Jon,
I would agree with your post. The only info that I would add is that there should be a new Quest in a month or so. Very similar to before but with plug on wings and stabs kinda like the Evolution - kinda!
One observation is that the weakness that I am finding in the 90-110 arena is the support equipment for the 2-c's.
The new YS 110's are friendlier to use and have new power that can even handle the old 1.20 size props. They give a super power-to-weight ratio and. more importantly, have tons of engine-support equipment. You can use a lot of the available 140 headers and mufflers etc. The only thing you need to set are the high- and low-end needles!
When it comes to OS AX's an FX's and the like etc. which are popular in local clubs you are almost on your own. Most of the guys that are into pattern are not using them, so you don't have a vast army of support knowledge for side-exhaust header mounting, pipe lengths, engine tuning and general operation in a pattern airplane. Sure the trimming knowlege is there.
IMHO the way to change this is to set a "limit" in the lower classes, or run a class within a class for smaller planes. Basically design it so that it becomes cheaper and less complicated to enter pattern. If you get hooked on pattern you will find a way to buy-up into the harder classes, it is our nature to do that. If you want a taste without buying the restaurant we need a NEW PLAN!!!!
Regards,
Eric
ORIGINAL: jonlowe
I've flown:
Venus II
Excelleron
Bravo
Quest 3D
Showtime
Of the bunch, I liked the Quest the best, but it isn't currently available. I had an ST 90 in mine with a Mueller header and a Mac's 1090 Quiet pipe, fuel tank near the CG and a Perry pump, and it pulled it like nobody's business. On the standard ST muffler, the ST 90 was a dog with a capital D. The 90 REALLY comes alive with a Macs Quiet 1090 pipe. Forget the Pitts muffler. Lots of noise and no power.
Second is the Venus II. I did a review on it in the last RC Report magazine. Really needs a 1.20 AX, and move the tank over the CG with a Perry pump. An ST 90 on a pipe might be ok. Excellent airplane, top quality hardware, fast assembly, and easily does all patterns at least thru Advanced. Slows very nicely on downlines, much like a widebody airplane. Moved the CG back on mine until it only slightly pulled to the canopy after rolling inverted on a 45 degree upline. I'm currently putting a header and pipe on my 1.20 to get more vertical and so I can run a little more prop pitch for a little more speed in windy conditions. This airplane will last a long time with proper care.
Excelleron is next. Control surfaces are way too big, so throws need to be reduced to almost nothing for patten use. Watch out, as a club member in my area got one with a badly warped wing, and the importer refused to do anything about it. Another guy in our club has one, and it flies great on a YS 1.10. In fact Mike Hester flew it in Advanced at our local pattern contest, and won a couple of rounds with it.
Bravo is ok, but a little small, but flys well on a OS 90 surpass on 30% heli fuel. Poor hardware, design lacks a little. Friend had one and I flew it some. If you are really on a tight budget, this or the Excelleron may be your best choices.
Showtime looks good on paper, but I was REALLY disappointed as far as using it for pattern. Tail moment is a little too short, and surfaces are WAY too big. Aileron throws have to be reduced to almost nothing, as at even their recommended low roll rates, it rolls so fast it is a blur.
Best thing to do is get an airplane, and fly it to death, so a dependable engine and equipment setup is a must. Get with a local guru to help you with airplane setup and practice. Fly as often as you can, at least 3 to 4 days a week in the summer. Get to know the traits of your airplane and how to make it present the best for your pattern. Practice straight and level flight and half cuban and half reverse cuban turn arounds until you can do them in your sleep and rudder correction for straight lines is natural, and you KNOW absolutely when your wings are level. I still have to practice these a lot, as they are the foundation for everything else.
Jon