ORIGINAL: cavandish

Sorry for digging up an old post, but I have to defend the Northstar.

I have had mine for a couple of years, despite owning several giant scale and turbines, I would not part with it.

I run a 50 sx, the kit is built exactly to spec, and I have 4 oz of lead in the front of the radio compartment.

Build this plane correctly, and you will love it, it does not even need wheels off grass .

I have to agree with Cavendish. I have about 7 oz. of lead up front running a .55AX (up here at 'mile high'). She is fast off the water but then I'm used to Cubs and Astro-Hogs on floats. And really fast in the air but stable. However, you can slow her to a crawl without stalling. Still, not for the beginner.

There's a LONG thread about mods on here, many of them good ideas. I did, for example, add a water rudder to mine. Others have increased the height of the engine pod to get more prop clearance. I didn't but I might if I built another. The design is sound or it wouldn't be around for 20+ years. As Cav said, wheels, water, grass or snow.....it flys off anything. Not bad for $90 !

Good luck with your bird!
How many planes can take off from grass,snow, ice, sand ect ect and come down on the water, or visa versa? none that I can think of.

This plane is a lot of fun, but not intended for the novice, their Northstars tend to have''very brief life spans''