Actually, I posted this in the 3D flying forum and didnt get a response, so I am pasting it here

The monsoon is currently on in my nick of the woods and there is little to do on weekends. I was considering building a kit. After my experiment couple of years back with a US40+ kit that claimed to be 3d but wasnt and flew a bit too hot, I really need to know which kit to purchase. Now, I know that kits usually aren't 3D capable but I need the airplane to be a easy flier, that can do stunts, a little of 3D and be a peaceful Sunday flier when I need it to. Also I need it to take a FS91SII or 75ax. I was considering one of the following

GP Extra 300 60 size
Sig Somethin' Extra
Sig Hog Bipe

Please tell me which of these or ANY OTHER to take. I am not an advanced builder, someone else had to finish my US40+ for me because of the mistakes I made then but I was able to build about 70% of it OK. My current ARFs are a Phoenix Topstar (UCD60), Phoenix Extra330S 60-90 and GP Reactor 46. Note that I already have a Extra and I will be flying it once the field clears up in December. Till then, I need a cheap sturdy kit

Ameyam

I'm considering a Sig Hog Bipe for my winter project. I have heard though that Sig are still struggling to produce kits? Not sure of the availability of them.

Here's my ever so humble opinion ...

The SSE (Somethin' Extra) is a great easy build. And, the plane is just giggles and grins to fly. It'll take an OS 46 AX and we've got a guy that bolted a Saito 115 on the firewall. Plenty of build threads and bash suggestions galore. I've built 2 1/2 and will be working on another soon (after I finish my GP Extra 300S). I really enjoy it with an OS 46 AX and an APC 12.25 x 3.75 prop. Many like the OS 55 AX. I could see a Saito 82 as well.

The Hog Bipe is not so easy a build - but it's still a SIG kit - a good build anytime. The result is very satisfying though biplanes are a bit different. I'm learning to appreciate it's "personality". Mine's got a Saito 100. It includes a Fiberglass Specialties cowl. There's at least one build thread - mine.

The GP Extra 300S - mines work-in-progress. The build is helped by the fact that I've built about 10 planes. Several very good build threads. I'm building mine as a 330S - all control surfaces have counters. Also have sheeting for the entire wing though the jury is still out - it will add weight and according to others - not the best idea.

All in all - the SSE is just stupid fun. The Hog Bipe is a bit of a pucker until I get it trimmed. The Extra 300S - if it's flight characteristics are anything like my Aero-works Edge 540T 40/60 (OS 91 FX) it's gonna take some attention to details during flight!

HTH

And - ya gotta do a build thread!!!!

They suggested to go for the GP Extra mainly due to my engine selection. If the SSE is a easier build and better flier, should I go for that?

Also, what airplane are the last two pictures you posted?

To get either airplane to atleast hover, I will need to enlarge the control surfaces. Are there any guidelines to that?

Ameyam

Seamus is showing you his Hog Bipe and his Sig SSE. The Hog has nothing going on in the way of 3-D but it is a great stunt plane. Just having the extra wing would present you with more problems then you may want to handle or have the correct tools to set the wings correctly. The SSE is an easier build. I don't fly 3-D but I have gotten them to hover. Not long but that was a pilot thing. The GP Extra is a great plane in the air and not that hard to build. Sig and GP both have outstanding instructions to make them an easy build but like Jim mentioned, there is a bit more to it then the SIG. Keep the weight down on the GP and your .91 would be a good choice. As I said, I can't 3-D but the GP is another one I can get to hover. The last one I flew had the YS 1.10 in it. I would go for the GP but I have built a lot of planes. Ask yourself what one you like the best and go for it. I'm pretty sure you could build either one.

You will have a problem with prop clearance with the sig somethin extra and a 91fs or 75ax unless you make some adjustments.</p>

Looking at photos available of the GP Extra on the various forums and that of the SSE, the SSE seems to have a thicker airfoil and larger strip ailerons. Since the hinge line of the aileron is thicker, there is definately scope to make larger ailerons that will give more throw for 3D. I read through some of the myriad build threads and there seems to be a need to enlarge the rudder by 1" and the elevators by 1" to get more 3D control ability. This airplane seems to be more like the Twist than the GP Extra which seems to be more scale. However, it is 40 size and I am looking for 60 size.

What I like in the SSE is that it does not have the LG mounted in the wings. I noticed on my Phoenix Tiger 40 and my US40+ that is is impossible to keep the wing mounted slotted LG blocks from breaking if you have a hard landing or on our post-monsoon fields where landing in the tall grass is the recommended as compared on to the sandtrack or in the water on our horse-racing track. I know that there are some issues with the stock LG as well. I am sure that this airplane will be able to handle a 91 4 C as it is not more power than the 65 sized engines. Also I have a couple of 55s lying around

Any suggestions?

Ameyam

Because we are talking kit and not ARF there will only be weak points if you build the weak point in yourself. All ARFs have weak points, the LG block is usually one of them. Sometimes you can't get in to the fuse to reinforce that area. A kit build is your own product, if there is something you don't like or think it could be stronger you change it.
The SSE is a fun little plane but there is nothing scale about it. It's designed to be a fun type of plane and help newer people learn stunt flying. The Extra was designed to be more of an IMAC type of plane, most of the kit Extras are not designed for 3-D. The ARF Extras you see today have been designed with 3-D in mind.
Off the top of my head I can't think of a 3-D kit Extra so if that's your plan you will have to make the mods.
I'm not a big fan of ARFs but if your thinking of a pure 3-D plane you may want to just buy one.
The plane I'm building now has some big controls and is very light weight. I will be putting triple rates on it. Just because I don't fly 3-D doesn't mean I don't like to try, I'm just not fast enough these days!!