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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Avaiojet on October 28, 2015, 06:31:30 AM
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I learned a great deal from replies to my other Thread on best prop for the OS LA .46.
Thank you for the replies and info.
However, I noticed that there were no 3 Blade prop recommendations?
I do see in photos three blade props, and I believe I've seen a couple on an OS LA 46.
One photo in particular, I've been trying to find.
Anyone using a 3 Blade prop on an OS LA .46?
Charles
P.S. If I find that photo, I'll post it.
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People want 3-blade props because they "look cool", but aren't interested in finding a good performing 2-blade prop because it requires more effort than ordering from Tower or taking a ride down to the LHS. Do yourself a huge favor and find a really good 2-blade prop for a baseline. Worry about 3-blades later, after the airplane is working and pretty well trimmed.
IMO, any 3-blade prop that will really work well is going to be CF, you'll need a pitch gauge to make it work, and the prop will cost you somewhere around $50 each. Are you that serious, or that good, and is your flying field paved, so you don't break two of them every outing? You might take a look at the Eliminator Props list. He does make a couple of 3-bladed props, but don't overlook the 2-blade RevUp copies. :) Steve
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On a related note: the 46LA works best when it's turning fast, so it tends to "want" small-diameter props. Most of the 3-bladed props you see in serious stunt planes are attached to seriously large engines (or motors), and are mostly chosen to properly load the engine while providing decent ground clearance without enormous landing gear.
You could try thumping a 10-4 Master Airscrew prop on your 46LA, but I don't think you'll be happy overall.
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Thanks for the replies.
In all honesty, my inquiry has absolutely nothing to do with looks.
We aren't lucky enough to have an asphalt surface, we fly off grass. And it's far from a putting green.
I'm thinking prop clearance. Otherwise I'll have to make another set of wire gear. I just increased the wheels to 2.75" to help a bit.
A 10" prop would be perfect.
I hate cutting grass and I really don't want to bend the gear wire again. I should have made them longer in the beginning.
Charles
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There are some who use MA 3-blade props, but they're still in the $10+ price range...pretty expensive to experiment with. Also, the better a plane flies the longer it will last, so keep trimming and especially trying different propellers as they hit the market or become available to you. Of course, if you try it and find that it sucks, fly around level until the tank is dry...right, Tim? S?P Steve
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Howdy! I figured I'd wait to throw my comments in the pot ;) But let me assure you, I and my buddy Larry are sold on the Master Airscrew 9x7 and 10x6 three blade props for nearly all of our stunt ships and we're flying off grass too! Every now and then we have to forgo flying because the county parks and rec folk just don't get to us before our flying weekend but that's not very often. My Novi III has 2" wheels, sits low and swings a M.A. 9x7 3 bade and there's only about 1/2" clearance to the ground. In those few occasions where the grass and weeds are too tall we have to revert to our 2-1/2" or larger wheel stuff. Now on my Big Tiger I'm using 3" Dave Brown foams with a M.A. 10x6 3 blade so I really don't have problems taking off with that one and the combination Fox 40 with that prop pulls really really nice. So, grab you one each and go have some fun.
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Jim,
If it works for you it could possibly work for me. Well, work for the ARGO.
As you can see, I'm taking your suggestion and will try the MA 10 x 5 for starters.
The OS LA .46 is NIB so I don't know if I should brake it in with a 2 blade?
At 55 ounces and change and around 560 sq's, the model should get off the ground. One would think.
Thanks for the reply.
Charles
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Hello Charles:
What brand is the spinner on the plane in the last picture? I am looking to purchase a quality spinner for three bladed prop use.
Your planes are always a true work of art! Kindly continue to post phots of your work.
Be well my friend,
Frank McCune
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Thanks for the replies.
In all honesty, my inquiry has absolutely nothing to do with looks.
We aren't lucky enough to have an asphalt surface, we fly off grass. And it's far from a putting green.
I'm thinking prop clearance. Otherwise I'll have to make another set of wire gear. I just increased the wheels to 2.75" to help a bit.
A 10" prop would be perfect.
I hate cutting grass and I really don't want to bend the gear wire again. I should have made them longer in the beginning.
Charles
one of the keys to the LA is the prop load,, in my experience,, I have used a lot of different two blades on the LA but the Best combo was the 12.25 x 3.75,, like has been mentioned, any three blade that will work is going to be most likely carbon, and 50 bucks, the master airscrew props are functional but not really good fit.
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Hello Charles:
What brand is the spinner on the plane in the last picture? I am looking to purchase a quality spinner for three bladed prop use.
Your planes are always a true work of art! Kindly continue to post phots of your work.
Be well my friend,
Frank McCune
Frank,
Thank you for that. But as I said, I paint them outside! They ain't the Mona Lisa. LL~
I don't have a great deal of prop clearance which is why I went to the three blade and the spinner for it.
It's a TruTurn spinner.
What is the model you need the spinner for?
I see Mark's reply below on props.
one of the keys to the LA is the prop load,, in my experience,, I have used a lot of different two blades on the LA but the Best combo was the 12.25 x 3.75,, like has been mentioned, any three blade that will work is going to be most likely carbon, and 50 bucks, the master airscrew props are functional but not really good fit.
I've read Mark's advice on props before and most likely the two blade is the way to go. I cannot pay 50.00 for any prop.
I must be getting old. I could have just as easily remade the gear wire to gain that .75" to one inch needed for a bit more prop clearance.
Does lazyness come with age? I do get tired.
Frank, thanks for the reply.
Mark, thanks also for the reply.
It's appreciated.
Charles