Next Steps
Running the engine in the backyard was next. I like to tie a new
model to something solid during first engine runs, so I slipped a
large loop of nylon cord over the tail and tied the end of the cord
to a tree.
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The parts come out of the box looking like this; no glue
required. |
Engine-starting instructions are complete, and I followed them.
The manual states that low- and high-speed carburetor settings have
been made at the factory. Oh yeah? This I have to see.
Pumping fuel into the tank, I measured its 10-ounce capacity (the
manual doesn't reveal tank size), and I primed the engine as
described.
After I had attached a glow driver to the glow plug (it's angled
away from the propeller on the engine for safety), I put on eye
protection and used an engine-starting stick to flip the prop
counterclockwise (viewed from the front). Wow! The engine started on
the first flip, and it continued to run smoothly at idle even after
the glow driver had been removed. After warmup, I ran the throttle
to a mid setting and then to full power. It sounded perfect. The
engine kept running after I throttled it back to idle, and I shut it
off with throttle trim.
In all my years of modeling, I've gotten new model engines to
start on the first flip exactly twice before. Maybe I need lessons
from the Hangar 9 factory, because it turns out that these engines
are run in and adjusted before they are shipped. Amazing!
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This two-page spread in the manual
shows every assembly step except propeller installation. The
whole process may take half an hour, if you include a lengthy
break! |
The Power System
A call to Horizon provided helpful details not mentioned in the
manual. The special propeller, an EVOE 100P, was designed to be used
with this engine in a training environment, so the Alpha's top speed
is intentionally restricted. The glow plug is a Hangar 9 2-stroke
Superplug. Horizon notes that its engineers placed special emphasis
on easy starting and quiet operation. Both the high-power and the
idle fuel-mixture screws have restricted movement, yet there is
enough range to accommodate conditions such as high-density
altitudes, where the mixture needs to be leaner. Because these
details are not in the manual, newcomers will probably need
assistance from more experienced modelers with regard to maintenance
and replacement parts.
Removing the muffler confirmed that the engine is lapped, not
ringed, and a perforated disc in the muffler reduces engine noise.
Evolution
Power Trainer System
The Evolution Trainer Power System is the key to a painless
introduction to 2-stroke power. The .46-size engine has been run
in and adjusted at the factory; you need only to mount the
special propeller. Note the black flywheel and the blue
throttle-valve restrictor. After it was primed, the engine
started and continued running each time we hooked up the battery
and flipped the prop.
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Conclusions
My flying buddy, Frank Gagliardi, flew the Alpha for the flight
photos and said, "This is the best ARF that I've ever flown."(It's
actually an RTF.)
Hangar 9's Alpha Trainer does everything well, and the Evolution
Trainer Power System is a breakthrough. This model is so easy to
make flight-ready that a new pilot will be ready for flight
instruction in minutes. It flies so well that a beginner shouldn't
have any trouble finding a qualified instructor who will be happy to
provide a first test flight followed by buddy-box time.
Considering all that's included (you just have to buy fuel and a
starting battery) and the work completed by the manufacturer, Hangar
9's Alpha Trainer is quite a bargain.
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