Regional engine preferences?

Well, here in Souther California, I have a preference for Super Tigre and GMS engines tho I have many OS engines both 2 and 4 stroke, a magnum 4 stroke, a Norvel, several Cox, and one Irvine .25. I suppose the GMS could be a regional thing since MECOA is just down the freeway from here.

Fubar,

Not really, as Tower Hobbies has been selling GMS engines for some time. Besides, GMS is actually produced in China. --

Jim L.

With mail order available to anyone with a computer or a telephone, regional differences are not likely to be a factor in choosing engines. I fail to understand the purpose of your question.

I can only speak for my self and a few modelers I know. I have Thunder Tiger plus a few others. Another guy flies mostly Super Tiger. Other club members fly mostly OS because that's what the LHS sells. I see no pattern. mk

GMS was ALWAYS produced in China.

Why would Russians be specifically attracted to Norvels?

Paul,

Who said they weren't? Not me! --

Jim L.

I doubt it. I live in SW Florida and seldom see a Fox engine. OS and Saito, at least at my field, are about equally represented. I see GMS, Tower, Super Tigre, Magnum, OS, etc. on a regular basis. And what is it you intend to do with this survey?

You are correct! I mis-read it. DUH!

Ah, but I purchased my first GMS personally from the MECOA factory during one of the AMA conventions. Got a tour of how they CNG K&B marine engines too! Funny you mention Tower Hobbies as a GMS source. I have a .76 ringed that I bought at the MECOA headquarters a few years back that met the ground violently recently. Broke the rear muffler bolt hole clean off, right down the thread bore. Drilling for a bolt thru isnt an option I later found out as it would drill thru the rear gas passage. JBWeld came to mind but I decided to just buy a new crankcase and rebuild. Ordered one from Tower Hobbies, got it quick, etc. Unfortunately, it seems the version that Tower Hobbies sells is different from the version I have. I notice there is a II stamped on the side of the new case. It takes a smaller front bearing now, the rear of the case is smaller (crank will not fit inside), and they now drill and tap the head bolts 90 degrees from the old case. Sleeve fits and so does the rear bearing but that seems to be it. I have emailed MECOA about optaining an old style case and, if they have one, I will probably just drive down and pick it up there. Did so for my .32 when I rebuilt it. The case for the .32 hasnt changed apparently.

I think its a group brand preference he is talking about. Guys buying certain brands because that is usually what the other guys in the club fly which would probably spread around the nearby region. Did that make sense?

Either way, I am able to drive to the place and pick up in stock parts in about an hour as opposed to waiting for the mail to arrive. They do manufacture K&B engines there at the plant in Azusa. I seen em do it!

Arent they made in Russia? Or Eastern Europe at least. That would make them the home brand or at least familiar.

Fubar,

I think that's about their redesign to eliminate air leaks in the original GMS line. Look down the opening where the carb goes. Newer design (II) has 2 o- rings, one on carb, other at base.

I have both an old & a new style GMS .47. Old one is cantankerous, new one is best running engine I've seen. --

Jim L.

Well they are fixing what wasnt broken then because that .76 is about the best running engine I ever had.

OK strathboy! Tell us then! What engines are the most reliable?

what engines are the most reliable and we all know what they are. Let's have some intelligent posts that are useful to our hobby.

Hey, strathboy -- get a grip! Maybe your "rules" and expectations for the group aren't the same as everyone elses. It was a perfectly harmless question. Just move on.