I just bought my first new engine (TT PRO .46) in 20 years. When I ran it on the test stand for the first time, I noticed something very different from my older engines.....the sound. The older motors were "screamers" very loud, very high pitched.

When you went from Rich to Lean, there was a very noticable transition in sound. With the new motors..not so much. they seem to "smooth out" rather than go from the 4 cycle to 2 cycle change in pitch. You have to listen more closely than with older motors.

But they are much quieter and seen to have more power turning a larger prop. I'm not complaining about the new motors, it's just going to take a while for me to train my ears for that "sweet spot".

Anyway, just thought I'd share my thoughts...and I welcome your comments.

Thanks,

You are noticing the Schnurle ported two stroke engine characteristics compared with the older cross flow engines of the 60's - 70's

Since 2000 there has been a concentrated effort to smooth out the mid range mixture control also

The TT PRO46 with the angled back needle valve is generally smoother in mid range

A Schnurle ported engine has to be very rich to 4 stroke

Nice to get out of that bow tie and high button shoes isn't it!! Things have really improved over the last decade or two. I still have some of the older engines and still use them but like you noticed, things have changed and for the most part they are better. Prices have come way down too but started going up again the last year or two. Nice to have you back in the ranks again!! Have you noticed there are very few kits anymore?? A little something else that has happened in the last decade too.[&o]

I think what you are noticing is the sound of your muffler with the baffle installed. If you go in and take out that baffle, you will get your familiar sound I believe. I have a new TT .46 with an Ultrathrust muffler installed. You should hear it scream with the prop I run. Very loud and fast. Great engine.

I had always wanted to fly these things since I was a young kid, so in 1972 I went to the local hobby shop and asked Ol' Ed Alexander what a person's options were if he wanted to fly , but didn't have the time to dedicate to building a plane from a kit.

Ol' Ed looked at me dead square in the eye and said, "Sounds like you need to find another hobby". At first I thought he was yanking my chain, but after standing there a few seconds, I knew he was very serious about his answer. He then told me that building the plane was just part of the sport, and I would appreciate things a lot more the first time it flew. Smart man, he was right!

And you're right, now it's just the opposite, you have to really search out a kit to build. I did buy an Avistar ARF for my nephew and I was very disappointed with fit and quality. Things didn't go together as advertized in some cases, and things didn't always fit just right either. I guess I'm just spoiled from doing things correctly when I do it myself.

And something else I discovered...my old flight box had seen better days so I bought a new one. I had the option of buying one pre-built or in a box................DO YOURSELF A FAVOR, BUY THE PRE-BUILT ONE. Between the glue, sand paper, sealer, paint, and ALL the time involved.......BUY PRE-BUILT.

Hey, thanks for your time & have a great day