which .46
07-24-2003 | 03:20 AM
#1
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From: Sturgis, MI
which .46
Hey all
My next project is an OMP ff540 profile and I am looking for some input on what .46 to get for it. I have many OS 46s... both fx and sf... so i know how well they run. Unfortunately they are all in planes already. I'd prefer to find an engine fairly cheap. I've been looking at the GMS .47, TT Pro 46, TH 46, and I've even glanced at the Mecoa 46. Which of these would I be best for me. I need power and reliability. All of these engines can be found for around $80 or less... and being a poor 16 yr old price is definately a factor
Any input would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Shane
My next project is an OMP ff540 profile and I am looking for some input on what .46 to get for it. I have many OS 46s... both fx and sf... so i know how well they run. Unfortunately they are all in planes already. I'd prefer to find an engine fairly cheap. I've been looking at the GMS .47, TT Pro 46, TH 46, and I've even glanced at the Mecoa 46. Which of these would I be best for me. I need power and reliability. All of these engines can be found for around $80 or less... and being a poor 16 yr old price is definately a factor
Any input would be appreciated.Thanks!
Shane
07-24-2003 | 03:39 AM
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which .46
The Mecoa, Megatec, and LEO are one and the same. They are more or less a copy of the old OS 46 SF. They run about the same as it does.
Using the trade in deal, the MECOA would be the cheapest. The trade in on a GMS would be next.
Just to outright purchase one, the TT PRO 46 is usually pretty cheap.
The GMS and Tower engines are both made by GMS. They all run about the same. Tower even sells both brands. These engines usually have a little more power than the OS 46 FX.
Enjoy,
Jim
Using the trade in deal, the MECOA would be the cheapest. The trade in on a GMS would be next.
Just to outright purchase one, the TT PRO 46 is usually pretty cheap.
The GMS and Tower engines are both made by GMS. They all run about the same. Tower even sells both brands. These engines usually have a little more power than the OS 46 FX.
Enjoy,
Jim
07-24-2003 | 04:30 AM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
which .46
bill_bush:
If you like the OS 46 FX and wuld like to get one for roughly $40 off list, go to Hobby People and get the Magnum XLS 46.
I have both, and I really can't tell the difference other than the name on the outside. I think even the parts will interchange.
Bill.
If you like the OS 46 FX and wuld like to get one for roughly $40 off list, go to Hobby People and get the Magnum XLS 46.
I have both, and I really can't tell the difference other than the name on the outside. I think even the parts will interchange.
Bill.
07-24-2003 | 04:55 AM
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From: Bakersfield, CA
which .46
I would go with the TT46. It has an edge over the GMS, in that you never hear of one that won't shut off. I have both the TT46 and the OS46FX, and can say they are almost equal, with the OS having a SLIGHT edge in ease of tuning. I like the fact that the TT doesn't have the RNV, that's a plus too.
07-24-2003 | 05:12 AM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
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Razor and all:
First, let me say that I have only flown TT one time, on my son's Ugly Stick, and it worked very well indeed.
But years ago I bought a second handed Aero-Star with a Magnum XL 46 on it, and that engine pleased me so much that when I built my second twin I got another pair of XL 46s for it.
That pair of XL 46s has been on the same plane for eight years now, and in that time I have never had one go dead in flight. Not once. Except of course, for when I get rambunctious and just stay up too long, and run the tank dry. Tank, singular? Yep. I have Perry pumps on the engines, feeding from a single tank in the fuselage. Two clunks in the tank, with the right one just a hair shorter than the left - the right engine quits a few seconds before the left - safer that way.
The power is great, the reliability is second to none. And I've bought a pair of XLS engines, the OS FX copy.
And I have a real OS 46 FX on my Magic, the XLS engines are, in my opinion, every bit as good, and to repeat, $40 cheaper. That's $80 on the pair, almost enough to buy the third one.
For a final point, whether you like remote needles or having the needle up front, the only real difference between the 46 XL and the XLS 46, the Magnum version comes with the parts to set it up either way.
Bill.
First, let me say that I have only flown TT one time, on my son's Ugly Stick, and it worked very well indeed.
But years ago I bought a second handed Aero-Star with a Magnum XL 46 on it, and that engine pleased me so much that when I built my second twin I got another pair of XL 46s for it.
That pair of XL 46s has been on the same plane for eight years now, and in that time I have never had one go dead in flight. Not once. Except of course, for when I get rambunctious and just stay up too long, and run the tank dry. Tank, singular? Yep. I have Perry pumps on the engines, feeding from a single tank in the fuselage. Two clunks in the tank, with the right one just a hair shorter than the left - the right engine quits a few seconds before the left - safer that way.
The power is great, the reliability is second to none. And I've bought a pair of XLS engines, the OS FX copy.
And I have a real OS 46 FX on my Magic, the XLS engines are, in my opinion, every bit as good, and to repeat, $40 cheaper. That's $80 on the pair, almost enough to buy the third one.
For a final point, whether you like remote needles or having the needle up front, the only real difference between the 46 XL and the XLS 46, the Magnum version comes with the parts to set it up either way.
Bill.
07-24-2003 | 12:19 PM
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From: Towson, MD
which .46
The latest engine test from RCM magazine and Clarence Lee puts the Tower Hobbies .46 at the top of the performance heap in this price range at $79.95.
Go to http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJA86&P=0
It is a good product and their parts and service are second to none. I believe it may be manufactured by Thunder Tiger by the looks of its casting and machining, but I'm not sure.
Good Luck,
Max :boxing:
Go to http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJA86&P=0
It is a good product and their parts and service are second to none. I believe it may be manufactured by Thunder Tiger by the looks of its casting and machining, but I'm not sure.
Good Luck,
Max :boxing:
07-25-2003 | 04:29 PM
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From: Nacogdoches, Tx
which .46
There are good engines and sorry engines in all of these China made engines, as their QC is nonexistant. So whatever you decide to buy get it from a reputable dealer who offers a warranty, proven service, and parts.
Unfortunately this leaves Mecoa and any individual who resells Mecoa products out, as their warranty is a non-warranty and they have no service or parts.
I find there are enough problems in this world without going out and laying down your hard earned cash for another one
Unfortunately this leaves Mecoa and any individual who resells Mecoa products out, as their warranty is a non-warranty and they have no service or parts.
I find there are enough problems in this world without going out and laying down your hard earned cash for another one
07-25-2003 | 04:50 PM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
which .46
Cajun:
I have to put in a counter-word on MECoA.
Yes, they are hard to deal with, they don't seem to care whether or not they make a sale, but if you stay with it they will come through.
You'd better have another engine to fly in the meantime. I stick with them because I still like K&B engines. At this moment I have 12 sitting in front of me; matching pairs for the latest batch of twin-engined planes.
And that was my latest purchase from MECoA: counter-rotating crankshafts for the type 4011 engines. Took them right at a year and a half to supply two of them, but as I said, they did come through.
Just don't be in a hurry.
Bill.
I have to put in a counter-word on MECoA.
Yes, they are hard to deal with, they don't seem to care whether or not they make a sale, but if you stay with it they will come through.
You'd better have another engine to fly in the meantime. I stick with them because I still like K&B engines. At this moment I have 12 sitting in front of me; matching pairs for the latest batch of twin-engined planes.
And that was my latest purchase from MECoA: counter-rotating crankshafts for the type 4011 engines. Took them right at a year and a half to supply two of them, but as I said, they did come through.
Just don't be in a hurry.
Bill.
07-25-2003 | 05:06 PM
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From: Nacogdoches, Tx
which .46
[QUOTE]Yes, they are hard to deal with, they don't seem to care whether or not they make a sale, but if you stay with it they will come through[/QUOTE ]
Bill, if they are hard to deal with and don't care if they make a sale, and I have to haggle with them to get service, then they won't get my business to begin with.
There are too many good retailers today that want and deserve my business.
Just my opinion.
Bill, if they are hard to deal with and don't care if they make a sale, and I have to haggle with them to get service, then they won't get my business to begin with.
There are too many good retailers today that want and deserve my business.
Just my opinion.
07-25-2003 | 05:24 PM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
which .46
Cajun:
Sorry, I realize you could not see my tongue stuck in my cheek as I made that last post. I thought the sarcasm would be evident.
But I do deal with them because, as I said, I still like, fly, and am buying, more K&B engines.
Bill.
Sorry, I realize you could not see my tongue stuck in my cheek as I made that last post. I thought the sarcasm would be evident.
But I do deal with them because, as I said, I still like, fly, and am buying, more K&B engines.
Bill.
07-25-2003 | 07:19 PM
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From: Towson, MD
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I was gonna say! I have been collecting engines and running them for over 40 years and have never had better service than MECOA. you actually pissed me off with that comment. Randy (the owner)answers the phone himself a lot of the time and he couldn't be a better person to deal with. He has helped with problems, parts, and advice. I wish I could get this kind of service from my Audi dealer! MECOA beats anyone hands down for service!
Max
Max
07-25-2003 | 08:39 PM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
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Max:
My problem has been caused mainly by wanting uncommon parts. There is not a large market for counter rotating cranks.
Parts for current engines are no problem.
As a matter of fact I just got off the phone with Marilu, they had every part I asked for except, again an uncommon part, the counter-rotating crankshaft for the 61 engine.
And I also have three HB engines. Guess where you get parts for them?
Bill.
My problem has been caused mainly by wanting uncommon parts. There is not a large market for counter rotating cranks.
Parts for current engines are no problem.
As a matter of fact I just got off the phone with Marilu, they had every part I asked for except, again an uncommon part, the counter-rotating crankshaft for the 61 engine.
And I also have three HB engines. Guess where you get parts for them?
Bill.
07-26-2003 | 12:58 AM
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Which .46
Bill,
Give the MECOA .46 a good look. $49.00 with trade in! Mine is a diesel conversion (12x8 @10K). Lots of guys in my are using them as glow and like them. Put on a GMS/Tower 46 muffler and get an instant 400 RPM.
Francis
Give the MECOA .46 a good look. $49.00 with trade in! Mine is a diesel conversion (12x8 @10K). Lots of guys in my are using them as glow and like them. Put on a GMS/Tower 46 muffler and get an instant 400 RPM.
Francis
07-26-2003 | 01:33 AM
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From: Mary Esther, Florida, FL
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Francis:
As i said, I like the K&B engines.
I'd have to go around and take a physical inventory to get an accurate count of my total, but in the last month I've bought 11 more K&Bs.
My second choice in two strokes is Magnum, I have a potful of them also.
Third choice? I suppose it's a toss-up among HB, (just bought three more) MDS (all mine have given excellent service) and OS, the newest of which is a 46 FX on my Magic.
My oldest OS is a Max I 35 on a Harter's Royal Rodent. Still runs fine, it's about 44 years old. Built the plane in either '59 or '60, so it's at least 43.
Four strokes? Saito, Magnum, and OS. Put them in any order you wish, so long as OS is third.
OS is third not for quality or ease of use, or even long life. They are just priced too high, and that's also why their two strokes are down low on my list. Just overpriced.
I mentioned the OS 46FX - $130 average price. Magnum XLS 46- $90 and most of the parts will interchange with the OS 46XL.
Build your twin and choose Maggie 46s instead of the OS, you save almost enough to buy the third Magnum 46. Or all the hardware and film covering, still have enough change to buy a gallon or two of fuel.
Bill.
As i said, I like the K&B engines.
I'd have to go around and take a physical inventory to get an accurate count of my total, but in the last month I've bought 11 more K&Bs.
My second choice in two strokes is Magnum, I have a potful of them also.
Third choice? I suppose it's a toss-up among HB, (just bought three more) MDS (all mine have given excellent service) and OS, the newest of which is a 46 FX on my Magic.
My oldest OS is a Max I 35 on a Harter's Royal Rodent. Still runs fine, it's about 44 years old. Built the plane in either '59 or '60, so it's at least 43.
Four strokes? Saito, Magnum, and OS. Put them in any order you wish, so long as OS is third.
OS is third not for quality or ease of use, or even long life. They are just priced too high, and that's also why their two strokes are down low on my list. Just overpriced.
I mentioned the OS 46FX - $130 average price. Magnum XLS 46- $90 and most of the parts will interchange with the OS 46XL.
Build your twin and choose Maggie 46s instead of the OS, you save almost enough to buy the third Magnum 46. Or all the hardware and film covering, still have enough change to buy a gallon or two of fuel.
Bill.
