Norvell 15's

Building a Jr. size stunt ship and plan on using a Norvell 15. Have both the BigMig and the AME version, so I am setting up the mount to take either engine, the AME is a ball bearing and the case is a little wider.
Does anyone out there have any experience or knowledge on either of these engines being used for stunt; set-up, mods or anything that would get me in the ball park. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Allan Perret

LAST EDITED ON Jul-04-03 AT 05:29 PM (CDT)
 
I've just started flying a UKey 15 and chose a Norvel BigMig 15. This is the pre-ceramic piston version with the coil spring muffler retainer.

At first, it seemed to run fairly unsteady. I was using a MAS 8-4 (balanced - it takes awhile on these) and Sig 5/25 all castor fuel. I've since changed the uniflow plumbing on the 2oz plastic clunk tank to a std vent and the motor seems to be running better. It could also be starting to break in as well.

It's a light motor, fairly easy to start (if I choke it) and has decent power. I lost my first two muffler/exhaust O-ring gaskets. I tried to push them into the recess in the muffler inlet then install the muffler on the motor. I'd complete a flight and find the O-ring rattling around somewhere inside the muffler.

Now I'm slipping the O-ring over the exhaust stack then attaching the muffler. Three flights and it seems to stay in place.

I have an FP 15 I'm using on my son's Streak Trainer and it is much less fuss than the Norvel - particularly the muffler. It's also quieter than the Norvel.

I am using the AME that came with my Sig Acromaster/Norvel combo. Even though the AME is I think, a high performance engine, I run it rich and it has a pretty good 4-2-4 performance. I am using a 21/2 oz. uniflow chicken hopper tank, an 8x4 prop and no muffler with mine. Runs quite well on the Acromaster.

Dave Gardner has an FP .l5 in an El Diablo OTS, and not only does it fly it very well, it sounds like an electric, or close. I'd go for an FP, LA, or clone, like the Magnum or Thunder Tiger. Steve

Burt Brokaw was working on a Fox .15BB powered Sig Banshee. He was doing some serious lightening on it (truss fuselage structure and selected wood). A full scale commerical airline pilot, he moved before I could see it fly.

I felt a little uneasy at first when I put an FP 25 in my Twister. Remember how we all thought you absolutely had to have a 40 in those? The 25 flies the dickens out of it.

A member of my club put a Norvel 15 on an Acromaster. It flew near the speed of sound!. It is a light 15, but make sure you use a flat pitch prop.

Allen,

I too am using the 15 ball bearing Novell on a Sig Akromaster. My Akro was built without cutting the wing down, has flaps, and to balance this heavy Ball Bearing motor, I added an extra inch to the tail.

Running on suction, with a standard tank, I get a nice sharp 4-2-4 break as soon as the nose comes up.

I've also lost several sets of muffler gaskets, so watch it.

Good luck.