Not too long ago I purchased a Dynaflite Decathalon from a fellow modeler here on RCU. It has a 96 inch wingspan, scale s**** covering, cockpit kit and the finish is expertly hand done. Total weight is 16lbs. For power I am using a great little engine from a bunch of fellas in Western North Carolina, "RS Engines". The engine is a freshly converted 25cc Homelite swinging an APC 16x8 at 7800rpm (tached prior to flight). They do excellent work and the quality is second to none! Anyway the plane balanced on the CG with no additional weight. At first, I had a Dynathrust 16x8 prop on the engine which would'nt even taxi the Decathalon! The APC made all the difference.

Taxi out was very solid and when I lined her up into the wind and advanced the throttle, the RS Homelite did its work! Tail came up in about 40 feet and in another 20 feet I had her climbing skyward like a homesick angel. A couple of laps around the field to check the trims and then into a big loop from level flight. No problem! I coupled the rudder to the ailerons for assistance in turns and it sure did help. Hammerheads are very majestic and the sound of that gas engine is unique! Landing was a breeze and the plane bleeds airspeed rapidly so I kept power on until I had the threshold made then chopped to idle. She floats in like a butterfly with sore feet.

I am very pleased with this plane and engine combination. If you guys are looking at Homelite conversions take a look at "RS Engines".

Happy Flying!

LOOPMAN