Suggested engine for 1/4 scale 1930 Fleet bi-wing?

by Ken Dresser
(Lodi New York)

I am in then process of building a 1/4 scale 1930 Fleet bi-wing. I bought this kit over 30 years ago.

I am loooking for a suggestion on what size engine do I use 2cy vs 4cy along with the proper prop.

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Suggested engine for 1/4 scale 1930 Fleet bi-wing?

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Any time
by: Jeff Sergent

Yeah, I think the 30cc will be a good match. They build them lighter and more powerful now a days. It should give you a nice scale flight and plenty for some aerobatics.

Fleet 1930
by: ken dresser

Jeff, thank you for your comments they have been very helpfull. After reading about the 30cc and your suggestions. I think the 30cc is the answer , so thanks again for the information

1/4 scale Fleet bipe
by: Jeff Sergent

Hey Ken,

This brings back memories. Never owned one, but this is the first r/c model I saw fly way back when around '83. It lit the fire.

On to your question. The 1/4 should have a +/- 7' wing span. The full scale was 28'. As far as power I would go with gas. There are 2 and 4 strokes out there that would power it, but man they are thirsty and glow fuel is about 8 times the price of gasoline. I don't know the weight of your model, but I would suggest something in the 30cc to 50cc range.

Hold that thought. My daughter just brought me a link. Looks like this may be the very kit you have and they still kit it after all these years.

http://conceptmodelsllc.com/Site/cover.html

After looking at the specs, I would probably go with a dle 30 or dle 55. The 30cc is 1.5 lbs lighter and only a few tenths less on hp less than the largest engine they suggest.

Hope this helped

Check out this Craig's list ad...
by: Matt

Hi Ken,

I was doing some research after reading your post and ran upon a Craig's List ad for a guy selling a this same RC plane. And he lists the engine he used as a 62cc Zenoah. This is a gasoline engine.

I don't think a screaming 2 stroke glow engine would do justice for the rc plane you speak of. As a matter of fact, I doubt if there is a two stroke engine big enough for that beast!

I would at least go for a 4-stroke, if you can find one big enough. Bu a true gasoline engine would be sweet! Probably your best bet.

There are some really nice pictures on there too!

His email and phone number are listed there, I'd imagine he would be more than glad to converse with you about the engine and prop selection for this plane. I'd shoot him an email or give him a call if I were you...

Good luck, and remember to share some pictures of her when you get'er done!

Matt