I was looking at the new Ace/Thunder Tiger Cloud Dancer 60 sized ARF. Has anyone bought, flown, seen one fly? If so what are your thoughts on the model. I was looking for something more than a sport plane that might perform some of the Sportsman/Intermediate pattern maneuvers. Not looking to fly the model in pattern. Just looking for something fun to fly and this looks nice.

Thanks,
Ed

I've got extensive experience flying the kit version of this plane, which has been one my favorites. Mine is powered by an OS 70 Surpass, and can fly almost unlimited vertical after a ten foot takeoff run. It tracks very well and is unusually stable at very slow speeds. I cannot coax it to tip stall at very slow speeds at a ridiculous bank. Being only an average sportflyer, I'm not qualified to comment on it's ability to perform pattern sequences, but I will say it is the one plane that I've spent the most time trying to fly "in the box", usually back and forth with a split-S, stall turn, or other simple turnaround maneuvers, while trying to keep my speed constant and the large half loop "round". I did get an opportunity to fly the ARF version recently, powered by an OS 65 LA, and was surprised at how similar it was to the kit version, except for the powerplant characteristics. It is definitely fun to fly and the best landing plane I've ever flown. With the .70 and a Graupner 12.5x6, I can split-s it out of a large loop into a landing (the propeller braking with this combo is amazing). I hope this helps, maybe some others can add their thoughts. Let me know if you have any other questions.

Ed,

I have the 98" wingspan version of the Cloud Dancer. It is absolutely my favorite airplane. I fly mine with a Saito 150. This thing can do flat rudder turns at slow speed not using ailerons.

I have landed it so slowly in a headwind that it seemed like it was a helicopter, it just floated in. It gets real slow and it still wants to float. I have done both inside and outside loops with it and it just loves to do axial rolls. I have even done a few stall turns, although I am not very good. I just am an average sport flyer. I think you will find that it will do most things that you want to do.

Andy

Andy,

Was your Cloud Dancer 120 built from plans, or were you one of the lucky few who got a kit? The 120 was kitted by Ace right before the Thunder Tiger acquisition, and there were very few of these kits produced.

Rex,

Actually there was a company in OKC that has a CNC routing machine and was making short kits. They provided all of the plywood parts and formers and wing ribs. My airplane was made from one of those short kits. I'm not sure if they are still making them or not, but I can check if you are interested. I bought and extra fuse kit just in case.

Andy

Andy/Rex:

Thanks for your comments. It is appreciated. Sounds like I will put my money down for the 60 size.

Andy:
Do you have the plans for the Cloud Dancer 120? I have a friend here in Dallas that could laser cut a short kit(s). If you have the plans, what would it take to get a copy of them. I would be happy to pay for reproducing them. I have an OS 108 that might be great for the model.

Thanks,
Ed

Cloud Dancer plans from RCM # 1206 for 120 size is $15.00.

http://www.rcmmagazine.com/e/env/000...ml?command=env


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John

Ed,

John is right, buy the plans from RCM, it would be cheaper than trying to photocopy a set.

I guarentee you, once you get past the sheer size of it you will love the 120 size plane. I the 108 should haul ***.

Regards,

Andy

You might also consider the recently reintroduced Dragonlady by Global, which is very similar to the Cloud Dancer except it's a little bit bigger, more like a .90 size sport plane.

I have a 40 size and it's a real nice model.. light and floats but open tht throttle and flyes fast and responsive
Regards,
Patrick