Gobs of POWER!! Aero-LA 46

[Paul Taylor]

Got out with my new Aero-LA .46 today. Got in three flights, my coach took a turn on it as well. He said he is glad I turned him on to the LA engines. He really like them after Randy works his magic on them.

The engine is not even breaking a sweat lobbing my 52oz Vector around the circle. It was a little breezy today but had to get some handle time before the WKSI contest. And before it got 106 with the heat index. Got to the field around 7:45 and was rolling up by 10:45.

On my second flight I hit some really weird air at the top of the circle doing my vertical eights. The plane went into free flight and I really thought for a second it was all over but the crying. I caught it as it slipped away headed nose down. Sure made my heart pound and broke my confidence in my ability to fly it in the wind.

Last flight was a little better but still bailed half way thru the clover. Will try again next weekend.

Hope to see a few of you guys a the WKSI contest.

[Brian Massey]

Did you fly the same plane with the stock LA46? I'm curious on how different the modification made performance. I'm flying a 53oz Trophy Trainer with a stock LA46 and lack of power is not an issue. Do the mods give a better/more defined 4-2 break or what.

Thanks,

Brian

[Paul Taylor]

Brian
Right now I don't see a BIG difference in power with this plane.  But I think I might have a more consistent run.

So far I like it. 

[Allen Eshleman]

Do you have any more reports on this engine?

[Steve Helmick]

A bit of right thrust will make the lines get tight quicker when they do go loose. Gives the handle operator more time and altitude to save the bacon.  Steve

[Balsa Butcher]

What prop are you using?

[Paul Taylor]

The prop of choice is APC 12.25x3.75

[Steve Helmick]

Paul...If that was your best prop for the stock .46LA, doesn't mean it's the right prop for a modified .46LA. Time to start over on prop testing!    Steve

[Balsa Butcher]

Thanks Paul, I only ask because I haven't found a prop I really like for the LA-46. Mine is stock but that prop was one that did not work for me although others seem to like it. Oh well, luckily I enjoy prop testing because I do a lot of it. 

[John Sunderland]

My experience may be different than yours with an LA46 and I know they will swing a big prop, but that doesnt mean it wont run better on a little less diameter. For me, unloading the motor a little made a big difference in available power. I was flying an airworthy, albeit portly, and much repaired arf Nobler and switched from a really nice 11/5 Evolution prop  that was a little heavy to a 10 1/2 x 4 1/2 trimmed Graupner (? make) and it was a whole new airplane at the end of the lines.

[Balsa Butcher]

Hi John, that trimmed Graupner(?) may have been a trimmed 11x4.5 Cyclone (Thunder Tiger). They are an excellent prop and look like a Graupner. Haven't tried one on my LA-46 yet but will.

[john e. holliday]

I have stated this in the past when the question was brought up on props and engines.   Each and every plane/engine combination flies different in the various parts we have in this great country of ours.  That is the problem, it is so big that what works in California may not work in New York or even here in  Kansas.   Expeirmenting is one of the things some people get a lot of joy out of.   I have boxes of props that work on one plane/engine combo that will not work on another.   So try different props until you find the one you are happy with.  Also remember if using wood, some props vary in pitch.

[Randy Cuberly]

I have stated this in the past when the question was brought up on props and engines.   Each and every plane/engine combination flies different in the various parts we have in this great country of ours.  That is the problem, it is so big that what works in California may not work in New York or even here in  Kansas.   Expeirmenting is one of the things some people get a lot of joy out of.   I have boxes of props that work on one plane/engine combo that will not work on another.   So try different props until you find the one you are happy with.  Also remember if using wood, some props vary in pitch.

I certainly agree with Doc in principle.  However after using various LA46's on several different airplanes of different sizes from 530 sq. in. to 640 sq. in. I've found one prop that seems to work very well in most conditions from High heat and altitude in Tucson AZ, to cool sea level altitudes in CA.  The prop was actually developed in cooperation with Bill Werwage over ten years ago.
It's an APC 11.5 X 4.  This prop has a wide blade and gives the LA46 the right load condition for a good stunt run.  Ideal launch RPM under most conditions is 9500 to 9600 RPM.  Try it you'll ike it!

Randy Cuberly

[Bill Little]

HI Paul,

I do agree with the guys about props.  While you are seeing good results with the 12 1/4 X 3 3/4 APC, you might get an even better program with another prop.  I would suggest taking the props that have been mentioned and trying them all.  Fly the model as it is now, then switch to one of the others for a couple flights to get the setting right.  Then another, etc., until you have tried them all.  Knowing that the Needle might have to change slightly depending on the load the prop is putting on the .46.  You can always go back to the set up as you have it now, but you *might* find a better set up altogether.  Right now it is all about optimizing the model for competition.  Props are always a part of the trimming process.

Bill

[Scott Richlen]

On my Fun 51 I have found that a Zinger Pro 12-4 works very well.  So, there's one more prop for you to put into your testing program.

Scott

[Paul Taylor]

If you guys read the first post in this thread.... this is not a stock LA .46. 

We called Tech support and this was the suggested prop. . Also go over to the engine section and read the thread on the LA 46.

[Balsa Butcher]

I use the APC 11 1/2 x 4 on a tuned pipe Ro-Jett 51 and as was mentioned, find it to be an excellent prop. Haven't tried it on an LA-46 yet...but will.  Many swear by the the 12x3.75 on stock LA-46's as well as tuned ones. No doubt they work well for some folks in some regions. All threads read.

[Steve Helmick]

If you guys read the first post in this thread.... this is not a stock LA .46. 

We called Tech support and this was the suggested prop. . Also go over to the engine section and read the thread on the LA 46.

Paul, I think most of us understood that it's a Randy Aero .46LA. It sounded to me like the 12.25 APC was the prop you'd used on your stock one. Your posts have evolved to give more and more details, so that's what happens.

I tried to count the props various folks have suggested for the .46LA in that pinned thread in the Engine Forum. Must be somewhere around 20. Personally, I'd suggest either the 11 x 4.5 TT or 11.5 x 4 APC for the first gallon of fuel (air miles), so as to not overload the engine while new-ish, then try something bigger if you wish or see the need. Lots of factors will determine what works best for each of us, starting with altitude.

Pete, I'm not too surprised. I'm running the 11.5 x 4 APC on my piped .46VF. Works well, and I can afford to have a couple of spare props.  Steve

[John Sunderland]

Hi John, that trimmed Graupner(?) may have been a trimmed 11x4.5 Cyclone (Thunder Tiger). They are an excellent prop and look like a Graupner. Haven't tried one on my LA-46 yet but will.

I believe you are right! Thanks BB! This was a loaner from Jim Hoffman.

[Dwayne]

I have stated this in the past when the question was brought up on props and engines.   Each and every plane/engine combination flies different in the various parts we have in this great country of ours.  That is the problem, it is so big that what works in California may not work in New York or even here in  Kansas.   Expeirmenting is one of the things some people get a lot of joy out of.   I have boxes of props that work on one plane/engine combo that will not work on another.   So try different props until you find the one you are happy with.  Also remember if using wood, some props vary in pitch.

Agree 100%. I have one on a Sarpolus Challenger that really likes a power point 12X4. BTW what mods are being done to these engines. I've heard of redoing the head (I use an extra head gasket) but that's it, what else is being done?