Turbo Raven

[flying doc]

Guys,
Need suggestions for a 60 size 'Turbo Raven' so graciously sent to me by my loving cousin Sandy Bhai. The plane is a beauty. The ailerons are about 3 inches and the rudder is about 5 inches. The elevator is another 3 -4 inches. The plan asks for a .60 2 stroke engine.

http://superandcheaper.com.au/view_product.asp?id=1004

I feel that with good control surfaces this beauty could take a bigger engine and would be able to perform so much better. I am eyeing the ASP 91 or the ASP 108, (Both seem to be nearly the same)

http://www.sdshobby.net/asp-2-stroke-engine-108a_p558.html = $77.49

http://www.sdshobby.net/asp-2-stroke-engine-s91a_p569.html = $90.47
Does anyone have any first hand experience at building this plane? Any suggestions on the engine considering this plane or similar plane?
Waiting to hear from the you
Doc

[anwar]

Things to consider (not necessarily problematic at all!)

1.  Fitting the bigger engine/prop in the cowl.  Also, consider the mount, including possible reinforcements to the firewall.

2.  Adding tail weight to compensate for CG.

3.  Tank size / flying time due to a bigger engine.

4.  Lots of prop clearance from the ground, so swinging a bigger prop should not be an issue.

5.  Can't see the underside, I hope the color scheme is distinct enough, or you may have to add some identifying patterns/colors.

[sushil_anand]

As per the specs the plane has a wing span of  158 cms. but also stated as 51.8 inches. Assuming that the metric figure is correct, a 60 2C would be adequate for "normal" aerobatic flying.

[flying doc]

60 2 stroke would be more than adequate for normal flying but consideringthe good cntrol surfaces this plane I feel would be a good 3D flyer. In that condition what would be a good engine for this.
Regards
Doc

[divay99]

An OS 75AX... should be perfect for both optimal and 3d flying

[flatspin_king]

flyingdoc,
       I just put this plane together and maidened it two weeks ago -using an MDS .68 engine with 13X6 prop - the combo has plenty of power. It did need quite a lot of nose weight to balance so a bigger engine would not be a bad idea. btw the wingspan is 62 inches not 51.8 as mentioned
just a word of caution - nearly lost it on maiden -got massive flutter on my left aileron -and then completely lost left aileron -was able to land using right ail correction (plane wanted to roll left) - I was using standard futaba 3003 servos which is way too little for the big 3d type of surfaces on this plane. I found that the left ail. servo had stripped and the plastic control horn was totally bent. I am going to put metal horns and metal gear servos. You might want to do the same.
Otherwise pane flies great - fast and very aerobatic.  you will love it. I am waiting on my servos to get it back in the air ...
I can post some pics if interested

[flying doc]

That would be really great Flatspin. I plan to use metal gear servos on this plane specifically HXT12K/2 HXT 10kg Servo (metal gear) 55g / 10kg / .16sec variations
Any suggestion for this.
Now again the selection boils down to 91 or 108 engine. Considering that both weigh approx the same and the 108 is cheaper than the 91 by about $20, what would be the verdict?
Doc

[flatspin_king]

Those servos should be more than adequate. I was also looking at them but went with the tried and tested power hd digital servos hd 9150 - They are way overkill for this model but I can use them on my larger gas planes as well.
As for the engine I would go with the biggest engine possible -if you want to 3d, and keeping in mind prop clearance etc. Since the model comes out a bit tail heavy you have some flexibility in this.
The cowl on this model is very narrow at the nose - I have to remove the high speed needle to take it off -which is a real pain - so if possible go with a rear mounted needle on your engine.
I made a wrap around muffler for my engine -because I didnt want the regular muffler hanging out - but that is just my preference. pics to follow! 

[flatspin_king]

by the way - would be great if you could post your experience with the hxt servos - I saw some reviews where the servo seemed to have centering issues. So to hear your first hand exp. would be very helpful, as I am always on the quest for cheap metal gear high torque servos!

[flying doc]

Would be trying out the servos on my SPAD extra maybe this sunday if I can find some 2 mm machine screws for the control horns. Will post the pics and video of the maiden. Hopefully I can finish the build by thursday.
Happy flying
Doc.
Which field are u flying on and which plane did u fly this weekend?

[flatspin_king]

good luck with the maiden of your turbo raven - lets have a flight report with pics! I fly at the bhondsi field near Gurgaon, Haryana. Currently I have a 26cc giles (with an MT 35cc engine in it) and a 50cc edge which are flight ready - The 50cc is still awaiting its maiden.
Unfortunately last weekend it was very windy and gusty-went to the field and found everyone packing up -was still planning to fly until I saw one of the poles holding up our shamiyana/pitts gave way and fly 10 feet in the air - flapping with fabric of the shamaiyana before smashing into a model sitting on the table  - that decided it for me! Quietly packed up and came home!