Quique PITTS PYTHON 100 -Gas or Electric...?

[allanlevi1]

Hi All, I'm new on Flying Giants.
I have just been lucky enough to purchase one of the last QQ PYTHON 100's (still in kit form) ever to be available -and in the Kimball colour scheme.
I am fairly new to RC -only been flying RC 4 months -I love it, and I already have 17 planes -this is the largest one though. (However, I did fly control line, many years ago ....)
I'm an engineer and an garage car mechanic, so I really know what I am doing, with building planes.

Main question I have -should I go gas or electric on this plane ? If I go gas, I have heard very good reports of the DL100, which I can get for ~$500, I think (from Hong Kong). Or should I go with a DA85? Or what other engine choices might be good? I would be very grateful for any advice, please.

IF I go electric (and I HAVE seen the video of John Glezellis flying the PYTHON with a Hacker motor & 10,000mAh Li-Po batteries) See: http://www.alebproducts.com/videos.php
I am thinking of using a 7kW motor, e.g. the HXT 80-100 (or an EMP 80-100 motor)
See: http://www.alebproducts.com/proddeta...?prod=brush008
This is a 7KW motor = 9.4 HP. WITH: 100A ESC, Xoar 27 x 10 propeller, 12S 5000mAh battteries (25C), pulls 104.5A, and PRODUCES 18.2 kg Thrust ( = 40 lbs of Thrust .....).
The plane only weighs 25 lb, so should be BRILLIANT !
I am also thinking of using: 100A Sentilon ESC (Can get 125A, 12S Li-Po, ESC -if I need)
See: http://www.alebproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=esc005
and using 12S 5000mAh Li-Po packs
See: http://www.alebproducts.com/proddetail.php?prod=lipo014

Thing is: I could get motor, ESC, 2 packs 12S Li-Po's -for the same price as a 100cc gas engine.
So I don't know which way to go ....
WHAT POWER SYSTEM WOULD YOU CHOOSE FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL AEROPLANE ....?

[learnedinuk]

One that makes NOISE!!!!

I can't speak for electric but i can for gas. Go with the DL-111 (the newest version from DL) or save a few hundred and get a used DL-100 it is cheaper then a DA-85 and more power.

On big planes I just think electric does not fit. Kind of like a V-6 Mustang blah! But there are pros and cons to both. In the end it really comes down to a personal preference. Mine is Gas!!

[MikeC3D]

Have you looked into the prices of batteries for a electric setup of this magnitude? Also, in that video it plainly states the plane weighs 32 and 1/2 lbs....Something to think about.
It comes down to personal preference, (IMO) I would bolt a DA 85 with a Greeves pipe in it and letr' rip. Nuetron power aint my cup of tea....

[TNT170]

First of all Allan, I have the same plane w/DA85 and love it, plane will hover at 1/4 throttle W/VESS 28B prop, cant really say about the DL-111, I do have a DL-50 that runs strong and great, the only thing is the DL-111 is its new and may or may not have (bugs) to be worked out.

[SURREYRCAV8R]

Support your own local economy and go with either a DA85 or a DA100. Dont use a DL engine and send your business overseas. I have seen and flown a python with both engine choices listed above, very different animal with a 100 compared to an 85. Although with an 85 the plane is lighter overall it gives the plane a more "foamy" like feeling...with a DA100 it has a more "connected" feeling to me....my latest incarnation of this plane features an 85....the choice is up to you...I say no to electric, I think you need to rethink your budget for an electric version....your pricing seems on the low side of the scale for this size plane