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Which one makes a good first biplane and why
09-06-2004, 12:05 PM
#1
Which one makes a good first biplane and why
Hi everyone
I would lie to know what everyone would recommend for a first bipe. Here is a list of some of the ones I am considering but any other recommendations are welcome. Any size from .40 to 1.20 is good.
If anyone knows the good/bad points of the ones in the list and any that you would recommend please include that also.
I would lie to know what everyone would recommend for a first bipe. Here is a list of some of the ones I am considering but any other recommendations are welcome. Any size from .40 to 1.20 is good.
If anyone knows the good/bad points of the ones in the list and any that you would recommend please include that also.
09-06-2004, 12:30 PM
#2
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
Well, i do no unless you have been flying for 5 years plus you dont want a 1.20 engine. Because thats HUGE, and very powerful. And not really a good engine for a beginer. But sorry i dont no to much about bips sorry.
09-06-2004, 06:16 PM
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
EL TIGRE!! GP Tiger Moth if an ARF is what you prefer. A Saito 100 is perfect. The Sig Hog if you're a kit man.
09-06-2004, 07:50 PM
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
I've built and flown two Gee Bee Tiger Moths with a plain sleeve OS 25 FP. I love this plane because it can fly like a trainer, but is a blast for simple aerobatics. And is a pleasure to spin and snap roll. The key is to build it light and forget the interplane struts. And with a 48" wing span, it travels just about anywhere. By the way, the reason I've built two tiger moths is --- I got just a bit cocky with the first one. This plane is a confidence builder.
09-06-2004, 11:21 PM
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
I have a Goldberg Ultimate, Smith Mini Plane, Unionville Fleet Finch and Unionville Tiger Moth. Would highly recommend Fleet Finch, or Smith Miniplane. Both kits a a great building project (the Smith was my first bipe) , the planes look great and are a real pleasure to fly. Now the Tiger Moth...............GGGGRRRRRRRRRRR! FWIW
09-07-2004, 05:21 AM
#10
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
I have had a great time building and flying my BALSA USA Phaeton 90 bipe. It has an OS 1.20 4stroke. flies like a dream and lands like a trainer. Now granted i have only been in the hobby a year. But then i have a great club support base that was very supportive in helping people in moving up as they are ready.
I would highly recomend the Phaeton90 w/1.20 4stroke for a first bipe. can't go wrong.
Bill N.
I would highly recomend the Phaeton90 w/1.20 4stroke for a first bipe. can't go wrong.
Bill N.
09-08-2004, 09:32 PM
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
The Tiger Moths and the Hog are your best bet. They both fly like trainers because they are not as responsive as the ultimates. The bigger versions do fly better. One characteristic with the ultimate is that it is relatively clean in relation to drag, so it will accelerate rapidly on a downline,whereas the others won't. They just have too much drag. Another issue the ultimate has is its nuetral stability. It has no righting ability, so when it's disturbed from straight and level it holds the disturbed position rather than righting itself to straight and level. Tiger Moths and the Hog will right themselves. Good luck,Bryce
09-10-2004, 02:14 AM
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RE: Which one makes a good first biplane and why
A first bipe? I think it really depends on how well you fly. I had an Ultimate 30 from World Models that I absolutely loved as my first bipe. With the small wingspan and fuse length, it could fit in the car (Toyota Supra) fully assemblied. Anyway, the point is that if you are a capable pilot with lots of flights under your belt with highly aerobatic planes, there's no reason why you would need to go with a mild bipe like a tiger moth unless you like the looks and the mild flying characteristics.
If you can fly a low wing trainer - Tiger Moth
If you can fly a aerobatics on a low wing plane (like four*) - Sig Hog Bipe, Super Stearman
If you can fly pattern (f3A), 3D - Ultimate
By the way, make sure you get someone that knows bipes to check the CG and setup out before you fly. And I would definitely recommend you let an expert take the plane up for its maiden. Bipes are not easy to set up and often aren't as friendly when they aren't.
Also, orientation isn't so easy so make sure you have a spotter and don't fly too far the first time.
So you figure it out. And be honest... because even an honest mistake is hard to repair!
If you can fly a low wing trainer - Tiger Moth
If you can fly a aerobatics on a low wing plane (like four*) - Sig Hog Bipe, Super Stearman
If you can fly pattern (f3A), 3D - Ultimate
By the way, make sure you get someone that knows bipes to check the CG and setup out before you fly. And I would definitely recommend you let an expert take the plane up for its maiden. Bipes are not easy to set up and often aren't as friendly when they aren't.
Also, orientation isn't so easy so make sure you have a spotter and don't fly too far the first time.
So you figure it out. And be honest... because even an honest mistake is hard to repair!
