Glow Engine Vs. Electric Engine for 2 m' pattern plane

[John Ferrell]

Two really good posts!
First let me say that a lot of us are NOT in this to win trophies, we do it 
for FUN!

My personal situation is that I really don't care all that much about 
getting re-involved with 2-strokes. I am hung up on 4-strokes, mostly YS140 
engines. That determines the size airplane I fly. After all, it is not the 
equipment that defines my success, it is this aging body.

Most of those who switch to electric seem to be trying to justify how good 
the decision was.
Unless fuel becomes very dear, I cannot imagine doing away with glow 
altogether.

The economic decisions that I consider in comparison are as follows:

Fixed costs
Maintenance costs
Supply costs

At this time the fixed costs look good. Airframes ought to be easier if we 
don't bathe them in solvents try to shake them to pieces.

The same goes for Maintenance. Although it is not clear if the power plant 
is a supply item or a maintenance item, the same argument can be made for YS 
engines. If the power plant (engine/controller) is priced at $1.00 per 10 
minute flight I consider it equal to a YS140 in cost.

Then there is the subject of batteries. From my viewpoint this is where the 
info is hard to acquire. Each of us has our own user profile. If I fly 3 
times a week/4 flights, How many flights or weeks of flying should expect 
out of a battery?

If I don't get to fly much, what is the shelf life of a battery?

And then there is the issue of proper sized equipment. I like the 
performance of a YS140FZ. I tend to rev them harder than most getting over 
9K rpm on an APC 15-10. Just how do I figure out what it will take to get 
this performance?

If I can figure this stuff out, I may be able to subdue that frugal miser 
that dwells within me.

I have a new Prodigy ready to install equipment if a retro fit is 
attractive.


John Ferrell
http://DixieNC.US

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Jerry Budd" <jerry at buddengineering.com>
To: <discussion at nsrca.org>
Sent: Wednesday, June 01, 2005 3:35 AM
Subject: Re: Glow Engine Vs. Electric Engine for 2 m' pattern plane


> >John,
>>           I think that you might agree that what appears to be working 
>> for "sponsored" pilots may not yet be that realistic for those who spend 
>> their own hard earned dollars on the hobby.


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