Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I have just recently acquired a nearly new BME44 locally. This is my first gasser. I am looking to put it in one of the new Lanier Stinger ARF's, either the 1.20 or the Giant. More docile than a large CAP, Extra, etc. I'm not looking for unlimited vertical, but I'd like to be able to hover, and to pull out vertically. Mostly just for low stress sport flying.

I've talked to Lanier, and the new ARF's are lighter than the kits. They use built-up wings, not foam. They felt the BME 44 was in between those 2 ARF's. Way more power than needed for the 120, and perhaps on the low end for the Giant Stinger, but should probably fly just fine on the Giant anyhow. The Giant Stinger ARF prototype came in at 17-1/2 lbs with a Fox 4.2, so Lanier estimated that mine would weigh 15-1/2 to 16lbs with the BME44.

BME has advertised this engine as perfect for 15-18 lbs aerobats. Is it really true?

Key differences:
120 size has 80" wingspan, 64" long, 1344 sq in. Fuselage is narrow, and I'll probably have to hack away the entire bottom half of the cowl to clear the engine. I'm told the kit flies much better when built with 72" wings.

Giant has an 84" wingspan, 73" long, with 1596 sq in.

PROPORTIONS
All the Stingers except the 120 size are approx the same wing/length ratio as the Giant, approx 1.15:1 The 72" version that flies well would be approx 1.13. The 120 size is the only odd one, with 1.25:1 span:length.

Both ARF's are on backorder right now, so I am looking forward to your thoughts on this.

POLL
- Do you think a lighter 84" Giant Stinger would fly nicely on the BME44, or should I get the smaller 120 plane?

- Any experience on the Giant Stinger with anything less than a G62?

- Any experience with a 40-45 engine on an 80" 120 Stinger?

Thanks much, folks.

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I did not know the giant and 120 size came in ARF--How much and where do you get the Giant Stinger ARF--(ps--they are great flying planes) If it is a Stinger you really want, I would either sell the 44 or save up and get a G62, The 62 is the perfect engine for the Giant Stinger--although they are correct-the 44 will fly the big'en OK.

Stinger engine choice
 

RCAddiction,
The BME 44 produces more power at a lower weight and with less vibration than the G-62. Not taking anything away from the Zenoah workhorse as it is a good engine and I have owned several. Now however with hovering and other 3D moves it requires a lighter wing loading to perform these manuvers well.

Your statement: . I'm not looking for unlimited vertical, but I'd like to be able to hover, and to pull out vertically. is a little contradicting. Being able to pull out vertically from a hover is the accepted definition of unlimited vertical. You certainly don't want to have the plane "mush" it's way out of a hover.

In your case with the above paramaters go for the 120 size stinger and have a blast!

EXCAP232

BME in Stinger
 

AJF - If you go to Tower's site, do a search on "Lanier Stinger" and you'll see the 120 for $389, and $489 for the Giant. Also on Quantum's site. Note, they aren't even on Lanier's site yet. I got my information from Marshall and Chris at Lanier this week on the weights, etc. I was pretty excited because I thought the Stinger would be a nice easy going first gasser, but there were no ARF's except the 60. Then I heard about these last week from a friend who spotted it in the Quantum sale flyer.

EXCAP - I guess you are dead right on my contradictory statements! It wasn't intentional. Since this is the 3D forum, I realize that a majority of people lean to really high thrust to weight ratios for the high alpha stuff. I was trying to qualify my expectations a little as more of a sport plane, with a little extra "oomph". There seem to be so many interpretations of "unlimited vertical". I think we may need an entire thread on "Definition of Unlimited Vertical" ;)

The G62 is published as turning a 22x10 the same that the BME44 turns a 20x10, approx 7200 rpm. Is this not really true? You've had them so you'd know. I imagine that with the added weight of the G62, some of the extra power is offset. I'm encouraged that you think the BME might fly the Giant Stinger fine if I don't need "unlimited vertical".

I have a wonderful GP Giles 202 with a YS120SF and Macs quiet pipe. Plane is about 13-1/2 lbs. It flies great for me, and does everything I would need. No, it doesn't have the power to pull out of a hover like rocket. My IMAC friend can do everything in his repertoire with my plane, except for a particular manuever with repeated vertical snap rolls that simply requires a lot more power.

Horizon claims that their 80" CAP flies with the G38 or G45. Weighs about 16lbs with the G45. It's only 80" span, 70" long, with about 1248 sq in, so I guess it's closer in size to the 120 Stinger. I would assume that the BME44 with a 16lb Stinger would be similar, no?

Heck, maybe I'm overthinking this thing. I guess the main question is this:
- Is the Giant Stinger a better flying plane than the 80" 120 size?
- More important, if it is better, is it better enough that I should prefer it with my BME 44?

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I had a BME 44 in a AW Edge--they are a great engine--yes, I do think you may be overthinking a bit. The beauty of the BME is the extremely light weight. I think that beauty will be wasted on either of the Stingers. My 84" Stinger has a G62 with Smoke and it needed only 2 oz of weight in the rear to balance. A buddy had the 120 Stinger with a G38 and it balanced perfect. I am not sure about the ARF-but it is my guess that if you put the BME on a Stinger you will probably have to add weight-therefore defeating the purpose of the BME. If you are looking to find a nice plane to match the engine-the PW Extra from Great Planes is a super combo--as is the H9 Cap. Of course this is just my opinion.

Stinger with BME 44
 

AJF,

All good points. And I respect your opinion. I already have the Giles 1/4 scale, plus a SIG CAP 231EX that I just completely rebuilt that belonged to my IMAC friend. 11lbs, 7 oz with Saito 180. Haven't flown that one yet. I really didn't want yet another aerobat along those lines. I would probably go for the 80" H9 Alitalia CAP if I really wanted another aerobat.

BME 44 wasted in the Stinger....? Well, I figured that the Stinger would allow me to get comfortable with gas, because if I had a low stress Sunday driver like that, I'd put a lot of flights on it. Some people are like that with their aerobats, but I'm a big wuss. I'm still a bit intimidated by my Giles, even though it really flies like a big kittycat and probably easier than most of my smaller planes. Just all in my head.

I figure that long after the Stinger, the wonderful BME 44 should be pretty versatile for future planes, like the H9 CAP or PW Extra, etc.

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Get the Giant and place the servos and gear so that you won't need any lead weight. There is one at my field that weighs 22 lbs with a G62; if you can come in a couple pounds under that you will have a very nice flying plane.

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

If you want a nice floater to bounc around for a buck of gas, check out the 120 balsa nova by morris, mine is my favorit plane and flys slow like a fun fly..
ps i think they are making an arf....

BME 44 in Stinger
 

FlyFalcons - wow, 22lbs!! I didn't realize they could weigh that much. Well, if it flies at all on the G62, then the Giant ARF should be downright spritely with a BME 44 at 16 lbs.

BN120 - hadn't considered the Morris plane. On their site, they only seem to have a 120 in a kit, not ARF (yet?). Less than 10lbs.

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

In that case (if it were me) since I really wanted a Stinger--and they are great planes--I would go with the 120 size. If you think it has too much power-run a 22/8 PK prop. You will get superior pull without a lot of speed. (PS-the Sig 231EX and Saito 180 will be a super flyer also-you speak of it as though it is an afterthought-that one suprise you I bet)--the BalsaNova is also a good Sport plane.

BME 44 in Stinger
 

AJF, nope. No afterthought. The rebuild was way too much work for me to consider it an afterthought ;) This plane had over 300 flights on it and the entire front from mid-wing forward was badly oilsoaked because of how the Saito exhaust was directed. I replaced everything forward of that point with new wood. Replaced the ABS filler piece in the tailfeathers with builtup wood. I should be able to get all the vertical jollies I can handle with the CAP.

The Stinger will be a Sunday driver.

Here's the CAP. My color scheme looks a "little" bit different than the stock yellow Breitling scheme. It's my first large covering job. Metallic purple, white, flourescent lime green Ultracote.

http://pwp.starnetwx.net/leckert/

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I like the covering--nice job-My biggest problem with all ARFs is they all look alike. Not true in your case. Again, you may be suprised at how much you like that plane. Have fun!

Stinger with BME 44
 

Thanks for the very kind words on the scheme. It's a scary combination of colors, but I was determined to do something different. Light on top, dark on bottom. It went over surpisingly well at the club meeting 2 weeks back.

ARF's are great, but I agree with you...it's no fun seeing 4 identical ones in a row at the pit line.

I'm pretty sure I'll really like the CAP as well. My close friend Ralpher has one he just loves...RCS 1.40 powered. It's been his favorite plane for several years now, and he has many nice planes.

Okay, so it looks like we're leaning toward the grossly overpowered 120 size, eh?

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I'd say the 1.20size Stinger would be ideal combo with the BME44. I don't think it would be a waste at all. I've seen some really trick looking Stingers, they are reasonably priced planes as well. Although if your going to go for an ARF the GP Wagstaff is an awesome plane..for about the same money, or even a GP Pitts....but if your idea is for an all around fun and get-with-it plane, that would be basically low maintenance that Stinger120/BME44 combo would be a really fun ticket...and not break the bank either.
The GiantStinger really would be alot of labor for that lil'44 to haul around, although it would fly it decently, it would be challenged in several areas for power. Just my 2cents...I hope you get the 120 :D

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Yes, the one at my club is 22lbs. With a G62, it will pull out of a hover. It has a big, fat wing and flies like a big fun flyin' plane should. Lands and takes off slowly and easily.

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Funny you should ask this question. I had the same thoughts with my Poulan 46cc, and too couldn't decide which Stinger would be better - especially since the kit prices are very close.

Well, I finally quit thinking about it and ordered a PW Extra. IMHO, the two large Stinger ARF versions are over-priced compared to the precision aerobat ARFs available nowadays. The GP or WM 1/4 Extra are better fit for your BME 44. Once you get over the butterflies, they can be just as much a sunday driver as the stingers.

You're absolutely right about the nervousness being all in your head. Since I fly Mode 3 and could never find anybody else to test fly my new planes, I've had to learn to just say "what da heck" and go for it. :)

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Having flown both the WM Extra and Giant Stinger, I can verify that there really is a difference between the planes. Although the Extra is a better aerobatic platform, everyone at my club admires how well the Giant Stinger flies. It will take off and land in less than half the distance of the Extra, and is much more tolerant of sloppy handling, steep approaches, and lazy Sunday flying than any Extra that I have flown. If you can fly a sport plane, your pulse will definitely not quicken when you fly this plane.

BME 44 in Stinger
 

Volfy,

Definitely the Stinger is not a precision scale aerobat. Still, I don't think that relates to price, does it?

78" GP PW Extra @ $399
69" WM Extra at $389
80" WM Extra @$439

80" Stinger @$389
84" Giant Stinger @$479
80" H9 Alitalia CAP @$499

Seems similar.

FlyFalcons,

I think you've made my point exactly. A great, fun, first gas plane that is tolerant, doesn't snap and doesn't bite. Now just a matter of whether it's a Giant or 120. My LHS placed the 120 on backorder for me, but it can always be changed to the Giant.

Re: BME 44 in Stinger
 

FYI: Chief Aircraft has the 80" WM Extra for quite a bit less...last call, as much as $80 cheaper. But call them, 'cause the price was different on each of the schemes (based on demand).

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

I would get the 1.20 sized Stinger and enjoy it. You will get a lot of flying pleasure and have the ability to power out of situations the Giant Scale would be marginal on using that same BME. Also, price wise I would predict the "street price" on the Lanier ARFs will be considerably less than the pre-arrival prices posted on Tower's site, as the gent above has indicated. And the yellow covering job is pretty neat looking.

You will really enjoy the gas portion of this great hobby.

BME 44 in Stinger
 

Gee, you must be the guy I mentioned in Post #14.

You've already voted on the phone, Ralph!
;)

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Opps sorry Lee. Going to Florida next week for a couple of days and must already be in the mind set. What is it? Register once, vote twice....

BME 44 in Stinger
 

No, that's here in Chicago. Vote early and often....

Which New Stinger ARF for BME 44?
 

Flyfalcons & RCAddictions, I would have to agree that nothing beats a sport plane with a nice big and thick constant cord wing for some lazy Sunday knockabout. That's why my Stiks (namely WM Super Stunt 75 and 120) are my perennial favorites for just those occasions.

I guess I'm just spoiled by all the $199 specials on 1.20 aerobatic ARFs. $390 just seem a little high for a one-piece wing sport plane ARF (BTW, TowerHobbies lists the wings as being foam-core). Unfortunately, there aren't that many other alternatives for something like the Stinger 1.20 ARF. The only other new ARF coming out in this general category is the WM Fun World 3D. It has a nice big straight wing (1392 sq. in.). Quad flaps and plug-in two-piece wing makes this a very nice package. For $249, that'll probably be the one I'll pick up for my next Sunday driver. Take a look here:

http://www.theworldmodels.com/funworld3d.htm

BME 44 in Stinger
 

Volfy,

Yeah, I can see your point. My Giles was picked up when the price first fell to $249. Of course it later dropped to $199.

I've had (2) 40 sized Super Stunts. Wonderful planes I flew for about 2-1/2 years. One lost a battle with the ground, inverted. The seconds one found the backside of a treetop on final approach. Pilot error in all cases. It could hover on my Saito 56.

My Quadflap Stick needs are presently served by an UltraStick 60 with YS91FZ.

Volfy, I saw the new 1.20 sized WM FunWorld at the RCHTA show this year. If you like the color scheme, it could be fun. Looked very lightweight. IMHO, I didn't care for the mostly teal color scheme. I thought the other one was a bit nicer. But that's why there's Chocolate AND Vanilla. Everybody has preferences, eh?

Not much else to compete with the Stinger, you are right.

BTW, the listing on Tower is simply the data from the Kit transposed over, more or less. According to Marshall at Lanier, it does not have foam core wings, which is one reason why they told me the ARF is lighter than the kits.