Guys,

I've got a new Magnum .46 engine that needs a home. I want to get a trainer so I can use it to buddy box people so they can see if they like RC flying. It this plane as good as the other trainers out there like the Hobbico Avistar or Superstar? I'm simply looking for a decent plane to train others with, is the quality there?


http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXCAS2&P=0

IMO the tower trainer is one of the best. The .60 size is even better, but would be underpowered with a .46. Can't argue with the price tag either!

It is a great airplane for the money and the purpose. The World Models Skyraider Mach-1 is another good, low cost airplane.

I'll give a thumbs up on the Tower Trainer as well. I have one, it was my first nitro plane. I haven't seen any bad tendencies. If you get one, take a look at the tank compartment. The builder of mine put epoxy all over the foam that holds the tank.

It's a great trainer, and just a fun plane to fly. Just get ready for the trim colors to peel off real soon, and that includes the window panes. Other than that, it's a solid airframe and good flying trainer and sport plane. I fly the heck out of it. I got it for teaching my son to fly, but I think I am wearing it out before he learns, lol. I really enjoy flying horizontal circles and eights about 10'-15' off the deck with it. Also, it is my fun fly plane for our club events. When I want to stress free flying from my more aerobatic planes (I like sport pattern flying with a Yak 54, Giles 202, Ultimate), I pull out the Tower Trainer 40 for buzzing the tower and great relaxation. Jon

The tower trainer was recomended to me when I first started to fly. I bought it and first flight took very little trimming. ( I was on a buddy box with my instructor) I was very pleased with how it flew, very forgiving. I also have a magnum .40 on mine and I usually fly it around at 1/2 throttle. And yes, you have to love the price.

A great plane. A .46 is more than enough power. My daughter is flying one now with a .40LA. A little under powered but gets the job done. You'll love it.

chopper

Tower Trainers are a great flying planes. I like the 60 for its super slow flights. The 40 is also a slow landing plane. Things I would suggest to do to make it even better. They are pretty simple too.

I would spray clear Luster coat over the whole plane. It seals the edges of the covering and helps to keep the covering from peeling. I have started to do this with all of the ARF's I get. Also fuel proofs the bare wood. Spray several coats on the engine area. Seal it like crazy. Then I would seal the fuel tank compartment with spray polyurethane. Spray a couple coats in there trying to get it every where.

Mine died because it was so fuel soaked it fell apart.

Then the biggest thing you need to do is have lots and lots of fun with it.


Dru.

Great trainer for the price!

I'm not so sure that the Tower Trainer .60 would be underpowered with a Magnum XLS .46A on the nose. I think that would be a good combination with an 11x6 prop.

The Tower Trainer .40 Mk II is a terrific flying plane and a really solid value. A ball-bearing .36 or a Thunder Tiger GP-42 is the ideal engine for that airframe. The XLS .46A would be more than enough power, even if you decide to put it on floats.

one of my flying buddies put a super tigre .45 on a avistar and claims its well overpowered and really too much for the plane at full throttle. i have a avistar with a old enya .40 bb on it and it really hauls it around!!...but the avistar is a .40 size plane. if the tower trainer is .60 size a 46 will fly it easily if it has a flat bottom wing

Mine has a 40LA with a 10x6 prop. I like it even better converted to tail dragger.

I would give the tower trainer the nod. I have the 60 size and love it.
D

Flew the covering off of a 40 size............literally I had it so long. Would suggest it to anyone new. They are great when you get better to fly in a nice stiff wind to practice your approaches in cross winds. They crab nicely. I still have another trainer (Hangar 9 Solo Star) another great recommendation. love the windy days.

It's hard to beat the value of the 40 size TT, but looking at 60 size trainers, I have been debating whether or not to buy the TT 60 or the SIG Kadet LT40 ARF, the prices are almost the same ($120 vs. $130) - any thoughts on which one is better?

Great plane, I have a GMS 32 on Mine. Its so light it will almost thermal.
The only things I don't like about it are inverted requires full down elevator and unless the landing is perfect it doesn't want to stay on the ground. Rolls are slow and require down elevator in the middle or nose up in the beginning.
I don't have any expierience with any other trainer so I can't compare it. It was my 6th plane -still loved it, If anything happens to this one I will definately get another.
I have had mine next to a 60 size Tower trainer there isn't much difference in the size.

I'll second what everyone is saying about the pin-striping and decals coming off. It's not an issue for me, as the value in a trainer is not in its' looks but in how well it flies.

There is a local club that uses 'em for amateur pylon racing (46 max engine, tower trainer airframe).