Alright guys, because of my great respect (seriously) for the many participants of the 1/2 Forum, I got a question. What, if any, are the advantages or disadvantages of using a V-tail versus conventional?[sm=confused.gif]

I actually went out and bought a kit - the Lanier Dominator 200. As is the case for all the Dominator series, it can be built both ways. I may use it for racing or combat. Power will be supplied by either a product engine, Killer Bee, or a Blackwidow (most likely choice). Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.[8D]

HI FS! The VTAIL is specialized for racing. I had to buy a radio that had ruddervator mixing [channels 2 and 4] to fly my PREDATOR. It works beautifully, and I intend to use the VTAIL on a future SWR. I suppose that for a 1/2A racer, the tail can be hooked up elevator only. The linkage will be more difficult to conceal, so if you can't accomplish that, then the VTAIL has MORE drag than a conventional tail with hidden linkage. I still think that a fixed vertical fin with a stabilator for pitch is the lowest drag tail. The VTAIL has that MASERATI look to it though.

Hey flyswatter, could you give me the angle between the tail fins on the Dominator?

Most racers with v-tails use 110 degrees

df:
The plans don't include a nose-on (or tail-on) view. However, the instructions state the v-tail is 110 degrees just as mg10 says.

cp:
You are right, the v-tail is the sportier look. A fellow at the field today said he had flown both styles of Dominators and could not tell a great deal of difference between them. I think you are right though about the drag. The key is to keep the horns and the pushrods out of the flow. If I can pretty much do that (i.e., run it out the rear), then I will opt for the v-tail.

FS, let me know how you did it, if you can conceal the linkage! I haven't tried to yet. I foresee the need to get some 2 -56 ball links though.......