Hi Everyone. I am training on a Hobbico Superstar EP. It is a good plane but lacks the power and weight to fly on days that are more than 5 MPH. Also it is only a three channel and it's electric. What would you suggest as a next trainer/intermediate nitro plane. I also need a four channel radio w/ buddy box. What do you think of the Hobbico Nexstar combo? is there something better for the money? Thanks

Mike,
I have heard and read good and bad things about the Nexstar, which is true about anything. Some people have good luck, others have bad. The first thing you will notice is the difference between 3 and 4 channel radio's, ie. aileron, elevator turns versus rudder, elevator turns. While aileron turns are easier, never forget and continue to practice rudder turns. I personally have never flown a Nexstar, so I cannot give an opinion, have seen several fly, they all flew great. I do have an Avistar, you can get an ARF from Tower for $99.00, add an OS .46 LA for $59.99, and Futaba 4EXA computer radio for 149.99, 10% fuel, glow starter, and a chicken stick. You've got all you'll need to get started. At about the same price of the Nexstar or even the Avistar RTF. You'll have to install the radio, engine, and fuel tank, but that is all good practice. I recommend the 4EAX because it offers you the ability to store memory for four models I believe. Which you will need as you get different planes. The Avistar is as forgiving and stable as a trainer plus you can do basic manuvers with it. It has less dehideral and a semi-symmetrical wing which lends to smoother aerobatics. Whichever you decide, have fun and fly safe. Hope this helps.

Larry

The combination that rcluver suggested is a good one. One of my biggest complaints of the Nexstar is that it is very overpriced IMO and has features you actually don't want to have. Hopefully you have or will get some instruction with this plane and should be on a buddy box for at least a few flights. No matter what nitro plane you get, it will fly a lot different than your electric. PLEASE don't take that suggestion lightly. Stay away from wood props too, they simply break too easy.

I have to agree with Bruce88123 on this one. As an instructor I've seen quite a few Nexstars over the last couple of years. While I have nothing against them as a trainer (I'd say that fly just about like any other trainer out there these days), I feel they are overpriced. When I start instructing students on a Nexstar I tell them to take off the flaps and disconnect the AFS before instructions ever begin. I usually take the wing droops off too, but sometime they will be left on. Since most of the gadgets come off when I train I tell students to save some money and get a cheaper trainer kit. On the plus side, the simulator that comes with it can be a good thing for students.

That's my 2¢ worth.

Ken

I own a nexstar, it flies great but turns are much better after you learn coordinated turns. If I had it to do over again I would have gone with an Avistar. Avistar, .46 engine, radio and you're set for a good while.

Hi. Thanks to Larry, Bruce, Ken and Shakes for all the thoughtful info. To Larry, yes I have thought about an Avistar. All say it is an excellent aircraft, but everyone tells me to stay away from the .46 LA and opt for the FX engine w/ bearings and rings. I think the combo comes with the LA. I still do not know how skilled I am with putting separate components into a plane. The RTF's are really tempting to me but I do not want a problem engine while I am learning. Also, the suggestion to buy a four channel with programmable settings is a good one. Since I can't buy planes anytime I wish, I am trying to make a careful decision. I like my Hobbico Superstar, but like I said, it is a very low wind plane for a very beginner like myself and I would like to get into nitro planes. Any more suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all of you. Mike

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Add fuel and instructor and go fly!

What a great suggestion, the only upgrade I would suggest would be maybe a ball bearing .46 engine. They cost a little more, but have much reserved power. You have a wide variety to shop from; Thunder Tiger, Magnum and Tower being the least expensive and the new OS .46 AX costing the most, but you get that OS quality. The engine will transfer easily into your next couple of airplanes If you take care of it, run the fuel out at the end of the day and use a good afterun oil. There are a bunch of RTFs out there, so shop for the features, if you decide to go an0ther route than this one. Happy Landings.

This past summer I purchased an Avistar and mounted a new OS .40LA on it. [I had just seriously damaged the wing of my LT-40 (w/OS .46AX) and was hesitant about the rebuild]. The Avistar/.40LA combo (APC 10x6 prop) worked well even on our grass runway. After 17 flights I swapped the .40LA out for a new OS.46LA because I wanted the .40LA for another project. I moved up to a .46LA for a bit more power with little weight increase. This combo worked very well; had somewhat shorter takeoff rolls, and I moved up one prop size (11x5/6 APC). For both engines, I typically used only half throttle or so for flying and full throttle for take-off. I did test mount my .46AX on the Avistar but found it was way too heavy for a simple engine installation. Unfortunately, after only 11 more flights I re-kitted the Avistar on a botched take-off. oops.

Overall I found the .46LA a good match for the Avistar (I have been flying close to a year now). It was also cost effective and I found it balanced without needing any additional weight in the tail or major radio installation changes. Your proposed .40FX probably would work very well power wise and fall in-between the AX and LA weight wise (may require some tail weight).

FWIW, I went back and repaired the LT-40 and am flying it today. I dumped the Avistar remains (too many pieces); and have resumed bashing a Senorita kit (to be powered by the .40LA). And I am seriously considering another Avistar.. great flying plane and I do have a .46LA without a home.

BruceD

People will tell you that the LA line of motors from OS aren't worth owning. But if you are trying to get into your first glow plane, the LA series is an excellent engine at a really good price. As long as you don't run them super lean and take care of the engine, you aren't going to have any problems. They will just not be as strong of an engine as the AX series. I'm still on my 1st plane, I have the Hobbico Superstar and I run a .46 LA and I love the engine. Almost always starts on the 1st flick, and is plenty powerful enough for your 1st plane.

Of course, this is all my opinion.

What ever you decide, enjoy it!!!!

Mike,
Don't worry about assembling an ARF, if you can follow instructions and use simple hand tools, you will have no problems. You don't have to be a master builder to put one together. What's left for you to do is really easy. I assume since you are training, you have already contacted or are flying at a club site. Surely someone at the club would be willing to help you assemble and set up your ARF, should you run into trouble. As far as engine choice, while the AX and FX series of engines develope more HP and are super engines in their own rite, don"t give up on the LA series. For the price they are a hard engine to beat. They start easily and are more than dependable. I use the .46 LA in my Avistar, it generally satrts in 1 or 2 flips of the prop. It has all the power I need for the way I like to fly. Whatever you decide, its up to you. Good luck and enjoy.

Larry

While the LA series aren't my favorite engines, I agree that the 46 LA is a very good match for an Avistar. Another excellent choice is the TT 42 GP -- same size & weight as the 40/46 LA, while a saw-off with the 46 LA in power & no plastic parts.

Agreed, britbrat; if I was in need of an inexpensive 40-size beginner engine, the TT 42 would definitely get the nod. But there is another contender if one is williong to shell out a few more bucks.

I haven't checked lately, but the last I knew, one could get a TT .46 Pro for around $80. As far as I'm concerned, that engine is THE benchmark for 40-46 class two strokes these days. Smooth, powerful, and very user-friendly. It will run rings around any current OS, IMO.

Yes, the LA-series of engines runs, and are adequate for someone taking his first steps. If your "combo" came with this engine, then you'll be okay.

But if you're looking to purchase an engine by itself, either for a trainer or a second plane, the extra $$ spent on a quality bearinged engine such as the TT Pro series will give back dividends down the road.

I have lost count of the number of newbies I've seen struggling at the field with junk Chinese (AND American- can you say K&B?) engines that were manufactured to a price point as opposed to a level of quality. This is not a cheap hobby. Attempts to cut corners and pinch pennies invariably come back to haunt you.