Hello All,
I want to run a plan by you and see what you think... I am still in process of finishing up my TF P51B and I got a few bucks for my birthday recently. I was going to put these bucks towards my new TF GS P47 but I got to thinking yesterday... I have been off the sticks for about a year now after crashing my Super Hots early last year in a windy, gusty, too high, too slow approach to land... I put my radio back into my trusty Aero Star trainer (I love that plane) and flew that again for a while. Like I said, I was going to put my money into the new P47 kit but I am thinking since I should have my P51 ready to fly this year, to get myself back on the sticks and instead of flying my trainer more, I was going to get the Tower Hobbies Voyager ARF ($90.00 after discount) and fly that to reacquaint myself with the sticks again and get some time in the air before I take up the Mustang. What do you think, does the Voyager fly well, is there another cheap ARF better suited for my situation? Thanks.

real short answer :
VOYAGER = POS

Go with an Avistar ARF for about $99.00. But it will be worth every penny.

Go with an Avistar ARF for about $99.00. But it will be worth every penny. Or get a Segull Space Walker II ARf. It has a fairly high wing loading that is a good war bird trainer. And its quick and easy to put together. And its about 129.00.

The problem with the "Voyager" is the inverted engine/high fuel tank location---But the engine firewall mounting holes are symmetrical, just turn it 90 deg. & you will be fine---Yes you will have to cut an opening in the cowling---BTW the "Voyager" is a low wing version of the early "Avistar"---Same wing, same tail feathers (yes I know the fuze is different) I fly one with snow skis, works great with the tricycle gear & the high engine thrust line for prop clearance---

I have a Voyager sitting on my bench right now. I do like flying it, but it's mostly a kick around plane for me anyway. Here are some of the things I don't like:

1. The covering is starting to come off, mostly the red on the bottom side of the fuse. Easy fix, so I probably will.

2. IMHO the rudder is too small for this plane. Once the nose wheel lifts off the ground, you better have enough speed for the rudder to be effective. Otherwise, it goes where it is pointed.

3. Not enough travel on the aelerons. Yes, I know, it is a trainer, so maybe I am being over critical. I currently have a large servo arm on it to get the most out of them, but it is hitting the throttle and nosewheel pushrods. I need to modify to move them out of the way.

4. The inverted engine is a problem for me and does hyro-lock quite frequently.

The plane does fly well, and is stable on approach without any tendancy to tip stall. I bought this plane just because I had an OS46fx sitting around and wanted to put it on a plane. My other planes area Something Extra with an 0S46fx, US 60 with an OS61fx, U-Can-Do 46 with a Saito 72, a 4*60 with an OS91 surpass, and an Ultra Stick Lite with a G-26. So maybe I am comparing it too much with these planes. I would go with the Avistar if I had it to do all over again. I had one for my trainer, and with the 46 in it, it was a great plane and did more than the voyager does. I added a picture of mine. The pilot is the "flea", at least that is what my son tells me.

I had a Tower Voyager a few years back as my second plane. At the time I thought it was a pretty good move from my trainer (Kadet LT-40). If you already know how to fly a low wing sport plane, perhaps the Tower Kaos would be a better choice for a tune up airplane. A number of guys at my club have them, and it's a great looking and flying plane. It's also about the same price as the Voyager, but would provide a better flight envelope.

Thank you for all of your comments and suggestions... I am starting to think along the line of robert92679. I have been involved with the hobby on and off since the late 80's and I have all ready flown low wing sport planes so I am going to look past the Voyager and maybe go for something else (I will look at the Kaos). I just thought for less than a hundred bucks, the Voyager looked cool. I like that "low wing, GA look"... Thanks again.

Don't leave out the World Models Mach II.
It's had great reports, and is only around $60-$70 depending on where you get it.
Easy build, and flies great.