Too much motor?

[Sean McEntee]

    Heres what I got:

    -Plans for Hutchinson's T-6.  Around 500 squares calling for a OS40-46 or a Magnum 36, all three of which I have. 

    -Discussions with some folks wanting to up the motor size on their models to a 56-60.

    -I have a Tom Lay ST 51 sitting on the shelf, needing a good home.

    -The 51, of course is heavier (11oz vs a 7oz 40FP).  However, Don's notes that came with the plans call for burying about 4oz of lead in the nose, given the short nose moment of a radial-engined airplane.  The added weight would not be a factor.  Should be able to build a tank to carry enough fuel and yet fit in the space provided.

    -My only concern is running a bigger engine on a smaller model then what is the norm as far as getting a good run pulling a model of that size.

     Thoughts?


Thanks a bunch,
Sean

[Bill Little]

Hi Sean,

I think the ST .51 is just too much for Don's models.  I am sure it can be made to work but the best flying ones I have heard of are using the OS .46LA (and of course Joe Gilbert's .40 powered 4 cycle).  The .46LA, as you know, has a good bit of grunt, but it doesn't compare to the T&L .51.

Bill

[Randy Cuberly]

Since you need extra nose weight anyway, I think it makes perfect sense to use the ST51.  It's usually a lot easier to deal with extra power than extra dead weight.
One of the main problems in "overpowering" a smaller airplane is typically the extra potential stress on the airplane from vibration and the extra weight placing stress on the engine mounts etc.
The ST51 is actually a relatively smooth running engine and since you will have the weight anyway it shouldn't be any problem.
I would carefully cast a "jaundiced" eye on the engine mounts and see if there is any requirement for extra bracing etc.
Another problem, of course is often increased prop clearance needed for a larger prop with the larger engine.
A three blade prop, of course can help...or simply longer gear.
I've owned and used several ST51's and have found them to be excellent engines.  It would be my choice for this situation!

Randy Cuberly

[Steven Kientz]

There is a local flyer here in Indy flying a Brodak Hellcat with a stock St51. Flies very well.
Steve

[Steve Fitton]

Put the 51 on it.  Tate and the guys here have run 51s on Brodak P-40s with excellent results.  I don't know the square inches on the T-6 but I know Gilberts plane seems to be about the same size as that Brodak P-40.

[peabody]

Ask Joe Gilbert....his runs and flies great.....

[Randy Powell]

There is no "Overkill". There is only "Open Fire" and "Reloading".

[wwwarbird]

Ask Joe Gilbert....his runs and flies great.....

 Sean,

 I'm pretty sure that Joe runs a Saito .40 on his T-6. Joe has proven consistently that in capable hands it is a plane/engine combo that is very hard to beat. From your above info it doesn't look like you have one in your inventory, yet. I've got multiple airplanes with Saito .40's and am very happy with all of them. I'd highly suggest going that direction with the Texan.

[Larry Fruits]

Sean:
 I would use the ST 51 as well. I have been running one for years and it is a great engine. Plan on a 6 ounce tank, mine uses a shade over five ounces, and a 12 inch prop, to plan your landing gear length. Should be an excellent choice for the AT 6.

 Flew with your dad at the WKSI contest over the weekend. Great fun. Wish you could have been there too.

 Larry

[Tom Niebuhr]

Sean,
My almost finished Avenger is set for a LA .46.

Joe Gilbert told me that he would use a ST .60