Trainer problems
08-01-2006 | 10:39 PM
#1
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From: Charlotte, NC
Trainer problems
i have been flying for a while and my nearly new yet broken in la 40 just cant cut it. I am always gonna have a trainer for teaching people. Without drastic measures what should i do. Or should i bite the bullet and get an os 46 AX.
08-01-2006 | 11:34 PM
#2
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RE: Trainer problems
Get a Super Tiger .40, they are ringed....you won't wear it out.
They have more than enough power, you won't use full throttle
except for take off, and then you will be suprised at the power
this engine makes. They weigh a bit more than some motors, but
the extra weight helps the trainers land. They are around fifty bucks
at Tower.
FBD.
They have more than enough power, you won't use full throttle
except for take off, and then you will be suprised at the power
this engine makes. They weigh a bit more than some motors, but
the extra weight helps the trainers land. They are around fifty bucks
at Tower.
FBD.
08-02-2006 | 03:11 AM
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From: San Francisco,
CA
RE: Trainer problems
ditto!
SuperTigre GS-40 is very powerful. I have 2 of them. I still consider myself as a novice flyer, having gone through 3 trainers and burned up about 7 gallons so far.
Most of ppl I met at the club objected me starting out with ST, saying I'd be much happier with OS and though OS is more expensive, it's worth every penny.
I would say they are right. But I'm glad I chose ST. I learned a lot about glow engines in a short period of time. And I was a little lucky, because my first GS-40 came with idle needle set more or less at the right place. I also met a few ppl who knew ST and helped me. Otherwise I could have been one of the unhappy customers. I heard they don't set the idle needle at the factory.
My 2nd GS-40 was a little challenge and I had to perform an Xacto knife surgery on the carb to deburr the venturi. After that it runs like a champ.
I've met some flyers having flown for years with OS engines and still don't know how to adjust the idle needle. They just don't touch it.
With ST, you WILL learn. It's a lot of fun for me. But if you don't want to be bothered, perhaps you'd be better off with .46 AX.
SuperTigre GS-40 is very powerful. I have 2 of them. I still consider myself as a novice flyer, having gone through 3 trainers and burned up about 7 gallons so far.
Most of ppl I met at the club objected me starting out with ST, saying I'd be much happier with OS and though OS is more expensive, it's worth every penny.
I would say they are right. But I'm glad I chose ST. I learned a lot about glow engines in a short period of time. And I was a little lucky, because my first GS-40 came with idle needle set more or less at the right place. I also met a few ppl who knew ST and helped me. Otherwise I could have been one of the unhappy customers. I heard they don't set the idle needle at the factory.
My 2nd GS-40 was a little challenge and I had to perform an Xacto knife surgery on the carb to deburr the venturi. After that it runs like a champ.
I've met some flyers having flown for years with OS engines and still don't know how to adjust the idle needle. They just don't touch it.
With ST, you WILL learn. It's a lot of fun for me. But if you don't want to be bothered, perhaps you'd be better off with .46 AX.
08-02-2006 | 06:56 AM
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From: FrederickMD
RE: Trainer problems
Or consider the Thunder Tiger Pro 46. Its equivalent to the OS 46 AX powerwise, but much cheaper. Extremely easy to tune, and VERY reliable. Its become my engine of choice for any 40 size aircraft.
Brad
Brad
08-02-2006 | 07:29 AM
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From: Keller, TX
RE: Trainer problems
What is it about the 40LA you don't like? For a trainer, it is a most ideal engine. What prop are you using. Mine does very well on an ASP 11X5 and 15% cool power. Mine is on a WM Mach I, a fairly large trainer, and this engine hauls it around perfectly as a trainer, teaches good flying habits and the plane is capable of basic aerobatics, including sustained inverted, inside and outside loops and even knife edge.
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
08-02-2006 | 09:58 AM
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From: Weatherford,
TX
RE: Trainer problems
LA 40s are good engines but not the most powerful engine around. Well taken care of they will perform for a long time. But they are not timed for the higher RPMs, so a Thunder Tiger 46, Tower Hobbies 46, GMS 47 and of course the OS 46FX or AX will run circles aroung the LA 40. Even the Magnum XLS series develop more power than the LA 40.
You pays your money and takes your pick. Me personally, I would go for the Thunder Tiger Pro 46. But then you could step up to the Super Tigre 51 or a Magnum 50 XLS -- a lot more power.
Cheers,
Chip
You pays your money and takes your pick. Me personally, I would go for the Thunder Tiger Pro 46. But then you could step up to the Super Tigre 51 or a Magnum 50 XLS -- a lot more power.
Cheers,
Chip
08-02-2006 | 11:15 AM
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From: Keller, TX
RE: Trainer problems
Chip, every engine you mentioned is more powerful than the OS 40LA. I can't think of any other 40 class engine that is not more powerful than the 40LA. The 40 LA is not my choice for sport flying, aerobatics, 3D, etc. But for a trainer, it is a very good choice. One of the good things about it is the limited power level it produces. Good for learning how to fly a plane. On mine, the "training cruise" speed is at reduced throttle. I have worked with a flyer with his own Avistar w/40LA, and coming back on the throttle is an important part of the flight training. Another plus is the user friendly performance, also the miserly fuel consumption. All good features for a training set up.
Mostly, when I see people advising newbies to get a 46 powerhouse for their trainer, the rationale is that the more powerful engine will be suitable for that "next" plane, after the trainer. In this case, Hitec Man is looking for a trainer set up, specifically. I can identify with that!
There are lots of possibilities that can work.
Mostly, when I see people advising newbies to get a 46 powerhouse for their trainer, the rationale is that the more powerful engine will be suitable for that "next" plane, after the trainer. In this case, Hitec Man is looking for a trainer set up, specifically. I can identify with that!
There are lots of possibilities that can work.
08-02-2006 | 11:40 AM
#9
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RE: Trainer problems
ORIGINAL: Jim Dines
What is it about the 40LA you don't like? For a trainer, it is a most ideal engine. What prop are you using. Mine does very well on an ASP 11X5 and 15% cool power. Mine is on a WM Mach I, a fairly large trainer, and this engine hauls it around perfectly as a trainer, teaches good flying habits and the plane is capable of basic aerobatics, including sustained inverted, inside and outside loops and even knife edge.
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
What is it about the 40LA you don't like? For a trainer, it is a most ideal engine. What prop are you using. Mine does very well on an ASP 11X5 and 15% cool power. Mine is on a WM Mach I, a fairly large trainer, and this engine hauls it around perfectly as a trainer, teaches good flying habits and the plane is capable of basic aerobatics, including sustained inverted, inside and outside loops and even knife edge.
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
--------------
None of those maneuvers matter if you cannot take off from a grass field that hasn't been mowed recently, which happens at most clubs with grass fields from time to time. That is the failing of the OS LA series forties in contemporary trainers. Granted, once in the air, they (OS LA series forties) provide more than adequate power, but who wants to be at the mercy of the grass' length? The truly sickening part of it is that it doesn't cost a penny more to port these engines so that they will produce nearly the same power as their ball bearing equivalents.
I agree with Dave that the ST GS-40 is the best choice for someone pinching pennies. The ST GS-40 is a fine engine and needs to offer no apologies.
If a few dollars more cost is okay, the ST G45 or Thunder Tiger .46 is also a good choice, as is the Magnum .46. Lots of good choices.
Then there is the OS.46AX, as was mentioned by the original poster. This is a beautiful engine and is a good choice if the money won't be missed.
08-02-2006 | 11:52 AM
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From: Keller, TX
RE: Trainer problems
ORIGINAL: Artisan
--------------
None of those maneuvers matter if you cannot take off from a grass field that hasn't been mowed recently, which happens at most clubs with grass fields from time to time. That is the failing of the OS LA series forties in contemporary trainers. Granted, once in the air, they (OS LA series forties) provide more than adequate power, but who wants to be at the mercy of the grass' length? The truly sickening part of it is that it doesn't cost a penny more to port these engines so that they will produce nearly the same power as their ball bearing equivalents.
ORIGINAL: Jim Dines
What is it about the 40LA you don't like? For a trainer, it is a most ideal engine. What prop are you using. Mine does very well on an ASP 11X5 and 15% cool power. Mine is on a WM Mach I, a fairly large trainer, and this engine hauls it around perfectly as a trainer, teaches good flying habits and the plane is capable of basic aerobatics, including sustained inverted, inside and outside loops and even knife edge.
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
What is it about the 40LA you don't like? For a trainer, it is a most ideal engine. What prop are you using. Mine does very well on an ASP 11X5 and 15% cool power. Mine is on a WM Mach I, a fairly large trainer, and this engine hauls it around perfectly as a trainer, teaches good flying habits and the plane is capable of basic aerobatics, including sustained inverted, inside and outside loops and even knife edge.
The OS 46AX is a terrific engine, but for a trainer? C'mon.....
--------------
None of those maneuvers matter if you cannot take off from a grass field that hasn't been mowed recently, which happens at most clubs with grass fields from time to time. That is the failing of the OS LA series forties in contemporary trainers. Granted, once in the air, they (OS LA series forties) provide more than adequate power, but who wants to be at the mercy of the grass' length? The truly sickening part of it is that it doesn't cost a penny more to port these engines so that they will produce nearly the same power as their ball bearing equivalents.
08-02-2006 | 02:40 PM
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From: Tokoroa, , NEW ZEALAND
RE: Trainer problems
If you want a plain-bearing 40-sized engine that's streets better than the OSLA, look at the Thunder Tiger GP42. Our club has one of these on its trainer and it's a stunning little engine. This one was bought new for $49 and has vastly more power than the 40LA, it also idles like a dream, transitions beautifully and is tough as nails.
There are fins missing off the head on ours because it smacked into the tarmac runway inverted (at speed) -- but it still runs. It's also been siezed once (don't try using 30% nitro fuel :-) but, despite this it has excellent compression and retains its good manners and power.
As others have said though, a TT46Pro is perhaps the best value 40-46 sized engine out there right now. You can buy them for $74 (little more than the OS40LA) but they produce way more power and, once the trainer gets boring, can be moved into far more capable aircraft and still provide sparkling performance.
My oldest TT46Pro has now done about 220 hours and still runs almost as strong as when new.
The 46Pro will give you everything you'll get from an OS46AX but at a far lower price (I've now got four of them :-)
There are fins missing off the head on ours because it smacked into the tarmac runway inverted (at speed) -- but it still runs. It's also been siezed once (don't try using 30% nitro fuel :-) but, despite this it has excellent compression and retains its good manners and power.
As others have said though, a TT46Pro is perhaps the best value 40-46 sized engine out there right now. You can buy them for $74 (little more than the OS40LA) but they produce way more power and, once the trainer gets boring, can be moved into far more capable aircraft and still provide sparkling performance.
My oldest TT46Pro has now done about 220 hours and still runs almost as strong as when new.
The 46Pro will give you everything you'll get from an OS46AX but at a far lower price (I've now got four of them :-)
08-02-2006 | 03:00 PM
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From: Leesburg,
IN
RE: Trainer problems
None of those maneuvers matter if you cannot take off from a grass field that hasn't been mowed recently
08-02-2006 | 09:03 PM
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From: Charlotte, NC
RE: Trainer problems
I have two ST 40's and yes they are great motors, i also have a tt pro 46 on my tribute. i belive im gonna sell the la and get a tt pro 46. Does anyone want the little LA. It's got mabye 25 flights and your right from the box i havent turned the needle. It comes with everything down to the stickers in the box. If you have a NIB pro 46 around ill swap and add in some money to cover the cost change. i also can send pics.
08-03-2006 | 01:41 AM
#14
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RE: Trainer problems
ORIGINAL: XJet
If you want a plain-bearing 40-sized engine that's streets better than the OSLA, look at the Thunder Tiger GP42. Our club has one of these on its trainer and it's a stunning little engine. This one was bought new for $49 and has vastly more power than the 40LA, it also idles like a dream, transitions beautifully and is tough as nails.
There are fins missing off the head on ours because it smacked into the tarmac runway inverted (at speed) -- but it still runs. It's also been siezed once (don't try using 30% nitro fuel :-) but, despite this it has excellent compression and retains its good manners and power.
As others have said though, a TT46Pro is perhaps the best value 40-46 sized engine out there right now. You can buy them for $74 (little more than the OS40LA) but they produce way more power and, once the trainer gets boring, can be moved into far more capable aircraft and still provide sparkling performance.
My oldest TT46Pro has now done about 220 hours and still runs almost as strong as when new.
The 46Pro will give you everything you'll get from an OS46AX but at a far lower price (I've now got four of them :-)
If you want a plain-bearing 40-sized engine that's streets better than the OSLA, look at the Thunder Tiger GP42. Our club has one of these on its trainer and it's a stunning little engine. This one was bought new for $49 and has vastly more power than the 40LA, it also idles like a dream, transitions beautifully and is tough as nails.
There are fins missing off the head on ours because it smacked into the tarmac runway inverted (at speed) -- but it still runs. It's also been siezed once (don't try using 30% nitro fuel :-) but, despite this it has excellent compression and retains its good manners and power.
As others have said though, a TT46Pro is perhaps the best value 40-46 sized engine out there right now. You can buy them for $74 (little more than the OS40LA) but they produce way more power and, once the trainer gets boring, can be moved into far more capable aircraft and still provide sparkling performance.
My oldest TT46Pro has now done about 220 hours and still runs almost as strong as when new.
The 46Pro will give you everything you'll get from an OS46AX but at a far lower price (I've now got four of them :-)
---------------
I'm referring to the TT .42 GP.
I have never had the opportunity of running or being near one of these engines while it was running, but I've often thought that it would be a good'un.
The one thing that was a bit of an issue when it was first introduced was the plastic backplate. Have you heard anything about that?
08-03-2006 | 12:34 PM
#15
RE: Trainer problems
TT 42 GP is a great engine but having a weak point,needle valve assembly.It has a very fine threaded , very short piece to screw into carb body and easily this threads get stripped.Then some sudden stops in midair.Otherwise a powerful good engine.
08-03-2006 | 08:48 PM
#17
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RE: Trainer problems
The ST 40 is a good engine. So is the Evolution .455. Take off the flywheel weight and put on a 11x7 and you have a fine engine. Chrome liner. Machined crankshaft. Extremely forgiving with tuning and the crankcase never loads up too much.
08-03-2006 | 11:25 PM
#19
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RE: Trainer problems
ORIGINAL: HitecMan
I have two ST 40's and yes they are great motors, i also have a tt pro 46 on my tribute. i belive im gonna sell the la and get a tt pro 46. Does anyone want the little LA. It's got mabye 25 flights and your right from the box i havent turned the needle. It comes with everything down to the stickers in the box. If you have a NIB pro 46 around ill swap and add in some money to cover the cost change. i also can send pics.
I have two ST 40's and yes they are great motors, i also have a tt pro 46 on my tribute. i belive im gonna sell the la and get a tt pro 46. Does anyone want the little LA. It's got mabye 25 flights and your right from the box i havent turned the needle. It comes with everything down to the stickers in the box. If you have a NIB pro 46 around ill swap and add in some money to cover the cost change. i also can send pics.
-------------
First of all, I'm on your side and I'm not yelling at you. Nor do I want to make you feel bad. Okay?
Why haven't you turned the needle? You can't possibly know what this, or any other engine, is capable of doing until it is adjusted properly. The only way to learn to adjust an engine properly, is to adjust it. If you need to learn how to adjust an engine, the OS .40 LA is probably one of the best to learn on, since it is non ringed and is not likely to be damaged by running a little too lean. Unlike some other engines we have been talking about.
I wish I had video production capability and enough smarts to post some videos on how to tune glow engines. Why hasn't an engine distributor picked up on this need and filled it? This is probably one of the most difficult mechanical things to learn in this hobby, yet it can be learned so easily with the proper instruction that it is a pity someone hasn't done it as yet.
08-04-2006 | 04:50 AM
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From: Leesburg,
IN
RE: Trainer problems
Excellent point and post, Artisan. I completely agree with you and add that my experience is that a properly tuned 40LA - and when the 40-sized trainer has the proper sized wheels instead of the too small ones that come with it - there will be more than enough power for TO and flying, including introductory aerobatics.
08-04-2006 | 07:43 AM
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From: Bolton, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: Trainer problems
I'll second that Newc.
My 55" span semi scale Grumman Tiger which isn't the lightest plane around flies great with my 40LA. This engine is prop sensitive and I settled on a 10x6. This motor pulls this model around fine when properly tuned. There's a picture in the gallery at the moment
My 55" span semi scale Grumman Tiger which isn't the lightest plane around flies great with my 40LA. This engine is prop sensitive and I settled on a 10x6. This motor pulls this model around fine when properly tuned. There's a picture in the gallery at the moment
08-04-2006 | 04:16 PM
#23
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RE: Trainer problems
LA 40s are good engines but not the most powerful engine around. Well taken care of they will perform for a long time. But they are not timed for the higher RPMs, so a Thunder Tiger 46, Tower Hobbies 46, GMS 47 and of course the OS 46FX or AX will run circles aroung the LA 40. Even the Magnum XLS series develop more power than the LA 40.
You pays your money and takes your pick. Me personally, I would go for the Thunder Tiger Pro 46. But then you could step up to the Super Tigre 51 or a Magnum 50 XLS -- a lot more power.
Cheers,
Chip
The Magnum xls is a whole lot more powerful than the la, and at least as powerful as the rest you mentioned, so where did that "even the Magnum xls" come from???
You pays your money and takes your pick. Me personally, I would go for the Thunder Tiger Pro 46. But then you could step up to the Super Tigre 51 or a Magnum 50 XLS -- a lot more power.
Cheers,
Chip
The Magnum xls is a whole lot more powerful than the la, and at least as powerful as the rest you mentioned, so where did that "even the Magnum xls" come from???
