Install a Saito 56 in the Tribute 36 3D ARF

The Hangar 9 Tribute 36 3D has proven to be a just truly fun model for everyone to haul out of the trunk in one piece and go flying anywhere they find an open space. Now the new ARF version is available and people are giving thought to other engine combinations with this model. The Saito 56 4-stroke engine is a logical choice. But the airplane does require some minor modifications to get the “big block” in the mounts.

What has to be done to install the Saito 56

The installation of the Saito into the Tribute is not really very difficult but there are basically three things that you have to do in order for it to fit the smaller glow engine motor mount dimensions. It is necessary to widen the space between the beam mounts by about 1/16” (remove 1/32” from each side). The Saito engine mounting lugs are wider than those of the Evolution glow engine so it is necessary to widen the area around the mounting lugs to enable the engine to sit on the mount bearers properly. Thirdly, the carburetor will hit the back of the engine mount cutaway, so you will have to remove a little of the material for proper clearance around the carburetor opening.

Here is where you start

What tools are needed for the modifications

You are going to need a few tools for this minor modification process. Actually, the tools needed are very basic and almost every modeler will have them in the shop already. The first thing, of course, is a Dremel rotary tool. You will need some Dremel accessories, such as a sanding drum and cutter, to be used for enlarging the engine mount cutout and relieving the area for the engine mounting lugs. The second tool is a normal drill that will be needed to drill the new mounting holes for the Saito. A 1/8” drill bit will be the correct size bit to use with the drill. It will be nice to have your handy modeling knife nearby as well for final trimming.

Ok, so here is what you have to do

It is time to get started. Follow the steps below and you’ll be finished in short order:

• First, trim the engine mounts to fit the wider crankcase. This will only require that you remove about 1/16” material from the two engine mounts (1/32” from each side).

  
  Mark the area to cut away

• Carefully mark the area to remove for the mounting lugs to allow the engine to drop into the fuselage and line up with the fuselage centerline.

  
  Ready to assemble the engine in the mount

• Cut the rear of the engine mount cut out to clear the rear mounted carburetor of the Saito. If the Saito carb needle is lined up with the existing cutout the engine will be properly located. The Saito needle valve will not fit in the existing recess but just use the recess as a reference point for how far back to mount the engine. This is very easy and does not take very much cutting, just provide enough space to allow airflow to the carburetor.
• Once the engine fits properly on the mount bearers, you will have to drill 4 holes (1/8”) for the mounting bolts. Use a pencil or a pointed instrument to mark the holes through the mounting lugs of the engine. Remove the engine and then drill the 4 holes all the way through the mounts.
• Mix some epoxy and coat all the bare wood areas where material has been removed so that the mounts will be fuel proof. This will make your model last longer and keep it looking good.
• Mount the engine using 4 screws, size 4x40 x 1.25” long. Check to make sure the nuts are properly tightened and that everything is lined up correctly with the center line of the model.

  
  Finished!

Really, these kind of minor modifications are sometimes necessary when building ARF models using larger engines or electric motor installations and should not be considered difficult in any way. The manufacturers cannot make the models accept every possible engine without some trimming and fitting. Of course, the benefits far outweigh the effort needed to fit the Saito 56 4-stroke engine in your new Tribute 36 3D model.

Your done-now your Tribute is ready to fly

The results of the Saito installation are very satisfying. The Saito makes a lot of torque at much lower rpm than the two-stroke engine it replaces. This will enhance many of the 3D maneuvers this airplane is capable of, so it may change your flying style a little and you are going to be very pleased. Another major benefit of the Saito 56 engine in the Tribute 3D is the quieter operation of a 4-stroke engine. This has become very important at more and more flying fields these days, so it might be a major consideration for some people.

Have fun at the flying field and remember to not run your receiver battery down while you are having so much fun flying with this airplane and engine!

Contributor for this article:
Mike McConville

Written by:
Jim Booker

• Tribute 36 3D ARF HAN2925
• Saito 56 SAIE056