James,
I'm going to say something that will really get this thread lit up.
This summer when I decided to get back in after 15-20 years I called my old home hobby shop down in Beaumont, Texas. The owner has had the shop there since the mid '50's. Past national control line champion a couple times in the '50's. Second at the first world championships in '60. Flew his own designs...one was kitted by Ambroid.
The finest builder I have ever known.
Anyway, when I called him up for a suggestion for a plane to get back in he asked what I wanted to do. I told him I didn't want to compete again, I couldn't see like I could when I was 35 and I didn't have the nerves of steel or reflexes anymore.
He told me to buy...get ready...
A U-Can-Do 60[X(]
I said "Don! Are you crazy"!?!?[sm=bananahead.gif]
I figured that had to be some wild and crazy flying plane!
He told me it was as gentle as you wanted it to be and landed at a walk.
He also told me at the price I could get it mail order I couldn't buy a kit and the accessories for what they sell for.
I said "Don! It's an ARF"!!!!!
He said "John, it's changed since you've been gone. I bet I don't sell 5 kits a year".
He had never steered me wrong before so I bought one and a Saito 1.00.
I went to a club in Iowa City I have since joined and had a really great guy test fly it.
Second flight he asked me what I wanted to do?
I told him takeoff, fly around and he would land it...but be ready for me to pass the box back![sm=frown.gif]
I took off, was comfortable flying around and I made the landing.
I had someone stand with me the next few flights but that was it.
Knowing what I know now would I do it again?
Well, if I lost the plane I wouldn't buy another. Not because it's not a great flying plane but because I would move on to something else.
If I was having to pick a first plane to come back with again would a pick the UCD?
Yes, it is as gentle flying or as wild as you want it to be. It's just a matter of control throws.
One thing that has changed too is the radios. The radio I have now has exponential. I highly recommend it. It gives a very good control feel and I hardly ever use my dual rates.
Hope this helps!
JLK