Bill Clark

speedracerntrixie

My Feedback: (29)

Bill, I was in the same boat as you. Except that I fly IMAC and racing too so I wanted a pattern airplane setup for about a grand. My solution was to design and build my own. I have molds for a 33% Laser 200 and ironically the fuse is 2M in length. I ended up building a lighter fuse and then a smaller set of wings, tail section for it. I am very pleased with the end result and it is a survivor of 3 pattern contests to date.

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

I think there is a lot you can do with that 3DHS plane. You will probably get bit of tail wag in some maneuvers, but no reason you can't learn the basics of precision flight with it. If anything it might make you a bit better with rudder control. Set the plane up with nice low rates and a forward CG and start practicing your straight and level flight and making corrections.

I know a 2M pattern plane helps, but the best pattern planes on the planet don't make corrections for you. I've got a 1.10 size pattern plane, it is more than adequate for learning to fly precision. When I'm confident I'm making all the right corrections (and at the right time), I'll move into a 2M bird.

You will come across the right plane at the right time

dreadnaut

My Feedback: (5)

I agree. If you are starting out and have a fair amount of building skill, and even more time, this is a valid approach to getting in on a budget. I have done this by copying the areas and moments from some popular designs, and building my own. They are all pretty close in this regard. If you build a plane with dimensions similar to a Passport, or scaled to down .110 size as I did, you will have a plane that is comparable to 90% of the pattern planes flying. It will almost certainly fly well, especially if it is build straight. Chip or Andrew would be able to tell the difference caused by small variations in moments and thrust lines, etc, but it would be way good enough for relative newbs like us.

I have not been to a contest in a little over a year, due mostly to having to focus on another hobby (cycling) due to a weight related health scare. I hope to resurrect my last plane, in need of some major repairs, and start flying again in the '12 season.

Bill Clark

thanks for the feedback guys. I would love to build. I am a fabricator for a company that builds full scale aerobatic airplanes and am sure I could build a top notch piece. The problem is the time. My 72" Extra flys well but from a disipline standpoint I need something that doesnt have big flippers to avoid cutting up. I think I have found a solution. The Hyperion Helios 90e. not quite a 2M at 68" but all the guts minus the servos from my 72 can be used in it. even my 3 8s packs. only fly in the ointment is they are currently out of stock so keeping my fingers crossed they will be available soon. thanks again for your input.

P.S. nice bird and bike Dread I have a Catrike 700recumbant 3 wheeler. very sleek and fast (700mm rear tire) I love it. I have hooked the baby trailer up to it. threw a plane in it and pedal way out on the bike trail and burn a few packs. absolute Heaven. check out my Myspace page for our common interest in CAD

Jetdesign

My Feedback: (8)

The Sebart Wind 110 is a similar size plane and is probably a cut above in quality. Check F3AUnlimited.com.

Also can use your guts and 8s packs.

Also there are some for sale around.

Bill Clark

Thanks Joe. I did notice theWind 110was in the same class. I have a bad feeling about the Helios returning to stock any time soon so I may go that way.

vquick

My Feedback: (71)

this are the Picture of the plane the only doesn't have is the spinner and the nut adapter for the spinner you can get that from graves if you decide to buy the plane

remmulp

My Feedback: (6)

Hey Victor,

Didn't Keith win Intermediate at the NATS year before last with an Evolution. Very good flying airplane or maybe it was Keith's skills at flying it, all the same still a nice airplane.

Mike

cmoulder

Bill, you have gotten some good recommendations, but since you are familiar with 3DHS stuff I would also recommend the 62" Osiris. Incredibly good bang for the buck. I have two 2-meter planes (Sickle and Spark), but this is one great flying smaller model. Perfect on the recommended 5S combo with a Hacker A50 12S.

Bad news is, they are also out of stock right now at 3DHS and F3AUnlimited, but contact Ben at 3DHS and he can tell you when more will arrive. I lucked out and got mine a few weeks ago from F3AUnlimited.

From 3DHS website:

The 62" Osiris are on the water and are expected in our warehouse sometime the second week of December. Note: inventory is showing in stock, but the Osiris will be shipped when we receive them. If this is something you do not agree with, please do not order. Thank you.

vquick

My Feedback: (71)

Yeap this is Douglas plane I have at home for sale 500.00 with os 160 all servos just need Rx and spinner

Bill Clark

thanks guys for your help and thanks Victor for your effort. I sold the 72" Extra with servos and motor. That money will almost buy the Wind S 110E. I will use my batteries esc/bec and a motor I have for the 110. My coach also has one of these planes so I'm good to go. with my servo inventory I will only have to invest about $150. Maybe a real 2M next year

jetmech43

My Feedback: (9)

No Keith's flying sucks, it was the airplane that won it for him lol

stuntflyr

Bill,
Sounds as if you hit the mark with near exactly what you needed, model the same as your coach's so you will have trim/set-up issues answered immediately and you sold off your old stuff to pay for it! We all wish we had such order in our lives. I've seen a few of those SebArt designs fly and they're all great.
Wish I could go to the Apopka contest this weekend.
Chris...