Tony H

I was wondering about the weight, I don't want to have a add nose weight as that wil make the weight saving void. I am surprised to see that the or Irvine 53 had the same 1.7hp as the 61......can that be right?

Hi All, I have a dilemma, I am building a PB Models Tornado at the moment and have and Irvine 53 and a Irvine 61. The instructions recommend a 60 size engine (probably based on 70s less powerful engines). The 61 engine seems fairly large for the size of the plane being 62" wingspan (wing area 625sq.in) and about 6-6.5lb. I am debating about putting the Irvine 53 in because it would be less thirsty and weighs 168g less. Also from what I have seen the power is pretty much the same. Cloud models say a good 55-60 engine will fly the plane. If I compare the plane to a modern Seagull Models ARTF PT-19 Fairchild which is designed for a 46-52 IC engine, it has a 61.4in wingspan (604.5sq.in wing area) and an overall weight of 6.4lbs. So I would assume the plane will fly quite well on a Irvine 53 and not be underpowered. What do you think? I am building the retract version so it will be on the heavier estimated weight of 6.5lb.

Can't you buy a metal weld type of glue, that might do the trick, if you clean it of all oil first.

Maybe tap slightly bigger thread and buy slightly bigger bolts.

Hi all, Does anyone know if Ben Buckles are still in business. They seem to be out of stock everywhere and taken off many websites.

I called Slough Models today, the phone was answered and they are back open. Just be sure to check things are in-stock before purchasing by clicking into the item, if it is green it is in-stock if it is yellow it has to be ordered in.

Hi Aiden, I had a Seagull Low Wing 40 many years ago. It flew on an SC 52 4 stroke. I didn't like it with the engine I found it to be under powered. It really comes alive with a good 46 2 stroke or a SC 62 4 Stroke. The OS you have is likely to be slightly more powerful than the SC 52 I had, so it is up to you. I have a YouTube video of the plane flying on the SC 52 and crash landing in across wind. Search Seagull Low Winger 40. The Boomerang would probably flying better and slower with the OS 52 you have.

I agree I have had very little problems with SC, ASP, AP and to some degree MDS too. Although most of my engines are OS, Saito and (OS built) Irvine these days. However for some reason my early 90s SC & MDS didn't run as well. Maybe they got better over time or it was my lack of experience at the time. I forgot to mention Thunder Tiger on my engines list you can't buy anymore. "Just Engines" must be pooping themselves!

I'd say this is a fair assessment on the situation.

Some good points every one has made. I guess glow fuel isn't so expensive. I would be interested in the mix ratios mind you ?. I just hope IC continues because it is used so often to try to close flying sites and making clubs switch to electric only. Like you say much of the recent expense is the times. One of the main reasons there is less choice is because SC, ASP, AP, MDS, Irvine has now gone (if you buy new). I think there is a gap for a decent lower end manufacturer for 2 strokes between .10-.60 but they would be competing with cheap second hand market (people switching to electric). I don't dislike electric, I just find it is somehow less exciting, less challenging (too easy), and there is something about glow engines, I like to see the smoke, hear the engine and smell the fumes...... maybe I am a weirdo! I agree that I don't see any young people joining the hobby these days sadly. As Chris said eventual the numbers won't be enough to continue the hobby once the large numbers of older members go. Hopefully not for a good while yet.

Hi all, I love IC engines and would consider leaving the hobby of doing gliders if I had to switch to electric. My question is what do people think the future of IC engines is in the hobby? Now that a large amount of people have converted to electric, new engine prices have gone up, choice has reduced, glow plugs have gone up, Nitro fuel has gone up in price and is harder to get hold of. Not to mention some site only allowed electric flight. I have around 19-20 different IC engines currently, so I just hope there is a decent future for them. I am sure if the UK going green will have an affect as another possible argument against them.

I assume the old 61 engine was a lot lighter and less powerful than the Irvine 61?

Hi all, I have been thinking of getting a PB Models Tornado 60 size. Does anyone know how well they fly and if a Irvine 61 would be enough for it? Also does anyone know of a good retractable system for it with steerable nose?

Hi All, Does anyone know if Flair Models are still in business and are able to sell kits and spares?

Hi All, I was wondering what people think about the longevity of LiFe and NiMH Rx batteries. 1. How long you consider them usable and reliable? 2. Does brown cable damage still occur if left plugged in for a long time? 3. When do you retire the battery and decide it is likely to be unreliable? 4. Can you get did NiMH Rx batteries that can't be cycled to regain capacity?

The element look intact it just won't glow at all, probably burnt out deeper inside the plug.

Yes the Irvine is brand new, so it has only had 10 fuel tanks worth through it so far. Should I richen it up a bit to cool the engine....might stop them dying.

I used a Modeltechnics F5 glowplug in my Irvine 39, it only lasted about 10 flights. Not sure why, I may have cooked it with the glow stick attached to the flight box panel dialed up, but I doubt it as I usually set it in the green.

Hi All, The price of glow plugs has gone right up, so now I am asking the question.....what is the difference in the brand's? Is there a noticeable difference in performance and life using the cheaper brands? Like Hobbyking, HSP, Modeltechnics FirePower/MaxFlash? Or is it better to pay the extra (nearly twice the price) for OS No.8 OS F and Enya plugs? Also do most people use medium-medium hot plugs all year round in the UK?

Hi Dan, Yes it is SMAC

Hi all, . I have just added a you tube video for this plane, to give you an idea how it flies, The video frame rate makes it look a little blurry but I think you will get a good idea. I think it flies very well, mine is a little heavy due to the oversized fuel tank but I can still land it at a fairly slow speed. Galaxy Models Musketeer Video

Hi all, Does anyone have a any tips on how to re-cover a plane after Solafilm, I know it leaves half it coloured glue behind.

Flew again today, much better this time. I am finding it doesn't like to be flown too fast especially into a banked turn I sometimes get a strange delay coming out of a turn, I think it might be some kind of wing flex. Landing the plane is very easy, glides in easily even with the extra weight of the fuel

Flew again today, much better this time. I am finding it doesn't like to be flown too fast especially into a banked turn I sometimes get a strange delay coming out of a turn, I think it might be some kind of wing flex. Landing the plane is very easy, glides in easily even with the extra weight of the fuel

Went for the maiden flight today. I ran the engine in on the ground first then tried it out in the air. take off was easy enough but in the air a few hairy things happened. It felt like the ailerons were sticking the unsticking causing it not to respond and then over respond same both directions. I was lucky not to crash, landing was easy once lined up straight. I am scratching my head about the ailerons because everything looks perfectly fine on the ground. I think maybe I will switch the aileron servo out. Canopy was steaming up a bit in the sun, I need to drill a hole in it to let the moisture out.