I have decided to take the next step from a nitro 2channel trainer to a 3 channel and better performing plane. The problem is the more i read the more i am confused on which way to go. Do i go battery or nitro power? How long are the flying time comparisons? How are the performance issues? and is it easy to take the motor, battery and remote control and put in a different model if you wreck the other one. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated as i am looking forward to warmer weather and getting into this neat hobby. Also if it helps i have decied on a budget of $375.00

Generally, unless noise is a problem you'll be happier with a glow fuel powered plane.

Moving up from a 2 ch you will probably need to start with a near trainer-like aircraft. There's a HUGE performance difference when moving up from most of the current 2 ch planes. Something such as the SPAD 'Debonair' would be appropriate. You'll also be best off getting bit of assistance the first few flights...

Everything you learned with the 2 ch plane will still apply... the difference is kind of like moving from a pedal car to a Ferrari though. you'll be VERY likely to overcontrol and overcorrect.)

The budget shouldn't be a problem... $120 for a decent 4 ch radio system. $70 for a decent .40 class engine, and the airplane istelf... could be a scratch-built from plans at www.spadtothebone.com. (CHEAP, easy durrable.) Leaving a LOT of $$ available in your budget. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

There's also the package deal on the Avistar... Appx $320 includes radio engine and airframe... add fuel and a bit of ground support equip and still be under $375.

(Lots of options...)

Ok,I've got the flamesuit on.

Batteries are for flashlights[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-sad.gif[/img][img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

This question has been, and is, an ongoing controversy throughout the hobby/sport. I personally have flown both types. Glow power is not any cheaper than good electrics. I have two battery powered and three nitro powered aircraft and the biggest problem right now is where to hang them. (I also have three RC sailboats)
As to flight times you can build a battery powered sailplane that will fly until your neck gets too tired to stay up any longer. The same is true for a glow powered sailplane.
For conventional aircraft nitro stays up longer if you put in a larger fuel tank. For electrics, batterys with higher numbered MaH ratings make the flight longer, especially if you don't fly at full throttle all the time. Scale or sport both require design compatible with the power source. Glo fuel has to be purchased on a regular basis and it is no surprise that it is not reusable. Batteries if maintained properly according to type may last for years. When was the last time you had to replace a TX battery ? That is not to say that batteries are cheap. A good 7 cell 2400 MaH pack will cost up to $60 and you should have three. One in the air, one charging and one cooling.
With that set up you can fly all day only changing batteries after each flight, much the same as refueling a nitro aircraft.
If you have a large glow engine you may use a gallon of fuel in two weekends at about $15 per gallon. Our club has a deal on glo fuel and I buy it by the case four gallons for $52. A good option for electric is a GWS Slow Stick. The airplane is almost an ARF and only costs $34.95 complete with motor, prop, wheels and all. The batteries are about $23 each (I have two) and the speed control is about $39. You can fly this one in the street in front of your house when you get home from work. Electrics are quiet. Try flying a nitro powered aircraft any place but one of our fast disappearing airfields and the neighbors will hang you in effigy. The average distance traveled by AMA members to flying fields, at last survey, was about 27.6 miles. There are so many variables That you will have to take a number of things into account.
As to taking the parts of a crashed aircraft and putting them into another plane, that too is a variable. How bad was the wreck ? I have ruined glow engines in a crash and bent the prop shaft on electrics. Batteries and fuel tanks are almost always reusable. Wheels can even be broken. What ever decision you make should be after consulting with your local flyers. Maybe they'll even let you watch both types to help you make up your mind.
Performance is a matter of design. Don't try to match the pilots of Top Gun or the NEAT electric Fair. They make fine articles in the magazines but do not reflect the actual world we sport flyers live in.
Good luck. You have a tough decision so don't hurry into it.

I'am glad you don't live near me !!!

NITRO! Ive had 3 electric planes, most flights ive had with them is 3. I had 2 nice ones but eventually the antennah messed up so it goes outa range after takeoff and the other one doesnt turn left, dont knwo why (the rudder DOES move but it doesnt turn!). anyway, I didnt read everyones stuff but my nitro/gas plane is called the avistar. I spent almost $550 in a complete RTF kit, starter kit, fuel, spare props, feild recharger, 12v charger, buddybox and a buddybox link cable. the RTF kit is $309 or something, but you NEED that $50 starter kid (includes glow starter, chicken stick, fuel crank). but Ive flown it 4 times already. this sat I'm goin again. keep in mind i got it a month ago so ive gone every weekend so far [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] SOOOO MUCH FUN! go gas/nitro, you wont regret it! just get a buddybox and an instructor so you know what youre doin!.

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