almost as much as a Thunder Tiger Pro.

I do love my .46LA's and they are very good on fuel and easy to start, but I think the price has just gotten way too high for this engine.

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I don't even own a Magnum 2 stroke and I would suggest it. What a bargain.-BW

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Thunder Tiger GP42 , best kept secret in model aviation. Reliable , powerful but not too powerful and cheap. If you overpower your trainer it will most likely cause you problems. If you nose dive your brand new $$$ engine into the gravel then you are going to cry a lot harder than if you did it to a cheaper engine. When you move up to a faster plane get a bigger better engine and leave the easy to tune inexpensive one on your trainer for the future.

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I've got mostly OS 2 strokes and I've been pleased with them, but they are rather pricey. Several of my buds have been trying the GMS engines with good results for half the price.

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Ok. I am going to offer you some advice here. I too am on a budget and I have been in this hobby since 1984. Here is my 2 cents worth. You will hear all different kinds of opinions here. Here is mine.
1. Bar none the best lasting engine and lasting quality is the O.S. series. You do not have to buy the 40 or 45 AX series. They have more to offer in this size, take a look at the LA,FP or ABC versions. Might check RCuniverse classifieds for these or a good local hobby shop that sells new/old stock engines.

2. Super Tigre (Italy) if you can find an Italian made Super Tigre like the GS-.40. This is a ringed engine and is a powerhouse. it is sometimes tempermental to tune but once dialed in, it is very reliable and will give you years of great service.

3. Magnum pretty good engine, reliable and not too expensive. Good on power.

Thereare numerous others out there that are pretty good.You have the Fox, K&B, Royal etc. Bottom line is, itall boils down to what you can afford and what you can find that is quality. Dont be afraid of an engine that has been used, but be cautious of bent cranks and burnt or worn out cylinders due towrecks orpure negligence. If you are going to buy a used engine pull the muffler off and look at the cylinder. It needs to be just showingsome signs of a brownish color on the side of the piston. If it is black or there are severe scratches on the cylinder wall, put it down and move on.Rotate the prop and feel the bearings turning as you turn the propellor through. It shuold feel smooth, if it feels gritty or rough as you turn the prop through the bearings are worn and need replacement. Look inside the carb venturi and see if the spray bar is straight and look around the crankcase where the carb bolts are holding the carb in. Make sure there are no cracks around that area. If there are it more than likely has been in a crash. These are just a few visual inspections you can do to ensure you are buying quality instead of someone else's junk.

Do some research on the RCU forums. Here is an excellent link for you go there and you will see that it is an excellent source for some of your questions you may have.

www.masportaviator.com

If I can help you with any questions feel free to e-mail me.

Good luck
Glenn
[email protected]

RE: Engine suggestions
 

MAGNUM XL 46 VERY GOOD ENGINE EASY TO TUNE PRICE IS RIGHT

RE: Engine suggestions
 

Thunder Tiger GP-42 Bushing Engine - 64.99

Thunder Tiger Pro-46 Ball Bearing Engine - 84.99

Precision Aero
www.precision-aero.com

RE: Engine suggestions
 

I recommend that you talk to your instructor and get his advice on the engine to get. After all, he will likely be helping you set up and tune the engine, and it will be his time that is taken up if you have problems with the engine. It would be good to choose an engine that he is happy with.

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Jpmag: I have to disagree with you a little here. Here is why. The engine is not the instructors but the student's engine. It is the job of an instructor to lead the way, give advice but not to dictate what engine the student ultimately decides to purchase. In my humble opinion a reputable instructor will or should be able to dial an engine in and pass that knowledge to the student.

My 2 cents

Glenn

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I HAVE A TT 40GP THAT I CRASHED......PUT IT IN A NEW PLANE BUT IT WOULDN'T KEEP RUNNING. I SENT IT IN TO TT & TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED. I GOT IT BACK IN TWO WEEKS WITH SEVERAL PARTS REPLACED AND TESTED.... NO CHARGE , NOT EVEN FOR RETURN POSTAGE !! I WAS IMPRESSED...WENT OUT & BOUGHT A TT 46 PRO FOR ANOTHER PLANE.

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.I'm hesitant to post here, but for the sake of a counter point, information, and risk of being flamed, I have to post...

Over the years, I have had great luck with K&B, Fox, Super Tiger, O.S. and MDS but have had no luck with Thunder Tiger engines. I have owned two Thunder Tiger .39 pro's which broke two connector rods in two separate engines. This happened in my Thunder Tiger Raptor running less than three tanks in each.

I eventually went with an O.S . . 37 and have run over four gallons of fuel through the engine and it still runs like brand new. I have an OS .46 in my Goldberg Cub that is 15 years old and just flew it twice last night, the engine has never been worked on. I have another O.S . . 25 in my Sig Kobra that is 20 years old and still runs great.

As far as customer support, Thunder Tiger would not repair either engine and faulted me for improper tuning, (too lean). When I set the engine up throttle response was good, there was allot of smoke, and cylinder head temp was good 160d. I get it, but I will never waist money on another TT engine, and have since given both engines away.

Pay a little now or pay allot later. Just my experience and I guess it may be just the TT helo engines, but I know from previous posts others have had similar problems with the same engine as well.

Sorry about looking like I'm bashing Thunder Tiger (I love my Rappy) but I'm just speaking of my experience.

Steve

:eek:

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Glenn,
I understand your point, and I do agree with you to an extent. But some instructors have strong opinions for or against a certain brand. It would be wise for a new student to talk with his instructor before purchasing an engine. If they cannot come to a compromise then either the student will need to find a different instructor or accept the instructors wishes, rational or not. The instructor is donating his time, and typically many hours of his time. It is only considerate to include him in the decision.

Here is an example. Some Enya and Fox engines are iron piston-lapped steel liner engines. They are excellent engines but they require a long break-in period, require fuel with high castor content, and some Fox engines require very low nitro fuel and require a unique needle adjustment procedure. If an instructor did not have experience with these engines in the past then there might be a problem.

Another example: Some of the "bargain" 2-stroke engines manufacturers are known for poor quality control. If a student happens to get a good engine then everything is great. If he is unlucky and gets a dog, then hours of the instructors time may be wasted looking for air leaks and so on. I've been down this path and it was aggrevating. I wasted many days at the field on which I could have been flying myself so that my student could save $30 on the cost of his engine.

There are students who are very good with engines right from the start and don't need help. But this is the exception. Most students are clueless and don't even want or try to read the engine manual. They show up at the field with an engine that has never been run and expect the instructor to do everything. Breaking in one brand of engine may take just one or two tanks. Breaking in another type of engine may take an hour or two. Breaking in / troubleshooting a difficult engine may take many hours.

I'll get off my soapbox now. I apologize for the rant.
Regards
Jon

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I like the GMS 47's but a Magnum would be worth looking at for the price! I was having trouble with my OS so just put in a older GMS and had a great time with the plane today!

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This is one of the hardest issues to discuss. I have read other posts on this subject or guys are comparing engines and the problem is this: ask 10 guys what they think about an engine and you will probably get about 7 different answers. Its just the nature of the beast. Some guys have had awesome results with a particular brand of engine where others have had a real tough time getting that same engine to run. So the exact same engine is loved and at the same time it is hated. This arguement runs on with every engine on the market. Makes it very hard for a beginner to know what to do. I have been in the hobby now for three years have met alot of real neat people. Everyone has an opinion. So I guess here is mine, I have to agree with mclina on this. Get yourself a RTF package. Since you are a beginner, I think this is a very good way to get started in this hobby. You get the plane, engine and radio all in one box. This is how I started. My instructor told me what fuel to buy and he let me use all of his flightline equipment. As time went on I was able to purchase my own. For me, it was the Tower Hobies Trainer with the .46 engine. I am still flying it today. Best of luck on whatever decision you make and welcome to RC airplanes. You are going to love it.

Archie

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Off subject for a moment, The Tower trainer is a great trainer! I still have mine, My grandson will train on it!

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I think Jon that you said it right, My instructor told me what he liked and that is the one I bought, it was an OS. Still have it and still runs! Having the instructor help pick it is Great advice!

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Having your instructor agreeable to what you are flying, in regards to plane, engine and radio is preferable for sure. At our club we've seen plenty of new guys come along with cheap equipment sold to them by various local hobby shops and they wonder why they have trouble or can't upgrade, etc.

Talking to the instructor and other guys at the club is worth doing particularly since you are likely to ask them for help when you have trouble. If you've asked them, and gone against their advice, they may be less able to help you then if you go for their advice.

At the end of the day, however, it is YOUR plane, YOUR equipment, so you have to get something you are comfortable with.

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OS engines are user friendly and thats about it. Most other brands outlast them. That is partly because OS uses loose fits for a fast breakin. Enya and Fox are probably the longest lasting engines. Not sure yet about the four strokes. Actually the OS fourstrokes are better made than most of their two strokes. Probably true of their larger two strokes as well.

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If the instructor is good he can get the plane flying regardless of the brand of engine.

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Sport Pilot,
I am not a huge fan of OS but for the money they are the best running engines out there. Look at rc combat 90% of the engines used are os and they outturn and outlast about anything out there. I have tested many engines (norvel, webra, MDS, magnum) and none come close to the performance of the os.
But for a beginner a TT or Magnum or any other well made engine should do fine. I learned on a MDS and once set did not have many issues. My friend just got into the hobby and we got him an evaluation 46 for a good price and I am impressed with it. so far no issues with it and starts every time.
I suggest you get a used engine and have fun you are not going to set any records with your first plane so just have fun.

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I couldnt agree more about the exhaust gasket and double nutting the exhaust manifold for the Super Tigre motors.

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Super Tiger sells at a very reasonable price. Max bang for the buck.

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Amen to that. OS is like Budweiser beer. Advertise the s__t out of it and people will buy.