Any opinions of this plane? Nitro has it on sale for $69 I’d like a tricycle gear low wing for my boy’s second plane. How would a Saito 72 make this scream if I wanted to fly it?
Or for a tail dragger what would be a stable landing second plane. Sig 4 star? Anything else?

It looks like a decent deal for $69. I have read that the manuals tend to be pretty sparse, but there is a support forum for them on RCU where any questions that might come up can be posted. Either nitrostaff, or someone who has the plane, can give assistance.

The World Models Sky Raider Mach II is another low wing trainer that sells for a very low price ($69.99). It is a tail dragger though.

Both have a listed weight of 5 pounds. The Saito 72 should be a screamer on them.

The Four Star and the Goldberg Tiger are nearly always mentioned as good low wing trainers, but they cost around $150.

This plane looks very much like a Tiger 2/Tiger 60 ARF, in my opinion. If it flies anywhere near as well as it's inspiration, it should be an amazing value for $69 (.40) or $79 (.60).

For inexpensive 2nd planes of very good quality, I'd second the Sky Raider Mach II and also mention the Phoenix Dolphin .40 ARF available from Tower Hobbies at $99.99. It's very similar to the Four Star but $50 less.

Hey Carrellh and Bigedmustafa, I have some doubts about Nitro after reading some threads. And everyone says great things about World Models. Will a 72 fit in the Sky Raider? Any problem with a 13” prop seeing this is a tail dragger. I’ve been on the fence about different planes and I need to make up my mind. Do you guys own one?

I have a skyraider and have used up to a 12 inch prop and still had clearance. A 13 incher would be tight but doable I think. the plane lands so slow that you can pretty much always do a 3 point landing and maximize your prop clearance. Or just stick on some taller wheels. I'm willing to bet that the 13 inch prop will fit. Oh by the way, a 72 on this thing will rock! I have a Supertigre 51 on mine and it's ballistic!

Mike

Nitro has its share of critics. But, there are satisfied customers as well. I get the impression that dealing with them on issues can be problematic if you use phone or email; but people who use their support forum (or PM their forum moderator) seem to be able to get what they need.

My brother had a World Models Sky Raider Mach I and it seemed pretty well built. The covering was not great though. He ironed all of the seams before assembly and the the covering still started lifting at the leading edge after a few flights. If I had not crashed it I think it would have needed a full covering job after a few months.

World models uses two different covering materials. The Sky Raider series uses the lighter material which is not very durable. The LA Racer is a low wing second plane, but has the heavier covering material. I have a LA Racer with an old OS plain bearing .40 that provides adaquate power. I saw the Nitro Models Low Wing Trainer and it looks good, but the poor reputation for customer service made me choose the World LA Racer instead.

Speaking of World Models covering... I just freshen up my skyraider. The covering wasn't that bad, but the fuse covering slowly was peeling so I ripped off the basketweave printed covering and replaced it with Ultracote. I did a little of the same for the wing root too. In all honesty the covering wasn't that bad. This plane is a year old and has about 250 flights on it, 99% of those flights are full throttle downlines, knife edge, and high G tumbles, and it's still holding together. Great deal for 69.99. Only downside is it's a butt ugly plane, but that adds character!

Mike

[8D]Has anyone seen the Nitro Low Wing Trainer in either the .40 or .60 size?