I need Norvel .061 advice.

[Wufnu]

I've got this Pico Tigermoth, and it's a sweet plane. Motors and such have been giving me issues, been thinking of buying a some nitro gear and using the rx/Pico servos/etc from the TM in another plane. You know those really large gliders they sell from time to time? The really big ones, like in the "dirt cheap indoor flier" and such? I was thinking I could mount a Norvel .061 in a puller power pod configuration using the TM gear I had before. Here are my questions, since I'm not the most experienced in gaging nitro performance.

First, the plane would be something like this (http://www.toys2wish4.com/skyriderglider.html) or this (http://www.rudystoys.com/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=1525).

My biggest concern is whether this motor is too much or too little; too much and I can throttle back, too little and I have to get a larger engine. I understand that these motors really like the 5x3 props, but will using a bigger prop blow the motor? I don't need prop speed so much as thrust, as these planes aren't exactly racers. I'll be using the smallest GWS gear they have, and only a 1oz fuel tank (or should I get a bigger one?), so the wingloading should be very low.

I seem to remember someone, either here or RCU, mentioning coating the foam with some form of epoxy or pain to keep the oil from getting between the foam and adhesives? How would you paint a thin film of epoxy onto the foam? Is there a foam-safe paint that would be easier to use, preferably in aerosol form?

Also, I hear that you can route the exhaust from these Norvel engines with silicon fuel tubing. How is this done?

Thanks! And if any of you have done this before, let me know about it. I'd love to hear about how it worked out for you.

[MAVA]

Power is no problem.. It will fly with authority... 20 to 30 degree climb-outs.

I run 6x3 or 6x4 at sea level with no problems, but all these little engines get sensitive on the prop selection at different altitudes.

The muffler is not sealed 100%. the muffler is strapped on with a clip. Fuel still leaks around. It is not like a big glow engine.

I would cover the model with cheap model covering or paint it with fuel proof paint for foam.

I would make a pod and mount it on top of the wing, keep the dirt out of the engine when you land or have a engine-out on launch.

Martin

[wrenwright]

Check out what all of the electric guys are doing with these planes in the foamies forum. I would advise against the swept wing model; get a straight one.
Your motor will have plent of power. There is a thread on covering foam planes with 3/4 oz fiberglass and using water-based polyurethane instead of epoxy. I would do that with at least three coats of the poly and then whatever fuel proof paint you like.
There's practically no limit to the things one can do converting these planes.

Another thought would be to get one of the Lanier Models U-2 gliders. It's like the big brother of the one you linked to. 6' wing. About $20. Here's a good webpage about the U-2:

http://www.northlandflyer.com/The_Hangar/LanierU-2/body_lanieru-2.html

[Wufnu]

Thanks Mava, I figured it would be (because when I was 12 I put a Cox Black Widow .049 on one, FF, and it flew very nicely) but thought it best to ask. I've seen the muffler hookups on the norvel, I can see why they would leak a bit. I was wondering, however, how you route the exhaust from the muffler through tubing? Is there a nipple on the end of the muffler? I know there is one for fuel pressure, but is there a second?

Wrenwright, I've followed what they're doing with these planes in the electric forums. It was going to be my next electric plane, but couldn't pass up the oportunity to possibly use them for small glow as well. They are pretty amazing, in their versatility.

You know, there's a thread about the U-2 right now (I think in the parkflyers forum). I thought that the 6ft wingspan might be too much, but since it's pretty steamlined it might not take as much to stay airborne as I thought. I've asked them to measure how many watts it takes to fly the plane, but nobody has answered so far. If I can, I would use the U-2, it looks so good and is huge! I also hear that they're on sale for $20, either at tower or hobby lobby (I can't remember which). The webpage you linked too recommends a .10 or larger, although I hear a Norvel .074 has comparible power to another brands .10. They DID fly it with a .049, though. I've bookmarked it, thanks :) Perhaps, depending on how much I get for christmas, we'll find out some time after Christmas. Because I'm christmas shopping for myself, a month or two ahead of schedule.

[wrenwright]

I'm sure a .049 would do it. How many guys use the things to power up their 2M sailplanes?

[uncas]

I would think the .061 will be plenty powerful. I put one on a MM Mini-Flash and it can pull it vertical. I use a 6x2 prop, I don't need or want the speed. I also have trouble with low idle speeds.

I am surprised these planes fly well as a powered r/c flyer! The one I bought for my son flew like cr-- as a hand tossed glider.

[ron ferrer]

plenty power, maybe too much! it will pull a h.o.b. 2x4 glider like a rocket! used to do axial rudder rolls with it. a freind used to put them in wal-mart foam gliders with success, and did a robart foam f-16 and stealth h.l.g. with them. wouldn't recommend poly/fiberglass, but try it if you want; defeats the simplicity and makes them brittle.

[boiler]

Water based polyurathane will fuel proof the foam. We've used it in rc combat for several years now. Ace brand seems to work better than some more expensive brands. It should be less brittle and much lighter than epoxy or other covering.

[Wufnu]

So, do you mix the glue with water and brush on with a paint brush, or use it un-dilluted? Thanks for the info.