RE: General Engine Question
 

BLW....the original poster said he was "new to nitro flying" (nitro flying?). That was MY first clue that he's probably not competing in Top Gun this year.

My guess would be a trainer type model, but.....who knows. If the hobby shop sells 'em a scale P-51 as their first or second model you can rest assured that's what they'll show up with. Been that way for years.

And BLW, you know that the pattern fliers don't just willy-nilly choose a "big one" motor for their airplanes. The actual competition models have firm weight limitations to fit into, and given the size of the pattern planes today...the choice of engines is actually quite limited. Add to that the skill level of a competition flyer, and we can make definite distinctions between a horribly overpowered (and likely overweight) beginner level model in shaky hands, and that 1.60 powered model flown by a pro at the contest.

Just not the same thing.

RE: General Engine Question
 

yeah theres a big thread going in ARF section right now

RE: General Engine Question
 

Ok, I have just read through this discussion, and just have to add my thoughts. In the first place the plane designer engineered the airframe to handle the size of engines noted on the plans,or in the construction manual. This is the prevailing engine that should be considered. It
is possible to reinforce the firewall and fuselage to handle a much larger engine, but will the wings and empennage take the added stress? It would far better to install the 52 which is
recommended, and get back into flying. Choose your second model to use a larger engine. I
really rather not bring up the discussion about liability, but what about a model in an injury accident where the builder installed a larger engine in a model that was not recommended by
the designer? How would insurance investigation not side with the injured party. It is something
to follow the safety codes, but not have engineering asurance that your model is airworthy.
Play it safe, and stay within the design guidelines. Now what I have said here just goes out
the window if you are flying at your own private field, and your kids are the only ones that
may get hurt.

Rich S.

RE: General Engine Question
 

My neighbor just happens to be an insurance adjuster and trust me your insurance company will not side with the injured party
in fact they will do all they can to blame the injured party that's how it works
Now the injured parties lawyer might try it but it's unlikely he will get past the fact that your plane hit his client
and since the power is only suggested or recommended there really is no liability issue with what size engine you use
heck if you put a YS110 FZ on a 1.10 rated plane isn't it overpowered since that motor will out run most 1.40's
the real issue is one of did you CONTROL your aircraft if a safe and responsible manner.
either way is really a non issue if planes hitting people was a problem clubs would not allow spectators even family at the field
after all most are on private property
Now back to the original post he said he's new to nitro not sure if he's new to flying so I say don't over power a 63 inch trainer with a .46 engine can get a beginner into all the trouble he can handle and no amount of power will get him out of trouble since in most cases he will not know what to do to get out anyway the extra power will just make a louder thud when he smacks the ground

RE: General Engine Question
 

race city- I missed that part. I wasn't trying to be argumentive or a know-it-all if it came out that way. I agree about pattern guys who really compete. I was talking about guys like me and those at the club. Just pattern flying for the fun of it. I agree that it isn't the same thing. Some of the best guys I've seen fly pattern did incredible verticals with very little throttle. No engines racing to max revs to get the maneuver done.

RE: General Engine Question
 

Hello Skiman; I like that "a bigger engine will just make a louder noise when it crashes" Maybe that reasoning will make sense to newby's,where a well thought out responce won't.

RE: General Engine Question
 

Well I can still remember my rookie days that ole trainer seemed to be going 200mph and changed directions fast now when I fly it it's seems so slow like a glider
A new flyer isn't even sure what's happening no need to hit the fast forward button
I know this is a costly hobby compared to some others but there will be plenty of time for big engines and fast planes IMO

RE: General Engine Question
 

It only takes one embarrasing, costly, dirt-in-the-transmitter crash to get their attention. All the talk about "more...faster...bigger...better" is forgotten as demolished fragments of the model are loaded into a hefty bag.

When the person is awarded the "Crash of the Year" award at the annual club picnic...it's much easier to talk sense into them. Until that point?

Sit near a sturdy structure, and enjoy the show.

RE: General Engine Question
 

A tad bigger engine will not hurt anything.....and when you need a bigger engine for the next plane....you wil have it. Case closed....maybe! Capt,n

RE: General Engine Question
 

Captain...

That's the rationale that gets them into this dilemna.....

They might fly a 40% model one day. Should they bolt a DA-150 in their trainer?

IMO...use the engine that fits in the mfr recommended size range. A LITTLE out is OK....anything more than a little and they can teach themselves at some other field. I won't help.

RE: General Engine Question
 

LSpliff,
Judging from all the chatter you generated with your question I guess this is a sore subject with some of the members. At the risk of repeating myself, a .75 size engine won't hurt your airplane and will probably fly alright. Make sure the CG is corrected for the heavier engine and don't fly it at sustained full throttle and you'll be fine.
Never mind the flying on the wing, the insurance ramifications, and all the rest of the purest chit-chat. It is your airplane, do whatever you want with it.
Gee, I hope I'm not causing the downfall of the hobby by advising you that it is OK to install a larger engine.
Regards,
doubledee

RE: General Engine Question
 

Wow You're right doubedee... That's one question I'll never ask again! lol But, honestly, I thank everyone for their input. I was away for a bit and just got a chance to check this. When I said new to nitro flying, I meant I only flew the average sized electrics before (nothing elaborate). I flew my friends gas 2-3 times and I figured, hey.. new job.. more pay... let's kick it up a notch. I bought an inexpensive ARF (Corsair - 55" wingspan), not a gas trainer like I probably should have... but what the hell (I'm great at video games! lol). From my experience, I didnt think I was going too crazy. What I was really trying to ask was that the engine I was planning to purchase is about .5 HP and ~5oz. heavier than the specified engine size... Is that too much? I understand the balance issue and I figured that reinforcing the firewall would be a good idea, but also, as was discussed, with the way these are made, will the rest of the plane hold up. I'm not planning on flying this at a constant full throttle... I'm not looking to take it home in a garbage bag :D

RE: General Engine Question
 

Real airplanes, and R/C is real, don't fly like vidio games. Do yourself a favor and buy a good trainer and get a good instructor. A good .46 to .50 would be more than enought power for both the trainer and the Corsair.