A.S.P. 'Series 3' .36 Heli (ringed)

I phoned Just Engines to enquire about Heli engines - and ended up doing this review!! I have always been a fan of O.S. (dependable and reliable) but when Paul said that they just had a shipment of the latest ASP series 3 engine (the .36 ringed Heli) and the price was around 1/2 the O.S. .32 price - I just had to have one to try.
"Let me know what you think of it" said Paul......
As per their normal service the engine turned up the next day - so out came the camera.....

This is what you get....

Heli version, front needle (twin needle) carb., (as per O.S. .32) and fittings + an allen key!, together with a decent set of instructions (in English) and a couple of decals (if you twist Paul's arm!!)

Installing the carburettor

Now I know that Helis vibrate a little - so my tip is to always fit the carb (on any engine) by using a thin smear of silicon around the spigot and thread lock on the 2 bolts. Then it should be air sealed and just about vibration proof.

Next

Next, I ignored the instructions (which hint at a little bench running in prior to use in the model) and just installed it in the Heli. Bench running is advisable on any engine, true - but I figured that unless you also fly fixed wing - you were unlikely to have a test bench and a prop. - so my test is to do what I believe most modellers will do - and run it in in the model, in this case a Shuttle. Silencer used was one of the Just Engines' baffled mini pipes.

Plug used was an OS 8 and my fuel is Coolpower (10% nitro / 15% oil). Yes I know Paul, that this is a little low in oil for your recommendations and warranty (or any engine warranty I believe) but it's my engine and my fuel (very popular at the flying field) so it's what I used!!

Test

The engine started easily - and I ran a single tank through it on the ground, for about 5 minutes (nice and rich to lubricate the moving parts) gradually leaning it out so I could roughly set the carb. The first flight was done with the engine still smoking nicely (running a little on the rich side) and all went without mishap. In a word
SUPERB!!

The engine performed really well, even running rich and it showed no signs of stopping. I leaned the mixture for the next tank (still slightly rich), to obtain a smoother run and more performance, as you would expect. No sign of any problems whatsoever. I'll get some airborne pics. this weekend (weather permitting).
The model was also flown by one of the more experienced members of our club and, in circuits etc. performed perfectly.

The silencer performed extremely well, is quiet and the tone of the exhaust note is quite subdued - every bit as good as an OS with a Zimmerman pipe in my opinion. This should be a really good seller!!!

Conclusion

At the price Paul (£54.99 for the engine, £27.99 for the mini pipe - and £79.99 if you buy both together) I think you have a real winner here. You should sell lots of them. Ideal for the club sports flyer like me - and easy to set up and get going with if you are a complete beginner. Should put a big dent in O.S. sales - that's for sure!!

Well done the ASP/Just Engines' team - a great product at a great price.
Highly recommended.

ASP 36 in a shuttle

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