Jamestat2

I have a Pilot 1/4 scale Bellanca Decathlon that I bought for $100 and it is about 99% framed up already. I have a 50cc engine that I took from a "pocket rocket" mini motorcycle and machined off the bell housing and such, fabed a mount , and blah blah.

The question I have from people who have done this is; What all do I need to beef up on the airframe to account for the engine and extra vibration and such. I have been working steadily on it and am to a point where I need this info before I install all my servos, gas tank etc. Would hate to get all this work into it and have to disassemble it to do some reinforcing.

I've read here and there that people have beefed them up for gas engine installs but haven't been able to get specifics.

Any help would be appreciated.

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

Detailed pictures of the airframe would help. The other thing that comes to mind is that your conversion engine may vibrate more then an engine made for r/c use.

johnorabone

I am elated. I have found a NIB Pilot Bellanca 1/4 Decathlon. Also found a 1/5 scale NIB. Hopefully this coming Wed. I'll be able to buy it for a reasonable price. Owner bought the kits new 30 plus years ago. Can't wait to start building this beauty. Any ideas on what an intact kit goes for these days? Thanks for any info you can provide. If i successfully buy this kit I'm sure I'll be back for advice if you guys are still active on this thread.

jaycam

I've included some engine photos of my Pilot Decathlon. It was built by a great builder and some additional strength was added to the mount as you can see. A 50cc engine is a lot for this kit, I would definitely look to do all you can to secure that engine. My 27cc OS flies it very scale without issue. Good luck.