I just mastered my Hobbico Nexstar trainer and ready for a new plane. Im looking for an ARF that is easy to put together cosidering ive never built a plane. Also an ARF that is really good with aerobatics that are smooth and fast but also slow and stable flier when i want it to be and somewhat but not to touchy on the controls, because that what type of planes that i want to get into and also war birds like the P-51 or Spitfire but i know their not aerobatic and arnt a very good second plane. Also im on a budget of about $400. So im looking for a plane that i could take servos, engine, and etc... out of my nexstar so i wouldent have to spend much more on extra stuff besides the ARF kit. So if your familiar with the Nexstar i want my second plane to be able to take the same stuff. The Nestar is a 4 channel plane if that helps any. So thanks to anyone who takes the time to give me their advice or what they reccomend.


Thanks, Matt

sig something extra is a good one . it will get jiggy and come home in one peace . there 199.99 worth it to or 4 star 40 arf 149.99

My advice is a little more mild of an aircraft than the Something Extra. Go with a Four-Star 40.

Same easy to build high quality lazer cutting. (a few more parts to deal with)

The performance will be a noticeable improvement from the high wing trainer... but it won't be as touchy as the Somethin Extra would be.

The one thing you need to do to get best success with the Four-Star... put on a longer lower pitch prop. 10X6 on a .40... it won't slow down for landing with the engine running. 11X4 and it will make the smoothest landings yuo could want... come to a full stop and then you can hit the throttle and fly some more. (practice landings and take-offs. its good for you, and your airplanes.)

Don't try to advance too fast... you just end up breaking balsa.

The Hangar 9 Arrow is a top-wing trainer with less dihedral than the NexSTAR, plus it has a semi-semetrical wing. Might be good for practicing more aerobatic maneuvers. They recommend the plane as an aerobatic trainer.

Either the Sig 4* or the Goldberg tiger 2! Both are easy build ARFs and great planes to fly!

sig four star is the way to go, thats the way I went and it has worked out great.

the four star was my second plane, and my first kit, it was very easy to build.

I would get a sig 4 star but the engine size it requires a .40 engine and the one in my nexstar is a .46 and i got to transfer all my stuff from my nexstar now rember i dont have much money and matching a plane with my nexstars stuff would save me loads of money.

Im thinking about going with the sig somethin extra it looks like a great plane for aerobatics and a good way to learn them, also anyone know if it can fit the same stuff as my nexstar. What do you guys think and can this plane fly 3d?

The 46 from your Nextstar will be fine for the 4 Star. People running 4 Strokes in them from 52's to 70's.

The .46 is not excessive on the Four Star 40. It will do very nicely. Stick on an APC 12.25 X 3.73 and it will just about torque roll if you get good enough. (span is a bit much for torque rolls on a 12 inch prop)

The .52 4-stroke is about the same power as the .46. A .72 is really too much for the 40 size. (its the recommended 4-stroke for the 60 size)

Rage59,

You're getting some really good advice with regards to the 4 Star 40. I've been an instructor now for about 15 years or so, and I would have suggested a low wing taildragger trainer. The 4 Star fits this catagory perfectly. Your engine and radio will be just fine.

What about a stick? I have had the Hangar 9 Ultra Stick and the Thunder Tiger Tiger Stick. Stick planes are really great and I'll tell you why. You can set up a Stick to be a mild Sunday flier, or you can set it up so it will flat spin, snap roll, fly inverted, and do pretty much anything you want. It is a great transition plane and there are Stick planes out there from every company and it doesn't matter which one you get, they all perform the same and they all have a wide range of aerobatic ability.

Goldberg Tier II all the way...my be a good chance to try to start to build since the kit pretty much builds itself.
A SE would be a goo choice too. the plane's s, stable enough and for 75 bucks its also worth trying to put it together. Really easy to build. Dont even have to sand
Build a kit, dude, it will give u enough experience to be light yers ahead of ur plane. if u buy the SE just make sure u put it below low rates.
Theres my 2 pennies [8D]

How about a Phoenix Dolphin 40......they are nice low wing trainer, tail dragger and have more Rudder than the 4 star 40. It's more aerobatic and very light. Comes 99 percent prebuilt with pilot.
Next I would consider is the Vmar line of planes. Pilot, controls installed and flashy looking on the ground and air.
Both of the above models are reasonably priced with less work putting together and will accept your trainer electronics and engine.

I'm going to jump in with my usual recommendation; the Great Planes Super Sportster. Take a look at it, similar flight characteristics to the 4 *, but a LOT better looking.

It needs to be landed a bit faster than the 4*, but it's a delight to fly, and the 46 is more than enough power! My first one flew really well with an OS 40FP. Just bought a new one this last year and fly it with a 54 four stroke.
Dennis-