IMPBA FE 1/8 scale motor options update

[Don Ferrette]

Ok boys and girls some news on the motor options for the IMPBA FE 1/8th scale class. Buddy Benedict submitted a proposal the the BOD for using can size limits. After much spirited (and friendly

) conversation during Thursday evening's meeting including myself, Mike Ball and Doug Smock we agreed to table Buddy's proposal for now but open the membership up to running some of the other motors that would be legal under the proposal with testing and submitting feedback to Mike for potentially adding them to the current motor list. I feel this is a great option but we need participation from members for feedback to make this work, I plan on testing a couple of them myself. So as follows-

FE 1-8 Scale Tech Notice RevA.pdf

As said on the tech notice these motors are not eligible for any record trial use, only at IMPBA sanctioned races and local testing. We hope this will allow us to grow the list of motors and even more so affordable options for those on a tighter budget.

NOTE-

There will be NO discussion of NAMBA FE scale rules or references to them (including limits on KV, mah, props, etc) made on this thread, any posts doing so will be removed and repeated attempts may earn a time out. This is about potential IMPBA motor options period and we are not going to have this turn into a pissing match like the last couple of FE 1/8th scale power plant threads.

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I would think all of those, other than the TP Power would be less power than the current approved motors.

 

[Buddy Benedict]

I would think all of those, other than the TP Power would be less power than the current approved motors.

Yes they would be less power that the current approved motors but, my intentions are to open the class up to more legal motors. For a person just wanting to try and convert an old nitro boat they have laying around, buying a TP Power at $130 verses a Plett at $800 is a lot more feasible just to try and see if they like FE.

Thank you to the BOD for doing this. I believe it is a step in the right direction.

Buddy Benedict

 

[Don Ferrette]

I would think all of those, other than the TP Power would be less power than the current approved motors.

Those 4 motors were options that would be legal under Buddy's proposal. The HET 700-98-935Kv is rated 2400 watts 4800 peak with an 8mm shaft, should work well on 8 or 9S.

 

[RaceMechaniX]

Can Buddy's proposal be amended to include other motors/lengths or does a new proposal need to be submitted?

Specifically, the current rules allow for any length Neu 15 series or LMT 22 series so for continuity it would make sense to include any TP 40XX, Leopard 39XX or Leopard 40XX.

This allows a little more freedom to run a 4060 or 4082.

-Tyler

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I am fine with lower power. I think the scale fe class needs reeled in. I am seeing motors being used that are way overkill (club level), and 70mph+ setups. To me, keeping the national rules as they are, and add the motors mentioned here, will only help keep it a drivers class, not a drag race to the finish with zero skill driving. Some of the club level races are allowing larger motors, and it seems rediculous to me. Consider this, a "scale" speed would be 25mph in 1/8th scale, lol.

 

[ACTION JACKSON]

I would like to see the scale stay the same speed for racing. But for all out excitement put or have everybody run the same equipment or better yet the same speed which can be acquired to make it a spectacular class. Happy boating politics politics

 

[Bill Brandt]

I would think all of those, other than the TP Power would be less power than the current approved motors.

Those 4 motors were options that would be legal under Buddy's proposal. The HET 700-98-935Kv is rated 2400 watts 4800 peak with an 8mm shaft, should work well on 8 or 9S.

8S would handle the HET 935KV also. I ran those before I was required to drop below the 850KV mark and went with 840KV. I didn’t feel a noticeable difference in my speeds either.

 

[Don Ferrette]

I would think all of those, other than the TP Power would be less power than the current approved motors.

Those 4 motors were options that would be legal under Buddy's proposal. The HET 700-98-935Kv is rated 2400 watts 4800 peak with an 8mm shaft, should work well on 8 or 9S.

8S would handle the HET 935KV also. I ran those before I was required to drop below the 850KV mark and went with 840KV. I didn’t feel a noticeable difference in my speeds either.

Thanks for the info Bill. Your reply made me realize I meant 8 or 9S not 10S so I corrected it.

 

[longballlumber]

Yes they would be less power that the current approved motors but, my intentions are to open the class up to more legal motors. For a person just wanting to try and convert an old nitro boat they have laying around, buying a TP Power at $130 verses a Plett at $800 is a lot more feasible just to try and see if they like FE.

Thank you to the BOD for doing this. I believe it is a step in the right direction.

Buddy Benedict

Hi Buddy,

Just to clarify a few things:

The NEU motor is an excellent motor and is probably currently used more than any other on the list. That motor can be bought new for $300ish and less if you can get one used. Buying an $800 Plett isn't required to try out the class.

As you and I discussed on the phone; there wasn't anything keeping you and your local club from running any motor you wanted in an FE Scale. Actually, I would encourage any club to do what gets boats on the pond and people racing. If I recall correctly that is how the RTR class was born for the IMPBA. The Evansville Club was racing that class at the local level WAY before it was in the IMPBA rule book.

Remember, the BOD needs feedback on the racing, participation numbers, equipment reliability, etc... to make all of this work for the future. Good Luck and let us know how it goes!

Mike

 

[longballlumber]

Can Buddy's proposal be amended to include other motors/lengths or does a new proposal need to be submitted?

Specifically, the current rules allow for any length Neu 15 series or LMT 22 series so for continuity it would make sense to include any TP 40XX, Leopard 39XX or Leopard 40XX.

This allows a little more freedom to run a 4060 or 4082.

-Tyler

The actual proposal that was submitted would allow the shorter motors it was a max diameter and max length. It just happen the motors I had collected on a spreadsheet fit within the size limits proposed.

Do you really think a TP4060 or Leopard4082 would push a scale without going up in smoke? It seems to me they would be a little short, especially if it was an older oil soaked nitro crossover.

 

[longballlumber]

I am fine with lower power. I think the scale fe class needs reeled in. I am seeing motors being used that are way overkill (club level), and 70mph+ setups. To me, keeping the national rules as they are, and add the motors mentioned here, will only help keep it a drivers class, not a drag race to the finish with zero skill driving. Some of the club level races are allowing larger motors, and it seems rediculous to me. Consider this, a "scale" speed would be 25mph in 1/8th scale, lol.

Mike,

You comments surprise me. They lead me to think there is more FE 1/8 Scale racing going on than many of us know about. I would like contact the clubs you reference that are actually racing this class. Can you tell me where this is happening? I would especially want to hear about the bigger motors they are allowing and how that is effecting boat performance.

Thanks

Mike

 

[RaceMechaniX]

Can Buddy's proposal be amended to include other motors/lengths or does a new proposal need to be submitted?

Specifically, the current rules allow for any length Neu 15 series or LMT 22 series so for continuity it would make sense to include any TP 40XX, Leopard 39XX or Leopard 40XX.

This allows a little more freedom to run a 4060 or 4082.

-Tyler

The actual proposal that was submitted would allow the shorter motors it was a max diameter and max length. It just happen the motors I had collected on a spreadsheet fit within the size limits proposed.

Do you really think a TP4060 or Leopard4082 would push a scale without going up in smoke? It seems to me they would be a little short, especially if it was an older oil soaked nitro crossover.

Good to hear Mike, the shorter options are likely under powered but it would parallel the Neu and LMT options. Someone could build a light 1/8 scale and prove us wrong. A Buass vacuum bagged carbon Velasco with a TP4060 and a Castle HV Lite controller with 10S1P 4000mAh would be a 10-12 lb boat.

 

[John Borden]

I am fine with lower power. I think the scale fe class needs reeled in. I am seeing motors being used that are way overkill (club level), and 70mph+ setups. To me, keeping the national rules as they are, and add the motors mentioned here, will only help keep it a drivers class, not a drag race to the finish with zero skill driving. Some of the club level races are allowing larger motors, and it seems rediculous to me. Consider this, a "scale" speed would be 25mph in 1/8th scale, lol.

Mike,

You comments surprise me. They lead me to think there is more FE 1/8 Scale racing going on than many of us know about. I would like contact the clubs you reference that are actually racing this class. Can you tell me where this is happening? I would especially want to hear about the bigger motors they are allowing and how that is effecting boat performance.

Thanks

Mike

Mike we run FE Scale in D7.

I can not talk about our rule on this thread but you can PM me and I can get you my phone number.

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