Hi Guys. I am building an OMP Edge Hybrid single engine airplane from a kit and I want to convert it to a twin. I was hoping I could get a few questions answered.

1. I am planning to use 2 Evolution 26GT gasoline engines and I wanted to know how to reverse the prop direction of one of them.
2. Is it true that it is better to get the engines as close together as possible to minimize any unwanted characteristics?
3. Since the airplane has a single tail similar to that of an F7F Tigercat or a Pica Duellist, my question here is: will the rudder and elevator be as effective as it was when the plane was a single engine? Why did the P38 design call for a dual tail?

If I could get these questions answered guys it would be a tremendous help to getting my project done. I am new to twins so I need to learn.

Thank you in advance.

Regards,

Robert

Most full size twins have single tails. Some have twin tails and a very few have twin booms/twin tails. It the case of the P-38 the booms housed the turbo chargers as well as the coolant rads, as it was a novel approach to a design problem involving a pair of allison engines. 3D planes like the Edge have tons and tons of rudder authority, so even though it will not be directly in the prop blast, you should have no problems with yaw control. The evo 26 cannot be reversed unless you can find a reverse timed crankshaft...maybe check with the factory to see if they can supply one. never hurts to ask....

The closer the engines are to the centerline of the aircraft, the less the effect of an engine out . However, you still need to provide prop clearance between the engine and the side of the fuselage, so there are limits how close you can go, Normally a few degrees of outboard thrust on each engine will minimize adverse effects of an engine failure. Exactly how much outthrust to put in is the subject of a huge unsettled debate. Ask 10 people and you will get 10 different answers...