3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

Hi, I'm learning to fly 3D. I can sorta fly basic aerobatics, though I'm no where near as good as I would like to be. I normally fly sport glow planes up to about a .50 size.

Anyhow, I bought a Modeltech Magic ARF at a LHS closeout sale and have 2 questions:-

1. should I start flying this plane right away? Or better to stick to electric foamys until I can hover? I was flying a Nasty previously and it was great! Was just trying to learn to hover when I buried it in the ground (lapse of concentration on a windy day). Would the Magic be easier to learn to hover? Only thing I didn't like about the foamy was the time taken to recharge the batts.

2. What engine should I put on the Magic? Would love to get a Saito 56 but dun have one nor the budget to get a new one. Current onhand engine choices are either an OS .32 SX, a vintage OS 45F or a ST .51 ringed. Read a couple of posts that suggested the .32 would be a good choice? Will try to build light but it seems that most of the building has already been done! (In the longer term, I'm planning to save up for a Magnum .61 FS for a Magic Extra that I also got at the same sale)

Thanks.

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

There are alot of guys that have alot more experience with 3D than me that will add some interesting information. However, based upon your comments above certain things jump out:

Learning 3D can get expensive without a simulator to practice with for obvious reasons. Do you have a Sim and have you been using it. I learned to hover on a Sim and have never "lost it" in a hover as a result, (knock balsa).

Secondly, I think you answered your own question with regard to your "budget". As I indicated above, 3D is expensive for several reasons. Primarily, the quality of equipment required for a good aircraft increases and thus increases the investment and when your "training", accidents are bound to happen. Foamies are an excellent way to begin with 3D and that's how I, (coupled with a simulator), taught my 14 year old son.

Everyone gets eager to advance but reign in the horses and keep practicing with the Sim's and the foamies and you'll be alot happier with the result and ready when you get your hands on that first big gasser.

Just my 2 cents...

Good luck & Merry Christmas,

Cryhavoc!

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

Fly with the 32SX. I put an OS .46FX on mine and it really heavier than it needed to be. In retrospect, I should have put my really strong .25FX with mouse can pipe on the plane. I think the .32 is the right amount of power and is the right weight. I had to add several ounces of lead in the tail to balance the .46.

The Magic absolutely stinks at inverted or outside maneuvers or knife edge flight. Hovering is easy, though. Plane lands very slowly and has a brutal roll rate, plus the world's fastest flat spin. I learned an awful lot about flying with mine. I bashed the wings pretty good, snapped the fuse in half, eventually broke the gear, but always repaired it and eventually gave it away to a new club member. It really is a decent plane and a lot of fun for the money.

Don't fret about flying the plane vs. the simulator. Just go fly and learn in the real world. The simulator just isn't the same. Remember, lots of expo.

Doug

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

These planes are like $99 retail and you bought two- on special- Fly it like you stole it!

Put the 46 on it. Put a rudder servo right on top, just in front of the rudder.
this way you ballance without extra lead and you have plenty of power to get out of trouble.

Get lots of throw on all surfaces and I use lots of expo- like 50%.
If you tear it up in a few weeks build the other one. Tear it up too, then get plane for that setup that will 3D better. I always suggest a Mojo for early 3Ders- I suggeat a Mojo for just about anyone.

FLy it Like You Stole It! You just about did.

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

Thanks for the tips guys.

Cryhavoc - yes, been playing around with a sim, but I have to say that apart from, basic left right orientation when starting, sims haven't done much good for me. Taught my friend to fly with a sim and a Slow stick and you could really tell the difference after he had clocked in a few hours on the sim. However, past that stage, I actually find it much, much easier to fly the manouvres with the real thing compared to on the sim. Then again, I'm only using FMS. Just starting to learn basic pattern flying and it seems that its so much easier to execute a given manouvre with a bigger plane; was wondering if that applied to 3D stuff as well.

Doug - yes, been doing a bit of reading and I understand the Magic tends to build out nose heavy. Really hate adding lead to a plane so that was why I was thinking of putting the .32 in. Was just concerned that it wouldn't have enough power. Guess it does! Actually, come to think of it, I have a .25 FX as well, perhaps I'll try it with that and an MCP if the .32 proves sufficient.

buildflycrash - thanks for the setup tips. actually paid under 70USD for the Magic, so I really couldn't say no! Yep, the Magic's gonna be by proving ground for what works and what doesn't. Don't know enough to get these things right first time round so I'm gonna try everything on the 2 Magics and once I'm satisfied or they're dead, will probably start building something from plans or a kit.

Thanks!

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

this link will give you some idea of what the magic 3d can do with a saito 56 and a 12x6 prop
and for those who think the landing gear is weak watch the flatspin landing clips

http://www.terynd.com/magic/magicmain.html

RE: 3D Newbie Help - Modeltech Magic Engine Choice
 

Thanks Skiman, I've already discovered Teryn's site and have been suitably inspired by his videos!! :)