It’s has to be the sound of the engines syncing into and out of cadence, or maybe it’s the overall impression people have of airplanes with more than one powerplant. Whatever it is, twins remain at the very top of the popularity chart, especially at warbird events. As with any RC airplane, regardless of the number of engines or motors it has, there are some basic rules and dos and don’ts by which every twin-engine airplane pilot should abide.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT
The most important consideration for any twin airplane is engine reliability. Take the time to correctly set up your engines. Reliable engine operation requires a clean supply of fuel and a properly set up fuel system. Fuel filters are a must and you should check them often to make sure they remain clear of debris. If you have a gasoline engine with a Walbro or similar carburetor, be sure to check the internal fuel filter screen as well. Use two filters with your fuel container. Be sure to also use an inline filter where the fuel lines attach to your model, and another “clunk filter” inside the container. Make an inspection of your fuel system a daily part of your outline. It could save you from a crash.
ALL SYNCED UP
Getting the two engines to sync up and run at the same rpm is where many new pilots stumble. Never lean your slower engine to increase its speed. This almost always leads to the engine overheating and eventually signing off—never a good thing with a twin. Always adjust the carburetor of the faster engine and richen the high-end mixture slightly to decrease its rpm. After dealing with the high end, go back and make sure that both engines have reliable idles as well. As a rule, it is always better to have reliable running engines than ones that match rpm exactly.
This story is from the January 2022 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 2022 edition of Model Airplane News.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Old School Model Works Fifty Six
The Fifty Six takes its design cues from the original .09- to .15-size Carl Goldberg Falcon 56 of the 1960s. Reworked to incorporate modern, lasercut techniques to make kit building better than ever.
FLYING TWINS Multi-engine warbirds made easy
Let’s face it, there’s just something extra special about twin-engine RC aircraft. Most modelers stop what they’re doing when a twin fires up on the flightline.
SPIRIT OF RHINEBECK AWARD WINNER
A close up of Norman Malinowski’s 1/3-scale Albatros
CENTER OF GRAVITY BASICS
The secret to a plane that flies well
DON'T TRASH THAT CRASH!
Pro tips for light, strong aircraft repairs
TAKEOFF WITH A 1 1/2 POSITIVE SNAP ROLL
If you’re aspiring to become a better aerobatic pilot, you are, no doubt, constantly searching to add exciting maneuvers to your flight routine.
THE 'RAIDER REPAINT
Painting and weathering the Legend Hobby A-1 Skyraider
THE COMPETITION CONTINUES
Every spring, Frank Tiano’s Top Gun Scale Invitational has heralded the beginning of the flying season, offering builders an opportunity to show off their projects in Lakeland, Florida after a winter spent finishing them in their workshops.
BUILDING BENCH & WORKSHOP TIPS
I have built countless RC models, from kits, plans and even my own scratch designs.
TOP GUN FAVORITE MARK CHAPMAN'S 1/3-SCALE ALBATROS D.VA
When I told Model Airplane News executive editor Debra Cleghorn that I was attending the Top Gun Scale Invitational for the first time, she asked me if I would interview the pilot of one of my favorite planes at the event. As a WW I fan (and a Balsa USA builder), I chose Mark Chapman’s beautifully detailed 1/3-scale Balsa USA Albatros D.Va, flown by Marvin Alvarez in Team Scale.