ORIGINAL: FP 4LC4PON3
i was wondering if anyone can answer me this i already ordered the tower trainer. i talked to the guy about the Sig NeoFun trainer completely built with Norvel .061 r/c engine and Futaba SkySport radio that i meantioned above. I met the guy today and we flew the plane and it flew Great. the plane is in damn near perfect condition almost spotless. He said he is Ill and needs the money and would lower the price to 175.
How hard would it be to find Parts for the plane since i cant find it anywhere online? it seems like a deal and marty at my hobby shop knows this guy personaly and said hes a great guy and the hobby shop said they still carry parts for the plane but if i wanted to order parts online how would I?
Probably $150 would be closer to what its worth depending on how old the radio is and the how much use is on the plane/engine.
Repairing the plane is a matter going to the LHS and getting some balsa/covering. Airframe parts can be order through Sig, but balsa and covering will be a lot cheaper.
Then engine is another question. Norvel has been out of business for a while. Parts are out there, but some may not be cheap. The good news is the Norvel is a great little engine that should last if you run a good 1/2A fuel with plenty of castor oil and take care of it. The 1/2A forum is where the Norvel guru's are, so hop over there and read up on it. Glow buttons are getting hard to find, but there is the Galbreath head conversion that uses turbo plugs. Make sure you get all the spare parts/Norvel specific wrenches from him you can.
I'd say go for the NeoFun. You can always hang it on the wall until you get enough experience with the Tower Trainer, then start flying it. Tell the guy all you can come up with is $150 and wave the cash in his face. He he really is needing the money he'll most likely bite. If he wants to sit at $175, tell him you'll need another week or two to get the extra and see what he does. You can always go up if you start low, not the other way around. If he sells it, you can always build the LST 1/2A Trainer (stickie at the top of the 1/2A forum with plans posted somewhere in the thread).
Hogflyer