i can say that the air core and sturdy birdy are two of the toughest planes i have seen,and cheapest to make repairs to.they aren't the best flying planes to train on but do pretty well.i would agree with bubbagates although that something like the lt40 would be a better plane to train on and they too seem to last longer than most other balsa models.i would not suggest trying to learn by yourself,but if you must good luck, most of the old timers didn't have instructors.

dus10lee:

I will second the SPAD idea of an "almost" indestructable airplane. If you are a bit handy at building you can have yourself a trainer spad in a couple of days (depending on how fast you build) without spending alot of $$$. The debonair or spadet are both great trainers and will get you on your way to your first solo flight.

[link=http://www.spadtothebone.com/]Spad Website[/link] <-- visit here for all the spad info you could ask for

[link=http://www.spadtothebone.com/freeplans.htm]SPAD Plans[/link] <-- look under the trainer tab for the debonair and spadet plans

I went flying today and took along my old balsa trainer just for some lazy afternoon fun and my spadstick for a little hot rodding. Yes it's a spad and you would hardly be able to tell the difference in the air as it flys great and didn't cost me more than $10 to build.

Here's a couple pics of my spadstick:



And a couple of my other spad's...first one is a more of a sport plane and the second is a spadet converted to taildragger:





With coroplast you can build some pretty amazing stuff that actually looks like it's balsa counterparts......give it a shot.

Madd_Maxx

YOU KNOW THOSE ARE VERY HANDSOME PLANES
NICE WORK!!!!! they look like you bought it from the Hobby shop.
Very well done....

Thanks for the help, I think it would make a fun project at least. The Sig LT-40 from what I have heard is a great plane, problem is I need something under $100. The Kombat 40 would be about the most I would spend at $80. That is why if I get a balsa trainer Ive settled on the Tower Hobbies 40, or something equivalent. But I might just try a spad for fun.

If I wasn't into balsa I would give the Aircore 40 a try.

U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit .40-.50,64"
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...XKH24&P=0#tech
64.99

Sure it needs some assembly but isn't that part of the fun, assembling your own plane, it is to me!!! Personally I don't want planes not in kit form, that's all part of the fun is building.

But I must say Madd_Maxx, those are some beautiful looking planes you got there

I fly two planes: A Duraplane T-40 and a H9 Ultra Stick 40 with a full-house set up. The T-40 has an OS Max 40 FX while the US has an OS 46 AX. Both planes are blast, but the US is a very fragile cutie while the T-40 is one ugly brute which is about as close as one can get to indestructible.

Regardless of what you might have heard regarding the flying qualities of the Duraplanes, I can vouch that at least the T-40 is a fine flying machine. Of course, I'm a highly experienced pilot with thousands of hours in both full-scale and model aircraft.

While you probably won't hear any confessions here by beginners about their piloting skills, I can guarantee you that each and everyone has decimated his share of balsa models to reach a fair level of proficiency! If you want to save yourself a lot of pain and agony, I'd highly recommend the T-40. However, there is another path - a SPAD! In fact, I just ordered one called the FX Bandit from FX Hobbies ( www.FXHobbies.com ). Also you might want to check out the SPAD forum. Note the thread ARF Spad by Horizon.

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

Thanks, I have acutally thought about the duraplane, I just dont know how to put on monokote. I might order a Spad since I cannot seem to be able to find my own PVC gutterpipe.

Yeah, they have actually changed quite a bit since I had one back in the late 80's. The main wing was painted styro and you flew in a rudder combo only. The good thing was if you broke the main wing it was only $20-25 to replace.

dus10lee....Since you have not located gutter pipe for the fuselage, build a SPAD that uses aluminum square tubing for the fuselage. Stores like Lowe's sell an 8 foot section for about $25.00. The trainer is VERY indestructible then. Make the wing like the SPAD DOMINATOR, using two spars. In between the two spars, at the middle, add a piece of aircraft plywood and a 1/4-20 NC blind nut. A steel bolt thru the aluminum tubing anchors the fuselage to the wing. A nylon bolt near the wing trailing edge anchors the wing to the fuselage. The engine attaches like on a SPAD3DT. Do a search under my

Sorry for the repeat, but something fell off: dus10lee....Since you have not located gutter pipe for the fuselage, build a SPAD that uses 1/16 X 1 X 1 aluminum square tubing for the fuselage. Stores like Lowe's sell an 8 foot section for about $25.00. The trainer is VERY indestructible then. Make the wing like the SPAD DOMINATOR, using two spars. In between the two spars, at the middle, add a piece of aircraft plywood and a 1/4-20 NC blind nut. A steel bolt thru the aluminum tubing anchors the fuselage to the wing. A nylon bolt near the wing trailing edge anchors the wing to the fuselage. The engine attaches like on a SPAD3DT. Do a search under my, Villa, and you will find a Canard, two twin engine planes, and a flying lawn mower, all built as described above, and very indestructible.

I have a finished Sturdy birdy II with an OS LA ,40 on it. I built it for sentimental reason because I learned on one. Practically indestructable! I used to dog fight with a combat armadillo and actually flew it into the pond once. The video for this plane showed it flying into a fence and a new prop and some rubber bands and it was airborn again. I crashed mine a least a few dozen times. I used to land it in the corn fields with the cutoff stalks and 4 in ballon tires! Great plane for $60 and it will fly with a .25 to a .40. You don't need to cover the the wing or tail either. I just epoxied and strap taped my wing and sprayed some good paint (krylon) and some clear coat on the balsa tail and I was airborne in a weekend. In a 10 mph wind it will nearly fly backwards if your good with the rudder and throttle. I also have a tower trainer from 1995 and is a great flyer as well but will not tolerate any crahses. SPAD is the way to go if you are creative.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_26...tm.htm#2889963 This link has pics of my first SPAD. It is a virtual tank[>:]

See that you have a recommendation for a U S AirCore 40 . That was my first plane. It is very tough, but heavy.. Thus fast on landing and in my opinion, not a good beginner's airplane. What ever you choose, get a trainer that is light and slow flying. My second plane was a Sig 4*60 and it was much easier to fly than the AirCore..Fred123[&:]

I had good luck with the Telemaster 40. They are a smooth flyer and it also can take some hard landings! I agree Fred123 the 4 Stars are one of the best flying models out there! I almost have my 4 Star 60 done!!!

I seen the video on the Flying lawn mower
to tell you the truth is was harious to see it fly
would be interesting to some fly a S*P*A*D 80

You should see the flying witch one.

Some thing to fly on halloween night on a full moon
to scare trick or treaters. LOL
Ya I seen it Halious also...

The T-40 comes as a kit for $55. You'll need a roll of Towercote (or Econocote), three wheels, a fuel tank, and some miscellaneous hardware to come up with a plane. The build is pretty simple, and it comes with a good instruction manual. You can also read up on it at the Duraplane site: www.Duraplane.com . Every model involves some building and the inevitable repairs plus you can count on constant maintenance. The T-40 makes an easy entry into the R/C world for chump change, and it will reward you with its longevity. Unless you're a complete klutz, it'll will take you to your first solo and beyond!

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

If you get one from Frank, get the FX Easy Goer! It's a trainer, and you'll be airborne in a few hours!

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

I really do hate to build! I wish they made an ARF SPAD Stick like yours! Then my life would be complete!

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

BTW, this fellow Eagle Al has a lot of the information you're looking for:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_28...tm.htm#2834835

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

Do you know if the FX Easy Goer comes with pushrods? From the picture it looks like a basic shell. It is close to the same price as the Duraplane, but the duraplane comes with pushrods.

Yeah, I actually already read that post. I spent 30 minutes just reading what was after the post.

Some day they will
you could get a Studybierdy2 or a daula plane they are both the same plane.

They claim the T-40 can be put together in 12-15 hours; however, this is only true if you're Superman. The FX Easy Goer is a complete plane. Frank can supply you with the hardware for a couple of extra bucks. Go to the SPAD forum and read "ARF SPAD" by Horizon. All will become clear.

Ciao,

Mr Akimoto

Or you have 12 or 15 people helping you.
I see you would want to have RTF planes
or ARF.
The Multi peace kits are people who enjoying being tick off,
or for people who have a lot time on the hands.LOL