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07-05-2010 | 10:57 PM

RCKen

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From: Lawton, OK

RE: New here could use advice

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here

Hope this helps

Ken



First plane/trianer list

For those starting out in this hobby it's sometimes overwhelming as to which plane they should start out with. So to try and help I've put together this list of planes that can be used as trainers. There are a few things that need to be understood with this list:
1. This list is by no means complete. If there is a trainer that I have missed I am sorry. Let me know what I missed and I'll add it to the list
2. There are no "favorites" on this list. I list these alphabetical order to avoid the appearance of any "favorites".
3. I list only glow powered planes here.
4. I list only "real" planes. There are tons of cheap "toys" out there on the market that IMHO aren't worth a plug nickle for learning to fly.
5. Prices. I have not listed any prices on these planes. Prices change too often for me to try and keep up. Please check the provided links for the current price on the planes.
6. Availability. Even though I provide links to where the plane is available and I am in no way promoting any one vendor over another.



Beginning or "Trainer" Planes
Beginning or "Trainer" Planes



List updated on 12-18-2009


Kits - These are complete kits. You start with a "box of sticks" and will have a complete plane when finished. There is usually a list of items you will have to purchase seperately in order to finish the plane, such as (but not limited to) covering materials, wheels, props, fuel tank, etc. Kits do not include an engine or a radio.

[link=http://www.balsausa.com/store/product.php?id_product=53]Balsa USA Stick 40 Plus, .30-.40, 58"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJB5&P=ML]Goldberg Falcon III Trainer Kit, .35-.45,56"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJB9&P=7]Goldberg Eagle 2 Trainer Kit, .29-.45,63"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJC4&P=7]Goldberg Eaglet 50 Trainer Kit, .09-.25,50"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ555&P=7]Great Planes PT-20 MKII Trainer Kit, .15-.25,52.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ557&P=7]Great Planes PT-40 MKII Trainer Kit, .35-.46,60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ558&P=7]Great Planes PT-60 Trainer Kit, .45-.60,71"[/link]
[link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/tel40gas.htm]Hobby Lobby Telemaster 40 Kit[/link]
[link=http://www.hobby-lobby.com/srtele.htm]Hobby Lobby Senior Telemaster Kit[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetSenior_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02Non e_01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers _01]Sig Kadet Senior Trainer Kit, .29-.40,78"[/link] - Note: These are older kits for the craftsman-class modeler. The stick frames and many other parts need to be cut by the builder.
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetSenita_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02Non e_01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers _01]Sig Kadet Seniorita Trainer Kit, .15-.25,63"[/link] - Note: These are older kits for the craftsman-class modeler. The stick frames and many other parts need to be cut by the builder.
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetII_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_01 Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Kadet Mark II Trainer Kit, .25-.40,57.25"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCKadetLT25_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_01M enu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_01]Sig Kadet LT-25 Trainer Kit, .25-.32,63"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigKadetLt40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_ 01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Trainers_0 1]Sig Kadet LT-40 Trainer Kit, .30-.40,70"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJA29&P=0]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 Kit, .40-.46,55"[/link]



ARF's (Almost Read to Fly) These come 80%-90% complete. Normally all of the major assemblies (i.e. wings halves, fuselage, horizontal and vertical stabilizers, etc...) are complete and covered. They need final assembly, engine, and radio installed for flight. They may or may not contain items such as wheels, propeller, fuel tank, etc... so please check the "required" items list when considering one on this list.

[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/excel.html]Black Horse Models Excel 2000[/link]
[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/eagle.html]Black Horse Models Eagle 40[/link]
[link=http://www.americanpioneerhobbies.com/travelair_dragger.html]Black Horse Models Travel Air[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJE4&P=7]Goldberg Eagle 2 ARF, .40-.45,63"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSAG5&P=7]Goldberg Falcon 56 MKII ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.carlgoldbergproducts.com/12092.htm]Goldberg Skylane 62[/link]
[link=http://www.carlgoldbergproducts.com/12058.htm]Goldberg Protege 60 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2625]Hanger 9 Arrow .40 Semi-Sym Trainer ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2845]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2450]Hanger 9 Alpha Trainer, ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2065]Hanger 9 Solo Sport Trainer ARF,Value Series[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2055]Hanger 9 Solo Star Trainer ARF,Value Series[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2725]Hanger 9 Alpha .60 Trainer, ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.modelrectifier.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=1359]Hirobo Sky Trend Max ARF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJDH3&P=ML]Hobbico NexSTAR 46 Trainer ARF .46,68.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPY56&P=ML]Hobbico Avistar 40 II MonoKote ARF .40,59"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJDH3&P=7]Hobbico SuperStar 40 MonoKote ARF .35-.46,60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCSY9&P=7]Hobbico Hobbistar 60 MK.III ARF .61,71"[/link]
[link=http://www.kangkeusa.com/Super_Kraft/astro_trainer_h40.htm]Kangke Astro H-40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11211R.asp]Kyosho Calmato 40 Trainer ARF, Red[/link] , Also available in [link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11211G.asp]Green[/link] and [link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11211YB.asp]Yellow[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBNK3&P=7]Lanier Explorer 40 Trainer ARF .40-.50,64.25"[/link]
[link=http://www.mecoa.com/flyingdragon/index.htm]MECOA K&B Flying Dragon 40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=MID159]Midwest Aero Star 40,.32-.45[/link]
[link=http://www.pacaeromodel.com/AeroShark/Aeroshark.htm]Pacific Aeromodel Aeroshark .40 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEDN6&P=0]Phoenix Models Sonic 25 High Wing ARF .25-.32,52.3"[/link]
[link=http://www.selectiverc.com/?page=products/0GAT1]Selective RC Yamato .46 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.selectiverc.com/?page=products/0GAT2]Selective RC Star Evolution .46 ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4564.htm]Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40T[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4565.htm]Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40T Plus[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4523.htm]Thunder Tiger Tiger Trainer MKII[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4574.htm]Thunder Tiger Dragonfly 15[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4504.htm]Thunder Tiger Tiger Trainer 40[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4503.htm]Thunder Tiger Tiger Trainer 60[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4556.htm]Thunder Tiger Pegasus 40[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/TTR4579.htm]Thunder Tiger Trainer OBL[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=SEA1000]Seagull Arising Star 40 ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBDE9&P=7]Sig Giant Kadet Senior ARF Blue .40-.46,80"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFG19&P=7]Sig Kadet LT-40 ARF .40-.46,70"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKF82&P=7]Thunder Tiger Tiger Trainer 60 ARF .50-.61,73"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS2&P=ML]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MKII ARF .40-.46,62"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS1&P=7]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 60 MKII ARF .46-.61,69.5"[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_a140x.htm]VMAR Apache III ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_c034.htm]VMAR Challenger 40 ARF Trainer[/link][link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_d014.htm]VMAR Discovery 40 ARF Trainer[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_s240x.htm]VMAR Stinger 40-52 ARF ECS Sport Trainer (Blue or Red)[/link]
[link=http://www.richmondrc.com/vma/storecusavma/productpages/productpage_cusa_vma_h240x.htm]VMAR Hornet 40-52 ARF ECS Sport Trainer (Blue or Red)[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=15]World Models Sky Raider Mach I S[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=37]World Models Super Frontier - 20 (Discontinued, but may still be in stores)[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=50]World Models World Star - 40F - ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=38]World Models Super Frontier 40[/link]
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=39]World Models Super Frontier Senior 46[/link]



RTF's( Ready To Fly) These come with everything you need to fly (except the fuel) in the box. They include the engine and radio with the plane. They usually require only a few minor steps, and charging the radio batteries, to have the plane ready for flight.

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2825]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN3825]Hanger 9 

For our European and British flyers the ARC Ready 2 is a great trainer.
[link=http://www.arcmodelfly.com/pagita/ready.htm]ARC Ready 2[/link]

Intermediate or "Second" planes.


This is kind of a "fuzzy" area. For some pilots these planes will be second planes, meaning that they will move on to them after they have soloed on their trainers. While other pilots that have more "natural" talent may be able to use these planes to learn to fly on. 

Whichever category you fall into please be aware that these planes are more of handfull to fly than the basic trainers listed above. While these planes my be very docile to fly many of them lack the "self righting" properties of the traditional trainer. Use of these planes as a trainer should be a matter that you take up with your instructor, as he will be the one to best judge your talents and abilities.



Kits

[link=http://www.btemodels.com/venture.html]Bruce Thorpe EngineeringVenture 60 [/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigFourStar40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20M odels_01]Sig Four-Star 40 Kit .30-.40,59.75"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigFourStar60_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20M odels_01]Sig Four-Star 60 Kit 60-.75 in, 71"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCSigMidStar40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None_ 01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02Kits_20_2d_20Sport_20Mo dels_01]Sig Mid Star 40 Kit .30-.40,64.5" [/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJC9&P=0]Goldberg Tiger 2 Kit .40-.46,61"][/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDJD4&P=0]Goldberg Tiger 60 Kit .45-.65,70"][/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFHG4&P=7]Great Planes Rapture 40 kit, .40-.50, 60"[/link]



ARF's

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2625]Hanger 9 Arrow .40 Semi-Sym Trainer ARF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2845]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS ARF[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigFourS40_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Sport_ 20Models_01] Sig Four-Star 40 ARF 40-.53 in. 59.75"[/link]
[link=http://sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/ProductsV5.html?L+Sig+jndv3800+_Ddp_5fSearch1_02a0 1RCARFSigFourS60_01Search_02Index_01SubMenu_02None _01Menu_02CatProd_01Thumb_02ARF_27s_20_2d_20Sport_ 20Models_01]Sig Four-Star 60 ARF Red .60-.75,71"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXH755&P=0]Goldberg Tiger 2 ARF .40-.46,61"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXTXE1&P=ML]Great Planes Cherokee GP/EP ARF 60"[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN4100]Hanger 9 Pulse XT[/link]
[link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11215BL.asp]Kyosho Calmato 40 Sports ARF, Blue[/link] , Also available in [link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11215R.asp]Red[/link] and [link=http://www.kyoshoamerica.com/airplanes/gp/11215YB.asp]Yellow[/link]
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/ACE4542.htm]Thunder Tiger Cloud Dancer 40 ARF[/link] (NOTE: No longer available in the US)
[link=http://www.acehobby.com/ace/ACE4559.htm]Thunder Tiger Cloud Dancer 60 ARF[/link] (NOTE: No longer available in the US)
[link=http://www.airborne-models.com/html/productdetails.asp?ProductID=16]World Models Sky Raider Mach II S[/link]



RTF

[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2825]Hanger 9 P-51 Mustang PTS[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN3825]Hanger 9 Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 01-03-2009) F-22 Raptor PTS[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2475]Hanger 9 Alpha 40 Trainer, RTF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2550]Hanger 9 Arrow 40 Semi-Symmetrical Trainer RTF[/link]
[link=http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HAN2600]Hanger 9 Alpha 60 Trainer, RTF[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEXK2**&P=ML]Hobbico NexSTAR 46 Select RTF 68.75"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXMU53**&P=ML]Hobbico Avistar 40 Select 4-Channel RTF 59"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGHD4**&P=ML]Hobbico Hobbistar 60 Select RTF 71"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEKF4**&P=7]Hobbico SuperStar Select MKII Red 4Ch RTF 60"[/link]
[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCXF4**&P=ML]Tower Hobbies TOWER Trainer 40 MKII 4-Channel RTF 62"[/link]
F-22 Raptor PTS[/link]

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