So I just purchsed a Phoenix Models Strega .40 but I want to give it a little more "umph" than a .40 or a .46 will. I'm torn between the ASP FS61AR 4-stroke or the ASP S52All 2-stroke. Any opinons on either of these?

The .52 would work well. I have an older version and it takes a while to break in but once it does, Lots of power.


Buzz.

The Phoenix Strega is a great little inexpensive ship that will fly well with anything from a good .46 and up. I have set them up with various .46, .61's and YS 110's. Currently just set up one with a Bar Stock Jett .91 on a Jett quarter wave pipe and another I just set up for myself with an OS .95AX. Tested that one along with the Jett engined ship just in the last week each day.

However if you are new to warbirds my first choice would be an OS .55AX. This will be a wonderful combination.

This airplane is my chief recomendation for a first warbird and/or warbird pylon racing.

John

So it sounds like a 2-stroke would be better than a 4-stroke?

Well in my opinion if this is another rung up the airmanship ladder for you then yes and unless you planing to get involved into serious warbird racing with the grossly outsized engines then yes I firmly beleve this airplane will provide a better experiance for you with a Two Stroke.


Team Geritol

John

I just bought an ASP 52 and am VERY impressed!  I read a very good review here http://www.rcmodelreviews.com/asp52_review2.shtml and agree with everything it says.  More power than an OS55 AX at 1/3 the price.  Starts easily, idles to about 3RPM and has tons of power.  Will it last as long?  Probably not but you can just buy another one :-).  If you buy one take note of the bit in the review where he advises about the screws holding in the carb.  When you use Loctite you have LOTS of lube so go easy on the torque otherwise it's REAL easy to strip the thread.

If your idea of "Ooomph" is going faster, YES.
I love my Jetts, I'm just sayin.

The Kingman Pumpkin Patch, can you spot the Strega(s)

This was a few years ago at a time I first introduced the Pheonix Strega to the RC Pro warbird events.


Team Geritol

John

You know, I was looking and the .61 is just $6 more. Should I just get it for the extra power/speed? Also, if I did, would I have to reinforce the firewall?

If this is your first warbird then no definately stick with 46/50 . Now if you feel your skills are a step above just a low wing airplane although I am not a fan of ASP engines, then sure use a .61 if you like and no, reinforcing the firewall is unneeded and the fellows sometimes make it worse.

John