Hello,

My fun level is running out with Alpha. Have been flying it since about February and am looking to get into something more aerobatic. I've had my eye on the Twist 3D and I like the looks of it. I am fairly confident that I could handle it, but wanted to ask some others opinions.

I assume that I could use my evolution engine from the alpha trainer without a problem. I would need to invest in a computerized radio I so that I can do the different rates, mixing, etc. I was looking to the 8103 but there seems to be many options with that. There is a promo kit for $379 with 4 servos, but that doesn't appear to be the new DT model. Then there is the new 9xxx series which appear to be outside of my budget.

So, what have some others done when they get tired of their trainer?

thanks,

-jr

James:

The Twist3D is a hoping little airplane. My instructor who's been flying for over 20 years just bought one and it's a handfull for him. He is having lots of fun with it but I do not recommend it as a second level plane.

You'll want something that is semi semmetrical wing. Stik's are fun and would make a great second airplane.

Profiles are fun easy to put together and a blast to fly. Very much responds as a trainner if you want but can be radical if you set em up to be. Good part is not a bad plane to repair if the nasty happens. I have a morris the knife and I love it my favorite plane right now. But there are many profiles to choose from. Good Luck

Thanks for the reply. I will look at some of the sticks. I would still need to get into a more advanced radio though?

-jr

I just bought the JR 6102 computer radio and I love it. For the money it will do everything the beginner to intermediate needs to do and then some. You definitely want to get into some form of computerized radio so you can do the mixing and high rates.

I too have an Alpha! I went with a SIG Midstar as my second and what a BLAST!!! I also bought a JR 6102 and love it. I still take my Alpha to the field with me and alternate. If it is too windy I fly only the trainer and catch-up on my landing skills. Got a 4*60 almost done for #3, and a TF P47 gold for #4. That midstar will do almost anything I ask it to do. It would probably hover if I set it up for that but I'm not into 3D. If you are in to building you wont be dissapointed. If ARF's are your style you could go straight to the 4*40 or 60, or even the Hangar 9 Arrow. But I think that would get boring too, but I could be wrong! Hope this helps. Here is a pic!

Good looking plane! Have you used your radio to buddy box off of yet? I used mine as the master with my son on the buddy box and the trainer button stuck in the down position. Just a little warning. I haven't buddied since but I'm gonna put a little 3 in 1 oil around that button to be on the safe side next time!

Good looking plane! How's that 3 blade prop working for you?

Have you used your radio to buddy box yet with? I used mine as the master with my son on the buddy box and the trainer button stuck down. Took me a second to get it popped back up. Scared me because my son had the plane diving at the time! Just a little warning. I'm gonna put some 3 in 1 oil down around the button to make sure it doesn't happen again!

Sorry about the double posts / my exporer crapped out on me when I hit the submit button and when I came back it didn't show up so I thought it didn't take...

Computers / whatcha gonna do??

Yes I have buddied with it as the master. One thing! I would highly reccommend AGAINST using 3/1 oil on you TX. One reason is if it ever has to go in for warranty you are at risk for denial. I would probably just send it in anyway and they will hook you up I'm sure.

LearjetMech, The Midstar is a fine plane. Re: "If it is too windy I fly only the trainer" . I guess you just haven't figured out that the Midstar is easier to fly in the wind than any trainer. When pilots have moved past trainers and start flying sport planes they hate to have to fly a trainer when its windy. Sport planes like your Midstar won't suddenly jump up in the air if a gust of wind hits it or balloon in the turns in windy conditions. This makes the plane more predictable and easier to land.

as stated before thick air foil are floaters.

a taildrager, semi symetrical with straigth wing cord will be a great
second tool. stay away from tappered LE edge wings for the moment.
something that can be easily repair.

you're on the correct track. A computer radio is a good investment.
get a brand that will be compatiable with your current radio.
i don't belive JR and futaba are compatiale.

i luv my 4* .60. it can be frame up in a weekend or less.
i bash it of course..extended rudder, clippwings, less diehedral.
it'll still float like a trainner...on low rates
cuts thru the wind better than .40 size
a great workhorse that can handle anything i throw at it
but god o mighty....5 flights = 1 gallon

FastSky,
You are exactly right about the Midstar. And now that I think about it it is more "solid" on landings regardless of wind. I'm just one of those guys that hates excessive wind, especially a gusty, unsteady wind. I dont have a huge amount of stick time with the Midstar yet (maybe 20-30 flights) and just have a much more relaxing flight with the trainer in those conditions. I'm sure once I get the 4* in the air, I will let the Midstar leash out a little. I just put too much time and effort into the Midstar to fly on an uncomfortable day. 10 years ago I would fly in the snow, wind, rain, lightning, etc... but after a few crashes and 2 kids, I tend to watch my money (and arse) a little closer. I always tell myself there will always be a better day if the weather is not up to par. But I truly love that plane. It is like a well trained dog. It does what I ask it to and nothing more...Zero bad tendecies! That is unless your tooooo slow and low. But all planes are like that. Very very very predictable. I hope the 4*60 is as much fun to fly!
Nikolaus

And Twistr,
That three blade is off of my Alpha. I used it for the first couple of flights only. That is more of a climb prop and one for cool pictures. It slowed the plane down too much on final. Running a 10X6 and 11X5 depending on conditions and what I feel like doing. Any other suggestions for that plane and a TT Pro 46?

James, i have the Alfa trainer too and i just moved onto a U Can Do with a Saito .82 and in my opinion it is a good 2nd plane to learn on because it is meant to be a slow flyer and just because i have a beefy engine on it doesnt mean it has to go fast...i use it to hover and do other manuvers. I also have the JR6102 radio and you can program in the travel throw that you want so you can gradually work your way up to what the plane is capable of doing and the same is pretty much true with alot of planes. I wanted a plane that i could grow into and not out of like what are considered 2nd planes but i guess it depends on the type of flying you want to get into. I bought the UCD specifically to learn 3D and so far i love it. But don't get caught in the mindset that you need what is considered a "2nd plane" when you can change the control throws on most planes to make them less responsive to input.

If you don't have a flight sim already, i recommend getting one because it will most likey help you to get to understand how other planes react to the input from the transmitter and keep you on your toes.