GP Tracer for first build
01-30-2002 | 05:37 PM
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From: Gainesville, FL,
GP Tracer for first build
I am interested in learning pattern. I have soloed my trainer, and can sling it around pretty well in the air with a good deal of comfort. I can grease the landings about 95% of the time, so I think I am ready to move on.
I am looking to build my next plane, as I bought my trainer used. I don't have a lot of money, and I like the size of a 40 size ship. I really like the look of the GP tracer, but I have not read a lot of stuff out there about it. Surprisingly, niether of the instructors from my club have heard of it, but think it would be a challanging, but acceptable second plane.
Has anyone built one of these planes? How difficult is it? How does it handle? As I am flying off grass, is this a problem? It looks to have a fairly low ground clearance. Any advise is appreciated.
ZEE
I am looking to build my next plane, as I bought my trainer used. I don't have a lot of money, and I like the size of a 40 size ship. I really like the look of the GP tracer, but I have not read a lot of stuff out there about it. Surprisingly, niether of the instructors from my club have heard of it, but think it would be a challanging, but acceptable second plane.
Has anyone built one of these planes? How difficult is it? How does it handle? As I am flying off grass, is this a problem? It looks to have a fairly low ground clearance. Any advise is appreciated.
ZEE
01-30-2002 | 06:05 PM
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Tracer
Zee;
The tracer is a very nice intermediate level aircraft. Fly's pretty much where you point it. Tracks very nice on uplines as well as inverted with minimal down elevator. Building is straight forward, one change would be the Landing gear blocks. When installing your Wire gears you'll have to really angle the hold downs as there fairly narrow(Less than 3/4 "width). Recommendation would be to sheet voer the whole landing gear block. Then cut/open the slot to install the gear then use care and cut the slots to fit your landing gear hold down straps. This will give a cleaner appearance as well more strength. Second minor modification is I built a enclosed tailwheel molded into the rudder. The plane flew at about half throttle with a YS 63, grass take-offs were not a problem. Hope this helps.
AMA 6518
The tracer is a very nice intermediate level aircraft. Fly's pretty much where you point it. Tracks very nice on uplines as well as inverted with minimal down elevator. Building is straight forward, one change would be the Landing gear blocks. When installing your Wire gears you'll have to really angle the hold downs as there fairly narrow(Less than 3/4 "width). Recommendation would be to sheet voer the whole landing gear block. Then cut/open the slot to install the gear then use care and cut the slots to fit your landing gear hold down straps. This will give a cleaner appearance as well more strength. Second minor modification is I built a enclosed tailwheel molded into the rudder. The plane flew at about half throttle with a YS 63, grass take-offs were not a problem. Hope this helps.
AMA 6518
01-30-2002 | 06:27 PM
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From: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
GP Tracer for first build
I am just in the proccess of build a tracer and it goes together quickly and easily. I am going to be putting retrtacts and a 61fx in mine becayse I want some speed out of this thing. I think that it will be an excelent flyer for me and probably even better for you if you go with the light setup.
02-12-2002 | 05:07 AM
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From: Arlington, MA
Tracer...solid kit.
The Tracer is a sharp looking bird. If you're only on a trainer, maybe think about the Sig Kougar. It's a .40-size kit that flies on rails and is quite forgiving. The Tracer is a sleek, slender, fast ship. Have fun. I've attached a picture of my Tracer.
-Juhan
-Juhan
02-12-2002 | 01:03 PM
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From: Gainesville, FL,
Why the Kougar?
Juhan,
As you recommend a Kougar as a better plane, what makes the Tracer not as good of a plane? I am anticipating a bird that will put me through my paces, and I have two very qualified instructors that will keep me on the box until they are sure I won't lose the plane on a first flight.
Zee
As you recommend a Kougar as a better plane, what makes the Tracer not as good of a plane? I am anticipating a bird that will put me through my paces, and I have two very qualified instructors that will keep me on the box until they are sure I won't lose the plane on a first flight.
Zee
02-12-2002 | 06:05 PM
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From: Arlington, MA
2nd plane versus 'true' pattern
Zee,
I'm suggesting the Kig Kougar/Kobra series as an excellent 2nd/3rd plane and introduction to pattern because of the excellent flight characteristics for new intermediate fliers. The Kougar is stable...its rock solid, but can be tossed around the air (and ground) by a relatively new flyer without nasty stalls, snaps, etc. The Tracer is a sleek , fast bird - more of a true pattern ship (but it's still not an absolute pattern plane if you compare it to the 1.5k craziness).....and it requires a bit more speed on landing...whereas the Kobra, one can stall all the way to the ground without any ill effects (I exaggerate, but its close). The Kougar is also beefy (the construction)...it can handle rougher landings and wing-overs......whereas the Tracer has a more delicate frame. Note: The Kougar is an easy build...the Tracer is a bit more involved (but not that difficult).
In closing, I don't want folks to be disappointed by their choice in planes....and especially as a new flyer...I'd recommend a plane slightly more forgiving, durable, and easy-to-fly....like a Kougar-type plane. Then I'd get a Tracer (after you've beaten the heck outa the Kougar for a couple hundred flights).
Hope this helps,
Juhan
I'm suggesting the Kig Kougar/Kobra series as an excellent 2nd/3rd plane and introduction to pattern because of the excellent flight characteristics for new intermediate fliers. The Kougar is stable...its rock solid, but can be tossed around the air (and ground) by a relatively new flyer without nasty stalls, snaps, etc. The Tracer is a sleek , fast bird - more of a true pattern ship (but it's still not an absolute pattern plane if you compare it to the 1.5k craziness).....and it requires a bit more speed on landing...whereas the Kobra, one can stall all the way to the ground without any ill effects (I exaggerate, but its close). The Kougar is also beefy (the construction)...it can handle rougher landings and wing-overs......whereas the Tracer has a more delicate frame. Note: The Kougar is an easy build...the Tracer is a bit more involved (but not that difficult).
In closing, I don't want folks to be disappointed by their choice in planes....and especially as a new flyer...I'd recommend a plane slightly more forgiving, durable, and easy-to-fly....like a Kougar-type plane. Then I'd get a Tracer (after you've beaten the heck outa the Kougar for a couple hundred flights).
Hope this helps,
Juhan
02-13-2002 | 05:22 PM
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From: Boise,
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GP Tracer for first build
Zee,
You can download the Tracer construction manual at http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma0400.html for free.
Also, if your limited on bucks, you may want to check out Joe Bridi's all wood kits, I believe he has a 40 sized Chaos type kit.
www.bridiradiocontrol.com
If you feel the need for a good instruction manual, pay the price for a great planes kit. However, there are many 40 sized good flying pattern type airplanes for a lot less dollars. The Kougar is one of them.
As for your flying skills, build what gets you excited. With an instructor and throttle control, I wouldn't sweat it. You'll find all the airplanes mentioned fly a lot better then your trainer ever thought of flying.
You can download the Tracer construction manual at http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma0400.html for free.
Also, if your limited on bucks, you may want to check out Joe Bridi's all wood kits, I believe he has a 40 sized Chaos type kit.
www.bridiradiocontrol.com
If you feel the need for a good instruction manual, pay the price for a great planes kit. However, there are many 40 sized good flying pattern type airplanes for a lot less dollars. The Kougar is one of them.
As for your flying skills, build what gets you excited. With an instructor and throttle control, I wouldn't sweat it. You'll find all the airplanes mentioned fly a lot better then your trainer ever thought of flying.
