Topp Flite Score

[Sam Laughery]

I have a chance to get a good deal on a Top Flite Score.  Although I don't need another ARF I may not be able to pass it up.  The box says it takes a 51.  I'm wondering if anyone has tried it with an LA46 or a TT46?  I have several of each.  I also have a Tower Hobby RC 60 but it is heavy.  Anyone tried it with an LA46?

Sam

[Gary Anderson]

Hi Sam,  go to search type in articles on Score's. I fly two different ones and find them to be a nice ship. Mine seems to have some trim problems but they fly nice. You can look under ARF section and find some of these articles. I believe some are using these type engines, my Score's seem to need  bigger power plant, just me. Have a great day, Gary

[Wynn Robins]

Sam,
 the 46 is more than enough to fly the score - they pull them round nicely.

[Brian Thwaites]

One of the members at our club uses an LA 46 flies very well

[Sam Laughery]

HI brian,

Thanks for your reply.  I did a search on the site and got a real mixed bag on engines.  All the way from an LA 46 is plenty to you must have at least a 60.  There seemed to be a power problem with the 46 doing real tight manuvers.  Does your friend fly the pattern with it and if so how is it on inside and outside squares?

Sam

[Bob Reeves]

Hi Sam,

Think what you are seeing is the wide range of what everyone thinks is enough power. I think this is related to and might almost exactly follow the level of competition (or not) the pilot flys. I would think an LA 46 will fly a Score but I wouldn't own it. I fly in Advanced and have a Saito 56 FS in my Score swinging a 13 x 7.5 prop. If I was using a 2 stroke I wouldn't even think of using anything smaller than the ST 51 and even that might be marginal.

If you are happy going round and round in 5 to 7 MPH wind with a loop and wingover once in a while the 46 will be fine. If you are looking for something that won't let you down when the wind kicks up to 10-12 MPH and you have to fly because you've driven 100 miles, put at least a ST 51 in it.

[Sam Laughery]

Thanks Bob-I think you're right on.

Sam

[Randy Powell]

A guy around here flies a Score with an RJL K&B 61. The engine sounds pretty good and seems to pull the plane very, very well. Even in the wind. FWIW.

[Wynn Robins]

I disagree - the 46 is more than enough to fly the pattern with the score - I have seen some rather nice patterns flown with a score/46 combo

[Bob Reeves]

I disagree - the 46 is more than enough to fly the pattern with the score - I have seen some rather nice patterns flown with a score/46 combo

Not in Oklahoma on a 100 degree day in 15 MPH wind.

[Wynn Robins]

fair enough - but not a lot flies well in 100 degree heat........

[Bill Little]

There are many factors in what engine we need in different planes!

Jim Hoffman has a ST 60 in his USA-1 which is what he needs to fly it where he is located.  Billy Werwage used ST 46s to win the World's with his original.  I built one by his directions, hit right on his weight for the plane, and my T&L ST 51 was absolutely superb!  My next one will be powered by the PA 51, though.

For a Score, I guess if you are a pretty good flyer, the LA 46 will do ok, in certain areas.  I know they are NOT among the stronger 46s out there.  I have seen that "proven" to me.  The Score is a decent size airplane......  so, from a personal standpoint, if I were looking to be competitive with one, I would want more ponies up front.  I saw people flying fairly large planes back in the '60s with Fox 35s, but they were really tipping the nitro bottle, and rebuilding the Foxes a lot quicker than normal.

All in preferences, I would say!

[Bob Reeves]

Ya, the Score is a solid 60+ ounce airplane with a wing loading of between 13 and 14 oz sq ft. Back when we were flying Score sized airplanes with ST 46's we were building under 60 ounces and putting up with marginal line tension over the top. Today we have better choices for power, can overcome the downside of a porky airplane with the right engine and no longer have to put up with "think I can" wingovers.

I am so satisfied with my Score/Saito 56 that my next BOM stunt ship is going to be based on Score numbers and powered with a Saito 56 or maybe a 62. Hopfully it will be a bit lighter and if it flys anything like my Score I expect a quick move from middle of the pack Advanced to near the top.

My Score is going to it's first competition this weekend in Wichita, excited to see how well it does when the chips are down.

[Gary Anderson]

Good luck Bob, you should do well, the Score has a lot of grace to her. I love the way they come out of maneuvers, they come out hard and flat. They really look great in the air, have a ball and bring home the bacon. Gary

[Gary Anderson]

Hi guys, well I did it today, I installed my Veco 61 in the Score, that Mr Frank Bowman had rebuild for me. I only bench run it one time, couldn't wait to get her in the air. I have four flights on that baby and its another good engine for the Score. I changed the engine offset to be normal, for me, installed a little tail offset and man what a fun toy. I love my Merco's, Enya 7032, K&B 61 and the Veco 61. They all pull the plane with grace. I love being asked which power plant is in the plane. When I say "Merco", it might be the twin plug, single plug, black streak, to me one of the greatest motors ever made MERCO! MERCO! Just me, I'm sure others have their favorite. Just having fun, Gary

[Bradley Walker]

Ya, the Score is a solid 60+ ounce airplane with a wing loading of between 13 and 14 oz sq ft. Back when we were flying Score sized airplanes with ST 46's we were building under 60 ounces and putting up with marginal line tension over the top.

I think you should use the displacement + 6oz rule.

Take the displacement and add 6 to it.

65=71
60=66
51=57
46=53
40=46
35=41

etc etc.

If you live in Texas this is the limit if you want to fly between June and September. 

Of course, you could stay home during these months.