ORIGINAL: ahicks
Good lord, can't even imagine not having to think about cost!
Point regarding having your basic flight ability is a good one. There's just not much forgiveness built into a 3D or a scale planes. There isn't a 3D plane built that wouldn't make for a great second plane though.
Flying 3 mistakes high, unless you're doing that from a safety standpoint (?), not necessary unless you're more concerned about cost than you think/let on? Not interested in cost? C'mon, get that thing down lower!
No right or wrong here. Weather prohibiting any flying. Talking the next best thing? -Al
Cost really isn't a consideration to me, I guess if there is one thing I worry about, then it is how long it takes me to build a kit or scratch build a new airplane. Anyway here is a flight video from 2008 of my 40% Carden 260 I built in 2006, I lighten it approx. 12 lbs. during the build because I new it be a better airplane for my kind of flying style I like. The fuselage was glued entirely with the use of thin and medium C/A and the foam sheeted wings and tail feathers were glued with Gorilla glue, this airplane is still around and flying today with maybe 2000 flights or more on it, not really sure because I stopped keeping track years ago now. IMO Foamies are fun to throw around so don't get me wrong, but they don't really 3D or fly precision much like a large scale 3D/IMAC airplane, so my vote is still with the big stuff...
http://www.icanflyrc.com/JRFlyin/JH_...es/Bob260.html