OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Anyone know why OS replaced the OS 46FX with the OS 46AX, Yet the OS 61FX hasnt been updated to an AX.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Ask OS.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Either there isn't much of a market for hot 2 stroke .60s anymore, or they just don't feel like making them. I'm not sure why though- that would be a great question for engine makers. They've been cramming these 4 strokes down our throats for the last 5 years or so, and don't seem interested in making a screaming 2 stroke .60. Even YS dropped all their 2 stroke airplane engines. I have no idea why they're doing this.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

"Asking O.S". would be futile. If an answer were forthcomng, it'd be spin.

Give it time. O.S. usually update and test acceptance on a most popular segment first basis. eg: They did the same previously with the intro of the FX. The .46FX was first.

If one were to conject why the .46 and 1.20 before the .61 and .91, O.S. usually lead model change with that .46 which is now their premier seller into both their largest segment beginner and sport flyer markets. The plain bearing .40/.46 has lost impetus as the beginner's engine, and the .61 has long since fallen from the position of sales strength and popularity it held for decades in another time when it was the engine to be seen with and pattern king. You can see the same trend developing in ARF production. As the market becomes more competitive, ARF manufacturers are focussing upon two IC engine classes. The ubiquitious .one size fits all . 40/.50 and the larger 1.20 and larger class. eg: CMPRO. Anything else is pretty thin on the ground, with smaller models orientated to electric but suitable for .30 sized IC increasingly heading up another niche in 2006, eg: TWM, as manufacturers with thinning margins seek to reduce costs by selling a more attractive but popular lesser range into higher volume most popular size segments.

If precedent is any measure, the .61FX should eventually get an overhaul,. But then, maybe not as O.S. shortly introduces its new powerful but lightweight .55AX aimed at the .46/.50 sized ARF segment sure to be a winner with the "will a .61FX be too heavy?" crowd.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Thanks,

That seems reasonable to me. Start with the popular 46AX and 1.20AX (is the 1.20 size popular in the USA).

I notice on the OS website the OS46AX is 17.2oz with muffler, the 61FX 19.4oz yet the 91FX is 19.3oz. With the 61 and 91 the same weight maybe there is not much of a demand to the 61 size anymore. The 1.20AX is 20.--oz so as you say they maybe tending towards two main sizes of engines.

I cant find any reference to a 55AX, only a 55SX Ring. That may be a good sized engine for many models.

The 46AX is half the price as the 61FX at the LHS I frequent. Quite a difference in price.
46AX 112USD
61FX 227USD

Cheers

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Tommygun,

Ive never owned a 4 stroke. But prefer to stay with the less expensive 2 strokes. It would be a shame if manufacturers stopped 2 strokes. Hopefully OS will continue to make them in many sizes.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

I don't think you'd ever see 2 strokes completely disappear- they can't make a dirt cheap bushing 4 stroke aimed at the beginners as with 2 strokes. But what seems to have happened is the fire breathing, pumped 2 stroke powerhouses have given way to four strokes. I wonder if this has more to do with lowering noise output, fear of losing fields, and 3D.

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

Yes the new OS 55ax will be out in late october and its in about the case as the 46ax and the same bolt pattern I CANT WAIT!!!!!!

RE: OS 46AX - OS61FX
 

I don`t know how much difference there is between the 46 FX/AX as far as the engine goes.
I know the AX has the new P-BOX silencer, as does the 120AX.
Perhaps when the 61/91 FX get the new silencer the will be called AX models as well.

Interestingly, reading these forums, I notice that a lot of Americans use the 61 FX in models, here in the UK I can`t think of anyone I know who uses one.
The reason is that because the 91 FX is the same size, but fractionally lighter, with 45% more power, we all tend to use the 91FX.
I guess because of supply/demand I can buy a 91 for less than £10 ($18) more than the 61.
My LHS doesn`t even stock the 61 for this reason.

Flatspins1