I an considering a TF Contender for my next project. What engine are people using a lot for this plane? I currently have available an OS .46SF ABC, an Enya .50 CX ABC, an OS .61 FX and a Super Tigre S61. Is a .61 too big to fit comfortably in the nose? Is the plane too heavy for a 46? Advise please?

Thanks,
Brian

See my post in thread "Original 70's Contender kit." I am using the OS .61 FX in mine. Requires some extra work when doing the cowling, but will fit. Posted under "Safebet."

The original Contender was very commonly-powered with a .61-size engine. The plane is certainly large enough and strong enough to handle it. In the 1970's, the Contender was considered an excellent airplane for many fun-fly meets. It has an excellent speed range, and can fly quite slowly if it's not overweight, but has a good top speed, too.

My first Contender was built from one of the original production-run kits. I powered it with an O.S. Max .61 Goldhead. The current O.S. Max .65 LA would be similar in power, if not slightly more powerful. That would make a very nice performing airplane.

The current kit is engineered differently than the original, but is still very able to take a .61-size engine for power.

Mine flies very well with an OS .61 FX. It takes a little extra carving inside the cowl to fit, and you may want to add a shoe horn to your toolbox. The plane builds a bit heavy, and might be a bit anemic with a .45.

I powered mine with a Fox .46. I chopped the funny looking wingtips. The plane is plenty fast for a sport plane, vertical is not unlimited but this is not a 3D machine. A 45 provides ample speed and power.

I'm currently on hiatus from building a Contender. I've chosen the ST .51 for mine. My theory is to build it as light as possible and use a forty-sized motor. What I mean by "forty-sized" is that many engine makers have several different engine displacements available in the same case size. For example, the ST .51 is the same case as the ST .40 and .45. The plus is that the bored motors will produce more power swinging more prop (albeit burning more fuel) than their smaller counterparts.

So if you like my theory, other motors that would fit this criteria are...

Irvine .53
MVVS .49
Webra .55
GMS .47
Magnum XLS .52
J'En .57

Now for the ultimate example of more displacement and power in a smaller case size, the Jett .60 is actually the same outer dimensions as his .40. It is supposed to be an awesome motor. (I have Jett racing engines and can say that Dub produces nothing but the highest quality items. In addition, his customer service is absolutely second to none.)

Now, if I owned a Jett .60, I wouldn't choose to put it on the Contender. That motor belongs on a more appropriate plane.

Robert, beautiful plane!

JS3, I have the Enya .50 which has the same mounting dimentions as a .46. That would probably be a good engine for it if propped right. I really love that .61 FX though! Runs great!

Brian

Yeah, I noticed you mentioned the Enya .50. I have no experience with them. Nobody around here uses Enya. I don't know why.

My Dad has a Tower 45 ABC with 11x6. This plane fly great with a strong 45-52 two stroke. This is a plane that will take a 60, but from the way my Dad's flys, I you certainly will be happy with a good 45 in it.

A club member and I both built and flew "Contenders". He powered his with .61 and I powered mine with the OS-46FX. Both planes flew about the same. IMO, the .61 didn't fly any faster or perform any better than the .46. If he the .61 was better, it was marginal. Having said that, the .46 is a good choice.

Also, build it with flaps. Not much more work, but the flaps adds a lot of enjoyment flying the "Contender".

DaveB

I'm running an OS 46FX on mine and it flies great. I usually fly it about half throttle.