Author Topic: LA-.46 Substitute? (Read 6673 times)

Christopher Root · « **on:** February 22, 2018, 11:43:40 AM »

Hello!

Now that the OS LA-.46 is discontinued, is there a substitute engine that can do the same job?

C R

Jim Svitko · « **Reply #1 on:** February 22, 2018, 12:18:53 PM »

I would also like to know of a replacement but right now I am not aware of anything that can match all the qualities of the LA 46, especially price. I was hoping someone like Brodak would produce a replacement, say a Brodak 40 that was bumped up to a 46 or a bit bigger.

If you like the traditional 4-2-4 type of run, and a baffle piston engine, then a Stalker might be it. But, price could be an issue. At one time I could buy three LA 46s for the price of one Stalker.

Avaiojet · « **Reply #2 on:** February 22, 2018, 12:22:00 PM »

Quote from: Christopher Root on February 22, 2018, 11:43:40 AM

Hello!

Now that the OS LA-.46 is discontinued, is there a substitute engine that can do the same job?

C R

CR,

Soon I'll be selling a few OS LA 46 engines, NIB, never seen fuel. Backplate changes and NVA changes.

I just have to get around to doing it and pricing.

CB

Christopher Root · « **Reply #3 on:** February 22, 2018, 12:59:00 PM »

Maybe a OS-AX .46 R/C to C/L conversion? Or the Ro-Jett engines? Or the Inc. 45?

C R

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #4 on:** February 22, 2018, 01:18:47 PM »

Quote from: Christopher Root on February 22, 2018, 12:59:00 PM

Maybe a OS-AX .46 R/C to C/L conversion? Or the Ro-Jett engines? Or the Inc. 45?

C R

The 46AX is a totally different animal from the 46LA. This has been discussed before. It's heavier, and (probably) wants to spin faster. May be good on a pipe, may not. In my ignorance, I'd start by treating it like a 40VF & bung a pipe onto it. I have no clue how it'd be with a muffler.

There's RoJett or PA, certainly, if you want to buy one engine forever.

At least the last time I looked (six months or so ago) there were a lot of RC 46LA engines on eBay, mostly lightly used. For RC it's an "entry level" engine, and quite the under-performer. As such, there's a lot of trainers out there with 46LA's on them (and any number of broken-off trainer noses), some for sale on eBay or Craigslist.

Or do like the RC guys are doing, and change to 'lectric.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #5 on:** February 22, 2018, 01:44:19 PM »

I’d suggest to keep a watch on the bay for Enya .45 Model 6001s. They come up fairly often and are actually built much better than OS or ST and last nearly forever. More power too. Long overlooked power plants. If they happen to be TV (RC) No worries, Jim Lee can make it CL in a whipstitch. The 6002s aren’t bad either- a minor mod makes them about like the 6001.

Dave

Alexey Gorbunov · « **Reply #6 on:** February 22, 2018, 03:05:13 PM »

Stalker. Only Stalker. Or eBay. Or good memory. china is of our all... Totally Happiness. American dream. China smartphone=great dream...
Do not work much and everything is fine. The Chinese are working. Everything in the world is good.
Sorry for impressions.

Randy Cuberly · « **Reply #7 on:** February 22, 2018, 04:29:09 PM »

Quote from: Alexey Gorbunov on February 22, 2018, 03:05:13 PM

Stalker. Only Stalker. Or eBay. Or good memory. china is of our all... Totally Happiness. American dream. China smartphone=great dream...
Do not work much and everything is fine. The Chinese are working. Everything in the world is good.
Sorry for impressions.

!!

Randy Cuberly

RandySmith · « **Reply #8 on:** February 22, 2018, 06:28:12 PM »

Yes there is I have Evo 36s in stock
I will have many Brodak 40s in stock
I still have a small stock of Enya 45 which is more power
I also have the Aero Tiger replacement OS 36 AX in stock, more power than 46 LA and much tougher and better built
There are others that can do the same job too

Randy Smith

M Spencer · « **Reply #9 on:** February 22, 2018, 08:21:26 PM »

Quote

OS 36 AX

But the Muffler Looks Funny ! .

RandySmith · « **Reply #10 on:** February 22, 2018, 09:01:45 PM »

Quote from: Matt Spencer on February 22, 2018, 08:21:26 PM

But the Muffler Looks Funny ! .

Then use any muffler you use for a Magnum 36 TT 36 FOX 35 OS 35 - 46 Webra 32 OS 32H etc....

Brent Williams · « **Reply #11 on:** February 22, 2018, 10:30:41 PM »

Quote from: RandySmith on February 22, 2018, 06:28:12 PM

I also have the Aero Tiger replacement OS 36 AX in stock, more power than 46 LA and much tougher and better built
There are others that can do the same job too

Randy Smith

That sounds pretty interesting Randy. Is the run characteristic and power similar to, or the equal of your AT36?

RandySmith · « **Reply #12 on:** February 22, 2018, 11:32:22 PM »

Quote from: Brent Williams on February 22, 2018, 10:30:41 PM

That sounds pretty interesting Randy. Is the run characteristic and power similar to, or the equal of your AT36?

The motor is same mount, the power is near the same, the run is good but the Aero Tiger has a better 4/2 run, and is very strong in the 4 cycle, The 35AX is the only engine this size that has power like an Aero Tiger, its also a light motor for dual ball bearings, so you also get the long life

Randy

Christopher Root · « **Reply #13 on:** February 23, 2018, 09:30:32 AM »

Any thoughts on these?

ASP

http://www.justengines.co.uk/acatalog/ASP.html

Inc

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/inc-46-glow-engine-with-muffler-abc-piston-sleeve-assembly.html

Magnum

https://www.mikegoesflying.com/product-category/airplane-engines/

C R

Dane Martin · « **Reply #14 on:** February 23, 2018, 09:47:30 AM »

All great, but again ball bearing engines. A little heavier. The performance is exceptional, but maybe a little too powerful.
My vote would be that 35 ax like Randy said. I've run them quite a bit in RC planes and they are sweet!

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 23, 2018, 11:03:47 AM »

Fearing not being able to play with the easy and good enough for the planes I have with discontinued OS LA /FP series

I did some easy searching.... and was successful finding NIB or lightly used FP 20s, 25, a 40 and several LA 25s and 46s....two from Randy Smith B&B versions... NVAs mufflers and metal back plates are easy to find as well. I even have one 46 piston sleeve assy coming this week from Brian Gardner

RC Universe
RC Groups
Swap meets
E-bay
Randy Smith
Horizon Hobby discontinued the .36 Control line after I bought 2 of them for future projects

LA 46s are still out there to be had..... I have seen from $50 to $156........ many auctions end in the $100 +/- range

John Rist · « **Reply #16 on:** February 23, 2018, 12:11:43 PM »

Cobra 3525/10 Will turn a 12x8 prop at 8K rpm. (just kidding !)

RandySmith · « **Reply #17 on:** February 23, 2018, 12:36:22 PM »

Quote from: Christopher Root on February 23, 2018, 09:30:32 AM

Any thoughts on these?

ASP

http://www.justengines.co.uk/acatalog/ASP.html

Inc

https://hobbyking.com/en_us/inc-46-glow-engine-with-muffler-abc-piston-sleeve-assembly.html

Magnum

https://www.mikegoesflying.com/product-category/airplane-engines/

C R

Those are not really replacements for the LA, they are much heavier

Randy

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #18 on:** February 23, 2018, 01:07:42 PM »

Quote from: RandySmith on February 22, 2018, 06:28:12 PM

I also have the Aero Tiger replacement OS 36 AX in stock, more power than 46 LA and much tougher and better built

Anyone tried one on a pipe? Any sense in doing so?

Steve Helmick · « **Reply #19 on:** February 23, 2018, 09:55:32 PM »

http://www.justengines.co.uk/acatalog/ASP.html

The ASP .36 is the same as a Magnum XLS .36, which I ran for years on a Fancherized Twister. Great little engine! I have one converted to CL with front NV and home-spun Delrin venturi that weighs right at 8.25 oz without a muffler, which isn't bad. It would be perfectly fine in a Classic or profile from 500 to 600 sq. in. if the weight is in the 35 > 45 oz range. You might look at Hobby King, but I think they only have the .32 version, which I don't think you want.

Randy reworks Magnum XLS .52's, which are certainly not .46 LA substitutes, but are Super Tigre .60 substitutes. The .40 and .46 are pretty much built on the same case casting, which makes them quite large and heavy for the displacement. The .52, with more hollow space, is a better stunt engine, and right about the same weight as the ST .60. A lighter aftermarket muffler is generally desirable or needed, and I like Randy's CNC Tube muffler, but Scott Dinger can probably provide what you need. I'm not a fan of tongue mufflers, aka "Chip" mufflers. My Fancherized Twister was tail-heavy, so I used an OS .46LA muffler.

Steve

RandySmith · « **Reply #20 on:** February 23, 2018, 10:56:25 PM »

Quote from: Tim Wescott on February 23, 2018, 01:07:42 PM

Anyone tried one on a pipe? Any sense in doing so?

Hi Tim
The Magnum 36 32 Thunder Tiger 36 39 OS 32 f 35 AX Webra 32 36 Tiger Shark 39 and Aero Tiger all run well on a pipe

Randy

Avaiojet · « **Reply #21 on:** February 26, 2018, 11:08:21 AM »

An LA 46 CL, just got relisted on ebay. Seller asking 120.00.

Didn't sell?

Is this too much to pay?

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #22 on:** February 26, 2018, 11:39:34 AM »

E-bay is funny hit n miss..... some days a NIB OS FS or LA something will not get a watch or bid .... other days a well used one will sell for a ridiculous $186

I don't use it much but there is a E-bay search to find what past similar items sold for.... OK tool to figure out how to price YOUR for sale item but not worth much to know how fickle Type of auction, time to start and end... and other factors come into play....
I stricktly only Buy It Now purchase.... Like so many I got caught up a few times with the WIN AT ANY COST SYNDROME....do not ask me how much I paid for a POS Sterling Ring master S-1 kit....

Dane Martin · « **Reply #23 on:** February 26, 2018, 12:13:26 PM »

Also, on ebay don't search for LA 46. Or OS 46 LA. Just search for OS 46. Cypher through the results. Find yourself an RC one for dirt cheap and convert it. Or, pay the 125 ish range. I don't think that's a bad price.
I found one for Jaime for like $38 shipped. Not exactly pretty, but a good runner.

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #24 on:** February 26, 2018, 01:59:43 PM »

Just found 13 OS LA or FS 25 or 40 or 46s on RC Groups under $120 ( a NIB LA 40) most in the $40 $60 range

Yes the LA 46 is preferred but do not shy from the FP or LA 40....can be made to run OK out of the box or Randy S and Tom Dixon can make them good engines

peabody · « **Reply #25 on:** March 03, 2018, 12:53:28 PM »

I would think electric is the best substitute for the LA.....

Frank Imbriaco · « **Reply #26 on:** March 03, 2018, 02:29:57 PM »

Well, it took a brave man to say that. OK, Rich- here goes.
About 6 years ago, I removed an LA 46 ( had all the mods of the day, correct prop/tank/etc.) from my knock around, but "enhanced" Nobler ARF . Installed an E-Flight Power 15 with a Hubin FM-9 timer, CC Phoenix Ice Lite 50 ESC, and strictly use 4 cell 25c lipo packs. It flies exceedingly well, not as good as my Caprice( many x over a better design as it came on the scene nearly 20 years later) using a similar setup. Satisfying, reliable as all, and handles overheads on windy weather days. Pusher prop. One could go with an active timer and tractor prop , but that set up will require more room.
I understand the IC mystique cause I've been running them close to 60 years - still own many and enjoy them.

peabody · « **Reply #27 on:** March 03, 2018, 04:50:38 PM »

Hi Frank....
Yup...there are a ton of IC engines out in the wild.....good ones.....they will surface as people "age out" of the event.

James Holford · « **Reply #28 on:** March 03, 2018, 06:21:58 PM »

Quote from: Dane Martin on February 26, 2018, 12:13:26 PM

Also, on ebay don't search for LA 46. Or OS 46 LA. Just search for OS 46. Cypher through the results. Find yourself an RC one for dirt cheap and convert it. Or, pay the 125 ish range. I don't think that's a bad price.
I found one for Jaime for like $38 shipped. Not exactly pretty, but a good runner.

True Story

You make the hobby enjoyable for me lol

Al Ferraro · « **Reply #29 on:** March 03, 2018, 08:29:10 PM »

Quote from: peabody on March 03, 2018, 12:53:28 PM

I would think electric is the best substitute for the LA.....

Only if you are hard of hearing.

Al

Christopher Root · « **Reply #30 on:** March 06, 2018, 10:28:13 AM »

Anyone have experience with the MECOA/HP-40 or MECOA .46? The .46 seems to weigh only 8.5 ounces . . .

C R

Fredvon4 · « **Reply #31 on:** March 06, 2018, 12:02:50 PM »

Christopher Root

Help us all out brother

Level of flying....fun/sport...competition
Planes desired
kits
ARFs
Scratch

willing to fuss with engines and mufflers/pipes and tanks.....vs just wanting a simple to follow recipe of components that always seem to work with the particular aircraft

Christopher Root · « **Reply #32 on:** March 06, 2018, 12:16:22 PM »

I'm just a weekend sport flyer. More interested in kits rather then ARF's. Willing to work with mufflers but not pipes. Willing to consider certain "simple" engine mods to increase performance (different NVA's, venturi diameters, head shims, etc). Thanks!

C R