If your looking for an inexpensive second plane, try the World-models Sky-Raider Mach II. It's a low wing all balsa plane. The good thing is that the plane only cost $69.00. It is an ARF. Two members of our club own them and they fly great. It is a 40 sized plane and they have 40 sized engines installed. I just finished building mine, but I installed a Magnum 61 four stoke on mine. I like the extra weight up front. My maiden flight will be this Sunday. Anyway, for $69.00 it is a well built plane, and it is all wood. The kit is complete! I did not have to search my part bins to find required pieces, they were all included. The covering is an iron on covering, nothing too fancy, but it is effective. Anyway, It is cheap and worth every bit of $69.00 . I bought mine from Quantum models.

I agree that they are very nice planes for the money. Be very careful on the balance and throws. They can be very twitchy.

I have maidened 3 of these and in all cases the book throws were a little to much unless you use a lot of EXPO in the radio

Pics?

I'm looking for a 2nd plane right now even though I still have a lot to learn with my trainer. I'm mostly looking for a winter project (and something I can put on my Christmas list! )

I was not trying to discourage anyone from getting the Mach II. They are nice planes and fly well, just be careful for the first couple of flights as they are responsive (should have not used the term "twitchy").

If you want to do a first kit low wing for the winter months (Christmas) then I suggest a 4* from SIG. They come in ARF and kit and the kit is just a hair more expensive that the MACH II and much more stoudt in it's construction, plus most all SIG kits are extremely easy to do.

The joke on a SIG kit is you open the box, drop in a bottle of CA, close the box and shake well, open the box and out will pop a plane.

Now doing a kit is really rewarding and I have done 2 SIG Somethin Extras, but in the long run the ARF's are cheaper once you by all the stuff needed to complete the kits. (covering, fuel tank, wheels, etc...)

Sorry, I do not have pics of the Mach II as I do not own any, just did the maidens on 3 of them plus the odd trim flight.

I agree.
Check my post on how I got back into flying by using the Skyraider instead of the traditional trainer.
At small throws and a correct CG , it sure is a nice and gentle plane to fly.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2150443/anchors_2150443/mpage_1/key_skyraider%252Cpilot/anchor/tm.htm#2150443]My Skyraider X-perience[/link]

I got mine, was pleased with the quality as there were no problems. I flew her ... lift off was so easy and so were landings. I sold her after 2 flights! The plane is very light, you do not feel much of her in flight, great for pylon but not that great for acrobatics. Still will be a great second plane for sure.

tIANci...

Actually there was a shortage for a few weeks of the MACH II. The pylon guys were buying them up in hordes.

Test005...
I read your thread a few days ago. I forgot all about it...nice thread BTW

FYI: The new Mach II are a white with a grey basket weave pattern. It is easy to loose contrast of it with clouds in the background. A member of our club added wide black and yellow stripes on the underside to increase visibility.

My plane maidened very well! With the big 4 stroke up front there were no C.G. issues. I did have to reduce the elevator throws but the ailerons are at max. The plane flies great at half throttle and has unlimited vertical at full throttle.