Started flying fast pattern type planes back in the late 60's. Webra 60 blackheads were the engine of choice for many flyers. I've been flying gliders for the last 15 years but I'm considering buying a Speeda glass fuse and foam kit. What middle of the road priced modern engine would be a good choice? Do the modern engines outperform the Webra's and OS .60 size engines from the past? I also want to install gas retracts. I assume robart are the retracts of choice. Cant find Rhom Air retracts.
Thanks,
S Gibson

nova rossi are good and so are jett engines, altough jett's are quite pricey

S,

Any new OS or Magnum will fit your parameters.

Do these engines outperform the older Webras?

There are pluses and minuses. The OS's and Magnums will swing the APC 11X7 at more than comparable rpm with a tuned pipe. The minuses are that their crankshafts are longer, taking up more room, and at least the Magnum is comparably heavier. Personally, I would go for a Rossi or Novarossi if given a choice, and I would pick the Magnum over an OS any day. But that is just my preference.


Spring Air retracts seem to be the retract of choice... followed by MK (If you can find them) or Dave Brown mechanical retracts. I believe Rhom Air has been out of business for a while. The pneumatic Robarts do work just fine, but might be a problem child fitting it into the Speeda's nose.

There is my $.02 worth.

Where will you pick up the Speeda fuse?

Brian

http://www.retracts.com/

http://www.classicpatternassociation.com/Home_Page.html

s.

Gibson,

The engine choice depends a bit on whether you plan to use a tuned pipe or not. If you are, then you need to decide whether to run the pipe alongside the fuse above the wing and use a rear exhaust (RE) engine or whether you want to build it in the classic style with the pipe under the wing and a side exhaust (SE) engine. Personally I would build it in the classic style and use a SE engine and pipe under the wing. If you don't want to run a pipe, then the SE engine and an Ultrathrust type muffler is the way to go.

Webra is unfortunately no longer. However, Webra Speed SE engines are often available on the auction site or for sale on RCU/RCG. Alternatively you could use a YS 60 FR or FS but they are tricky to find. The good news is that YS will soon be releasing SE and RE short stroke engines again due to popular demand. If you want to buy an engine now, I would buy a SE Rossi or a RE NovaRossi. Both will cost you about $220 plus the exhaust system of your choice. Rossi is sold by Sahak of Rossi USA (he has a store on the auction site) and NovaRossi is sold by Planet Hobby (they have a web site).

For inspiration, attached are some pics of Mike's Speeda. Last picture was taken at Xmas time two years ago! Build thread here on RCU if interested.

David

Hi,

If You want to use a 2-stroke that is made today probably OS 65AX is among the better choices even with the standard muffler that is shipped with the engine. Have a look at Great Planes Dirty Birdy 60 ARF and You can see how that engine looks like and fly with that engine. You can always hanga MAC Super Quitepipe if you want a pipe on it.
As for retracts You have electric retracts also to choose among: E-flite, Robart and Giezandanner, the electric retracts from E-flite has some reports of less desirable nose gear wiring/cable problems, Robart electric retract are very expensive and very new (unproven) and last Giezendanner electric retracts has been around for a long time.
FK Speeda is a nice choice of classic pattern plane. Very nice lines.

/Bo