by RCModelReviews » Wed Aug 18, 2010 11:11 pm
The problem is that gas simply doesn't deliver nearly the same amount of power that methanol/nitro does so I really can't see this engine living up to the claims being made for it.
However, I'd love to be proved wrong!
The viability of a .52 gas engine however, is still a little questionable. For a start, you've got that huge CDI unit which has to be located reasonably close to the engine and then there's the weight associated with the (extra) battery required to run that CDI. Sure, you could use a combined receiver/ignition battery but then you'll still need something larger than would be the case with a glow-motor.
Also, if it's tuned for swinging larger props, will ground-clearance become an issue with the average .40-sized ARF into which most people will be putting it?
And, because it's almost certainly going to run a plain-bush big-end on the conrod, you'll still be using a (comparatively) large amount of oil in the fuel so it will still be "a slimer" and smoker.
If I can get my hands on one I'll review it but I suspect that if people are swallowing the power claims, they'll be flying off the shelves as fast as they can get them in.
RCModelReviews.com, just the facts.