Small planes aren't going to do both well. Sorry. If you have a .46-sized 2-stroke, there are a lot of cheap planes that will do a GREAT job flying pattern. There are a couple of choices I can think of off the top of my head: [link=http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopexd.asp?id=1335]Example1[/link], [link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/index.php?part_num=11852]Example2[/link].

Learning with one of those and a profile plane, like a Mojo or OMP Edge, would be the best way to do it. If you want a plane that can do both, here's one option: [link=http://www.nitroplanes.com/yak523d5056n.html]Example3[/link]. That plane is a cheap little plane, but I've seen a lot of videos of it flying beautifully and have heard nothing but good reviews of it. It's got shoddy hardware, but for a 40-sized plane it's not that big of a deal. I can't find the video, but it was on RCU a minute ago. I have a plane with about the same wingloading as the Nitroplanes Yak54 I just linked to and I like it better than the plane I just spent $900 on (hopefully that'll change, but I won't get into that). I absolutely love the way the cheaper plane flies.

If you don't mind learning up high and spending a lot of time on the sim, that Yak might be a good option. Set up triple-rates on it (2 for different pattern rates and 1 for 3D) and have at it. If you learn to work on one maneuver at a time, that might be the way to go. Nitroplanes also has an Edge and an Extra in that size if you like those more (my favorite aerobatic plane is the Edge 540T) but I think they're out of stock.

Your "Example 3" looked really good, as well as "Example 2". But, "Example 1" requires a 4 stroke and I'm not sure if the moneys there considering things have taken a turn for the worst right now. I really do like the NP Yak, I might look up the reviews on here to see what other people have to say about it. Ironically, my dad just got rid of a pattern plane, don't know what brand or anything but, It was a pattern type plane. I'll do a bit of research tonight.

TF96

Thats wht I decided to get the Ucando, because the profiles are great for 3D but don't fly pattern very well. (except for the OMP Fusion). The Ucando has a longer tail moment which makes it smoother for pattern style flying.

GREAT PLANES REACTOR!!

It has all the best attributes of 3D and Pattern planes. Thats the problem with the UCD aircraft. It has a very limited speed and flight envelope due to the wing design. I am pretty sure that GP would not have made 5 different versions of the Reactor if it wasn't an exceptional design. It can go gas or electric 2-stroke or 4-stroke. Trust me, one flight on a Reactor and you would not be able to get home fast enough to order one.

Heres the link if you need it:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXMUX7&P=ML

If you put the recommended engine on the U-Can, you will be just fine. I was a little aprehensive at first because of all the warnings about them blowing up in the air and all this flutter talk. I have 91 4St on mine and can fly wide open if I want to with no problem at all.

why don't you go ahead and get a little foamie.. even a used one for a hundred or a couple hundred bucks? if you want to learn 3d maneuvers these little foamies are awesome and VERY fun, you'll get your thumbs used to the movements and hey if you crash a foamie.. you're not looking at a 3 month rebuild haha

I don't care what it says, it doesn't require a 4-stroke. The reason it says 4-stroke is because they recommend mounting the engine inverted and 2-strokes don't do well inverted. If you don't mind a little work, you can always put the 2-stroke (46AX ideally) in it at 90* muffler out the bottom. For less work, you can mount it upright.

The Reactors apparently fly well, but I don't think they've got the low-enough wing loading to learn to 3D on and it's not REALLY a 40-sized plane. However, if you got a foamy and just flew pattern with the Reactor and then moved to 3D with it you'd also be set.

About the U-Can-Do...stay away. They'll teach you to hover and torque roll, MAYBE inverted harrier...but that's about it. They really don't fly well if you're learning to fly 3d or if you're an advanced 3D pilot. They're funfly, throw-around planes that really don't do anything well. Like I've said before (and I'm sure I'll say again), they have the weaknesses of both profile and full-fuse planes. Chevypower did a great job....I had forgotten about foamies. Foamies will definitely teach you to 3D...having a bigger 3D-capable plane will only reinforce what you're practicing. If you're on a strict budget, get a good foamy ($40-$50) and electronics from HobbyCity. A 16oz foamy will do much better in the wind than an 8oz foamy.

Okay. I understand now. Well, in that case all of the planes you listed were fine. I heard the Reactors were great, and I'm getting mixed responses about the UCD. I still am staying away from profiles/electrics. It'll be a tough desicion. Thanks for all the advice so far.

TF96

I don't think I said it requires a 4ST, and 2 strokes run fine inverted if you can tune an engine correctly. The U-Can is more of a fun fly plane I do agree, but a good starting point for anyone, according to the U-Can forum here on RCU, and it has a very big following, one reason I got mine, and loved it ever since. I think I read here that you said one of your club mates suggested you break out the U-Can, listen to him/her and go have a ball

Inverted 2-strokes idle poorly and are a pain to crank. That's almost a rule.

Almost counts for mostly for hand grenades, horse shoes, and babies. Tuned right and an electric starter, 2 strokes inverted run fine.

Babies? I don't get that one.

Anywho, agreed that 2-strokes can run fine inverted...but you have to admit that 4-strokes are easier to run inverted. Maybe it was inexperience on my part, but the last time I tried running an inverted 2-stroke (which was a WHILE ago) I had issues and it ended my plane's life. They can be gotten to run inverted.

Oh, and hey....what part of NC are you from?

LOL making babies that's a costly almost. Find those gray hair guys in your club, they'll tune those inverted 2ST's for you. There seems to always be an engine guru (is that a word?) in every club. I'm in the Asheboro area, I come up your way some to Kings RC, mostly to let my boys watch the cars, but always end up coming home with something. We ride out to Riverside club while we are up that way also.

Victorzamora
Any engine will idle poorly in any position if not tuned properly. Tuned properly they will run in any position (assuming the fuel system is properly positioned). If you shouldn't run a 2 stroke inverted does that mean you can't fly inverted with a motor that is mounted upright? (if you say yes you can then Please tell me the difference?)

Haha, I guess so. Well then, my bad. I've never had luck with an inverted 2S...but that was probably due to my inexperience. TF96, feel free to run that 2S inverted as long as a grey-beard helps you tune it .

Oh, and if I'm not mistaken....a properly set-up and tuned 2S will run a bit richer when the plane is run inverted (theoretically due to the carburetor being lower than the centerline of the tank and it siphoning fuel). An inverted 2S will run leaner when the plane is run inverted (theoretically due to the carburetor being higher than the centerline of the tank and losing the fuel draw due to siphoning). I had forgotten about that point. Of course, if the centerline of the fuel tank is lined up with the top of the carb you'll be fine....but I've NEVER seen a plane actually set-up as such.

If I decided to get my UCD up, I"m going to get a good 4 stroke. If thats not possible then I may run a 2 stroke. First I gotta get the money [&o]

Today I went flying and I went up on my dads Sig Mayhem. I really like the way it flys and how dosile it is. I did several loops, and a alerion (for some reason I blanked out on how to spell it ) roll. For now I might fly my dads for a bit til' I can get another one.

TF96

This was (is) my first 3d Plane http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=PKZ4375 the Park Zone Typhoon 2 3d
Heck I learned to fly on this this plane. Crashed I dont know how many times, but all it takes is a glue gun to put it back together and you're up again in 5 -10 minutes! It is tough and takes a real beating and keeps on flying. It can do ALL 3D manuevers with ease!! You can also buy the RTF version complete with Tx. Easier to fix and cheaper than most. THere's also the hangar 9 twist. The twist is my next plane, but will get the .40 coupled with a 55 Ax.

Have always had my eyes on the Twist. Love the way it flys !!!

TF96

Looked at the Hangar nine pulse last night. Nice plane to, not as 3D but close, and more forgiving if (when) I get into trouble, the twist will bite you if you're not careful.

billd76, you're right....the Pulse 40 is almost as 3D-capable as the Twist. However, the Pulse does precision flying much better than the Twist. The Pulse is THE lowest KE-coupling plane I've ever flown.

There are things to get the UCD .60 ready that we have. I might get it ready and see how I like it.

TF96

TF:

Sell the UCD and get a profile, It'll save you lots of $$$$$$ and frustration if trying real 3D is your thing.
Get a Slide 48 or a Primo 40. Unlike the Mojo 40 they have a longer tail moment.
Flying 3D is not about flying 3 mistakes high or hovering 30 feet up in the air, it's flying down on the deck.

Here's some vids for you:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nEizCNtqBbU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MsGch_NIMaw

Feel free to PM me if you want/need some more info.
Also you should check the Profile website and post your question there.

Thanks for the information gusgonzalez ! Based on how the money situation is changing, schools almost here, and time/space isn't ready for a new plane. Plus my dad was wanting to fly it too. I kinda have to run stuff by him if I want to do anything. My dad already has a kit going so, theres too much going on to get a new one, right now I think I'll just work w/ what I have and possibly get a profile in the future. Who knows after trying it, I may not be all that into 3D.


TF96

Before you rule out a profile plane, here's an example of what you'll be missing.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euTDSG42IW4