stronger engine
 

I have completed a Lanier Taylor Craft with a 9ft wing span and I haven't as yet had the maiden flight, I guess this is classified as giant scale. Currently it has a Zenoah g26 rated at 2.4 hp. I originally planned to fly it at the field but seeing as I fly a lot off water at my cottage I have decided to put it on floats. I was told the Zenoah was sufficiant for field flight and it would only fly scale like. However, after discussing this with some friends at the field I was advised that changing it over to floats would require more power. I believe this to be true since the floats are massive, 47in and getting it off water, not to mention the additional drag involved would require an engine of at least 3hp or better. I have decided on the NGH 38cc four stroke gasser which has 4.6 hp. This should be more than enough power for my needs. I currantly fly a Piper Cub with a OS 70 four stroke and I love the sound of it. My question is, is this a good choice or is there an alternative engine size that I should consider? Hobby King has relativley cheap engines and I have researched the 38 and found nothing but good reviews. The 38 weighs about 1lb more and is 1in longer than the Z26. Also the 38 runs on gas which is much cheaper than a glow engine of comparable size. Any advice on this choice of engine, or suggestions to alternative engines would be greatly appreciated.

1st, having spent nearly a lifetime as an RCer and lakefront resident, I would suggest getting to know the new plane a little on land prior to installing the floats - unless you'll be making those first few flights off ice/snow.

2nd, not sure how much engine experience you have, but in dealing with Hobbyking I would warn of the very little support you'll have available to you there, assuming you'll be able to get any at all. There is no hot line available for those having troubles, that's just about guaranteed. If you weigh this lack of support with what you save on your purchase from them, MANY claim they would have been way further ahead dealing elsewhere. That said, if you're one of the few able to do all your own work and willing to take the risk, there are good deals to be had on occasion. Suggest you make all purchases via credit card to allow you some assurance you'll have final say on your purchase.

Have your stock Zenoah 26 cc engine upgraded to a Pro-Modified 28.5 cc or a Pro-Modified 30.5 cc engine and have plenty of power.

I would skip the NGH 38 although they rate it at 4hp I dont think its making that. I flew one on a friends plane and sounded great but power wasnt there. I would suggest you get a DLE 35 or DA35 type engine for it.

I say go to the engine for-sale page and buy a quality engine that has 3 gallons run threw it, you can buy them for a good price, I saw a new, never started MVVS 50cc on there the other day for only $350, I paid $440 for my MVVS 35cc at the store

Jim

The DLE35RE is a nice unit. It also has a nice sound with the stock muffler. Since it is rear exhaust there is minimal cutting of the cowl. It would be my pick.

David

Take it from someone who has had that T-craft, NEITHER the G-23 or 38 will fly it! Get at least a 45 of any class, I ended up running a G-62 in mine off floats. Just a added tid-bit watch the rudder in put! the T-craft is real sensitive on the rudder.

GL , Art

Is this bird heavier than the similar sized Ace Taylorcraft ?

The Ace Taylorcraft flies easily on a G-26. I had one that flew on a 1.20 four stroke, too.

When the ACE Taylorcraft first came out, I built one and it flew with an OS 1.08 FSR.

Several years ago I had two of the Lanier Taylorcraft kits. Very similar to the ACE. It should not build at any significantly different overall weight.

Some people are addicted to gasoline and oversized engines. No other reason to need a Zenoah G-62.

If you built the Clipped wing version of the Lanier T-craft ( the 87 inch span ), then yes a YS 120 four stroke will fly it no prob. But the full 9ft span T-craft comes in at roughly 18 to 22 pounds with no motor unless you did some serious lightening of the air frame. Now it could be just me with my choice of covering { 21"s century fabric } so film covering probably shaved off a few pounds. But those 3 extra bays on each wing tip adds a lot of drag. As to the comment of " Some people are addicted to gasoline and oversized engines" they have OBVIUOSLY never heard the old saying, "there's NO such thing as too much power!" You can always throttle back if needed but you CAN'T add it if you don't have it and need it!