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Engine basics => Engine set up tips => Topic started by: Bob Reeves on July 12, 2007, 08:04:30 AM

Title: Double Star 54?
Post by: Bob Reeves on July 12, 2007, 08:04:30 AM

Anybody running a Double Star 54? Opinion? Prop?

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Walter Hicks on July 12, 2007, 03:49:30 PM

Yep,

  First flights last Saturday , NICE! I am using a TF Tutor for a test bed ,I am currently using a Rev Up
11.5x6 my old ST .46 prop I realize that they are not available. this engine appears to be very different than the Brodak .40 which my flying partners are using an APC 10.5x4.5 an launching at 11,400 and the thing runs in a
steady 4 cycle when it gets into the air.the DS .54 is not a 10,000 + rpm motor that I can tell it I ended up more like
8700 or so. I will play with props some more . A TF Powerpoint 12x5 thinned or 11x5 thinned might work ,
12x5 cut to 11.5 would be good also I think . I will post as I test .

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Bill Hummel on July 13, 2007, 05:35:41 AM

Hi, Bob,
   We're using a new DS 54, outstanding stunt engine!  Put it in an old Steve Buso Heatwave, 64 ounces, 660 squares.  Using 12/5 or 12/6 wood props, regular Powermaster 10% fuel(not the GMA), stock Sig plug. Beautiful 4/2/4 character, excellent power and starting "friendliness".  This engine is at least as good as my BEST ST 46, probably a little better.  We also have a new DS 40 BB in a JD Falcon, similar outstanding results!   

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Bob Reeves on July 13, 2007, 09:08:55 AM

Thanks for the replies,

I have a 54 ounce, Skylark 46 that started life with a very good ST 46 but felt it was a bit lacking in the power department for the airplane. I removed the 46 and stuffed in a ST 51 and still feel it's under powered. You know the feeling, I think I can wingover verses I know I can wingovers.

Well a friend has a new DS 54 he loaned me to stick in the Skylark to see if it will be a I know I can engine.

I can't believe the ST 51 isn't enough HP but if the DS is a little better at least I can loose the additional tail weight. What ya think?

Bob

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Bill Little on July 14, 2007, 01:20:32 PM

Several are in use in this area.  I cannot speak as to whether or not it is "stonger" than my T&L G51 (can't believe it is stronger!), but the ones I have seen run well.

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Walter Hicks on July 15, 2007, 02:40:59 PM

DS .54  Flying report,

     Powermaster 10/22 fuel with 1 oz of Aero 1 oil added. Sig Plug as supplied by Tom Dixon. 6 oz clunk tank.

Rev Up 11.5x6  prop. Launch at 8700  purrs like a kitten. Top Flite Tutor II not sure of the weight. Nice 2-4 break ,and

I am sure that the extra venturis can be used to vary the runs , I am impressed with this engine. It worked so well

I did not try any other props . Not sure of the  run time either . I like It!!!

Title: Re: Double Star 54?
Post by: Bill Little on July 15, 2007, 07:12:06 PM

Thanks, Walter.  The best ones I have seen here (other than Tom Dixon's own) were run by Tommy Luper in his OTS ship.  I am glad you posted your set-up.  It gives me a sorta baseline to reference my T&L G51 against.  I can see a diffrence inthe rpm band the two like to run in.  MY T&L 51 likes more rpm and a 4 1/2-4 3/4 pitch 12" prop, or 11 3/4 3 blade.  It must like to rev higher than the DS, but still does a super 4-2 break run.

I saw Tom Dixon's first one and if I would have had enough money, I would have gotten one. ;D