so confused,
all trainers seem ok but have three final options.
Global RMC 40 trainer ARF or Sig LT40 ARF or larger thunder tiger 60 ARF trainer.
Thanks

Hey,

I can't speak for the other two but I have an LT-40. It is probably the largest trainer. It flies great! It is very stable. It has a fairly good size dihedral (wings are angled upwards) which makes it self correct. I like mine a lot. However the main think I don't like about it is that it does not roll that well. It will roll, but it requires elevator. I don't like that. But other than that I think it is a great plane. If it is trimmed right it practically flies itself.


Do a search on trainers and you will find tons and tons of peoples recommendations.

Best of luck.

Wings

I say get the thunder tiger 60 ARF trainer, as it's got a bigger engine in it (and it's got a bigger span too), plus you can learn to fly using a 61 size engine trainer). If you where getting the Sig LT-40 in kit form then I would put in a 61 size engine, as the ARF one has only has a 40 in it. The thunder tiger 60 ARF trainer, or the Sig LT-40 using 61 size engine (which mine does) will have more punch in windy days unlike a plane fitted with a smaller engine. Planes with smaller engines will be blown about more by windy weather.

That's probably not a bad idea Hooleydog if you like a lot of power.

Not to disagree with you, because it obviously worked for you and you like it.

I would just like to add that I have an evo .46 NT in mine. I have been flying it a couple of months. I am by far and expert buy I am comfortable with the plane and my evo provided more than enough power for me.

My plane does get knocked around on very windy days, but that has only happend once over the past couple months. And damn, was it wind!

But everyone's power requirments are different.

Good luck hooleydog with whatever you choose. But if you decide to get the 61 that would allow you to put that engine in a larger "second" plane. But check out the costs, they are more.

Wings

I would look at the Nexstar!
From what I've heard (read)...
It's gonna be the best starter plane out there.
At least for a few months.... hehehe
If you've never flown before this plane SEEMS to be the hot ticket.
The combo deals comin out today really will make starting up in the hobby a real pleasure.

True wings the cost is more but, I do like 61 size trainers. Anyhow I've already fitted a Thunder Tiger Pro 61 into my LT-40 using a different engine mount. I've been to websites showing some people flying LT-40's with 61's in it.

Here's one site

http://www.rcplane.org/plane_home_page.htm

The LT .40 is realy closer to a .60 size plane, and fly good with a >40 But great with a .60!!

Try the NexSTAR by Hobbico. I just did a review on it which will very soon be published here in the RCU magazine. This week or next I expect. You can see the NexSTAR in more detail in the meantime at http://www.hobbiconexstar.com It is an excellent choice as noted above by aimmaintenance

That NexStar does look pretty sweet. But it's still just a trainer. If it doesn't cost anymore than the other trainers I'd get it. Bells and whistles don't teach you how to fly. As for it's funny built in upgrade path. Why? I wouldn't mess with a nice trainer, someone else might want to learn to fly with it someday. A real 2nd plane is so much better than trying to soup up a trainer. - Joe

LT-40 IS A GREAT FLYER, CANT COMMENT ON THE OTHERS, BUT LT WILL GIVE YOU GOOD CHANCE TO SUCCEED LEARNING SKILLS NEEDED TO FLY.
[8D]

The LT-40 is one of the best trainers out there. I know at least a half dozen people who have learned on them. That's my recommendation.

Hooleydog,
I don't mean to split hairs, but an ARF does not come with an engine, RTF's come with engines.

All,
Most of these trainers are called 40 size for a reason. They were designed to fly on 40 size engines, and fly fine on a 40. A 40 was about all anyone used on a trainer until about 6 or 8 years ago, then suddenly everyone started putting 46's on them. A 46 will yank these things off the ground in 50 feet in many cases, and make that trainer climb at a 45+ degree angle.

Slightly more power CAN be a good thing, and CAN help get you out of trouble, but it can also cause your plane to hit the ground that much faster if you don't know what your doing.

A 61 in a 40 size trainer is ridiculous. It severely overpowers the plane, and you run the risk of ripping the wings off if you aren't careful. Try going into a full power dive and pulling hard up. But take video 'cuz I want to see it.

While I've conceded that a 46 is a decent idea, a 61 is just foolish. One of the things that no one seems to learn anymore is how to "fly on the wing". Eventually, such as in a deadstick with that warbird some day, you will really need to know how to conserve energy. If you haven't flown a plane with moderate power, you'll never learn how.

If you have a 46 in your trainer, try flying an entire flight at 1/2 to 2/3 throttle. From taxiing to landing approach, and include some loops and rolls. (For you Hooleydog, try it at 1/3 to 1/2 throttle.)

I guarantee that most of your trainers are capable of flying on a 32 to 35, but doubt that anyone who learned with a 46 could do it, only because they haven't learned how to conserve the aircraft's energy.

Okay, I'm finished with my lecture, and feel much better.
Dennis-

Contact Hobbypeople.net, they're having a sale on their RCM trainer starting on the 26th (Nov.) for $69.00. This may be for "in store" only, however, it doesn't hurt to ask.

I have the Lanier Explorer, that I paid $79 for at Tower Hobbies.

You have many choices, eh?

If you are just learning, stick with the 40 size trainers, and buy yourself a good 46 BB motor.

Gary

Hello Hooleydog:

Just my 2 cents worth. of the planes you are thinking of go for the LT40. Sig makes a great product. A nice 45-46 ball bearing engine is the ticket. I do not have one YET but I hear good things about the Thunder Tiger 46PRO. You cannot go wrong with this combo. A ggod 45 will teach you how to fly the plane not the motor. You just do not need that much power. I say an LT40 and go for it, enjoy.

Mark Shuman

LT40 can perform almost any maneuver that an Extra can. Depending on the pilots skills. Not quite as cleanly but I can do it. A fellow clubmember had HAD one until 2 weeks ago when he ripped the wing off of it doing rolling circles. With a good pilot Ive seen it do every acrobatic maneuver known to man. I have flown it as a trainer and it is every bit as gentle as my big Kadet Senior. If you want both benefits, take about 1/2 of the dihedral out of the wing.

LT-40. I always recommend the kit. It is easy to build and requires that you buy some basic tools. With these tools you can repair your plane when it breaks. It is going to break, unless you don't fly it. I flew an LT-40 when I started out and there were little repairs that needed to be made, but by building my own plane, I was ready to make the necessary repairs and get back to flying quickly. I did not make any major repairs, but there were several small ones.

I agree that it makes a great flyer with a ball bearing 46 size engine. I would recommend a 46 size over the 60 size planes because there are many more kits and arf's out there in the 46 size. If you step up from your trainer, there will be more selection available to you. Good luck, and welcome aboard.

The LT-40 also has the most complete kit out there. It comes with tank, tires, etc. You only need a few things to complete it.

Trust me, you do NOT want to spend $130 for a SIG trainer when you can get a MUCH cheaper one that will fly just as good. The price difference between some of these will buy you the motor. Thats what you want for your FIRST trainer....something to learn with, thats going to take a beating. One that's going to teach you how to fly, and a plane you are NOT attached to. I know that it's hard not getting attached to your first plane, but after you learn, and if you still want to hone your skills, buy a different trainer, or you can step up to the next level.

Here's my reasoning:



$70 for the plane
$130 for the LT40

Note: I did not add tax or shipping to either one. If you can by one locally....great..save the shipping. If you buy from Tower and spend at least $150, you have NO tax and free shipping.

Ok, that's a difference of $60! That will buy you a great condition used/already broken-in motor. Or, put that toward a new one. The benefit of used is, when your done with the plane, you GO FLY IT....and not spend additional time going thru the breaking in of a new motor.

Hmph....there's my 2 and 1/2 cents worth...

Gary

DB,

I agree with your post. I would like to add that I used the 3 bladed evo prop with my evo 46 untill the last couple of weeks. I was COMPLETELY amazed at the difference in power when putting a 10 inch double bladed prop.

So I think if you get a 46 and start with the evo trainer prop, you get the best of both worlds. Start out with less power until you are comfortable, spend 3 bucks on a prop to get the rest of the power out of your engine.


Wings

What a deal on the RCM....they're good planes. For about another $69.00
you can get a Magnum .46 to go with it.... It doesn't make sense to me
to build a kit for a first time plane....you know what's gonna happen to it. [X(]

A few busted nose wheels, busted firewall, a few cart-wheels, and flip-overs....
I'm with you....I'd beat up on the cheap ARF trainer....and then maybe think
about a kit....

Dave.

Or even a "nicer" ARF.

Dave,

I have more sense than money (at times ), and can not see the other's reasoning. Hey, if you want to buy the very best ARF trainer, with the very best motor, and the top o' the line radio for your very first plane...go for it. I would prefer to spend less on the "destined for the Hefty" first one, and put the "extra" money in the kitty for the 2nd plane that's going to be the one you're more attached to. Plus, it's going to last ya a little longer....hopefully!

Ok, I'm done with with this. Good luck, with whatever you choose. Have fun, as that's what this hobby is all about.

Gary