Airframe wanted

[KM4BS]

Looking for a new project, any used P6 or Pantera airframes around reasonably priced? Thanks, Dave

[KM4BS]

Found one. Thanks

[KM4BS]

Latest addition to the family of Pantera. OS70 NEX. Solid as a rock and plenty of power. Thanks to Kandace for the airframe and John for his awesome support.

[Yooper42]

Looks good....let us know how the 70 pushes it around

[KM4BS]

Flew in the back yard for a tank of fuel to limber it up. Can't put it through the paces until I get to the field but can tell already I have plenty of power. Will let you know how it goes there.

[jbeech]

Just remember, the big block engines within a P6 air frame rely on more than the flow of air from the fan for cooling. They also require an intelligent use of the fuel mixture to ensure they live. What I'm saying is, keep the needle valve on the rich side to help with the engine cooling, OK? This is the reason I never recommend this combo to a beginner, e.g. someone who hasn't yet developed proficient skills for engine fuel-mixture management. Basically, they'll tune it closer to the lean side, like a 50 or 55, and then either ruin the engine or become discouraged that it doesn't work right. A big block engine can be run very nicely with a fat mixture and at the same time, make incredible horsepower. As long as you bear this in mind you're in for some serious fun.

Finally, while the OS70 is OK as far as power goes (and if I had a free one I'd use it) the fact is an OS91 takes up the same amount of space and weighs the same or less while making quite a bit more horsepower. Significantly more horsepower. A lot more horsepower. An astonishingly greater amount of horsepower. Did I mention an OS91 is more powerful than a OS70 while weighing the same and taking up the same amount of space? Best part is it makes a lot more horsepower, too.

My point? If you get an opportunity for scoring an OS91 inexpensively (and with the popularity of electrics they go really, really cheaply these days) then if it were me, I'd opt for that engine instead so quickly you'd think I was the Flash. In fact, I'd do it without a 2nd thought because it results in a 'lot' more fun. Trust me.

[Yooper42]

So your telling us a 91 is the way to go????????

[jbeech]

Did I somehow give off that impression? Good, that was my intention ;>)

Seriously, I believe the 91 in the P6 to be one of our finest accomplishments. It's a super sano installation mechanically, and while offering really sweet power delivery that just goes on and on, you still have the same honest flying characteristics. Recommended . . . as long as you don't have a tin ear.

[KM4BS]

I took 3 helis out of the rotation and sold the airframes. Had 2 YS120s and a like new OS70. Decided on the OS even though the OS70 uses as much fuel as a 91 without the power.LOL If I crash one of my 90s in the future it might donate it's motor to a new project. But for now this feels just fine.

[jbeech]

Yeah, it's pretty OK with the 70 but wait until you fly it with a 91 . . . yeehaw!

[Yooper42]

The 91 conversion is on my build list this summer with the quattro head on top. Was thinking about doing electric setup but electric isnt my thing and nitro clears out the michigan state bird (mosquitos) on a humid summer evening better than anything! Although a good lipo fire probably would too.......

[jbeech]

The 91-powered machine (in a round about way) led to the Quattro head because after my pal Steve Poretz designed it for us (and did a gorgeous job too, I simply cannot over credit his mechanical genius) we discovered it was a perfect match for the big block powered Pantera and put it into production straightaway. Previously, we really couldn't load the two-blade rotor head sufficiently - at last not with commonly available main rotor blades. However, a Quattro head on the the big block powered machine is instantly a thing of beauty much like the North American was forced to switched from a 3-blade prop on the Mustang to the 4-blade prop with the Merlin engine transplant from the Spitfire. This transformed the design from low level ground attack into high altitude bomber escort (and dog fighter extraordinaire) leading to the P51 becoming the greatest fighter of that war. Similarly, using the Quattro head to harness the incredible power of a 91 in the P6 air frame results in a magnificent thing of beauty because it all just works together harmoniously well. Sorry to wax lyrical about it but you just can't understand how great this model is until you fly one.

[jiminator]

This is on my list of "gotta have":c lappp

[jbeech]

Hmmm, I hijacked Dave's thread and I'm very sorry. The fact is the OS70 works pretty darned good (as he's already said) and me yapping about how good a P6 is with the OS91 really isn't germane.

Anyway, did you get a chance to give it a workout this weekend?

[KM4BS]

Been on call for the whole month and can't get to the field. Go off call Friday and gonna try to get there this weekend.