Good first biplane?
 

I've been flying for a few years, I like giant scale gas planes mostly. I'm not into fancy aerobatics or 3D flight, but I like the way sport planes handle. I've always flown single wing planes, Extra 300s and things. I want to get the Hanger 9 100cc Beast, but I want to get a feel for biplanes first.

What do you guys recommend as a good medium sized electric biplane to mess around with? An ARF or Spektrum BNF would be best.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Great Planes has some nice biplanes in that class. BNF limits you to Horizon and I don't think they have anything in that size. Their T-Craft fits your wants but isn't a biplane.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Really good comments mate,i'm in the same position as the poster

RE: Good first biplane?
 

A Skybolt is a GREAT medium sized introduction into bi-planes.

It does not fully exhibit the "stop on a dime" response to throttling off, and as biplanes go, has a pretty decent glide.

The long wings and tail give it more stability while keeping a biplane's typical aerobatic capabilities.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

A BIG ditto on the GP Skybolt!

RE: Good first biplane?
 

My first biplane was the 40 sized Ultimate from Airborne Models and before it, my most advanced plane was a 40 sized Cub. You should have no problem. It would lend its self to be a good canadate for electric power but I flew mine with an OS .50sx.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

The skybolt looks good. What about Eflite Pitts 15e?

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products...ProdID=EFL2550

RE: Good first biplane?
 

That's a lot less tame than the Skybolt

RE: Good first biplane?
 

And not what I would classify as "medium sized", especially compared to a 100cc plane.

Even a .40 Ultimate falls into a "small" boardering on "medium" catagory.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

another vote for skybolt....

RE: Good first biplane?
 

If you can find one, the Sig Giant Sundancer is a nice flying 50cc biplane.

Stan

RE: Good first biplane?
 

I had the Pitts M-12. It is definitely an exciting plane, but it made my heart pound when I flew it! You really have to be on the sticks! The Pitts will tend to fall out of a turn if you slow down too much.

I also had the E-flite Rhapsody. This bipe is much more tame than the Pitts, and a bit bigger. With the Power 32 motor and a 4S LiPo, she scoots along very quick, but slows nicely for landings.

But, if you're looking for something larger, a Skybolt is an excellent choice!

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Hmm the Rhapsody does look good. I want electric for my "introductory" biplane since I have tons of motors and ESCs lying around.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

The Sebart Miss Wind is a nice electric Bipe. It's a 50e class and uses 6S LiPo Packs.

It's a pattern plane that can 3D so you can set it up from mild to almost wild.

The Great Planes Reactor 61 would also be a good choice.

The Super Skybolt exhibits exactly the flying qualities you are seeking. It's a fantastic plane but is not really ideal for electric conversion.

Personally, if you are truly serious about progressing to a Beast 100cc then i would forget about electric for this "transition" choice and go with a small gas engine so you can get a feel for them too. A 100cc gasser is not the ideal way to learn about gas engines.

A Skybolt with an NGH 17cc or DLE 20 would be a good stepping stone.

Come to think of it, The Reactor .61 is a GP/EP model so you could start off with electric and convert it to gas later on. The NGH would fit well. I've seen DLE 20's crammed in there but it's ugly.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Oh yeah! I almost forgot about the Great Planes WACO!!! It will fly nicely on a DLE 20, but is a real blast with a DLE 30!!!

RE: Good first biplane?
 

I've flown gas planes before, just not a biplane.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

The Seagull 90 size Ultimate is one of the easiest bipes to fly, and also excels at 3D flying. It's a great first bipe.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

I had an eflite Pitts 15e. On a normal turn to line up for a landing at about 1/2 throttle, both the left wings folded up. Flew nice. Not built nice. Avoid it.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

I also had a World Models Ultimate 1.20 that was a lot of fun. It would be well-suited for a DLE 20. Nice flying bipe!

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Skybolt, Ultimates, Pitts, and of course a Lou Andrews Aeromaster! Love the old school stuff.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

No, not a pitts. Too snappy for a beginner

RE: Good first biplane?
 

A properly setup Pitts should be no problem for someone who flies Extras and such. My Cermark (first gen) flies quite well.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

Yup, stay away from the Pitts, it is NOT a good first biplane.

I learned that the hard way when I got my first even though I was very proficient with aerobatic and 3D planes at the time.

A smaller sized plane such as a .15 size or below, is even less suitable.


The Ultimates are nice, but landings will be "different" than what you may be used to.

The Skybolt, Aeromaster and Waco all have better glide capabilities and longer tails making them better suited for a first time foray into biplanes.

RE: Good first biplane?
 

If you're into WWl planes, I would highly recommend a H9 Sopwith Camel. Very easy to fly as long as you take off and land into the wind. I get comments from others at the field every time I fly as to how beautiful the plane flies and how big a smile I have on my face.http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...ular_smile.gif

Harry

RE: Good first biplane?
 

The GP WACO YMF 5D looks good, seems like i flies well judging by Mike's review.