How does this engine compare to 3W 106 and zdz 120? I intentionally didn't choose DA-100 since it is a bit weaker powerwise.

The reason I am askign is FPE hardly ever comes up as a prominent choice yet it is the most powerful of the 3 (at least on paper) and weighs just a tad more (a bit over 7lb with mufflers).

Any feedbac on the engine?

Hello,

I have F.P.E. 6.8 twin. I have never owned any other brands. I ve had mine for three years now and have not had any problems.
I,ve flown mine on a 30lbs Carden Cap and had plenty of power to hover, harrier, Tq. and Imac. on hot humid summer day's. Customer support is good. I really like mine. It's been a fuel,Flip and fly engine.

Willie B.

The only place it comes up lacking is in advertising. If they ever did any a lot more would be sold.

I haven't ran mine yet... but if it's anything like the Brison 3.2, and 5.8 I will be happy. I'm just having a tough time finding a good 3D airframe for it. The SD Models 35% Yak is perfect, but I'm not going to pay the ridiculous shipping charges from Chief (and the odds of UPS getting it to me in one piece are not good).

Hopefully, the local hobby guys can get me the new Thunder Tiger (SD Models) Yak for a better price, plus it will not be damaged by the carriers.

Seen one fly in a Weeks bipe. Plenty of power. I have a ZDZ 120 in an Ultimate that is close to 30lbs when loaded with fuel and smoke-40oz tanks for each. I'm running a 28x10 Mejlik prop. This motor has plenty of torque. I've been running it on cowl mufflers for the last couple of years and I've just put tuned pipes on it.
I've seen the FPE for sale a couple of days ago used, either here, or FG. You might be able to save a couple hundred.

Here's a link. It's 450 bucks cheaper than a new one. Link won't work here. It's a FG in the swap shop.

People seem to get dumb when it comes to airframes, names, and prices. They seem to like paying more for a name. If you want an excellent 35% airframe at an excellent price look at Wild Hare R/C. Why are they cheaper? It's not because anything was shorted in the construction or finish. It's because Wild Hare does not "middle man" his kits. He sells direct. There's no "Troy Built's, Chiefs, or other hobby shops involved that have to add their profit margin as there are with other manufcaturers. Just Wild Hare.

Ask any one of many that have a 28 to 40% Wild Hare plane. Fly great and cost less. Then talk to them about Wild Hare service. Nobody even comes close.

Pat,

Do you think I would have trouble balancing the 40% WH giles with the 6.8? I was looking at your thread, and another... It seems to be better suited for the DA 85. I had a WH Edge, one of the first.. I loved that Edge... It's still flying at our field... I'm looking at the WH giles, and extra... along with the H9 Extra 260, and SD Models Yak 35%. I like the build and wing area of the Wildhare planes.. I just don't want them to nose heavy.

Dennis

here's a pic of my WH edge after my Li-ion failed... It's fixed and flying better than ever!

Just happens I have one of the 40% Giles using a Brison 6.4 for pulling power. Mine uses CM-6 plugs so it's a skosh lighter than standard plugs. Not enough to bother counting. Did you weigh that engine with the ignition as well as the mufflers? That would be helpful to know.

The Brison weighs 5 lbs., 7 oz, w/o mufflers. Add an even 14 oz. for a pair of Bisson mufflers. J&A's weigh about the same but maintain more power. I have not weighed a CH ignition but an RC Xcl weighs in at about 7 oz.

If you construct a deck and hatch for the battery at the rear of the fuselage, install the ignition battery behind the wing tube, install the other radio components where the rudder servo would usually go, use a wood prop, fiberglass spinner, and install the rudder servo(s) in the tail it will balance. The plane only needs one rudder servo if you use an 8711 or roughly equal. Pretty amazing that a 40% plane only needs one rudder servo to do anything and everything! If you needed to add any tail weight the tail tube works well and so does wrapping plumbing solder around the tail wheel spring. Use some heat shrink to secure it. Even adding tail weight you'll still be in the area of 27 to 27.5 lbs less fuel.

The FPE 6.8 weighs 7lbs with ignition, and mufflers. That's roughly 12 oz more than a DA100, and Brison 6.4. Sounds like I can get creative with battery placement with the giles. I like the looks of the Giles, and the way it goes together. Also, I noticed Tom is running a special were I can get the hardware, and a pilot.

To be succinct, yes. The Giles is designed for a light engine and will require some messing around like Pat exp-lained to balance properly. It can be done but will involve moving some things to the tail.

With that heavy/powerful engine the Wild Hare 105" Extra 300 is the plane for you. It is one of the best (IMHO is THE best) 3D plane on the market and is a 9.5 for IMAC as well. It has two wing tube locations to accomodate both light and heavy engines, and lots of room inside the cowl for all physical sizes. And it's pre-hinged with pocket hinges.

$995 gets you the plane with complete hardware kit shipped to the Greyhound depot nearest you.

TF

I did not want to try and sway your aircraft choice, but Tom is right. You're engine would be better suited to the Extra. Both the Giles and the Extra go together in a very similar manner. The Giles is an IMAC monster, but a little weaker in 3D than the Extra.

Thanks Tom and Pat.

I have the FPE on a 37% Ultimate. The engine produces ample power to hover the plane and to do most any manuever you choose. It starts very easily and has proven to be very reilable. I actually traded an FPE 5.8 for the FPE twin cylinder and I had no regrets about that decision.