I am looking for input as to the next plane to get. I get wind here that will go 20 - 25mph. Is there a rule to apply with regards to size / engine etc. as far as handling that type of wind? I understand that gusts change everything, also. I was thinking of a 4*60, but I could be convinced otherwise with the correct inputs. I would eventually like to get into scale WWII aircraft, my understanding is that they require a different sort of finesse to fly. ( Been doing it on the simulator for a while).

The 4*60 isn't a bad choice - just make sure you have plenty of power up front, certainly something a bit bigger than a .60. In strong wind, the best thing is being able to fly with authority, particularly when turning into the up-wind part of the circuit. You'll find that anything with a large wing area will get tossed around a bit, and you may find it floats a little on landing, but you probably already know that from your trainer.

I'd like a 4-60 for just everyday flying. It gets windy here too. I have watched 4-60's fly in some wind and i think i would be very tempted to shorten the wing one bay for better penetration. Stick type airplanes do pretty well in the wind and i won't eveny fly my P-40 unless i have a minimum 15mph wind. I have flown the p-40 in sustained 35-40 mph winds(for a demo at an airshow). I also have a Shoestring racer that likes wind. My 4*40 flies pretty good in it but jumps around alot on landings.
High wing loading seems to be the key for wind.

For "high wind" conditions, fast with a heavy wing loading is the key. A thin airfoil will provide better wind penetration than a thick one. Shorter wings and/or wings with less chord also helps. Make sure you use the maximum size engine (or larger) for the plane so you will have plenty of power. The downside to all this is that most planes that fit this category are not forgiving, one moment of inattention and/or one mistake and you are rekitting it.

I'd highly recommend the Goldberg Tiger 2. I've flown a couple of them now while helping people getting started, and was surprised by how well they track in the wind. MUCH better than a 4*, and at least as good as a Super Sportster, another good second plane. (Yes, I've flown and own both the others, and just inherited a Tiger 2.)

By the way, I've flown all three planes in 20 to 25 MPH wind, gusting to 30 and a bit higher.
Dennis-

I had looked at the Tiger 2, but after I had built my sons Sig Kadet, I was very impressed with the way his flew, and it is very solid, except in the wind of course. The Kadet is a floater, for sure. I thought that the Tiger and 4* looked very similar in design, can you tell me the differences? How about what to power it with? I heard the 4* shines with .90 on it.

The 4* 60 probably would shine with a .90. Mine is a 40 size and flys great with a 52 four stroke. An 11 X 5 prop gives it plenty of vertical, but not unlimited. The Tiger 2 is also a 40 size plane, and a 52 size four stroke or a 46 2 stroke will pull it around quite well.

The differences between the Tiger and the 4*? The primary difference is in the wing. The Tiger's wing is thinner (and a different airfoil), and this can make all the difference in the world when it comes to wind penetration. Aside from that the Tiger and 4* 40 are pretty similar in size and general planform. The tail surfaces are different in appearence, but similar in size and relation to the rest of the plane.

Good luck with your choice.
Dennis-

What about a Sig Somthin Extra with a large engine, and weight to balance, to increase wing loading. That should do pretty good.