I assembled, evaluated and verified the first prototype ARC version for John Brodak when it was first shipped to me from Sun Models (China).
Although the quality of the plane was excellent, there were a few issues that I had to correct. I sent the corrections back to China and in a short time, they sent us twenty each ARC and ARF, all incorporating my changes.
Both John and I noticed a substantial difference in weight of the unopened boxes, the total weights differing by around 8 ounces.
We attributed that to variations in balsa densities.
Anyhow, I made the changes to the above mentioned prototype, covered and painted it and then started a test regimen.
The goal was to try a number of different engines so that John could make the appropriate recommendations.
Starting with a Brodak 40, I then tried (as I recall) a PAW 29 Diesel, FP 40, LA 40 and 46, Aero Tiger 36, OS non-Surpass 40 4S, SAITO 40 and a few others.
Pat Johnson did one hell of a job designing the P-40. It flew very well with all the engines I tried.
60 foot .015 lines worked perfectly.
Which engine worked best? My personal favorites were the OS 4S and the LA 46. The Brodak 40 was right up there also.
For what it's worth, I built an ARC P-40 for a friend. It weighed 50 ounces with a Super Tiger 46 and flew beautifully.
Kafin - you've got a nice assortment of engines. Since you have one, you might try the ENYA 40. I've been told it's a very user friendly and powerful engine.
Bob Z.