I have a Concept Fleet Biplane (1/4 scale) that should weigh about 18 pounds when finished (including engine), and was originally gonna put a Ryobi 32cc trimmer engine on, but this entails bringing out the cowling 1.25 inches to accomodate the carb. I have a really nice Homelite 25cc that fits perfect, without any mods required, and is ready to go after some time with the hack saw.....[>:]. Will the Homie pull the Fleet Bipe O.K. or do I need a bigger engine? I'm not at all interested in speed or power with this plane, just a nice safe climbout on take-off. What do you think??? Thanks everyone...doc

The Homelite 25s are better for scale planes in the 14# range. 18 lbs. is too heavy for that engine. You might have to bite the bullet and get a commercially made engine like a G38 or a US41. The Homelite 45 out of their chainsaw would work, but then you have another conversion to do.

I had a 30cc Homelite (almost identical to the 25) in my 17# Tigermoth and it flew it, but it was very sluggish. I put a US35 in it and it made a big difference. I have Homelite 25s and 33s in other planes and they fly very well, but they're around 14 lbs.

Jim

you can get some more power from your homelite 25 but with some work in it see my site is in spanish but a lot of photos:
http://www.hpignitions.com.ar/reform...lite_25_cc.htm

B717, Could you give me some insight as to how you are Bal. your Fleet. I have one I'm referbishing and never Bal. a bipe of this size. I have no plans so trying to wing it!!! Thanks loads!! Hooker53

Well, I fly a 1/4 scale super cub with a homelite 25cc and it weighs 17 lbs dry. Wing span is 104 " and alot of chord. I am not sure what the area is but the 25 is good for this plane. It was not at first however. I had to open the exhaust and replace the carb to get 8000 rpms with a 16x6 to get a good climb out but after those two mods and as the engine breaks in, it is great.The cub is a dynaflight, you may be be able to find out the wing area on my plane and compare it to your bipe and make a decision. The big cub will do loops and rolls from level flight now and the homelite is very reliable after a few mods.

Just my 2 cents,

Travis

Doc;
I have a fleet bipe powered with a US 41. I also have a cub powered by a Homie 25. IMHO the 25 would be underpowered in the fleet. Mostly due to the extreme drag the fleet has compared to the Cub. While the Homie does fine in the cub, and both planes are in the same weight range, I don't think you'll be happy with the homie in the Fleet. I'd look for something in the 35+cc range. BTW engine weight (within reason) isn't a factor on the fleet. The US41 is pretty heavy and my fleet is a floater.

These are all powered with Zenoah G-23's. All fly very well at sea level when the engine is tuned to turn an APC 16/6 around 8000 rpms. The lightest one is the white single wing at 15 lbs. The Cub is 17lbs with floats. The Lazy Ace bipe is 18+ lbs with floats.
I don't know your altitude but if you can turn an APC 16/6 or a 17/6 your Fleet will probably fly very nicely with the 25.