Hi, I'm looking to get started in gassers. I'd like to build something that uses an engine like BME, ZDZ, or Zenoah. I had thought about the GP Patty Wagstaff but I'm interested in what else is out there. Anyone got any ideas of something that would be neat. I'm mainly looking for something like an Extra 330S, anything sukhoi, CAP 232, or Yak.

Are you looking for a 50cc size plane? If you want to go a little bigger, the H9 Extra with a ZDZ 80 is a good combo and not too expensive.

QuiQui Somenzini has his new line coming out(YAK-54). Extreme Flight will have their YAK-54 out this summer. ChipHyde's Douyble Vision is Encellent and finally BME Aircraft has a new line. The Pitts Oracle is awesome. You could also get a plane/engine combo from them. Lots of 50 size Ultimates, Aeroworks has one! Also look at Dave Patrick's Edge and Extra. Great machines.

Hey Ryan;
I just picked up the H9 330 and am putting a 3W-75 on it. Carbon spar and LG. Single servo's in the wing. Either single servo or pull-pull on the rudder(depending on cg!). Great machine!

Good deal man, I had the old version and it was a little heavy but flew very nice; the new version is even better.

could you put something like a ZDZ 40 in a GSP Yak 54?

Anyone know anything about the Aerowork's 29% Katana S or any of their other airplanes?

Ben,
As for engine choices don't neglect looking at the Brison 3.2. For $450. it is every bit as good as the others you mentioned and less expensive. It get's overlooked because of the reputation built up by BME and DA in the 100 and 150 sizes but at the 50cc range it is light, powerful, inexpensive and top notch customer support.

As for airframes besides the Patty (which I highly recommend) you could look into the Wildhare Edge as the only one mentioned above that is available today. If you are willing to be on a waiting list and be the guinea pig....Wildhare Extras and Extreme flight YAK's are options. Dave Patrick recommends NOT putting gassers on this size model of his. The Chip Hyde planes are also too small in my opinion. For the money the Patty can't be beat and everything else will end up running $150 more to start out but in a year some of those others will be field tested and we'll know more.

I like the patty, but it just seems everyone else has one. What size gas engine do you recommend for the Dave Patrick Extra 300L?

Ben,
As for a smaller gasser on the DP, I wouldn't. Again in my opinion gassers under 50cc don't have the power to wieght to pay off for aerobatic planes. Maybe on a high wing something but when you want unlimited vertical the numbers just don't work out. The DP planes are beautifully built but they are light because there isn't a lot of structure there and may not hold up to the vibration of the gasser.

If the only bad point of the Patty is the fact that there are a lot of them out there, what does that tell you? The reason the Patty threads on RCU are so huge is because if you factor price, availability, proven performance, looks and quality there isn't anything else around to compete. It is also many peoples first gas plane and there are a lot of questions during the learning curve on this subject.

I just went through this decision process myself after loosing my first Patty to a mid air. I bought a second one because there just isn't another proven airframe around that I could buy today. I fly at a busy field and know five other guys who have the Patty but I bought it to fly, it's not going to the scale masters.

I agree, i was just seeing if there was anything else out there. Chances are, I'm going to wind up with a patty.

I would highly recommend the wild hare 28% planes. They fly great with a variety of engines in this size, and they 3D really well. I've had the Patty (sold it) and the Wild Hare Extra Special (current fav). I think you'll find the Wild Hare t be better built than the GP Patty.

Dave,
How much extra did you spend to get it in the air and how long of a wait is there to get one now?
I think in a year there will be more planes with the 1300+ sq. in. wing area for 50cc gas engines but right now there are not enough.

How much? Well..............If you mean did I need to do anything additional out of the norm I would say nothing. Its a very well built airplane and the hardware kit (like 75 bucks I think) is very complete. I went with Hitec Digitals and used a g62. I think their next shipment is in June, but you can E mail Tom or call Wild Hare to find out. Check out the Wild Hare Support forum under Giant Planes.

It may very well be my next plane, hopefully this one will last untill they are more readily available.

well guys, made up my mind today. after reading posts i decided to go with a wild hare r/c edge 540t. i ordered mine in all yellow so i can add my own trim though. it's going to be a while before i can build this airplane just because i'm in college and don't have the $$$. but i think i'm going to put a DA 50R in it. thanks for everyone opinion on this matter.