I was offered a Top Flite Sierra 4 channel airplane complete with OS 40 engine and 4 channel Futaba AM radio. This is not the the ARF version, but the kit version. Was told it was only flown once, but currently the prop is hard turn because the engine has been sitting for years. I looked at the plance, and the structure is very good, ribs are perfect, and there no visible signs of a crash, nor are there any weak spots. He is offering it @ $150. I would get a small flight box, a couple of extra props, and some other small pieces.

My question,

Is this a good deal to get started, whereas I get in cheap, maybe have to put in a days work to get it airworthy. Or I am I better off spending the extra money to start off on my own?

Any help is appreciated!!!!

Let's see..... Plane in good condition, engine, radio gear, and flight box for 150? GRAB IT!! You'll want to replace the radio, but, assuming the engine can be cleaned up and runs, you can get your money back easily if you decide to go new instead. I'm not familiar with the Sierra, so I'll let others comment on whether this is a good plane to learn on or not

The engine is probably ok. A little alcohol, or even fuel, will help desolve what is most likely gummed up castor oil. Clean it out good, bake it in the oven at 250-300 degrees to help evaporate the alcohol and then lube it up with a light machine oil. Bear in mind that a .40 engine is a bit of an awkward size. It's a bit small for many of the planes in the 40 range. And it's too heavy to use in most 25 size planes. However, it will work ok on a trainer, and slow flying types of planes. Just don't expect to do 3D with it.

The only way to evaluate the plane is to see it, which you've done. If it looks well made, it should be ok. Check for common mistakes like the vertical and horzontal tail surfaces being square. Since this is just a trainer, absolute perfection is not required. However, you don't want something falling off in flight.

On to the radio... How old is it? If it was made post 1991, it is probably ok. The issue with pre-1991 radios, actually a little older than that, but in that vintage, is that they were not narrow band. All non-narrow band transmitters needed to be converted by an authorized service shop or taken out of service by 1991. The Futaba web site has a FAQ that explains this and tells you which models were originally narrow band, which could be updated, and which could not be made narrow band. If the radio is more than a few years old, it may need new batteries. If this is the case, plan on spending $25-50 for them. You might also want to send it to a service shop to have them check it over for proper operation. This would cost more $$$. Make sure you get the charger.

Bottom line, if the radio is fairly new, and the plane is built well, it's probably worth buying. A similar setup bought new would cost somewhere between $250 and $400, depending on which models you choose.

I agree that IF the plane is in good condition, you may be able to recoop your costs if you should decide to sell later. I am not familiar with the plane you are mentioning either, but from the sound of your post, the radio gear would need to be replaced. The engine probably can be free'd up fairly easily. As for the airframe. You mentioned that it does not have any visible damage. However, I think its more important to determine if it was built straight before worrying about possible damage.

If it has a narrow band radio, you could go ahead and fly it until you are ready to move up. DO not spend more money on THAT radio to get it modified to narrow band though, a new radio would be batter use of the money. What Mfg and model of radio is it? FM or PCM would be better for your next radio choice. The engine can be removed and soaked in warm antifreeze overnight (in an old crock pot or something like that. NEVER eat from that crock pot again though) That should loosen it up. Rotate/move things while they are warm to loosen the congealed castor oil. When done, you can lubricate the engine for until you are ready to use it. While this may not be a GREAT bargain it is a fairly good deal. It would be very difficult to duplicate assuming everything is in the indicated condition. It looks like you could be flying for just a few dollars more. You will need fresh fuel and you will need to evaluate the batteries in the radio system for possible replacement. See if you can get the seller to charge the radios and show you that they work. Batteries may still need replacing but at least you will know electronics work. Used gear is always a crapshoot in some ways. Some things you know are OK and some you guess at.

Good luck and welcome to the hobby.

As has been said, as long as the transmitter is narrow band, post 1991, then it should be fine for learning on. AM radio equipment is pretty much obsolete and few people have any interest in buying one, so it's value is negligible, but as I said it may work fine to start out with.

I just did a quick search and found that the Sierra is a discontinued kit, but it is a trainer, so I'd say go for it if you're confident in the condition of the equipment. Again, new batteries are pretty much mandatory.

Good luck,
Dennis-

Actually, a friend recently brought me his trainer that had been sitting for 11 years. I cycled both battery packs and they held a charge as if they were new.

So, you never know.

But be ready to replace them if they're bad.

Thank you all for the good advice! After doing some reasearch, it looks to be tough I may need a new radio, putting the total cost at $250+. That being said, I think it may be wise to channel my money towards a new set up. Now I will read this forum more in depth to make my decision on what trainer to start with, but that is the fun part!

Thanks again!

If you decide to go the +250 route then think about something like an ALPHA 40 RTF trainer. I have had several students on these and they fly very well and are strong and reliable. Or you could get an ARF and select the radio and engine combo you want, this would allow you to get an entry level 6 ch computer radio. There are "BILLIONS" of options to choose from. Take your time. Your budget is the controlling factor and since we do not know what it is, it is hard to be specific.

I was looking to buy a used trainer on ebay but I found that the savings where so small a person may as well go new.

Good decision. Trying to buy a used trainer you can't see up close from someone you don't know is not a good way to start.

Skynyrd Man is right about that, especially after you consider shipping costs and damage. The big places like Tower or Horizon may ship free or give other discounts once you reach a certain amount of purchase.

I would like to get in as cheap as possible without compromising quality. The low $ to get into the hobby is what attracted me to this offer in the first place. I tend to try to go too fast when building things, so I think an arf is the way to go. I have been using the great planes r/c sim, and will be going to a club to learn "live". So, for right now I am just researching to see how much it will cost me to get in, and that will drive when I buy. If it's closer to $200 then it will be sooner, if it is pushing $400, then I may wait a little longer. I just want to get the value/quality combination. But thanks for the tip on the alpha. I will look into that.

Also take a look at these:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...s2&FVPROFIL=++
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCZR6**&P=7

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=++&search3=Go

Just a couple of ideas. As I said before, lots of choices. The radio and engine I listed will last for many years and for many future planes. Don't go too cheap.

No, I'm not a Tower shill, I just use them because they are convenient.

Oh, I've heard good things about Thunder Tiger Pro 46 engines too (I think that was the size). They are also a bit cheaper.

mcmd,
If you take everything into consideration, including AMA and club memberships field equipment and the tools and glues you'll need for an ARF, then $400 to $500 is a good bet. []

Not trying to be negative, but it's amazing how quickly the little things add up, and quite often people forget to add in memberships.

Good luck, and have fun.
Dennis-

The Sierra is a good trainer, and it is not a very old design (probably came out in the late 80's or early 90's) so I would bet that the radio is narrow band. Probably one of those 'Attack' radios. As long as it was narrow band, I would pay $150 for the deal.

But, be aware that the 'Attack' 4 channel radios did NOT have a connection for a buddy box. So, if you were learning on it, you would have to pass the transmitter back and forth between student and instructor.

If you get it, come down to Louisville and I'll teach you! [8D]