ORIGINAL: Divesplat
In the years I've flown IMAC, Size Matters
Sadly though, more than likely, IMHO you will have a hard time competing until you get something "bigger" and in fact, probably with a gasser on the front.
les40,
I'll have to disagree with all the guys saying you need a big plane to even be competitive. The winner of the Basic class at the North Las Vegas IMAC two weekends ago was flying an electric Fliton Extra. Was does that have, a 48" wingspan? It was small and electric and we flew the contest in high winds. I think the class had 13 or 14 pilots in it. He beat all the "big" gas airplanes.
The size of the plane didn't matter. The pilot, Curtis Pilcher, flew the straightest lines, the most level wings, the roundest loops, etc. His scores reflected his flights, not the size of his plane. He won.
It's knowing the judging criteria and practicing that make the most difference. Don't get hung up on the size of the plane.
"divesplat" gives a good recommendation. Fly it with anything just to see if you like it.
If you want to be more competitive, there is a lot of information available to help. Here's a series of topics that were posted here on RCU and on the Flying Cirkus website.
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3772719/tm.htm"]Preparation for a new season[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3775092/tm.htm"]Your "setup" is critical to success[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3801768/tm.htm"]You MUST be fluent in Aresti[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3832418/tm.htm"]You MUST know the judging criteria[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3852374/tm.htm"]Mufflers... the need for quiet ones![/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3864639/tm.htm"]Practice[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3867399/tm.htm"]Practice for Unknowns[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3893809/tm.htm"]Practice to remove zeroes on Spins[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3922404/tm.htm"]Practice to remove zeroes on Hammerheads[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3954895/tm.htm"]Practice to remove zeroes on Snap Rolls[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3986982/tm.htm"]Get help with your practice[/link]
[link="http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4016851/tm.htm"]Contest Schedule[/link]
[link="http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47"]Contest Procedures[/link]
[link="http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=143"]Working with your caller[/link]
[link="http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/forums/showthread.php?t=201"]Reliable Equipment[/link]
Good luck and have a blast!!
I hope to catch you at the Tucson contest in a few weeks.
Take care,
Dean