ORIGINAL: cjmdjm
Ok I am beginning to like the idea of a sporty non-trainer plane, possibly using at least some old equipment from my crashed alpha. Especially since this plane is essentially meant to quench my thirst for speed and power, which my PZ Embers and eventually sukhoi cannot. But first, I came across this:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXHMY7&P=ML
which is an electric super sportster. It says ARF, but it includes motor and battery. Crappy brushed motor and Nicad though. Still, would this be able to come close to a 40 glow trainer at least in terms of top speed?
I have one of those, and actually it is a great flyer.
It comes with a powerful 540 brushed motor and gearbox. There is NOTHING wrong with this configuration.
The included ESC has a jumper on it. Flip the jumper and the plane will handle LiPo packs!!!!
Using LiPo packs increases the voltage ( it flies faster ), reduces the weight ( it flies faster and glides longer ) while increasing flight time.
The included NiCD pack weights a LOT, so you could use TWO LiPo packs in parallel to give you fantastic flight times.
Mine will fly for a good 30 MINUTES on batteries, before I tire and bring it in, with charge still left on the batteries.
I often get a "WHAT do you have in THERE!?" comments at the field.
Change the prop and you can increase pitch speed more than with the provided prop and you are set to go.
It is not as large as the ARF or Kit however.
I pulled the included motor out and replace it with a brushless motor and ESC on the cheap.
This turned it into a rocket, and people tell me it flies ( and sounds ) like a .40 plane when they see me flying it.
ORIGINAL: cjmdjm
If so, I could add a spektrum dx6i system and use the servos from my crashed alpha, and be within my $300 limit.
Nope, the Super Sportster EP uses Mini servos. Yours will not fit.
ORIGINAL: cjmdjm
But, since I think I will end up with a glow plane, how about this:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXJ575&P=7
Which is basically the same plane as above, but a little bigger and designed for glow. And its a kit. I would prefer ARF, but the ARF version is $50 more expensive. And I like this color scheme better. Use the 4 servos from the crashed alpha, and add a spektrum dx5e system, and I have a plane for $200 if I use the alpha's engine. Even if I add a $70-$80 glow engine, Im still under my $300 budget.
If you don't like the color, it would be faster to get the ARF and merely recover the white parts.
The Kit is going to take you far longer to build.... and it doesn't sound like you've built kits before.
The ARF may be the best option for you.
ORIGINAL: cjmdjm
Heck, the 60 size kit is only $25 more, and 60 engines appear to be about $30 to $40 more, I could almost do that.
More, yes, but you left out the original cost.
You'll spend $120.00 or so on a new engine, alone.
ORIGINAL: cjmdjm
Not sure why I didn't realize before that a second plane was a realistic option, even staying under $300 with a digital radio. I guess I am just assuming based on what I have read on these boards that this is a suitable second plane, if not, please correct me.
No the Sportster, and the Pulse are very similiar flyers, they look somewhat the same as well.
Both are good second planes, for someone who does fairly well with landings on a trainer.
Both planes track straight on the ground, are great aerobatic flyers, will keep your interest, can be turned into "speedsters", glide very well.
The Sportster has held up for me fairly well.