Hey Guys,

I've been reading this forum for a while about the Hanger 9 P 51 PTS and drinking in all the information. Taking notes for when i get this plane. I did want to ask though what everyones opinion would be on what be the best route. Getting the RTF version or getting the ARF and using a OS .46(or other Brand .46) and a Hitech Optic 6. I don't have anything for this hobby yet so I'll be starting from ground zero. I do have a few people i know that are going to help me locally. I just like to get as many opinions as i can. Going the ARF route will cost a little more i know, but not to much more and be ready for future planes and such.

I will probably start out getting all the accessories first. Tools, stand, batt charger, field box, etc... I'm still compiling the list on all that stuff, and I thought the plane was the big purchase!

I have to say, that every hobby shop in the area has no clue about this plane. I was a little suprised. I was going to purchase it from a LHS, but may have to just get it online.

Dave

I.Y.A.O.Y.A.S

Well the PTS was designed as a first model sort of deal and I've seen one of them being demonstrated by a local LHS at a show. I've not talked to anyone who's actually bought that model for a first plane.

They claim it's pretty easy to learn on, but my suggestion would be that you start with something a little more typical for a trainer. That being a high wing tricycle gear RTF. They will be more stable, easier to fly and the takeoff/landing/ground handling will be easier with a tricycle gear.

As for the included radio equipment, that probably won't be a lot of use down the road for more complex models but it will get you going without a lot of expense. I will suggest that it's going to be really difficult for you to figure out which area/type of models/flying you'll decide to pursue after the trainer so buying radio equipment right now that costs more up front may not be the wisest thing to do. I personally upgraded all the radio stuff in my first trainer way beyond what it needed since I had an idea where I wanted to go after flying the trainer and being around other pilots and various equipment setups. So I feel that I skipped the intermediate radio stuff/expense and now that I'm flying IMAC type models with gas engines, the radio will handle those models and even the small electric heli I decided to try.

The other thing is that there is always the chance you might decide you want to go to helicopters, or even that you don't care for the hobby. Getting in for a more limited initial expense with an easy to fly model, to see if you like it, would be my suggestion... [8D]

The PTS is an incredibly good flying plane, and is completely usable as an initial trainer. Our field was littered with them all summer with a bunch of new pilots, no one had problems with the plane not wanting to fly nice and smooth like a trainer. The best thing about it is that once you clean up the flaps and speedbrakes and wingtip extensions, it is a very nice sport performer - much on par with the Goldberg Tiger 2, or 4*40.

I recommend your idea of buying the ARF, and selecting your own powerplant and radio system - I personally don't like the Radio with the RTF - it lacks some of the basic functions that I find help new pilots (namely exponential adjustment.) I will state that the Evolution Alpha .45 engine in the PTS is very dependable and easy to tune - and if you take the weighted flywheel off, and put something like an 11x6 2 blade prop, it really increases in performance.


I'm a big proponent of a newbie buying the best field equipment and transmitter they can afford, and spend less on the trainer, as most people move away from the highwing typical trainer once the become proficient with it. The trainer then usually collects dust, or is reserved for windy days, or the parts are robbed for that 2nd plane. With the PTS, you end up buying both the first and 2nd plane for one cost.

The newer release of the PTS has the SX600 TX which is 6 channel and does have Expo and other functions.

It's not a bad package deal, especially now that the sim has been upgraded as well.

Yeah you can purchase the ARF (I have), but the RTF version offers a lot less resistance for a newbie pilot... and gives them that much less to contend with...

In either case a good going over of the plane is needed however.

Well you got another thought about the PTS from someone who's seen them, but neither of us addressed the ARF vs. RTF question...

You've still got a lot to learn and even putting together the RTF, setting control throughs, checking the CG, figuring out how to run the engine etc. are going to be a lot. Putting together an ARF requires more tools, supplies and expertise, if you've got willing helpers you can get through it but if you're like I was starting out, you want to fly ASAP.

If you do opt for the ARF, I'd forget the Hitec radio and go with the Spektrum DX-7. It's not much more money and will do a whole lot of things you'd expect from more expensive computer radios, in addition to the ability to forget the frequency pin deal and possibly getting shot down by RF interference problems. It will also take you a LONG way down the RC modeling road. Let's face it, the 72 MHz stuff is on it's way out and barring the need for more than 7 channels, I can't see any reason to go to a 72 MHz radio anymore.

What adrenalinjunky said about the RTF included radio is true but my suggestion, if you're really stuck on the Mustang, is to go get the RTF and fly it for awhile. Then put the DX-7 in it and start pulling the training stuff off it...

100% agreed with you there Zeeb - in the case of the one P51 PTS ARF that is flying at my field, I helped the new pilot with the assembly process, as I was the one that was going to be training him for the most part. He also bought a Magnum 4 stroke .61 from another pilot that was selling it extremely cheap. It pulls the PTS around very nicely with an APC 12x6.

The RTF is much easier for assembly. And I wasnt aware there is a new radio shipping in the kit now that has more features. A true 6 channel with more functions was the biggest thing I would have wanted with the RTF. If it has it now, then it's probably my suggestion between the 2. Plus the JR sport radio gear will work with either JR or Futaba Transmitters, so if you wanted to just for a Radio upgrade down the line, you won't be limited to just one brand.

Oh - and buy yourself an extra servo and build the plane with adjustible flaps - it's a cool feature to have.

I put a evolution 52 in my pts and I love it.

I hlelped a couple of newbies start with the RTF version a year ago. All in all, it worked out well for both of them. Our field is at 3500 feet and the plane really struggled to get off the ground and around. I removed the air brakes and went to about half flaps for the subsequent training flights.

Brian

Thanks Guys,

I didn't realize that they had improved the package with a better radio and sim. That settles that then. I think its a steal for 400 bucks with all that. I agree that the 72 mhz stuff is probably a year or 2 from being old hat so buying a real expensive radio might not be the best. With 6 channel digital with 10 model memory it will last me until that day comes I bet. From what I've read this plane lasts you a while since you can grow with it. Changing props, engines and other mods I've read about.

I will definitely hook up with a instructor. I'm concerned though at my altitude (4500') about leaving the speed breaks installed, and maybe using the stock prop. It might just fly a bit to slow for comfort. I know the prop is a 10x4 3 blade so maybe using a bit more prop might be a good idea. I don't want it to scream just yet until i get the hang of it, but i definitely want it to keep flying After I get comfortable I'll look into a 11X6 or 11X7 2 blade to get it to move!

Dave

You may want to read the thread on the PTS, its REAL long and gets repetitive after about page 70 or so, but it is full of good info and mods you need to make before the maiden. BTW, the consensus is to remove the airbrakes altogether or cut them into gear doors and turn them sideways. It has been agreed upon by all they make the plane too slow and too close to stall speed, IE, drop right outta the sky- not something you want to have happen.

Another soul living with a pretty high field elevation...

We're at 4500' ASL here too and you'll find there is a definite "hit" on the performance especially in the Summer when the density altitude goes way up due to the higher ambient temps.

I'd forget the three blade prop as they are less efficient than the two blades as you seem to realize already, but the difference is more noticeable with your altitude. Also, while I'm not familiar with those engines the guys around here who have or do run them say they really like the higher nitro content fuels. The one I saw a LHS guy fly (it was one of the older original ones) said that they tried several different fuels and the engine really woke up with 30% heli fuel. This guy is a really good pilot with Giant Scale as well as doing much better than average with heli flying, and has lots of experience with all sorts of equipment so I tend to put a lot of faith in his opinions.

I do know that the two YS-110's I still have around, run substantially better on 30% nitro than they do with even the 20% fuel. If you do experiment with the different nitro content fuels, you'll need to reset the needles when you change from one concentration to another... [8D]

Just a quick note on the Hitec Optic 6. I bought the hangar 9 arrow as my first trainer and then bought a mustang. I bought the optic 6 with the spectra module in it and it has been fantastic for me. I currently have 8 planes so my memory is full. But i only have 5 that i could fire up and fly right now so i am not worried about more memory. the radio is a great radio that is not expensive and is good quality. I will say that my next radio will be of the spektrum kind though but i don't anticipate buying another one anytime soon. My buddy bought the PTS and i taught him how to fly. I was impressed with the PTS as it was very similar to my arrow as far as starting out is concerned. Once you take off all the trainer gear it blows the arrow away. I would recommend the ARF version and buy the Optic 6 or Spektrum radio with appropriate gear and get to the field.

Flyboy76