NoFlaps

My Feedback: (131)

Okay, I'm about to venture into the dark-side, that being acrobatics and(possibly 3-d flying)
It was perhaps my recent real-life lessons in a decathalon that has sparked my interest in doing some precision acriobatics with RC.
I currently only fly warbirds mostly .60-1.20 size, but the idea of not fooling with retracts and the like has my curiosity up into these sport/ arco-planes.
So I've looked around for some time at which plane and I've notice that the shape/ scale and overall appearance of some ARF's on the market are getting much better.
The RedBull Airraces are enough to get anyone jazzed into these planes, but I'm now deliberating on which and what size to get. I've decided that since I have several 26CC engines laying around, that would be a good size to go with, but a .45 size plane makes for easy transport, not to mention is much easier on the wallet.
I'm down to the Edge 540T and an Extra 300S, but have reservations about their size/ associated costs.
Does anyone out there have insight on the flight characteristics of .45 size acrobats VS. 1.20 size planes ?
Thanks in Advance for your feedback.

MichaelJH

My Feedback: (21)

Hi,
Amen about no retracts! ! !


I learned 3D on the DW foamies yak-54 38" and I still have a lot of fun with Them when I dont have the time to bring the bigger planes out.
http://www.shop.depronwest.com/produ...=8&productId=4

As far as somthing 45-50 size the best on the market is the Extreme Flight 48" Extra 300EXP.
http://www.extremeflightrc.com/html/48extra.html

Hope this helps!
Michael

gboulton

My Feedback: (15)

In general, ime, "bigger flies better". Whenever I'm asked "what size airplane should i get?", presuming similar airframes, I always recommend going as large as possible.

Am a huge RBAR fan myself (traveled to SD for race #2 this year in fact. http://public.fotki.com/BluesConvert...ed-bull-air-r/ if you're bored and wish to see a few pics.)

Having said that, if you've got the budget, allow me to HIGHLY recommend [link=http://wildharerc.com/products/Edge540_1025/]WildHare's 102" Edge in the Red Bull scheme[/link]. I JUST maidened my own this weekend:



I can not say enough good things about this airplane. Comparing it to anything else I've ever flown is like comparing a Ferrari to a Pinto....and Wildhare's service and support takes a back seat to nobody.

john911

My Feedback: (1)

i like the big ones i have 3 edges small to28%

Lazer

My Feedback: (27)

The 102" wing span Red Bull plane may be a little bit to large for a 26 cc that you said you already had on hand. Check out the Seagull Extra 300 1.80 . Will fly great with a 26 cc all the way up to a 40 cc. Has the 71" wing span so your in the 25% scale zone. The price of the ARF will run about $250. Check it out. Can help you with the 40 cc engine if you want to go that way.

marc 540

My Feedback: (6)

The flight performance and stability is much better when you get to the 85'' and above wingspan's. The 1/4 scale size and smaller arobat's can be kind of "snappy" and prone to tip stall[]

Marc 540[8D]

gboulton

My Feedback: (15)

No question. It's an 85-100cc airplane. hence why the condition of "If you've got the budget".

john911

My Feedback: (1)

cermark got 25% edge an extra an yak that would go good with a 26 cc

Kirk RC

My Feedback: (4)

Man this sounds familiar! I was into 1/4 scale warbirds big time and just got completely burned out on the whole setup retracts, flaps , heavy wingloading etc. Heres what I did,
Aeroworks Extra 260 75cc with a ZDZ 80 and to get my thumbs working a electric Precision Acrobatics Extra 260. I love the small electric and frankly it flys like a much larger plane and great to practice on. Today just got my flatt spins down on the big Extra and talk about no brainer landings, just set up on short final and let it float in.
Take a look at Aeroworks they make great stuff and also have sizes to fit all check books. Im sure the warbirds will bit again and my Skyshark P40 is all ready for maiden but for now it's all flips and flops for me, power out of anything and knife edge as long as you want!

Uncas

My Feedback: (1)

NoFlaps,

Two things that are a must for 3D:

1. Low wing loading (20 to 25 oz/sq ft). Warbird wing loading don't cut it.
2. Very powerful engine. Maybe close to 2 to 1 thrust to weight.

This will be a challenge with your 26 cc engines.

Wing loading is not so critical if you are just doing precision flying.

taildragger21

My Feedback: (197)

Sean.. I know where you are coming from.. I used to fly mainly warbirds as well until I decided I hated retracts.. Aerobatics is a rush, and pushes your limits.. There is always more room to learn how to perfect manuevers. And the frst time you drop a plane down on the deck and learn to hover next to yourself there is no way to explain the gratification.. If you got a 26cc and a satio 180 I highly reccomend somthing like a 74" yak. The new funtana would be great as well. Extra's fly really straight and almost pattern like. Caps love tumbling, yak fly great precision and ultra slow high alpha manuevers, Katana's are a great kept secret they fly like an extra with a little yak mixed in. I have just moved up to 35-38% and am not looking back. BIGGER DOES fly better. My newest is the EXTREME FLIGHT YAK 110"..Cant wait to maiden it. Your best bet is to honestly get a foamy. I have a pattern here for a foamy design that can be cut out of blue-core insulation if you want.Then buy the batteries,esc,motor from hobby city.Less than 100.00 and somthing to learn maneuvers on. Thats how I learned to 3d. It is cheap, and disposable and that builds confidence. I went from foamys, to a 40 size profile, 120 size, and now getting my 100cc down on the deck. BTW I do have a h-9 funtana x for sale if your intrested[8D]

diviatix

Check out 3Dhobbyshop.com.

Their planes are excellent - no debate there. Lots of sizes and airframes to choose from and they are all aerobatic monsters. Tough too, trust me I know. I say go for the Extra 300SHP. Will take your skills waaay up.

Cheers,

Andrew.