Hi All,
I've decided on my second model and I want an RAF chipmunk. Vmar do an ARTF but it seems to get slated on these forums. Does anyone have one and if so are they happy with it? Is it a good second plane and whats the finish and detail like? I've seen an airsail built up kit and one from galaxy models (UK) These may be better but i've only built ARTF untill now, how long would I be looking at making one and what are the chances it will turn out ok(lol)?
Feedback much appreciated
Thanks
John

Do you think i should post this in scale models for more feedback.....surely someones tried on of these or similar?

Chipmunks are hard to come by. Super Chipmunks are much easier ... why not the WM Super Chipmunk flies really well.

In the kit form there is Airsail. Dynaflite produced one, but it is now discontiunued. There may be another one, but it is unclear at this point. Flair was supposed to be kitting a scale one prior to their going out of business/being re-started. I have no idea if is still planned for release or not now.

John ,
The best arf Chipmunk is the World Models and it will make an excellent third plane. For your second plane stick to a 40 size low wing such as WM T-34 or GP Super Sporster or maybe the Goldberg Skylark.
Good luck

kqutob is right, not advisable for a second plane, they do come in a little hot for a beginner if you do not flare the plane. The WM Chippe is a really nice plane to fly but will come in fast on the first few attempts, mine was hot, when I learnt to flare her properly it was a beautiful plane to land.

Thanks guys
I like my planes scale like, but the super sportster looks nice, not so keen on the super chipmunk tho anyway.
I may just buy a cheap black horse low winger and start with that whilst I build the airsail. God knows how long it would take me anyway lol. Or a biplane, would I get away with one of those for a second?
Cheers for the advice anyway guys

John ... bipe for a second plane, maybe not unless you are a really good beginner. Bipes fly a little different, they come in for landing with a little more power due to the drag. The BLack Horse low ing planes are okay ... the Speed Air etc. Try the Phoenix Scanner, WM Skyraider Mach II ...

bipes are usually not good second planes either. They introduce a whole new set of variables to the flying experience, such as increased drag and usually short tail moments, among other things.

I'll probably go for the super air it looks ok and is cheap and is a tail dragger which I like the style of (tho is probably harder to land)
But on the subject of chipmunk Vs super chipmunk, the super chipmunk looks like many other aerobatic models out there and the original was a much improved chipmunk. The chipmunk on the other hand has a lovely 1950s look about it and looks to be much more docile which is why I thought it would make a good second plane. I'll go with the advice however as i'm the noob round here and i'd probably bend it or at least scratch it quite soon anyway so a cheaper model is probably a good idea.
Thanks all

Johnny - there is no real difference in landing a trike or tail dragger, you just look at the plane and make it do what you want. I find both lift off and land the same. I always flare my planes for landing so I guess its the same for me. I know what you mean about the Chipmunk ... the canopy, the fuse ... old school lines, I love the ZLIN too ... too bad they are hard to come by ... I hear there is a ZLIN Akrobat ARF in the UK, think its ZN Lines. The plane looks great, its light too. Those were the days of slim planes. ZLIN, Chipmunk, Laser 200.

Steer clear of the VMAR Chippy. It is not a nice flyer. The wing profile is wrong.
It is the same wing as they used on their now O.O.P. Stilleto, which had a tendancy to tip stall when flown slowly and so needed to be landed "hot."

The VMAR Chippy is the same and the U/C fastening blocks in the wings can't take too much of that sort of thing. (Had personal experience)

Look to World Models. Try their Super Sports 40 or T-34. You won't be sorry with either choice.

oh ok so the mentor's ok? I assume its the same t-34? I thought that would be similar to the chipmunk? I'll check that you can get them here in the uk (i know world models planes are available and hanger 9 do one i think?) then i'll try for the chipmunk as a scale project from airsail later.
I just want one that looks like a "proper" plane.
Cheers lads

VMAR also made a T-34. And used the same wing as the Chipmunk and Stilleto, so steer clear of that one.

Another model to go look at is the new Phoenix Tucano. It is absolutely superb. Looks great and flies even better.
I have a WM Super Sports 40 (Super Tigre G-51 powered) which has done many, many flights. I love it. But recently I had a fly of the new Phoenix Tucano. Man that really eats my WM SS40 for breakfast. I have decided to buy myself one for Christmas.

Black Horse Models has a .60 size one now that looks great, a fellow here on RCU that lives in the UK did a [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/readRatings.cfm?kit_rating_id=14343]Review[/link] on it.