I have been wanting to break out of the standard parkflier size model for a while now. I see Hangar9 are starting to offer a choice on their planes of either gas or electric. So Ive started investigating conversion costs and practicality. I know prices of lipo's and BL motors has come down, but it still is quite expensive, at least here in Australia compared to a 'slimer' motor.

What I want to know is why convert such huge planes (eg 150 size, 80" WS etc) to electric? I am aware of the pro's of electric over gas and would rather fly electric myself, even though my glow buddies are trying hard to convert me. But I was just looking at the monster Hacker conversion of the YAK. A200 + MasterSpin 300amp ESC- $1649.00 USD!!!!! Add airframe, servos' etc and its pretty rpicey stuff. I'm not bagging the product in any way, I think its incredible that the alternative exists, but why would the average flyer do this conversion? Is it just to prove that it can be done, surely this couldn't be viable for the vast majority of us. I know there is only a specialised few that could really do justice to such a large plane, but why go electric in this situation? Or is it not really meant for the average flyer (like me?) but as a showcase/hero model?

curious clovus