Hello,

I've been doing tons of research regarding my next plane purchase and I still havent made up my mind but I would like to see what others have to say. First off I started last year with a HobbyZone Outlaw and then moved on to an AeroBird Challenger which I have kinda outgrown. So, i've enjoyed electrics quite a bit but they seem to have a very high investment cost to get a power system equivalent to a 40 size IC engine. While Speed 400 motors can be cheap they are designed for lighter planes with smaller wingspan than their gas counterparts, plus I feel like im just buying another expensive AeroBird since it has a 400 anyways. What im looking at getting is a Tower Hobbies 40 Trainer with a OS 46 LA engine. I've found this setup to be relatively cheap at about $175 with accessories and shipping, compared to the $175 i'll probably pay for a large Brushless motor with an ESC. I got a good deal on a new Futaba 4VF Radio with everything included, like the 127DF receiver and 4 3003 Standard Servo's....these will be useless in an electric plane because they are too heavy. So I feel gas would be a better alternative even though i've heard stories of the dreaded mess with fuel as well as pumping the fuel into the tank, starting the engine, etc.... Also note I wont be joining a club, but I do intend on joining the MAAC, for insurance purposes. I will most likely have some experienced pilots with me on my first flights though.
If anyone has any suggestions or words of advice please....fire away!

Thanks for your time,

Ron