What size engine for the Ballerina

[Richard Walton]

Guys,

At long last I'm about to make a start on my Ballerina but being quite new to the scene I need a little device on engine size. I like four stroke Saito's and thinking of using either a 30 or 40 size one. I don't want an absolute rocket ship model but I do want something that'll pull nicely. What do you suggest please.

Also, if I install the engine upside down in the model, the breather tube in the sump will be upside down within the wooden nose. My Saito 56 drips oil from this port in use but if the engine is upside down how will the oil escape from the enigine? Will this cause a problem?

Thanks in advance?

[Darrell Woodward]

Hi Richard,

After a quick read up on the build threads I see .35 two stroke / .40 four strokes mentioned.

Don't worry about a four stroke being up-side down, it will still blow oil out the crankcase breather - figure out where you'd like it to drip from, exit the pipe from there and you'll be able to get your after run oil shot in there easy too.

There was only one mass produced model engine that had a proper 'wet sump' - **LINK**

Notice the really scary price tag!

Good luck with your build.

[Craig Thomas]

Hi Richards. I've built a Ballerina this year. What a great little plane. 👍 I've fitted a Saito 56 in mine. The main reason I went for the .56 instead of a smaller one is mainly due to price, the bigger one was cheaper Mine is also inverted and have experienced no issues what so ever first Saito I've had and am very impressed

[Former Member]

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[Richard Walton]

Thanks for the replies guys.

I think I'll go for the 56 Saito then. I already have one in my Kadett Mk2 and love it. It sounds really nice in the air and I've not heard anyone make a bad comment about them.

Cheers for now.

[Peter Miller]

Hi Richard.

I use the OS 40 Surpass and am happy with mine but you can go for a larger four stroke if you want.

I have my engine mounted sideways but my current design has its OS 52 Surpass mounted inverted. No problem. That model is a little bigger and heavier than Ballerina but the larger engine doesn't make it much faster.

To be honest I never fit a breather tube to mine by just let it dump straight ot. after all you will get fuel dribbles from the carb anyway.

[Richard Walton]

Peter,

Thanks for the reply, it has given me food for thought. 40 or 56 Saito? Hmmm.... I think I'll see what prices I can get on each and decide then.

Thanks.

[Peter Miller]

I am not sure how the Saito 40 compapres with the OS 40 Surpass. Based on one model thatI have sen flying with such an engine I have a feeling that the O.Sis a little more powerful but this is just a feeling and I am ready to be corrected.

[Former Member]

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[Peter Miller]

Nothing wrong with Saitos. I had one of the first ever 30s in the country back in the 70s, also had several others. I was comparing a 40 a friend had ina light weight vintage model comepared with my onw .40s.

OSmake so many variations on two strokes that some are awesome and some I won't even consider but again, that is a personal opinion.

[Former Member]

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[Peter Miller]

There is/was a 50 size heli engine that blows pistons and I am not impressed with teh LA range.

[Former Member]

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[ASH.]

Richard, the engine I would go for is the Saito 62.. it's very light and powerful. It's versatility means it can be put to good use in future models.

Ash

[Peter Miller]

Sorry but a 62 is grossly over powering the model. That is 50% larger than the model is designed for. IT will totally destroy the characteristics of the model.

[ASH.]

Okay.. Peter, why not just limit the carb opening mechanically or on the radio if one feels they couldn't practise self-control. I know I would have to.

[Peter Miller]

Well yes. In that case do it that way and why not fit a 180. then add a few ounces of lead in the tail! Then you can fly the whole flight in tick over.

Or, better still, use an engine in the range the model is designed for

Edited By Peter Miller on 12/05/2016 19:56:26

[ASH.]

That's true.. I don't believe in overpowering models. No point in that when fuel consumption and weight have to be taken into consideration. But the 62 is lighter and possibly better value for money. Or there's the 72

[Peter Miller]

You know I think I undestand you.

When I was researching my Locamp powered by the Rotec R2800 I found a lot of motorcycles powered by this 2800cc 31" diameter seven cylinder radial.

I can picture you riding up the local main street on such a motor bike but not powered by the Rotec R2800 but instead powered by a Pratt &Whitney Twin Row Wasp..

 

Edited By Peter Miller on 12/05/2016 21:33:46

[ASH.]

Sorry, you've lost me there Peter.. not up on motorbike or aircraft engines.. only know a little about small model engines.

You are the designer.. and characteristics are important. So respect.

[AndyD]

[ASH.]

Impressive.. but give me a Norton Commando or Triumph Bonneville any day!

[Peter Miller]

Posted by ASH. on 12/05/2016 22:15:37:

Impressive.. but give me a Norton Commando or Triumph Bonneville any day!

I agree but that is the same effect as grossly over powerring Ballerina

[Richard Walton]

Peter,

Will the Ballerina fly on a Saito 30 at all? The reason I ask this is because all i can seem to find at the moment is the 30. Al's Hobbies tell me that Saito are stopping making the smaller engines due to electrictrickery ones taking over. I have brought the 30 but now not so sure. Al tells me that my Kadett MK2 Trainer will fly on the 30 so, bear in mind I'm a total newbie, why not the Ballerina which is slightly smaller and lighter?

I don't want to be doing aerbatics or fancy 3d stuff with it for two reasons. 1) I'm still learning to fly and 2) I prefer the smooth scale flight look.

[Piers Bowlan]

Richard I am still deciding whether to fit my OS52 or go the electric route with an AXI 2826/12 on 4s, in my Ballerina. However, I would have thought that the Saito 30 a bit lacking in the power department for this size of model? I am sure it is a very nice engine and worth a try especially as you have bought one. You can never have too many engines!