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Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

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Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Old 07-12-2002, 08:38 PM
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tailslide-RCU
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Was wondering if this is to much prop. Anyone tried it?
Old 07-12-2002, 08:56 PM
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f2racer
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

This will likely be too much prop for your engine. I've got a TT GP-42 (probably right around the same power as your 46LA), and an APC 11x4 is almost too much prop. An 11x5 is definitely too much prop. An 11x3 is perfect.
Old 07-12-2002, 09:00 PM
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airjeffro
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Unless it is a wiz bang super thin bladed carbon fiber miracle prop then yes a 12-4 is too much prop for the La.46. I have 3 of the La.46s and by far the best prop for this engine is the Top Flight wood power point 11-4. I also like the Master Airscrew 10-6, but they are a real pain to balance.
Old 07-12-2002, 11:44 PM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

It's ported and timed perfectly for a wood 12x4.... try it on a good FF plane weighing....4 lbs or less.... and you'll love it. I have 3 of them.... and 3 .40's....its a great FF engine for us sport fliers. A hot .32 with 10x4 might win in competition for sure.... but the old LA aint too bad for most of us, assuming your model is light enough.

Foamguy
Old 07-13-2002, 12:30 AM
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shmo46
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I use the thin blade APC 12 x 4, (very similar to the popular 12.25X3.75) It works fine for me on an FX 46. Unlimited vertical on a Fun 51. pretty sure the LA 46 will handle it fine. if in doubt add a couple ounces of castor to your fuel for the extra protection.
Old 07-13-2002, 01:42 AM
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Chris 540
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Whoa there...don't think that the LA has power even close to the FX.
Old 07-13-2002, 02:59 AM
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Alastair
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I have a trainer with a .46 la on it.
I have tried it with a 10-6, 11- 4, and 11-5. The 11-5 gives the best speed and thrust. With the 11-4 it flew like it was a .40 la and the 11-5 just seems to be the right prop. A 12-4 is probably too much prop for this engine.
Old 07-13-2002, 03:21 AM
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tailslide-RCU
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

thanks for the info guys
Old 07-13-2002, 06:07 AM
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Foamguy
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Again, it depends a lot too on your airframe, drag, weight, expectations, etc. An LA is no powerhouse.... but it will deliver good torque... which is exactly what you need to swing a 12x4. As for horsepower, its in no way in the same league as an FX...... but who cares ? Theyre rock reliable, cheap, LIGHTWEIGHT, have no ball bearings to rust, easy to start, etc, etc. On a light FF plane..... meaning 4 lbs or less... a REAL FF plane.... its really hard to beat.... unless of course your one of the 3% that flies comp funfly..... Besides, if you ever manage to seize it up entirely or wear it out, at the price you can toss it and get a new one

Foamguy
Old 07-13-2002, 01:37 PM
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Default OS .46 LA

I am using a OS 46 LA in a Magic.
It weighs 4 lbs without fuel RTF.
Has an APC 12.25 X 3.75 prop.

The plane can hover and torque roll all day without overheating.

I do use coolpower 30% heli fuel.
It makes a huge difference in throttle response and being able to pull out of a hover.

If I use Byron's 15% fuel it pulls out of a hover very slow, but it will do it.

It's a great engine for $65 brand spanking new.
Old 07-13-2002, 04:49 PM
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airjeffro
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

TorkRollN, Are you using a shim on the head of your La.46 to lower the compression? What muffler are you using? I have been flying light weight funfly planes under 3 lbs with my La.46s for several years, and they seem to really hammer and rattle with higher nitro fuel. As far as the 12 in props, I havn't tried the 12 in prop with high nitro. Raising nitro content in fuel has the effect of advancing the ignition timing, high nitro plus high compression equal pre-ignition (or detonation). Wouldn't using high nitro and a high load prop in a high compression engine make this worse?

I see that you are located in Pa., The NCFFA nats are Aug 3-4 in Sayre Pa., that Magic would be a great plane for the sportsman fun fly event.
Old 07-13-2002, 07:16 PM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I have also used 30% heli fuel in the .46 la, but since the engine was on a trainer I didn't need the extra power. MOST engines including the la will run on 30% just fine.
Old 07-13-2002, 08:48 PM
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Dave McDonald
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I agree with Foamguy! Your 46LA will easily turn a 12x4....but pay attention that he said a WOOD 12x4, not a nylon 12x4.

And if you want more power from your 46LA, you can always build a mousse can pipe for it. For about $25, it will provide a substantial power increase.
Old 07-14-2002, 03:47 AM
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tailslide-RCU
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

You guys have been a great help. i try to use a wooden prop whenever i can. Can anyone point me to a description on how to build a mouse can muffler? any info would be great.
Old 07-14-2002, 04:18 AM
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Dave McDonald
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

For instructions on how to build a MCP, go to RC Flight Unlimited at: http://webpages.charter.net/rcfu/

Look under the CONSTRUCTION link for the Mousse Can Muffler building instructions.

For a 46LA, be sure to use the larger can specified in the instructions. 1.75" diameter and about 6.5" long works perfect!
Old 07-14-2002, 09:55 AM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Originally posted by Dave McDonald
I agree with Foamguy! Your 46LA will easily turn a 12x4....but pay attention that he said a WOOD 12x4, not a nylon 12x4.

And if you want more power from your 46LA, you can always build a mousse can pipe for it. For about $25, it will provide a substantial power increase.
I have a TT GP-42 and I've been playing around quite a bit with various props on my Uproar (although the GP-42 is now back on my trainer). The GP-42 is more or less equivalent to the 46LA in terms of performance... The engine spun a 10x6 prop fairly well on my trainer, so I figured that I'd try an Zinger wood 11x5 prop when I put the engine on the Uproar. Definitely too much prop, for some reason, it wouldn't spin into its power range and thrust was much lower than with a 10x5. I next tried an APC 11x4 which did better, but was still a bit too much prop. I followed with with an APC 10x4 prop, which did MUCH better than both 11 inch props in terms of thrust, I was able to increase hover time from 3-4 seconds up to 20+ seconds with this prop. Finally I tried an APC 11x3... And found nirvana for that engine/plane combo. I'm now breaking in a TT Pro-36 which already outrevs the GP-42 with that 11x3 prop by 2000 rpm!!! I'm guessing the 11oz Pro-36 has got to be the best bang for the buck for fun flies under 4lbs. I'm surprised that not more people talk about using them. So if the wood 12x4 doesn't work out, try an APC 11x3...
Old 07-14-2002, 12:53 PM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I am using 12.25 X 3.75 APC on my Limbo Dancer!
for unlimited vertical.!
Old 07-14-2002, 05:06 PM
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Default OS 46 LA

airjeffro:
I am using the stock muffler with my OS 46 LA.
I am not using any head shims.
I have been told that coolpower 30% Helifuel contains a higher percentage of oil than most fuels. Maybe this helps.

Dave McDonald:
Have you built one of these MCP mufflers for the OS .46 LA ?

I was wondering what header to buy from MAC for it.
I would like to build one of these. They sound to be really impresive.
Old 07-14-2002, 06:39 PM
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Dave McDonald
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

I love fun fly planes! And I'm always searching for the perfect fun fly engine.....lightweight, powerful, with perfect throttle response all the way from a full idle, to full power, and every throttle position inbetween. I own at least one of the following: OS 40FP, OS 46LA, TT 40GP, TT 42GP, OS 32F, TT Pro 36, and a Webra 32. All of these engines have been flown both with and without mousse can pipes (MCP). In fact, the Stickit in my avatar had an OS 46LA w/MCP at that time spinning a Top Flite wood 11x4.)

The header that Macs sells for the OS 40FP also fits the OS 40LA, OS 46LA, TT 40GP, and TT 42GP. All of these engines use the same size 1.75" diameter by 6.5" long cans.

The header that Macs sells for the OS 32 also fits the Webra 32 and the TT 36. All of these engines use the same size 1.5" diameter by 5"-6" long cans.

Out of all these engines, my favorite of the bushing 40 class is the TT 42GP w/MCP. And my favorite of the ball bearing 32 class is the TT Pro 36 w/MCP. Surprisingly, my least favorite of all these is the Webra 32.....but maybe I got a lemon.....not sure.
Old 07-14-2002, 10:32 PM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

[i]Out of all these engines, my favorite of the bushing 40 class is the TT 42GP w/MCP. And my favorite of the ball bearing 32 class is the TT Pro 36 w/MCP. Surprisingly, my least favorite of all these is the Webra 32.....but maybe I got a lemon.....not sure. [/B]
Have did you get the new needle valve for your TT Pro-36? I've heard that Ace/TT have one if you call.

Thanks!
Old 07-14-2002, 11:35 PM
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Foamguy
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Originally posted by Dave McDonald
I love fun fly planes! And I'm always searching for the perfect fun fly engine.....lightweight, powerful, with perfect throttle response all the way from a full idle, to full power, and every throttle position inbetween. I own at least one of the following: OS 40FP, OS 46LA, TT 40GP, TT 42GP, OS 32F, TT Pro 36, and a Webra 32. All of these engines have been flown both with and without mousse can pipes (MCP). In fact, the Stickit in my avatar had an OS 46LA w/MCP at that time spinning a Top Flite wood 11x4.)

The header that Macs sells for the OS 40FP also fits the OS 40LA, OS 46LA, TT 40GP, and TT 42GP. All of these engines use the same size 1.75" diameter by 6.5" long cans.

The header that Macs sells for the OS 32 also fits the Webra 32 and the TT 36. All of these engines use the same size 1.5" diameter by 5"-6" long cans.

Out of all these engines, my favorite of the bushing 40 class is the TT 42GP w/MCP. And my favorite of the ball bearing 32 class is the TT Pro 36 w/MCP. Surprisingly, my least favorite of all these is the Webra 32.....but maybe I got a lemon.....not sure.
Well said Dave.

I concur for the most part. All will get the job done. I wanted to add a few alternats to the list. I also use the Magnum .28 and .32 engines. Of those two, the .28 has better transition, actually the best transition of any engine I own and my personal favorite.... but the .32 has a touch more power. Basically were really splitting hairs here, but if your finished plane weighs 2.75 or less the .28 is my pick, if it weighs 3 lbs, the .32. Above that I tend to go with the old LA .46. Upto 4 lbs... and to me no true funfly plane should ever weigh more than 4 lbs. My motto is, " Shoot for two lbs and accept what you really end up with. "

Foamguy
Old 07-15-2002, 02:37 AM
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Dave McDonald
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

f2racer,
After two emails and three phone calls to Thunder Tiger, I finally got ahold of a guy named Brandon who sent me a new idle needle for my TT Pro 36. But to get it, I had to send them a self addressed stamped envelope. OK, I can live with that.

I mounted the TT 36 with a MCP on my second Stickit. The new idle needle completely cured the rich mid range problem! My TT Pro 36 finally ran and throttled perfectly at all throttle positions, just like all of my other TT engines.

Unfortunately, about 5 flights later, the prop spun off inflight and I lost the thin steel washer that fits between the front bearing and the prop drive hub. I called Thunder Tiger again to get one. The guy I talked to told me the part only cost $2, but they wouldn't sell it to me unless I was a dealer. To get the part I needed, I would have to order it from a dealer......no exceptions.

I've had the part on order from my local dealer for nearly two months now, but it still hasn't showed up yet. And until I can get my hands on that simple little steel washer, my TT Pro 36 is grounded. BUMMER!

When Ace was back here in Missouri, Thunder Tiger's customer service was top notch. Usually a simple phone call was all it took to resolve a problem. But now it flat out sucks!

(OK, I'm done venting now. Sorry!)
Old 07-15-2002, 09:00 AM
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f2racer
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Dave, if you're ever looking for TT parts again, you may wanna check out http://www.paulsmodelsupply.com/. Paul is very nice and will even strip models that he has in stock for parts if he doesn't have them on hand.
Old 07-15-2002, 09:40 PM
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Dave McDonald
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

f2racer,
Thanks for the tip about Paul's Model Supply! I called Paul himself and ordered the shim for the TT 36. In fact, I ordered a couple of spares. He said it might take a week or two, but that's nothing compared to the run-around I've been getting from Thunder Tiger.
Old 07-15-2002, 11:41 PM
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Default Will an LA 46 Handle a 12x4

Originally posted by Dave McDonald
Thanks for the tip about Paul's Model Supply! I called Paul himself and ordered the shim for the TT 36. In fact, I ordered a couple of spares.
I've ordered from Paul twice. He's very nice and obviously knows his way around engines. Luckily for me he had both parts that I needed (one in stock, the other he actually took off an engine he had in stock). His prices are reasonable as well. It's customer service like this that'll get me coming back!

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