I am new to this hobby and looking to get an ARF kit and start training.

I have already decided on the 9CAP as my radio, but I am stuck on the trainer I want.

I hate the blocky look of most trainers, but I understand the need for a training plane. I think I have found a compromise in the SIG line of aircraft.

I am down to 2 choices, both 40 size and I plan to run O.S. FS-70 Ultimate 4-stroke in the one I choose assuming it fits. The choices are the Sig Kadet Senior 40 or the Sig Rascal 40.

From my research both should be nice as a trainer plane since I do have some basic skills already down, but I was hoping to get some advice from those that have flown these planes. I would love to hear from the old timers on this: is the FS-70 too much engine for the planes, and if so can you suggest another solid performing 4-stroke, is the rascal an easy plane to land since I will be using it as a trainer, etc..?

I am assuming you can see from the kit I am looking to buy that I am not looking to go cheap so if you suggest a different engine or plane base it off of performance and realibility and not off of price please. [sm=biggrin.gif]

Welcome to the hobby. You will be addicted before you know it. Before you jump in with both feet let me make one suggestion. Unless you are endowed by excessive funds, and even if you are, I would suggest a good reliable 2 stoke engine for your first plane. TT, OS or Magnums would be my suggestion. When learning to fly, occasionally mishaps happen, and it would be a shame to put an expensive engine at risk. In addition, if you stay in the hobby, this will not be you only engine. You will soon be adding to your fleet.

It appears you are committed to the hobby, and in as such your choice of radio is excellent. Your choice of trainers are fair. I wish I could help you about the two you have suggested, but have not flown either. Perhaps a 4 star 40 may be on your list as well. Great flyer, look good and can be used as a trainer. This is just my 2 cents worth, usually based on saving a few bucks. Good luck. Perhaps others can advise you on the opinions of the two planes you have

I've not flown a rascal, but there are a few at my club that get flown around quite a bit. It doesn't appear to fly like a trainer, at least not the way the guys here fly it. It's a lot cleaner, and therefore can travel a lot faster. I haven't seen anyone try to spin it, but it is capible of things like outside loops that most trainers can't do in their "stock" configuration. I talked with one of the pilots a bit about it, he said it was more netural than he expected, making it a lot of fun, but less like the trainer-like floater it looks like, and his flights bear that out.

I haven't seen anyone have ground handling troubles with the Rascal, but the gear is set a bit narrow, so it might be harder to learn takeoffs with.

This really isn't quite enough information, but based on what little I do know, I'd suggest going for the Kadet over the Rascal as a trainer.

Of the two, i would recommend the Kadet.

PS. And don't shy away from 4-stroke engines, they are not nearly as bad as some people make them out to be. I know many fliers who have used nothing but 4-strokes right from the get-go.

Thanks for the advice guys.

As far as the four stroke. I just can't stand the noise a 2 stroke makes. The 4-stroke just sounds right. I have also not seen many crashes destroy the engines especially if you keep it at low throttle like the 70 will allow me to do, so I expect to see this engine get hung on at least 2 planes.

My vote is for the Senior Kadet. I've flown my friend's (student) many, many times. A real nice docile foater type flying plane.

If those are your two choices, go with the Senior. A good trainer and all around fun relaxing airplane. The Rascals I have seen fly could be trainers but definitely not a first choice.

I hate to recommend an ARF, but the Sig Senior ARF is built about the way I'd build a Senior. Less dihedral, ailerons, and appears to be quite aerobatic with some power. I think it'd make a great trainer!

I would get the Sig Kadet LT-40. The rascal doesnt fly quite like
a trainer. I have both of the above sigs and the LT-40 is the best
trainer I have ever flew. I like it better than the seniors series.