engine for a 4 Star 40
06-14-2003, 05:52 PM
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engine for a 4 Star 40
I'm trying to decide which engine to install on my 4 star 40.I have an OS 40FP and an OS46FX.Does anyone have a 46FX in thier 4 Star?
06-15-2003, 01:43 AM
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engine for a 4 Star 40
Yes...I've got a 46FX on mine...lotsa power...won't need full throttle for anything! Mine has 3 flights on it...one of the club instructors took it off for me the first two times(I've just graduated(?) from a trainer and wasn't feeling very adventurous!) ..I landed it once... and today I took it off and landed it. I did find I had to add about 2&1/2 ounces of lead to the tail to get mine to balance...might have been able to get away with less with moving the battery back more
06-15-2003, 01:55 AM
#3
engine for a 4 Star 40
The bushed .40 will power it just fine, just don't expect blazing aerobatics with it. OTOH, the BB .46 will make a rocket out of it and allow you to do just about anything you can throw at it. Either way it is set-up, it is a great plane to fly and have some fun...that's what you're doing this for isn't it?
06-15-2003, 08:42 PM
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engine for a 4 Star 40
I put a TT .46 PRO on mine and it flew great!!! The .46 FX will fly it real nice as that's what I have seen on most of them at the field, and no problems with the controls. I built one for a friend with a ST .40 and this engine really scooted it around but it's not a bushed motor like the LA is.
06-15-2003, 10:12 PM
#7
Power for 4-Star 40
There is more to consider than the engine size. There is also throttle control and prop size.
If you have progressed to where you can fly around along, land and do a little acro, I would recommend the .46FX with a few exceptions.
Certainly, with the right prop, you can get a good bit of straight line speed and, depending on your control hook up, you might get flutter. If you do go with the big engine, keep an ear out for the fatal buzz and watch your throttle.
As for prop size, I like climb myself instead of speed, so I like a lower pitch prop. You might try an 11-5, 11.5-4, 12.25-3.75 or 12-4 on your .46, if your gear is long enough. The latter 2 will give you great climb on a .46.
Another thing you need to do when you start flying powerful planes is to upgrade your control system. I am talking about 4-40 rods and clevices and sealing the hinge lines.
The OS .40FP will fly your plane and if you are still not sure of your skills or your reflexes are slow, it might be a good choice. It is an older engine and I think you might out grow it. If you wanted a plain bearing engine, I would recommend a Thunder Tiger .42GP.
Another choice is to start with the .40FP, but make sure your motor mount can be expanded to fit the larger .46FX. In this case, I would switch motor mounts to the Great Planes expandable motor mount, .40-.60 size. You can squeeze it in for the FP, then later widen it for the FX. I don't recall anyone else supplying this type mount with their kits, so if you start with the narrower engine, you might be stuck with a more complex job to upgrade.
If you have progressed to where you can fly around along, land and do a little acro, I would recommend the .46FX with a few exceptions.
Certainly, with the right prop, you can get a good bit of straight line speed and, depending on your control hook up, you might get flutter. If you do go with the big engine, keep an ear out for the fatal buzz and watch your throttle.
As for prop size, I like climb myself instead of speed, so I like a lower pitch prop. You might try an 11-5, 11.5-4, 12.25-3.75 or 12-4 on your .46, if your gear is long enough. The latter 2 will give you great climb on a .46.
Another thing you need to do when you start flying powerful planes is to upgrade your control system. I am talking about 4-40 rods and clevices and sealing the hinge lines.
The OS .40FP will fly your plane and if you are still not sure of your skills or your reflexes are slow, it might be a good choice. It is an older engine and I think you might out grow it. If you wanted a plain bearing engine, I would recommend a Thunder Tiger .42GP.
Another choice is to start with the .40FP, but make sure your motor mount can be expanded to fit the larger .46FX. In this case, I would switch motor mounts to the Great Planes expandable motor mount, .40-.60 size. You can squeeze it in for the FP, then later widen it for the FX. I don't recall anyone else supplying this type mount with their kits, so if you start with the narrower engine, you might be stuck with a more complex job to upgrade.
06-15-2003, 11:11 PM
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engine for a 4 Star 40
I would recommend that you try a Tower Hobbies 75
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towg0175.html
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towg0175.html
06-16-2003, 12:12 AM
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engine for a 4 Star 40
Hey, the wing area will support the weight and the throttle can be used to fly it at whatever speed. You will only add 8-10 oz to the total weight but will have an engine that will run great. I have seen people put .52ci 4 strokes on them and the weight is about the same as a 2 stroke 75.
06-16-2003, 02:16 AM
#13
OK...you're one of 'those'
Originally posted by Geistware
Hey, the wing area will support the weight and the throttle can be used to fly it at whatever speed. You will only add 8-10 oz to the total weight but will have an engine that will run great. I have seen people put .52ci 4 strokes on them and the weight is about the same as a 2 stroke 75.
Hey, the wing area will support the weight and the throttle can be used to fly it at whatever speed. You will only add 8-10 oz to the total weight but will have an engine that will run great. I have seen people put .52ci 4 strokes on them and the weight is about the same as a 2 stroke 75.
