I am debating on whether or not to get the Sig FourStar 60 or rht Sig Rascal Forty or other high wing as my second plane. What are the drawbacks or advantages of either setup? I'm just curious as to which would be better for me, therefore, i need some information on these types of planes. Thanks alot guys.

was you first plane a high wing?... if so i think it would be beter to go to a low wing, for some low wing experience.

yes it was a high wing, high dihedral as well. But how are the flying characteristics different between a high wing and low wing?
just looking for some advice

I hear the four star is a really good plane for a low wing trainer. You might try using the search or looking online for reviews.

i already have checked and both have great reviews, i'm just wondering how the high wing differs from the low wing in flight.

I personaly dont think that there is much difference in gereral flight characteristics. Landing and takeoff are the big changes. I still have my 4* 40. Its a good flying plane and will do most aerobatics.

You can't go wrong with a 4 *, my second plane was a 4* 60 and I still fly it today. Not only do I still fly it but alot! It's a blast! There are a few differences with it, but its very stable and easy to land. Take off's are a little different due to it being a tail dragger, but not hard at all (just rememeber the rudder during take off). Besides you gotta learn to fly a low wing and a tail dragger some time, might as well be now. Trust me you'll love the 4 *'s, not to say that the other options rean't good but as you know if you did a search on the 4 * not many people have bad things to say abou them. One tip it you do get a 4*, sheet the leading edge, easy to do and won't take too much time, I didn't and wish I would have just so it was more substantial (sp).
Let me know if you have any other questions. Also think about a .91 four stroke if you go with a 4 * 60.
Jeff

oops didn't mean to post the same pic twice.
Jeff

I don`t think you can go wrong with a 4* ( 40 or 60 ). My second plane is a now discontinued ( a pity )Kyosho PT-19 and I actually followed it up with a 4*40. I trained on an Avistar, it`s a great plane and I still fly it. Transitioning to low wings will cause you no problems, I`ll venture. I actually think my two taildraggers are in many ways seemingly EASIER to fly. Takeoffs are different ( use rudder ) but I swear I can land the `19 and 4* better than the Avistar. Don`t hesitate to make your 2nd a low wing taildragger!

well, looks like its the Sig Fourstar 60 then .... however, i dont know about the .91 four stroke.... a bit pricey .. i was looking at the Evolution 61 NT or 100 NX .... either would be good i think ???

Try Magnum engines, I have several Magnum 4 strokes and all have run great out of the box and continue to run great. Plus they sound cool (4 strokes).

If you have the time and space, the Four Star is a good entry kit to build too. My second plane is a kit Four Star .40. It was an easy transition from my Tower .40 trainer to the Four Star. Toughest part is ground handling. I have to hold full up elevator to maintain control at mid speeds on the ground. I find it easier than my trainer to set down gently without bouncing. I've had 4 deadsticks due to a fuel line issue. Control is and its long glide got me back to the runway every time without incident.

Scott

What other flyers aren't mentioning is that low wings low wings generally are easier to handle in the wind and usually are capable of more speed and the 4* is no exception. The 4* will also have a wider speed range. Once you get used to a tail dragger you won't want to go back. No more nose gear to get bent out of shape and need adjusting. Just be sure to make very small stick movements until you get used to the plane. The turning response will be almost instantaneous compared to your trainer and could get you in trouble if you panic. If you can get a flight or two on the buddy box then you should be ok. You want also want to look at the Super Sporster. It comes in 2 sizes and has a wide speed range. Avery nice plane! Fast!
[8D]

Posted twice. Sorry!

jworosylo,

Both the planes you are looking at are great planes. I personally love the 4* series. I own a 4* 40 and have flown a 4* 60, both of them will 0S46AX and OS61FX respectively. Both can be very fast or slow way down for landing.

The main differences you are asking about are,

1.) you will need rudder for takeoffs.
2.) landings in wind will be much more forgiving
3.) Most low wing planes are point and fly. Meaning the self correcting traits of the high wing are not present and low wings will stay in whatever attitude you put them into until you give it another imput.
4.) After you get used to the 4* series you can then do a bunch of easy mods to make them even better. (ie...seal the control surface gaps, increase throws, clip the wings, sheet the turtle deck, do a cowl and a few more.

In either case during the build of the 4* (both ARF or kit) may I suggest that you replace the tail gear with a Sullivan model. There is really nothing wrong with the stock gear but there is a tendency for the stock gear to break away from the rudder after a couple of hard landings and then crack the lower half of the rudder. The Sullivan gear goes on the fuselage so it takes the load instead of the lower half of the rudder taking the load.

I find myself flying my 4* for the first few flights of the day, transfer to my Twist for practicing 3D then back to the 4* for the last few flights of the day.

Hope this helps...

It is difficult to recommend a plane to someone without being able to see their flying and judge their skills. Generally, most low wing sport planes fly better than do high wing trainers. That is, they go where you point them rather than trying to roll out of every turn.

As for low wing planes, you can't go wrong with a 4* of any size. The Goldberg Tiger 2 and Tiger 60 are also excellent. The Super Sporster has already ben mentioned and it is a good plane. For an inexpensive 40 size, the new World Models Sky Raider Mach II is super. Retail is $69.95 for the complete ARF and our local hobby shop was selling them for less than $60! They were all snapped up in a few days. It's a tail dragger, but you can slam the power to it and it tracks straight. Excellent first tail dragger.

4*'s tend to be trainer-like with the full length wing. Many people lop off 1 rib on each side for a quicker roll rate. The landing doesn't seem to be affected. I have seen 4*40s with 2 ribs off on each side that would roll like a bandit and still landed pretty decently.