 Hi guys, I have been putting this together over the weekend and have come to the time of choosing the correct powerplant for this model... I have read on some other forums that a 46 is abit underpowered for this model even though the manual recommends a 40-46 2 Stroke. Well with out having to break the bank I have a Irvine 46 and a O.S 46 LA that I have mounted on the Tucano already as the motor was on mount already and had the same dimensions as the cheap mount that comes with kit! Something is telling me that maybe the 46LA will be too under powered for this bird as its a big model and seems to getting heavier as the building process continues? So before I hack the lovely cowling away amyone with this model or has owned one some confirmation on what to go for on the front please?
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 I have this model and absolutely adore it! Mine has an Irvine 53 up front turning a 3 blade prop with an ally spinner. It goes like hot snot. It is the very best model to fly, docile and easy to land, yet fast and aerobatic when you want it. It easily out paced a friends H9 Spit with a 120FS up front. It's fab with the 53, go on, you really, really won't regret it. If you go to RCMF there's a pictorial guide to fitting air retracts to it, something I intend doing this year too. PPS - spare parts are readily available from Tower Hobbies in the USA, and they deliver way faster than Ripmax. I am looking for another, where did you get it and how much was it?
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| Edited: 04/05/08 21:51 |
 mine had a 70 fs as it was very tail heavy
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Hi I got it off Ebay for a bargin, Its been sat in the cellar for months! I deceided to start on it yesterday! Had a broken wing rib near the servo housing in the wing, also there was a serious crack under the wing sadle! I removed the covering and did some DIY, I think I might coat the inside with epoxy as it seems very weak in that area! Yes retracts would be better on her but an effort to do and time! I have Spitfire, P-51 and a Zero on the way with retracts so... Ya yours looks hot the ali spinner and prop is cool! So the 46LA wont fly this bird too well then? I guess I will have to hunt around for a motor wich I didnt want to do. I am saving my thunder tiger 52 4 stroke for the Spit or Tang. How did you cut the cowling for the engine, it looks neat, other pictures I have seen the guys have butchered her good and proper, the cowling is great on this kit! Ya Tucanos rock, I have the leki HET ones and they sweet as well! Just stuck on the motor choice for this lol!
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The Irvine 46 I have might be better choice? Or you still staying power up to the 53-55 size?
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mine had a 70 fs as it was very tail heavy Does had bit mean that you no longer have the model or changed the motor?
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Shaun http://www.global-rc.com/onlineshop/index.php? Here is another Tucano but bigger with retracts and split flaps, looks pritty awesome! I got a Cessna 182 from these guys and was happy with it! They have a Ebay shop and they can communicate in English so you might be able to Ebay one and pay less than the shop price!
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Nice Tucano on the link there, but a bit expensive!  My 53 is a 2 stroke and is fairly heavy. Because I used the ally spinner and the 3 blade prop, I didn't need to add any weight to bring it into trim. As for the cowl, I have a spare from Tower Hobbies in case I decide to change the engine, and for when I fit the retracts. It is a faff to do, but the end result is really worth it. I cut it myself, using tape to decide where the holes go before cutting and drilling. As for the engine size, the OS46LA will not cut the mustard. A standard 46 probably would, but the 53 gives it that extra grunt and allows the 3 bladed prop. I would deffo go with a 53, mine came second hand from eBay. The u/c legs are a bit feeble though. So if you decide to go with the retract mod, here's the RCMF link http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/topic,34772.0.html And the maiden report http://www.rcmf.co.uk/4um/index.php/topic,36553.0.html As you can tell, I love this model!
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| Edited: 04/05/08 22:58 |
Hi Shaun, Ok great, I am going to have a hunt for a motor now! Ok will save the cowl for when I can power up, i will save the 46LA for smaller model! Yes I did change the wire on the U/C, I had Graupner Super Air 2 that crashed and burned, I used the U/C from that as it seems tougher and never gave me any probs on the Super Air 2. Thanks for links going to have a read now and start on the motor hunting!
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Mmmm... Irvine 53 ABC 8.65cc, wieght 385g PRICE £79.00 + £15.00 P&P SC 52 8.82cc weight 438g PRICE £49.99 + £10.00 P&P Had a quick look on Ebay but there was'nt much! These engines are from Mailbox models.
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| Edited: 05/05/08 08:23 |
Thanks for the link, postage is pritty high from them to me in Germany! I might have to settle on the SC 52 as its at a tempting price and more power? How reliable I dont know? A dummy glow plug adaptor to from mail box models will save hacking the cowl! The Irvine 46 MkIV I have specs at 7.45cc, so seems like everyone is powering up a good 1cc or so, or alot more than the factory 40! I see in the manual on the photograph of the engine mounting they are using what looks like a O.S 46FX? Here is the Irvine on the front, O.S muffler so alot more clearance to the side of the fuz! Have you read this forum on the model? They go into the retract conversion etc http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_5868622/tm.htm A lot of mixed feelings on the motor for this again... Here is the Irvine, Heavier and bigger..
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It should be fine, I just wanted a bit more oomph! I use an onboard glow system to avoid hacking the cowl. I originally had a remote glow, but I found the fuselage was being damaged, so I went with the on board option and have not looked back. I also painted the exhausts on the cowl to a more realistic colour, not the shiny gloss black! Good luck and keep us posted.
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Ok Shaun I am going to keep this in her then and test fly.. If I am not happy with the power then I will keep the 53 in mind or wait for a bargin! I take it a 3 blade on here will be a no no as probably about 20% decrease in performance! Ok I am going to get back to the board and hopefully have her 99% ready today, just wait to for the dummy plug and possibly a test flight at the end of the week  ... See what other detail my mind can think of lol... oh ya was the 100mm back from the leading edge spot on in the manual for C of G? Any fuel tank issues on yours idling? Guys are saying they had to drop the tank to get her to idle with the engine inverted?
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I trimmed her per the plan without dramas and left the fuel tank as per the design. The engine just keeps running and is very economical. I would use a 2 blade prop with that engine. Take some pics of the maiden!
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The cowl is done after! No tears rips or cracks YES  !! Fuel tank is installed, pressure tested in the sink and no leaks! The spinner will go, not a good fit! Onboard glow starter, voltage meter and Rx pack orederd along with a scale looking 10x6 prop... Fuel proofed the tank area inside, thin layer of epoxy on the inside of the wing sadle, all comming on ok till I got to the shocking pushrods! Will rectify this and install radio gear...
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Looking good mate!
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Shaun what retract system are you putting in yours? have you seen these from foramyjets? retracts
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I have a set of lightweight Spring Airs for 40 sized models, but that's a very nice set though.
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hi , i sold the airframe to fund a kit to build.
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