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Learn - Engine Data

 
OVERVIEW

There are many excellent engines that will work well in Troy Built Models aircraft. Following are engines that we personally have had first hand experience. All of these engines are excellent and are recommended. They start easily, run well, have excellent power to weight, look good, and can be easily repaired by the manufacturer if necessary. Mufflers and propellers are readily obtainable and varied to suit many needs. If you fly a lot, consider a gasoline engine, as the operating costs are lower though the initial cost is higher. The initial cost premium can be made up in as little as a month or two of heavy flying.

If you are familiar with any of the engines listed below and prefer to use an engine that is similar, we would expect similar performance. We would like to hear any feedback on a setup that you have tried successfully.

We are currently investigating 3 blade props and muffler systems that will reduce the noise levels substantially. It is important to put baffles into the cowls to direct the airflow through the cooling fins. This is easily done. We will provide photos of the baffles where possible. For IMAC* type flying these planes must be grossly overpowered, which means that the engine weight is a very large part of the overall weight of the plane. For this reason, the engines are generally mounted as far back as possible, and the radio gear is mounted in the tail section for balance reasons. Troy Built Models aircraft are built around these specifications.

*IMAC is for flying competition with scaled down versions of full-scale aerobatic planes like the Staudacher, One Design, Extras, Edge, Caps, and others. There are several levels of competition. Generally the more difficult the level, the more power to overall weight is necessary to complete the maneuvers. The most difficult level is called "Unlimited".

 



WARNING - Gasoline and Turbine powered R/C model aircraft are not manufactured to withstand unlimited G's. Any R/C model aircraft can fail, be it a wing folding up or a fuselage breaking in half under too high of a load. Just as any full size aircraft, model R/C aircraft have a maximum G rating. Because you are not in the plane flying it and experiencing the G's and reading the G-meter, it is more difficult to judge the G's on the aircraft, and it is very easy to exceed the limits of the aircraft. Understand that if you perform a snap roll, parachute, wall, blender, knife edge loop, or pull hard on the elevator at almost any speed, you can be putting in excess of 15 G's, even in excess of 30 G's, and most aircraft can only designed to take 10-12 G's. If you perform any violent maneuver, you can break your plane. When I perform hard maneuvers, especially for the first time on an airframe, I am prepared for a failure and am prepared for it as best I can be. This mainly includes performing the maneuver far enough away from spectators that in event of a failure that I am not endangering others. In addition, be prepared for the manufacturer to not pay for a new airframe which is broken during flight. It is common practice for any manufacturer to not replace an airframe which breaks in the air or upon landing. I have only seen manufacturers replace airframes when they have received many of the same failures and the manufacturer determines that there was a design or manufacturing error. If you break an airframe, and you are the only one to do so, then it is probably not the fault of the manufacturer. Please fly safely, and avoid full throttle operation other than at low airspeeds.

R/C model jets, warbirds, and aerobatic planes to name a few are not a toy! If misused, it can cause serious bodily harm and property damage. Fly only in open areas, and AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) approved flying sites. Follow all manufacturer instructions included with your plane, radio, servo's, batteries and engine. Aircraft manufacturers guarantees each kit to be free from defects in both material and workmanship at the date of purchase. This warranty does not cover any component assembled by the customer. All parts of high stress must be inspected and reinforced if necessary by a competent builder. Some parts should be glued again. High stress areas such as firewalls, motor boxes, wing mounts, landing gear mounts, etc., are areas of high concern. Seek help if necessary. In not case shall TBM be liable for the cost of any product it offers which is not manufactured by TBM. The liability to the manufacturer cannot exceed the original cost of the purchased item. Further, TBM reserves the right to change or modify this warranty without notice. In that TBM has no control over the final assembly or materials used for final assembly, no liability shall be assumed nor accepted for any damage resulting from the use by the user of the final user-assembled product. By the act of using the user assembled product, the user accepts all resulting liability. The kit manufacturers have provided you with a top quality, thoroughly tested kit and instructions, but ultimately the quality and fly ability of your finished model depends on how you build it; therefore, we cannot in any way guarantee the performance of your completed model, and no representations are expressed or implied as to the performance or safety of your completed model. It is the user's responsibility to inspect each component for worthiness.