LA 46 prop....revisit

[peabody]

I know that there was a thread on which prop(s) people like on the LA 46....
As I remember, the Thunder Tiger 11X4 1/2 was a favorite? Near as I can figure, they aren't available...
What are current preferences?

Thanks

[Mark Scarborough]

APC 12.25 x 3.75

[Skip Chernoff]

I agree with Mark.

[JoeJust]

I use only APC 11x4 on my profiles. Works well enough for my level of expertise. (mostly sport flying or once in a great while- beginner PA.)
Joe

[Tim Wescott]

In my experience, it depends on the airframe.  If you're putting an LA-46 on a well built, light Banshter or Twistee, use the 12.25x3.75 that Mark recommends.  If you're putting it onto a heavy Twister like my 54-ounce Sister Jenny, use an 11x4.5 (if you can find it) or an APC 11.5x4.  I have a 64-ounce, 700 square inch hand-me-down from Paul Walker, on which a 46LA with an APC 11x4 works splendidly.

I think that as the plane gets heavier, you want to use a smaller prop and spin it faster, always keeping the thing in a wet 2-stroke.  It's a damned versatile engine.

[Norm Furutani]

The locals, including myself, have been using 11-4, 11-5 Xoar props from Tower. Very happy with them. They are true to pitch, balanced, nicely finished and available. They are currently out of stock as they have been in the past but the backorder delivery dates have been good (February).

NormF

[Perry Rose]

Near sea level with 2% nitro and upper 80 degrees the APC 11.5 x 4 is king on planes 60 ounces and less.

[Mark Scarborough]

FYI, there are numerous Expert level fliers who posted information on here about the LA 46.
The thing I found, ( and others here as well) is that with the smaller prop, the needle became much more sensitive, as in a ittle to slow and you would suck the fuel in 4 minutes, a little to lean you owould go 7 minutes or longer. We are talking minute adjustments...
once we went to the 12.25 x 3.75 all that went away and it became MUCH more repeatable.

for the record, I have flown with this prop on everything from an Oriental,,, to a profile that weighed 60 plus ounces...

anyway, here is a thread devoted to the LA 46 ( that should tell you how popular it is)

http://stunthanger.com/smf/engine-set-up-tips/list-'your'-set-up-for-the-os-46la/

[Tim Wescott]

I couldn't get the Atlantis working on the 12.25 x 3.75.  And I was getting my usual 10 laps and then quit after the pattern.

Mark, are you sure that you and I live in the same universe?  I'm beginning to have my doubts, even though the engine in the Atlantis is one that came from you.

[Mark Scarborough]

I couldn't get the Atlantis working on the 12.25 x 3.75.  And I was getting my usual 10 laps and then quit after the pattern.

Mark, are you sure that you and I live in the same universe?  I'm beginning to have my doubts, even though the engine in the Atlantis is one that came from you.

Tim, are you sure you live in the same universe as ANYONE ? just sayin,,

I suspect its venturi and fuel perhaps,, oh and are you using a tach?

[Tim Wescott]

Tim, are you sure you live in the same universe as ANYONE ? just sayin,,

Howard.  Now tell me I'm wrong.

I suspect its venturi and fuel perhaps,, oh and are you using a tach?

Yes, yes, I was using a tach.  GMA 10-22, and the venturi was tweaked to make the engine run come out right.  While I didn't measure it or check it against my other planes with the same engine, I'm sure it's different (probably slightly more area).

[Scott Richlen]

PRO-Zinger 12-4

[Mike Scholtes]

The preferred prop in sea level NorCal for most uses is the 3.75 x 12.25. I have 3 LA46s and they all like this prop on whatever model they are in. For some short-gear Classic models (Olympic for example) the APC 11.5 x 4 works well too. The 12.25 can be trimmed to 12 or 11.75 for clearance if needed without any obvious (to me) loss of performance.

[RknRusty]

My only LA 46 is on my old ARF Cardinal, a real lead sled, ~54 oz. I tried a few 11" Zinger and APC props on it and it didn't seem to have thrust to suit me when the engine sounded steady, wet, and happy. My buddies all insisted I use an APC 12x4 and that worked well for me. Next time I order props, I want to get a couple of the APC 11 x 4.5 and 12.25 x 3.75.

Once I took off with a 12 x 4 and landed with an 11.5 x 4, and it flew the pattern pretty well. I guess I'm lucky it didn't run out of gas early.

[Air Ministry .]

try a 6 x 4 . 

[Phil Spillman]

Hi Rich, I prefer the Pro Zinger 11 X 5 balanced; the regular Zinger 11 X 5 balanced works well for me too depending on experience with the specific plane.

Phil Spillman

[Reptoid]

If you need nose weight and love serious GP effects; use the APC. If you like prop kits that need reshaping and refinishing; use the Zinger. If you don't want excessive nose weight, don't want to finish your "prop kit". and want an efficient propeller with true pitch that comes with great wood, a real airfoiled blade, a great multicote mirror finish, and is already balanced; then order a couple Zoar's and enjoy!
     Disclaimer: I have no connection with Zoar propellors but I can tell you they make propellers for everything from mini R/C drones to full scale sport and aerobatic airplanes.

[Carl Cisneros]

XOAR 12-4
or
APC 12-4 if the grass field is a bit rough.

[Garf]

My last prop was the XOAR 12X4. Worked well.

[Jim Oliver]

+ 1 on the Xoar 12x4!

Big -1 on the heavy APC props; they have great drive but I can't tolerate the GP effects:( 

[john e. holliday]

I have several LA 46's in different airplanes.  Each one has a prop that works for that plane.  As much as people bad mouth the Zinger props I have one plane that loves it.

[Scott B. Riese]

3-bld 11.75x4.2 bolly....."I'll kill you"

Sorry...

on a half pipe 11.2X4 gator/bolly

WOOD 11.5x4.5 2 bld......plane weight is your issue under 58 KOOL

Cheep flyers like me ....11.5x4....then change your line lengths for MAX control

[Peter Grabenstein]

Parra/Yatsenko 11x6 wood, Brodak Cardinal / LA .46 with LA .25 venturi.

APC 12.25 x 3.75, Brodak Vector 40 / LA .46 with LA .25 venturi.

Parra/Yatsenko 11x6 Wood, Top Flite Gieseke Nobler 55mm light foam wheels / LA .46 with LA .25 venturi.

[peabody]

I have found that the thing runs great with the 12.25 X 3.75 APC but that ground clearance is a real issue...standard gear on a Vector with 2.25" wheels....
The same plane uses more fuel with a Thunder Tiger 11 X4.5, which is unobtainium...
I'll get a 11.5 X 4 APC and try that....
Thanks!

[Peter Grabenstein]

I have found that the thing runs great with the 12.25 X 3.75 APC but that ground clearance is a real issue...standard gear on a Vector with 2.25" wheels....
The same plane uses more fuel with a Thunder Tiger 11 X4.5, which is unobtainium...
I'll get a 11.5 X 4 APC and try that....
Thanks!

forgot to mention , my Vector 40 "takes off" on 3.00" light foam wheels for perfect APC clearance.
So my Cardinal on 45mm light foam wheels.

[Jim Oliver]

I have found that the thing runs great with the 12.25 X 3.75 APC but that ground clearance is a real issue...standard gear on a Vector with 2.25" wheels....
The same plane uses more fuel with a Thunder Tiger 11 X4.5, which is unobtainium...
I'll get a 11.5 X 4 APC and try that....
Thanks!

The APC 11.5x4 works great, except for the GP issues.

[Joe Yau]

I agree that the APC 11.5x4 and the 12.25x3.75  does works very well except for the weight and the GP it introduces. That was why I went with the CF 3-blades like the Mejelik 11x5.5 (repitched to 4.5")   I wonder if anyone has tried the wood Vess 12x4?   As they looks quite similar to the APC  in shape but lighter.   http://www.vesspropellers.com/12x4-wood-propeller/

[Garf]

I tried the Vess once, but I prefer the XOAR.

[peabody]

I've also got a Bob Whitney 3 blade....I have to finish and check the pitch....it appears to be about 10.5 inches....
Thanks again

[Steve Helmick]

It would be great if this whole topic could be transferred into the pinned "LA .46 Setup Info" topic over yonder in the engine setup forum.

The sad thing about this info is that some of our options go away as manufacturers go out of business (Zinger, Bolly, Gator) or stop producing some of our favorite things (Thunder Tiger, Mejzlik). Has anybody tried the Master Airscrewed "Scimitar" series, or the TF Power Points? Any sizes that work? Ditto for Steve Wilks Eliminator props and Brian Eather props??? Brian makes props, but declines to do the finishing work due to tendonitis.

Meanwhile, there is some hope, as ZZProp has promised a copy of the TT 11 x 4.5 will be available this Spring.  Steve

[Rick Bollinger]

I have over 200 of the TT props yet to get rid of. I will post in the classifieds when I get some time to sell them.

[Jim Svitko]

Regarding my experience with props:

As mentioned, the Thunder Tiger 11 x 4.5 is very good.  So is the APC but the TT is lighter and no need to enlarge the spinner cutouts so much to clear the hub.

The only Master Airscrew prop I used was the black (nylon?) when I got back into this years ago.  I used it on a DS 40.  I did not know any better and just grabbed a prop off the rack.  It was a lousy prop. When a more experienced flier gave me a BY & O to replace the Master Airscrew the improvement was considerable.  I have not tried any of the Master Airscrew wood props.

I have some of the Power Point.  I tried them years ago and was not impressed.  Maybe I should check them in the pitch gauge and give them another try.

I know the Zingers have a bad reputation.  I can sometimes make them work OK but the time spent re-pitching, thinning the airfoil, etc. can be substantial.  I saw no difference in the Pro Zinger.

One prop that surprised me is Turnigy.  I bought several some time ago after seeing them on a website.  For the most part, they are nicely made and inexpensive.  However, the 11 x 5 that showed up has a very thin airfoil, almost nonexistent, and is much more flexible than the 11 x 4.  I have not yet had a chance to test either.  The 10 x 5 Turnigy worked pretty well, maybe the equal of a same size BY & O.

The Turnigy props might work OK, as far as I have been able to determine from my limited testing, but they appear to lack consistency in manufacture.  You never know what will show up.  They could all be very good, or very bad.  It would be nice to see them first and be able to hand pick them from a batch off the shelf but I have not seen any in local hobby shops.

[Target]

The locals, including myself, have been using 11-4, 11-5 Xoar props from Tower. Very happy with them. They are true to pitch, balanced, nicely finished and available. They are currently out of stock as they have been in the past but the backorder delivery dates have been good (February).

NormF

+1
Chris

[Will Davis]

Over the past 10 years. , I have flown the la 46 with  about every prop mentioned above..   I felt like the best was the Eather , gator and Bolly props in the 12 4 range..

After these props became hard to get or too expensive  and I also started practicing on  a no so perfect flying circle , I started looking for less expensive , easily replaced and consistently reproduced props.

I settled on the 12/4 apc sport prop, easily modified by trimming down, it has became my only prop to use on la46 .

[Igor Burger]

Our carbon 11x5 3 blade was originally developed for LA .46 and worked well for many flyers (full carbon SC version not hollowed).

http://maxbee.net/props/props.htm

Piped version I flew with 12x3.5 BE carbon, I do not know if they are still available.

[Don Main]

I have a .46 that Tom Dixon retimed and I use a Zinger 12-4 with 5.6 lap times and I love the way it runs now!

[Avaiojet]

The locals, including myself, have been using 11-4, 11-5 Xoar props from Tower. Very happy with them. They are true to pitch, balanced, nicely finished and available. They are currently out of stock as they have been in the past but the backorder delivery dates have been good (February).

NormF

Norm,

I have a few of these Xoar props also but have never used them. For some reason I thought they were of poor performance quality?

I'm glad you posted. An eye opener.

Charles

[Target]

No, the Xoar props are great for a prop you can use right out of the package.
Works great on my Brodak P40 with an LA.46.
I'm using an 11x5....

[Larry Fernandez]

Norm,

I have a few of these Xoar props also but have never used them. For some reason I thought they were of poor performance quality?


Charles

??
You thought for some reason they were of poor performance quality, but you have never used them?

That's like saying" For some reason, I thought that Jim Rossi was an ass, but I have never met him"

Larry, Buttafucco Stunt Team

[Allan Perret]

Has anybody tried the Master Airscrewed "Scimitar" series, or the TF Power Points? Any sizes that work? Ditto for Steve Wilks Eliminator props and Brian Eather props??? Brian makes props, but declines to do the finishing work due to tendonitis.

Not on the LA46, but I tried some of the 10" MA Scimitar on .25 engines.  If it says pitch 5 its actually a 4, and their 4 pitches measure 3..

[Norm Furutani]

Let us know what you think and thanks for the PM.

Norm

Norm,

I have a few of these Xoar props also but have never used them. For some reason I thought they were of poor performance quality?

I'm glad you posted. An eye opener.

Charles

[Bill Johnson]

I have found that the thing runs great with the 12.25 X 3.75 APC but that ground clearance is a real issue...standard gear on a Vector with 2.25" wheels....
The same plane uses more fuel with a Thunder Tiger 11 X4.5, which is unobtainium...
I'll get a 11.5 X 4 APC and try that....
Thanks!

That's the problem I had, until the second take-off. Then it became a 12, maybe 11.75 X 3.75. I did manage to score a dozen TT 11 X 4.5s so will be trying them this spring. If they don't work as well, I'll get some longer gear.

[Avaiojet]

That's the problem I had, until the second take-off. Then it became a 12, maybe 11.75 X 3.75. I did manage to score a dozen TT 11 X 4.5s so will be trying them this spring. If they don't work as well, I'll get some longer gear.

Bill,

There was some mention of 3-blade Master Airscrew props being used on the LA 46 with good results.

I don't remember the size? Could be an option before you make longer gear?

Charles

[Motorman]

blank

[Paul Wood]

Charles is right, have you seen Master Airscrew props lately? They made some new molds, worth checking out.

Here you go,  http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTEB6&P=7

MM

I am using one right now on a Continental with a LA .46. It's a 10x6 and pulls the plane in a nice 5.2 second lap. I went to a 3-blade for ground clearance because I fly off grass. It pulls well in the vertical and I'm very pleased with it.

Paul 

[peabody]

Thanks
I have amassed all but the 11 X 4.5 and 12 X 4 APC's.....I will fool with them soon