Official Black Horse Ryan ST-A Special 2350mm ARF Discussion Thread

[Kencz]

Just unboxed my Black Horse 92.5" Ryan STA and started checking length dimensions to select a Gas Engine that will fit between the firewall and the front of the cowl.
The dimension roughly seems to be about 142mm or a bit more depending on where you place the cowl.

Owners manual has directions for a 120 2 stroke OS Glow engine and DLE 20cc gas engine.
Not interested in a glow engine and I feel a DLE 20 may fly the plane but with not much authority for simple aerobatics.
A DLE 35RA would be a better choice but the engine length is 160mm so it is too long.

Motion also suggests the 4 stroke NGK 30 engines they are selling but they are too long also.

One option would be modify the firewall and let part of the CARB protrude through it but then you get into problems accessing the mixture screws. Plus a rear mounted muffler will interfere with the firewall.

If anyone knows of other solutions or perhaps some engines with a reasonable price point (under$500) I would really appreciate some help.
Ken

[Beeg]

I have a DLE 20 on my 1/4scale Cub (104") and it handles basic aerobatics easily. Most folks told me the DLE20 was too small and the Cub would be underpowered and suggested I put a 30 in it. Glad I didn't. Of course I'm at sea level so the "otherguys" may have been up in Colorado or something.. Granted, it doesn't have any "extra" power for any sort of vertical but it has plenty, for a Cub.

I don't know what the wing loading or all up weight for the STA is but as cheap as DLE20's are they are an excellent engine and it's been going strong for about 6 years now. I would say they offer a lighter weight as I didn't have to add any nose weight to my Cub but with the STA you may need all the extra engine weight you can get rather than adding dead nose weight.

[Kencz]

Thanks Beeg.
I have looking around for someone flying the Ryan and so far everything I find is a 30cc and up, even in Europe. One guy in far east even had a Saito FG33 Gas Radial installed. Nice, but that is a $1000.00 engine!

[Beeg]

I looked up the specs on the BH STA. DLE20 might be a little shy especially if you want to do some aerobatics. If you just want to fly around it would probably be fine. With my Cub you are definitely flying on the wing rather than the prop and it only weighs about 10-10.5lbs with lots of wing.
Looking at the manual there appears to be plenty of room to modify the firewall to take a longer engine.

[Kencz]

Thanks again Beeg.
I was trying to avoid major surgery on the firewall mounting surface but slowly coming around to face the fact that it is what I will have to do. At 13.5+ lbs something in the 30-35cc range is the ticket. Would like to go with a 40cc twin ------cylinders would definitely protrude about .75 inches each side. Problem is I am not sure I could get the Cowl on over that much interference. It is a flexible cowl but just don't think I could get it on without cutting massive holes in it.
Ken

[Beeg]

Have you looked at the RCGF 40twin? Might just fit...Length is just right...

https://www.rcgfusa.com/product/rcgf-40cc-ts/

[Kencz]

Beeg,
I did evaluate the VVRC 40 Twin. It used the 1/4" mini-plugs and they are angled . I found the overall width dimension, cut a piece of 1/2 dowel to that width, an then attempted to push the dowel rod into my best quess position within the Cowl.
The cowl just would not flex open enough to allow me install it over the engine from what I could see. The cowl gets narrower and stiffer as you go forward towards the prop. It is just too close to call.
By measurements, if it could be installed, there would be about 3/4" of cylinder, plug/cap sticking out each side and that was fine with me. In fact, thought it might look pretty cool.
Hate to spend $439 on the twin only to find out I could not use it.
Had an idea to split the cowl like many of the big-boys do but decided I did not have the talent or tools to do a first class job.
Think I am just going to get a single cylinder 33-35 cc 2 stroke gasser and just recess the carb and muffler into the firewall as required.
Thanks again for your ideas and interest.
Ken

[Kencz]

Does anyone have any tips for installing the decals?
Spray the airplane surface and glue side of decal with water or Windex to help ease locating and installation?
Any help appreciated.

[Kencz]

Anyone? Any details on how to install the factory decals? Use water, Windex, ?? Problems, things to watch out for?
Just don't want to destroy any as replacement sheet is pricey.

[Kencz]

duplicate removed

[F22trainer]

Anyone? Any details on how to install the factory decals? Use water, Windex, ?? Problems, things to watch out for?
Just don't want to destroy any as replacement sheet is pricey.

I always get bubbles when using a solution on flexible uneven surfaces, but dry always works good in such cases. I use a hinge of masking tape and a water soluble pencil to get the registration right.

[Dadofseven]

Just pulled the trigger on the Ryan, it will be my f9rst gas plane, Going to put a 35DLE rear exhaust on it. Any advice would be sweet!!!

[Kencz]

You will have to pull the cowl forward out of position or rebuild/move rearward the Engine Mounting Box for the DLE 35 that is designed for about 160-165mm length. This airframe is designed for smaller engines, like DLE 20, that have a length of about 145mm.
I am putting a VVRC 40 Twin with mini-plugs in mine. The length works well as the carb is below and between the cylinders and so the engine has a length of about 140-142mm. HOWEVER, the cylinders will protrude from the side of cowl as well as the plugs and plug wires due to the narrow cowl.
You may also need longer muffler exhaust exit pipe extensions due to the tall vertical design of the cowl.
I am sure a DLE 20 would fly the plane in a scale manner, just not with any authority or in a manner I prefer for my planes.

[EdRC]

Hi. New to the forum. I just purchased the Black Horse Ryan (92" span) -- used Craigslist. I'm going with the 35cc engine. Can anyone provide a PDF of the manual? It sure would help. Thanks!

(sorry, never mind. I found it)

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1052/4162/files/BlackHorse_Ryan_Manual.pdf

[Elbee]

Hi. New to the forum.

https://www.motionrc.com/collections/black-horse-rc-airplanes/products/black-horse-ryan-st-a-special-2350mm-arf

Hey ED, Welcome to "The Squawk". Great model choice, love that airplane. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your progress, so post pix as you are able

I added a Link above to Motion RC's Official Sales webpage, If you have not checked it out, do so, there is good information there, too. Best, LB

[EdRC]

https://www.motionrc.com/collections/black-horse-rc-airplanes/products/black-horse-ryan-st-a-special-2350mm-arf

Hey ED, Welcome to "The Squawk". Great model choice, love that airplane. Looking forward to seeing pictures of your progress, so post pix as you are able

I added a Link above to Motion RC's Official Sales webpage, If you have not checked it out, do so, there is good information there, too. Best, LB

Thank you! I'll be sure to post progress and pictures.

[Twowingtj]

EdRC Welcome to Hobby Squawk! The Black Horse Ryan is a good looking bird.

[EdRC]

Finally got going on the Black Horse Ryan STA (92"). Got it used and it needs some minor repair. Need some help: I'm fixing a previously botched repair job, and I'm trying to find the exact monokote (Ultrakote?) that was used on the model. My spare red covering is off a little -- and my spare white is not perfect either. Anyone source this?

[Kencz]

It is my understanding that the material is the standard ULTRACOAT (COTE?) distributed by Horizon Hobby.

[EdRC]

Thanks, Kencz. That helps.