Engine Choice
09-23-2018 | 12:53 PM
#1
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From: Milford,
MI
Engine Choice
Hi,
I have been away from the hobby for a few years and have been itching to return. I started flying in 1973 with my dad and continued flying with him for the next 16 years or so. I left the hobby to attend college, so flying was out for a while. I later started flying again for a few years and but left the hobby (started a family). Now that my children are all grown and on their own, I, once again am back (hopefully to stay)!!
I flew what is now called "Classic Pattern" and some scale. Since winter will soon be here (Michigan), I am planning to build a .40 size classic pattern plane (Gator Flea, or Dirty Birdy - I flew both these back in the 70's & 80's). I have a Magnum XLS 46 that I bought a few years ago new and have never ran it. It still turns over like it was when I first got it. My question is:
Will this be a good "fit" for either of the (2) planes that I listed above, or should I invest in a newer engine, possibly an O.S. 35AX or O.S. 46AXII? Also, what brand of retracts would be a good match for a .40 pattern plane (I used Rhom-Air back in the day)?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
I have been away from the hobby for a few years and have been itching to return. I started flying in 1973 with my dad and continued flying with him for the next 16 years or so. I left the hobby to attend college, so flying was out for a while. I later started flying again for a few years and but left the hobby (started a family). Now that my children are all grown and on their own, I, once again am back (hopefully to stay)!!
I flew what is now called "Classic Pattern" and some scale. Since winter will soon be here (Michigan), I am planning to build a .40 size classic pattern plane (Gator Flea, or Dirty Birdy - I flew both these back in the 70's & 80's). I have a Magnum XLS 46 that I bought a few years ago new and have never ran it. It still turns over like it was when I first got it. My question is:
Will this be a good "fit" for either of the (2) planes that I listed above, or should I invest in a newer engine, possibly an O.S. 35AX or O.S. 46AXII? Also, what brand of retracts would be a good match for a .40 pattern plane (I used Rhom-Air back in the day)?
Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
09-23-2018 | 01:12 PM
#2
I have the same motor in my trainer and just like you, bought it new and it sat in the box for 4-5 years before I started it. checked over good, mounted it, fueled up and it popped right off with a hobbico starter. a few adjustments later I had it idling fine and the run up was smooth and steady. .....good engine. it is designed to fit where a typical .40 size engine would fit, so you shouldn't have any problem.
09-23-2018 | 03:13 PM
#3
My Feedback: (29)
I suppose it would depend on what your expectations are. The Magnum will run just fine but the engines manufactured today IMO are not the same quality that we had 25-30 years ago. When it comes to 2 strokes I will usually keep my eyes open on EBay, Facebook and the classifieds here and RCG for lightly used or NIB engines. I tend to like to equip my classic airplanes with period correct engines as well. As far as retracts go that is an entirely different story, there are several electric versions available today that are inexpensive yet reliable. They simply plug into an open channel and you are good to go. Welcome back and best of luck to you.
10-01-2018 | 05:56 PM
#7
I flew the 55AX with a pipe and it howled. I fly the Hanger 9 P8 with a 55AX now and it zooms along quite nicely.
10-01-2018 | 06:34 PM
#8
My Feedback: (29)
I have no doubts, a buddy of mine has a 55 AX with a Jett muffler and power was very good until it needed new bearings after a year. There however is much more to engine performance then just the numbers on your tach. Think about it for a minute, in 1985 a SF .46 cost around 130.00. Today a .46 AX cost about 145.00. Fewer engines are sold now compared to 1985. Modern manufacturing techniques will account for some cost cuts as will moving manufacturing to china but engine prices are pretty close to the same while just about everything else has tripled in cost.
10-02-2018 | 03:59 AM
#9
Welcome back to the hobby. I agree with everyone to choose another engine. I used to teach a lot of primary and I got so that I wouldn't waste my time trying to get a Magnum, RCCG, and there are a few other alphabet engines that I would stay away from, especially getting back into the hobby. You just don't need the aggravation of a half ass quality of an engine. The OS line used to be very good, but now that it is made in China, not so sure of the metallurgy quality. The OS .46 AX or FX used to be top of the line engines for the Sunday flyer .40 size planes. The other engine that I love is the Thunder Tiger.....NOT Super Tiger.....engines. A TT .46 Pro is an awesome engine. I could get it tuned and beat guys flying Jett engines in quicky races.
If you are going with air retracts, Spring Air used to be a good quality retract. Looses air pressure, the gear pop back down with springs. As the guys said, there are a lot of new electric gear and you will have to do some research. Electron gear are great, but not sure they make stuff for that small of a plane.
You didn't ask about radios. I would recommend getting what most of the guys at your field are flying. That way you get help with programming and set up.
Here is a site to get some of the good Ole pattern planes of the past.
Original Bridi™ Airplane Kits :: Buy an RC Airplane!
Good Luck!
If you are going with air retracts, Spring Air used to be a good quality retract. Looses air pressure, the gear pop back down with springs. As the guys said, there are a lot of new electric gear and you will have to do some research. Electron gear are great, but not sure they make stuff for that small of a plane.
You didn't ask about radios. I would recommend getting what most of the guys at your field are flying. That way you get help with programming and set up.
Here is a site to get some of the good Ole pattern planes of the past.
Original Bridi™ Airplane Kits :: Buy an RC Airplane!
Good Luck!
