Trainer
#2
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From: Binghamton, NY
Not sure the exact model you got, as tower offers ARF options both with and without monokote covering, but tower offers an accessories needed page to suggest what you will need to finish building the model. If it does not come with covering you will need to buy that also, as well as a heat gun or iron to apply it with.
#4
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From: Rochester, NY,
You didn't mention if you are buying just the plane. engine, and TX or are getting the combo with servos as well. Maybe you found a deal on eBay? There are so many versions of this plane. But not a bad choice for a trainer.
I have the ARF. Believe the difference in some cases is the RTF is truly ready to fly with almost no building. Their wings slip together with a metal rod. Ask the seller which version this plane is. The wings, fuse, and tail feathers should already be covered. If not, this is a non-standard version of the Superstar. If the wing needs to be permanently glued together, servos/tray have to be installed, etc.....then your LHS will have all the required items for finishing the plane...don't bother with Tower for that stuff.
Look to Tower or the LHS for additional field items...glow ignitor, fuel, starter, etc.
I have the ARF. Believe the difference in some cases is the RTF is truly ready to fly with almost no building. Their wings slip together with a metal rod. Ask the seller which version this plane is. The wings, fuse, and tail feathers should already be covered. If not, this is a non-standard version of the Superstar. If the wing needs to be permanently glued together, servos/tray have to be installed, etc.....then your LHS will have all the required items for finishing the plane...don't bother with Tower for that stuff.
Look to Tower or the LHS for additional field items...glow ignitor, fuel, starter, etc.
#5
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From: Binghamton, NY
I wasn't suggesting that he buy that from tower because your LHS should have similair pricing and won't charge you for shipping, I was suggesting the web page to give suggestions as to what you might need to buy in order to finish the plane.
#6
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From: Lansing, MI
Things you'll need if you don't already have them might be:
Glow plug starter, glow fuel, a bulb or pump or some way to put the fuel into the plane and maybe fuel tubing. A chicken stick or a pair of heavy leather gloves so you keep all your fingers when starting the plane.
Things that won't hurt: Extra rubberbands for your wing, spare glow plug and a 4-way wrench, a spare prop.
That's a good start. I'm new also, so I probably forgot something. Oh, I know what I forgot! An instructor, and an AMA http://modelaircraft.org membership!
Glow plug starter, glow fuel, a bulb or pump or some way to put the fuel into the plane and maybe fuel tubing. A chicken stick or a pair of heavy leather gloves so you keep all your fingers when starting the plane.
Things that won't hurt: Extra rubberbands for your wing, spare glow plug and a 4-way wrench, a spare prop.
That's a good start. I'm new also, so I probably forgot something. Oh, I know what I forgot! An instructor, and an AMA http://modelaircraft.org membership!
#7
it is just the plane. I plan to buy the engine and radio seperate so that i can put them in my current project. Also while searching tower i found the original superstar <blu,pink, and yellow> it looks pretty cool and cheaper to.. oh and every thing is covered
#8
hey Superstar,
You're going with the same setup I am. I did get the original Superstar, the pink sucks. Just got my EVO trainer system yesterday, have yet to get the radio and am going to my LHS for that. Same price as Tower for the 6EXA minus the coupon voucher and I can't specify my channel but I'd rather give them a little money.
Also just picked a Thunder Tiger Sidekick, just a cardboard tote with a chicken stick, manual fuel pump, 4way wrench, coiled fuel tubing, silicon fuel tubing, fuel can cap with fittings, glow starter with charger and thats about it. for $35. another $12 for Cool Master 10%.
You're going with the same setup I am. I did get the original Superstar, the pink sucks. Just got my EVO trainer system yesterday, have yet to get the radio and am going to my LHS for that. Same price as Tower for the 6EXA minus the coupon voucher and I can't specify my channel but I'd rather give them a little money.
Also just picked a Thunder Tiger Sidekick, just a cardboard tote with a chicken stick, manual fuel pump, 4way wrench, coiled fuel tubing, silicon fuel tubing, fuel can cap with fittings, glow starter with charger and thats about it. for $35. another $12 for Cool Master 10%.
#9
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From: Rochester, NY,
Just a few suggestions since I built this plane..........
If you're buying just the plane confirm that it comes with the the following........
1) Assembly manual...if not, this can be downloaded at the Hobbico site.
2) The pane comes with all the hardware...landing gear, pushrods, wheels, guide tubes, engine mounting, etc.
3) All the wood components to complete the build.
4) Gas tank.
These may seem like insignificant things but as you assemble the plane you will not be able to progress thru the various stages until you have these items. Does the Tx/Rx come with servos?
These will have to be installed. You'll need 4. The aelerons require one to operate both aelerons and, depending on the wing joining method, will have to be mounted a certain way. The standard SS 40 hardware comes with a "clamping" type arrangement to mount the engine although it can be alternately (and most preferred) to drill and bolt the engine on.
Not familiar with that particular engine but confirm that it will physically fit the plane. I know the OS 46 FX will.
Just thought I'd try to be helpful since there's nothing more frustrating than getting the plane almost finished then having to go back and make changes to fit the guts. If your model doesn't contain most of the items I mentioned, then you're really into a pure "kit" scenario. Make sure you're buying the complete assembly. Looking into the SS 40 (non combo) unit would be the better way to go if your purchase doesn't include all the basic parts.
If you're buying just the plane confirm that it comes with the the following........
1) Assembly manual...if not, this can be downloaded at the Hobbico site.
2) The pane comes with all the hardware...landing gear, pushrods, wheels, guide tubes, engine mounting, etc.
3) All the wood components to complete the build.
4) Gas tank.
These may seem like insignificant things but as you assemble the plane you will not be able to progress thru the various stages until you have these items. Does the Tx/Rx come with servos?
These will have to be installed. You'll need 4. The aelerons require one to operate both aelerons and, depending on the wing joining method, will have to be mounted a certain way. The standard SS 40 hardware comes with a "clamping" type arrangement to mount the engine although it can be alternately (and most preferred) to drill and bolt the engine on.
Not familiar with that particular engine but confirm that it will physically fit the plane. I know the OS 46 FX will.
Just thought I'd try to be helpful since there's nothing more frustrating than getting the plane almost finished then having to go back and make changes to fit the guts. If your model doesn't contain most of the items I mentioned, then you're really into a pure "kit" scenario. Make sure you're buying the complete assembly. Looking into the SS 40 (non combo) unit would be the better way to go if your purchase doesn't include all the basic parts.
#10
Hey Action Verb:
How long did it take you to assemble your superstar? Also when you get it flying i'd like to here how it goes.
jrpnde
It comes with everything listed in your post. Also the radio does come with servo's. 4 ball bearing S3004's. Any other tips? Oh and i will probably bolt the engine mount on.
I'm going with the Hobbico Complete tote box. Comes with Power panel, glow clip, 12v starter, electronic fuel pump, battery,and 5' recoil fuel tubing. Also when i get the evolution engine i will switch over to an 11x6 prop and nylon 2 1/4 inch spinner.
How long did it take you to assemble your superstar? Also when you get it flying i'd like to here how it goes.
jrpnde
It comes with everything listed in your post. Also the radio does come with servo's. 4 ball bearing S3004's. Any other tips? Oh and i will probably bolt the engine mount on.
I'm going with the Hobbico Complete tote box. Comes with Power panel, glow clip, 12v starter, electronic fuel pump, battery,and 5' recoil fuel tubing. Also when i get the evolution engine i will switch over to an 11x6 prop and nylon 2 1/4 inch spinner.
#11
I've probably got like 6-8 hours into it, no more than 10. But thats without installing and tweaking the radio gear, control throws and the throttle linkage.
Will definitely let you know how it goes, hopefully soon. I'm being kind of slow about it so you may get yours into the air sooner.
Will definitely let you know how it goes, hopefully soon. I'm being kind of slow about it so you may get yours into the air sooner.
#12
Thanks AV! I won't be getting mine till x-mas because my mom and dad are going halves on it and all req. stuff. By then i should have te engine and radio cause im buyin that with birthday money <dec 12> Hopefully I'll have it done before dec 26 because all i'll do x-mas day is eat, open presents, and work on plane, then ill go to another reletives and do it all over.
P.S. anoy one know a durable brand of snow skies?
P.S. anoy one know a durable brand of snow skies?
#14
No i didn't order it yet but i already have my second plane and i might have just won a P-51 mustang. Plus i figure the SS will be plenty aerobatic with a .46
#15
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From: Binghamton, NY
Normally as a beginner you probably don't want something overly aerobatic, rather something that flies slow, steady, and can give you confidence in your abilities before you start doing manuevers.
#16
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From: Raleigh,
NC
The [link=http://www.flyhobbies.com/combo.htm]Superstar 40 [/link] is a great trainer and very sturdy but Hobbico has a new one called the [link=http://www.hobbiconexstar.com/]NexStar[/link] that is incredible. It has an Active Flight Stabilization that keeps the plane flying level if a mistake is done. The parts assemble quite easy compared to the Superstar and its a whole package system so its a RTF.
I saw a 9 year old flying it with his dad and he soloed that same day. Quite an impressive trainer.
I saw a 9 year old flying it with his dad and he soloed that same day. Quite an impressive trainer.
#18

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From: Catoosa,
OK
The only problem I see with the NexStar, is that you are relying too much on the flight stabilization. That 9 year old that soloed with it probably couldn't do it with the stabilization turned off. IMO, learning without electronic help will make you a better pilot sooner. Unless you add this device to every model you build after the trainer, sooner or later you'll have to fly without it, and it might as well be the first plane.
Jesse
Jesse
#19
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From: Urbandale, IA
I agree, I was thinking of getting the add on, but figured it wouldn't do any good for when you get onto a plane that doesn't have one. The more you learn to recover from your mistakes the better. If you that worried about crashing, build a spad!
One the next note, I just checked out the site. The AFS can be tuned to senseativity. granted you may solo earlier, but you could still work on your flying and as you get better, tune it lower till your fully in control. I did notice that on the short clip, after it got straightened out, it started to dive. I would think that could be real bad. Also, I wonder if you were inverted what it would do.
Anyways, I already have my trainer so this is a mute point to me, but others, it could be really good.
One the next note, I just checked out the site. The AFS can be tuned to senseativity. granted you may solo earlier, but you could still work on your flying and as you get better, tune it lower till your fully in control. I did notice that on the short clip, after it got straightened out, it started to dive. I would think that could be real bad. Also, I wonder if you were inverted what it would do.
Anyways, I already have my trainer so this is a mute point to me, but others, it could be really good.
#20
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From: coal township, PA
To answer your question Superstar, YES! You made good choices. The kit should come with everyting you need. The items you chose are well suited for each other. The field gear and fuel and spare plugs and props are the only other things you will need. I suggest however that you get your own trainer chord. That way when you get to the field you are not stuck waiting for one individual or club member to arrive with one. Good luck.
Mark Shuman
Mark Shuman



