Are BME engines any good ? How much do they vibrate and what's their power like compared to leading brands such as DA or 3W in the same class ?

What will the power of the 55 X be compared to the DA 50 ?

And last, does anyone know any realistic dates on when they plan on releasing the first batch of their 55 X ?

IN answer to these questions. . .


YES, never a broken crank, great power, super light weight, the cutting edge of engine design at this time.

Vibration? Heh, learn how to tune a carburetor. They all shake if they are out of tune, and all my BME's run very smoothly at idle.

Add 500-600 rpm for the same prop.

NO!!! Call Keith for a definitive answer on this one.

Yes, they are usually lighter than their equal size counterparts.

BME is as good as anything out there. What makes you thing they are not a leading brand.

For a number of reasons: I've never heard of anyone competing in TOC, XFC, etc. using BME, I haven't seen near as much BME publicity like other engines, I've never or heard first hand info of anyone using them, etc ...

Most of the BME threads I've read here @ RCU are concerning their availability & weight ... none address performanceetc ...

All this could basically mean 2 things: either the engines are bad, or they lack in the marketing dept. I just want to make sure which of these it is.

Okay, lets talk performance. .110cc's that will haul a 33 lbs 40% plane straight up at less than 3/4 throttle from a hover, or less than half throttle with a 28 lbs version of the same 40% plane, and both planes take off in less than 15 feet and will do multiple vertical snaps and keep going on track. Let's talk spinning the 28-10 Mejzlik in excess of 7000 rpm, the 28-10 Menz at 6500, the 29-10 Mejzlik at 6500, and the 29-10 Menz at over 6000. Let's talk about getting easy 18-20 minute flights on 32 ounces of gas. Let's talk about a decently smooth idle at 1300 rpm, and idling as low as 900 if you want to play with the carburetor, and a butter smooth midrange as well as a super strong top end power band. Let's talk about instant throttle response, NO overheating, AND saving 2 POUNDS over any other engine near it's size. Let's talk NO broken cranks. . EVER!! Sure can't say that about the competition, since I've seen both the other "big names" break 100 and 106cc crankshafts.

Now, we talked about it. . we've BEEN talking about it for 9 months. That pretty much sums it up in a paragraph.

BME is small one guy company that makes great engines. You can't go wrong with them. They are struggling to meet demand, and with their 110, it is not surprising.

The reason that you haven't heard about them in the TOC is that all those planes are large, 150cc class and bigger. The largest engine BME makes is 110cc. Regarding the XFC, Jon Leyland finished 5th last year and has been invited (and accepted) back to this year's competition. He flies a RadioCraft Extra using a BME 102cc engine for power. Again, most of the planes you'll see in the XFC are 40% planes (but Jon doesn't care, right?).

Some people think BME stands for Baker Model Engines. (after owner Keith Baker)



In my book It stands for Best Model Engine

Buy on you will not be disapointed. I was initially bummed out that I could not get a da-50 for my pw extra 300. So I thought I would settle for a BME. Wrong... MY buddy has the same plane with a da50 and in his words he was the one that had to settle for a da-50. It performes more consistantly that hisalways starts the same every flight choke on flip flip choke of vroom... nuf said. I love thier engines

Ok, I'll go for a BME engine ... I didn't see a single BME bash so I guess they're pretty good

Kris, I sent BME engines an email a while ago asking about the 55 but never received an answer (about 2 months ago). Can you tell me if any chance exists on the engine being released by July ?

Its a small operation, no-name. They have learned from their past mistake of announcing before delivery about engines, so if you REALLY need a 55 I'd burn some incense and talk to a bishop or two. I'm not privy to an actual release date, but I know that they will have it out as soon as their limited resources allow it. It's just too good of an engine to NOT produce.

Try calling them at their contact number, and LEAVE A MESSAGE. They do try to return calls, but "friends" (like me. . . ) for some reason have a lessor call-back frequency than new customers.

I have the BME50. Ran it for 2yrs almost. No prob whatsoever. Broke it in per instructs. It now runs a 22x10 ProZinger(I think thats the brand on it now) right at 7000r's. Pulls my 15lb Midwest Extra out of hover(what I can do of one anyway, I get a good 15-20sec sometimes) with authority. Starts every time. You can't go wrong with them, they have to be as good as the best out there. I don't see how it can be better. I have not even come close to the threshold of this engine either as far as prop selection goes. Ive heard I can get alot more out of it. Just not into taking stock out in carbonfiber props right now. Not that I break any either...matter of fact, still have the original on the plane. It works so well, and the engine/prop pull it just fine...why switch.
You'll like it. I wouldnt hesitate to buy another if I needed a 50cc class engine. I'm looking at 80-100cc for another project though at this point. Take a look in the market-place here too, you might pick up a used one for decent price. Dont know. They arent cheap though at about $625+ , that is price with the muff and shipping I think. The engine goes for $499 and you can get the "banjo" style muff for about $49, or the pitts(the muff of choice for GiantScale Aerobats) that one runs $99 I think. Good luck with...I hope its as good as mine....I really like mine.

BME doesn't sponsor pilots like DA, 3W have..

for marketing, simply put, I dont think Keith even needs it. He can't keep up with production as it is I dont think ads will help any

That's a good one!