Go ahead and post your opinons on some really REALISTIC looking planes. Planes in the cessna/cub range you know what i mean... Im starting my research for a second plane.

GP Cessna 182. Very realistic appearance and flies just like your trainer. (careful about bad stall-spin tendancy if ailerons are drooped)

Actually... there are a ton of nice Cessnas and Cubs out there...

Oh man oh man you'll probably end up getting reply's all over the place on this one. Personally of your looking for High wing trike gear the GP 1.50 sized cessna wins by a mile. Pick up issue 5 of fly rc great review. High wing taildragger would have to go to the GP Cub. Now the low wing taildragger has ALOT of planes it in. Nearly all the GP models look fantastic. The shoestring being my favoite civilian. Also Top Flite has alot of BEAUTIFUL warbird kits.My favorite might just be theP-40. I think if you give what kind of plane you want <ex. High wing trike gear> You'll get better results if not your answers will be all over the place.

My.02

[8D]dude your going for the GOLD! The favorite of mine would have to be the Cessna 182 by hanger 9, i bought a 80 cub from hanger 9, for my second and im waiting for the ice to thaw and install my floats, heres some pics

1 http://www.midmad.com/images/airplan...l/8623_std.jpg

2 http://www.midmad.com/images/airplan...l/8435_std.jpg

3 http://www.midmad.com/images/airplan...l/8643_std.jpg

HOPE THE CESSNA SURVIVES $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Well... theres always an exception...but generally, Cubs don't make the best second plane. Although they are fun to fly...you must "fly" them. Just my pennies worth.

H9 has a nice lookin Cessna 182

I like the cub due to rudder, it helps me get more familarized with my radio becuase its a gentle flyer and you have to add rudder alot. its speacialy cool when you do slow fly byes with the 4 stroke in it, it sounds awsome!

When I started I was hooked on how realistic an airplane looked. Some people still are and they're into scale. When I first started I could not stand some of the colors I saw at the field. Cub yellow and neon greens and metallic purples on the same plane - Yeecck - did they ever clash. I've been flying 4 years now. I'm not an expert but I'm starting to fly with a lot more precision and I'm bring most of my planes back in one piece, at least most of the time.

I said all that to say this. I no longer care what an airplane looks like - I care how it flys. I no longer care about what colors clash - I care that I can see it top from bottom left from right.

For your second airplane get something that flys well - forget about scale for a while. I'd look at a stick or a Four Star or a Tiger 2. You stand a much better chance of bring it home. Just my 2 cents.

EDIT Good looking is a Sig Rascal 40. Knife edges all day long.

John

If Tiger II arf, be prepared for some nasty redrilling and parts getting etc.

PS Try adding stuff to the bottom of the Tiger II to be easier to see.

Alright, looks like a "second plane" like the one i want, would cost at least $800... Ill stick to my $200 alpha for now [&o]

Well never mind. The 80in cub from H9 looks like my favorite pick, although I would get both the cessna and cub if I won the lottery.
Anyways, on the horizon site, it says the H9 80 cub :

Engine Size: .40 - .48 (2-stroke), .45 - .60 (4-stroke)
Radio: 4 channel
Servos: 4

If that's true, can't i just use the parts from my alpha trainer? That would be ideal...

I read the hole damn manual for the hangar 9 cub, and WOW. THAT'S my plane. The kit is amazing, especially the details it comes with. Im definately gona buy a 4-stroke saito .56 gk to go with it, even if it takes me ages to save. But its worth it, it looks like an exact copy. This will be my 1st scale plane in my collection.

You shouldn't have to worry about it. In a recent post you said you could make $200 in two weeks, so all you have to do is wait two months to buy the plane you really want, right?
Dennis-

Well yeah, today I thought up a plan, and checked out costs. I would have to buy only 1 extra servo, the arf cub, and the 4 stroke engine. Sold something on ebay today plus something i have saved, turns out I only need $120 more! Or less, thats with horizon's expensive prices...

OV10 Bronco. KIT!! If you can build that you are the man.

I have to agree with JNorton about the Sig Rascal 40. Although it has a "traditional" sort of appearance, it is beautifully put together and will outperform the Cubs and Cessnas of the ARF world. Easy to fly with a 40-46 size engine. Lightweight but large enough to see at altitude.

Ross

Well, that's why i asked the pros... Ill have to check that rascal out, although I want an actual model :/

Nah, you did not ask the pros for their opinion you just wanted your own opinion verified. We all do that to an extent, but in case I can change your mind with a model of a plane that could be real but isn't. Here goes.

Later,
John

And that looks better than a cub or cessna?

All in the eye of the beholder. Have fun with your Cub when you get it. When the tail comes up on take off leave it on the ground a little bit more to build up speed or I guarantee you will tip stall it. The Cubs tail flys way before the wing is ready to. The only other problem with the Cub is that because of the narrow landing gear and the large tail it likes to weathervane in a crosswind. Learn how to use the rudder and you'll be okay. If you don't it will bite you. It is like other people have tried to tell you not really a good second airplane as it has some quirks. Have fun, I like and have flown them both.

John

Well, the cessna is basically a trainer... so where am i gona get here then??

Do a search for 2nd plane. Second airplanes are to learn to fly, not just control the airplane. Trainers teach you basic controls. Forget about how an aircraft looks until you can fly under different weather and lighting conditions, until you can know what your aircraft is doing ahead of time, until you are flying instead of reacting to the bird. Fly the 2nd aircraft until you are no longer fooled by it's orientation or how it's colors look against different skys.

Your second plane should have excellent wing loading and be forgiving. You are learning much more than just how to control the aircraft. You are learning wind conditions. For example flying in a 15 MPH wind you must keep your landing speed higher than normal on the down wind leg or when your turn for approach your aircraft will stall, usually a tip stall with no recovery. I lost my 2nd plane a 4 Star 60 because I was used to flying later on in the morning. I went out with a friend early in the morning did not take note of where the sun was, made my usual landing approach - lost it in the sun. You should learn crosswind landings - using the rudder - knife edge - slips.

This hobby is expensive, monetarily and emotionally. We get attached to our airplanes. We want you in it for the long haul, not to become so disappointed after you crash your beautiful scale model, because of lack of experience, that you quit.

John

Edit --> I would take a long look at a World Model Super Stunts $99.00 stick 66" WS
http://www.ecsvr.com/abm/shopdisplayproducts.asp?page=2

I read your first paragraph, and what if i already "fly under different weather and lighting conditions, know what my aircraft is doing ahead of time, am flying instead of reacting to the bird?

Have fun. Get your cub. I'm still learning weather conditions and orientation. This is my 4th year. Last year burned 9 gallons of fuel on a Four Star 40 with clipped wings and I still won't say I've mastered it.
See ya,
John

You have to remember john, he is 14, been flying for a couple weeks, and has almost burned maybe a gallon of fuel. He is ready for the masters. Us "OLD" guys don't know anything according to him.