First Glow Plane
10-29-2005 | 12:08 PM
#26
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RE: First Glow Plane
ORIGINAL: elenasgrumpy
I just thought it interesting to know that the " decidedly inferior" Tower .46, also descibed in this thread as low power/marginal power, bushed engine, that does come in the RTF version of the Tower Trainer is in fact a ball bearing ABC schnuerle engine that produces 1.75 hp @ 16,000 rpm, while the OS .46AX produces 1.65 @ 16,000 and the OS .46FX produces 1.36 @ 16,000. The 46LA is the most under-powered @ 1.2 hp, Here's your sign![X(] Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking OS engines, they are mostly what I own. I do have that Tower .46 as well and with about 3 minutes worth of fuel ran thru it, it smoothed right out, has a great low idle, plenty of power, and basically runs like a raped ape!
I have no reason to beleive it won't do so for a very long time as long as I take proper care of it. The point is I would never trash a product on an open forum until I first armed my opinion with the facts, which is exactly what I just did, I read the specs on all three of these engines. I would not hesitate to use this engine in another .40 size plane. If my OS .60 that I plan to use in my next project runs nearly as well as this Tower .46 does, I will be very pleased with it.
I believe RcKen stated in another thread that his Tower Trainer has over 500 flights on it & is still running strong, but I don't know what engine he has in it.
As someone else mentioned above they are all good Trainers. If money isn't a real issue for you, just get the one YOU like best, after all it is going to be your plane! But if you are looking for a bargain, $259+ shipping for the RTF Tower Trainer is the cheapest that I am aware of. I can't personally comment on the two specific models you asked about because I don't own either one. They both look like nice Trainers to me. I was given a new Tower Trainer RTF as a gift, so that is what I'm using. Good luck in whatever you decide, and just have alot of fun with it Afterall, that is what this is suppose to be all about!
Mark
Mark
I just thought it interesting to know that the " decidedly inferior" Tower .46, also descibed in this thread as low power/marginal power, bushed engine, that does come in the RTF version of the Tower Trainer is in fact a ball bearing ABC schnuerle engine that produces 1.75 hp @ 16,000 rpm, while the OS .46AX produces 1.65 @ 16,000 and the OS .46FX produces 1.36 @ 16,000. The 46LA is the most under-powered @ 1.2 hp, Here's your sign![X(] Now don't get me wrong, I'm not knocking OS engines, they are mostly what I own. I do have that Tower .46 as well and with about 3 minutes worth of fuel ran thru it, it smoothed right out, has a great low idle, plenty of power, and basically runs like a raped ape!
I have no reason to beleive it won't do so for a very long time as long as I take proper care of it. The point is I would never trash a product on an open forum until I first armed my opinion with the facts, which is exactly what I just did, I read the specs on all three of these engines. I would not hesitate to use this engine in another .40 size plane. If my OS .60 that I plan to use in my next project runs nearly as well as this Tower .46 does, I will be very pleased with it.
I believe RcKen stated in another thread that his Tower Trainer has over 500 flights on it & is still running strong, but I don't know what engine he has in it.
As someone else mentioned above they are all good Trainers. If money isn't a real issue for you, just get the one YOU like best, after all it is going to be your plane! But if you are looking for a bargain, $259+ shipping for the RTF Tower Trainer is the cheapest that I am aware of. I can't personally comment on the two specific models you asked about because I don't own either one. They both look like nice Trainers to me. I was given a new Tower Trainer RTF as a gift, so that is what I'm using. Good luck in whatever you decide, and just have alot of fun with it Afterall, that is what this is suppose to be all about!
Mark
Mark
As an piece of marketing, the Tower 46 is great, but as an engine it is a decidedly el-cheapo piece of work -- it is a differently branded brother of the similarly cheap GMS 47. In comparison, the FXi is very well made. I use my own Tower 46 as a knock-around disposable engine. After two seasons of use it is clapped out -- compression & power are down, it won't hold a tune & it flames out with maddening frequency.
In comparison, my 5 yr old OS 46 FX is still going strong -- at this point it now easily outpowers the Tower, despite the tuned muffler on the Tower.
Ya get what ya pay for.
10-29-2005 | 03:51 PM
#27
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From: San Jose,
CA
RE: First Glow Plane
Hi guys,
Thank you all for your help!Is it really necessary for me to spend 400$ on trainer?Can I just go with the alpha trainer 40 for 100$ cheaper?
Thanks
Thank you all for your help!Is it really necessary for me to spend 400$ on trainer?Can I just go with the alpha trainer 40 for 100$ cheaper?
Thanks
10-29-2005 | 05:17 PM
#28
Senior Member
RE: First Glow Plane
Frankie, it's your money. You can spend as much or as little as your desires & budget will allow.
Most of the trainers out there work well -- it's just that some work better than others (for some people). Both the Alpha & Nexstar are good, so you won't lose with either one.
Most of the trainers out there work well -- it's just that some work better than others (for some people). Both the Alpha & Nexstar are good, so you won't lose with either one.
10-29-2005 | 06:39 PM
#29
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From: Colbert,
WA
RE: First Glow Plane
Having learned on an Aerostar 20 and flown different guys Alpha's, Tower Trainers, and my own H9 Arrow(s), I would agree that you're not gonna go wrong staying with any of the "standard" trainers. And if you're relatively young and have great eyesight, starting with a 40 size trainer makes financial sense.
But if you're a bit older, and your vision isn't quite what it used to be, the extra size of a 60 sized trainer might help in the learning process. I find that with larger airplanes the "spacial disorientation" problem seems smaller.
Another consideration that might be relevant is what you may want as a 2nd or 3rd aircraft. There are a number of ARF/kits out there (Sig 4 Stars, Top Flite kits, etc.) that are 60 sized. Every now and then when I look at my pair of .46 Magnums, I wish one of them were a .60.
But if you're a bit older, and your vision isn't quite what it used to be, the extra size of a 60 sized trainer might help in the learning process. I find that with larger airplanes the "spacial disorientation" problem seems smaller.
Another consideration that might be relevant is what you may want as a 2nd or 3rd aircraft. There are a number of ARF/kits out there (Sig 4 Stars, Top Flite kits, etc.) that are 60 sized. Every now and then when I look at my pair of .46 Magnums, I wish one of them were a .60.
10-30-2005 | 12:56 AM
#30
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From: simi valley, CA
RE: First Glow Plane
bruce88123 said it best. Trainers are just "plane" fun! I've been RC'ing for 29 years. I fly giant this and expensive that. Always looking forward to my next "dream" project. But if I had to have only one plane, it would be a good old trainer.
They won't wow a crowd but they have personality. They are simple - no complicated systems to worry about. They are tough - any landing that is right side up on the runway or in the bushes works just fine. They are the perfect way to get in stick time when your "other planes" are not ready. Not having a good day - take the trainer. High winds - take the trainer. Found an alternative flying site and want to check it out - take the trainer. Friends or family might be interested in RC - take them out to fly the trainer. Formation flying with your buddies - break out the trainers. Aerial photography or parachute dropper - strap it on the trainer. Glider pilots want a tow plane - use the trainer. Want to try float flying - hang some pontoons on the trainer. Night flying - light up the trainer. New engine to break in, old radio to test - trainer, trainer. Club fun fly, water balloon drop, spot landing, under the ribbon - trainer, trainer, trainer....
I never would have guessed when I started this hobby, looking forward to fighters and bombers and acrobats, that the trainer would end up being the one that got used the most.
Multiflyer
They won't wow a crowd but they have personality. They are simple - no complicated systems to worry about. They are tough - any landing that is right side up on the runway or in the bushes works just fine. They are the perfect way to get in stick time when your "other planes" are not ready. Not having a good day - take the trainer. High winds - take the trainer. Found an alternative flying site and want to check it out - take the trainer. Friends or family might be interested in RC - take them out to fly the trainer. Formation flying with your buddies - break out the trainers. Aerial photography or parachute dropper - strap it on the trainer. Glider pilots want a tow plane - use the trainer. Want to try float flying - hang some pontoons on the trainer. Night flying - light up the trainer. New engine to break in, old radio to test - trainer, trainer. Club fun fly, water balloon drop, spot landing, under the ribbon - trainer, trainer, trainer....
I never would have guessed when I started this hobby, looking forward to fighters and bombers and acrobats, that the trainer would end up being the one that got used the most.
Multiflyer
10-30-2005 | 09:54 AM
#31
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RE: First Glow Plane
multiflyer,
You hit the nail right on the head. I found this out when I had about 4 years of flying in. I had several crashes in a row and found myself with only one plane left flying, my trainer. It was either stay home or take the trainer and fly that, so I took the trainer..... duh!!!!! I wound up flying that for 3 weekends until I got something else back in the air. I found that flying a trainer once your skills have developed to more advanced planes, the trainer becomes a absolutely fun plane to fly. It's great fun flying acrobatics maneuvers with a trainer. One observation I have noticed when I fly a trainer. Remember when you were learning to fly?? Flying a trainer you probably said to yourself that the plane was fly SOOOOO fast, but now when you fly your trainer you ask yourself "How can a plane fly SOOOOOOO slow????!!!!!!!!!" It's great fun. I still have the trainer that I learned to fly on 10 years ago. It's got over 500 flights on it, it's been recovered twice, the motor is almost completely worn out with nill compression, and it's got the oldest servos I own in it. But I still take it to the field several times a summer just to have a fun, slow, easy flying day with my trainer. Another great thing about your trainer is that they can be used for improving your skills on some maneuvers. Since the trainer flies slower, and has a tendency to want to self-correct, you have actually fly them through some maneuvers (almost forcing it sometimes). Having to do this will help you with you other planes to perform the same maneuvers.
All I am saying is don't give up on your trainer just because you have soloed. They still have lots to offer.
Ken
You hit the nail right on the head. I found this out when I had about 4 years of flying in. I had several crashes in a row and found myself with only one plane left flying, my trainer. It was either stay home or take the trainer and fly that, so I took the trainer..... duh!!!!! I wound up flying that for 3 weekends until I got something else back in the air. I found that flying a trainer once your skills have developed to more advanced planes, the trainer becomes a absolutely fun plane to fly. It's great fun flying acrobatics maneuvers with a trainer. One observation I have noticed when I fly a trainer. Remember when you were learning to fly?? Flying a trainer you probably said to yourself that the plane was fly SOOOOO fast, but now when you fly your trainer you ask yourself "How can a plane fly SOOOOOOO slow????!!!!!!!!!" It's great fun. I still have the trainer that I learned to fly on 10 years ago. It's got over 500 flights on it, it's been recovered twice, the motor is almost completely worn out with nill compression, and it's got the oldest servos I own in it. But I still take it to the field several times a summer just to have a fun, slow, easy flying day with my trainer. Another great thing about your trainer is that they can be used for improving your skills on some maneuvers. Since the trainer flies slower, and has a tendency to want to self-correct, you have actually fly them through some maneuvers (almost forcing it sometimes). Having to do this will help you with you other planes to perform the same maneuvers.
All I am saying is don't give up on your trainer just because you have soloed. They still have lots to offer.
Ken
10-31-2005 | 10:45 AM
#32
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From: , VA
RE: First Glow Plane
ORIGINAL: Ferocious Frankie
tHi ya'll,
I am in the process of joining a nearby club and am now searching for my trainer.I have narrowed it down to these two planes. The Hobbico Nexstar and Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer 60.
Which one's better?
Which one's the best starter?
Help!!!
tHi ya'll,
I am in the process of joining a nearby club and am now searching for my trainer.I have narrowed it down to these two planes. The Hobbico Nexstar and Hangar 9 Alpha Trainer 60.
Which one's better?
Which one's the best starter?
Help!!!
The Hobbico Superstar (RTF or ARF) would be good too - I just started flying on one, and it's very easy to fly.
10-31-2005 | 12:23 PM
#33
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From: FrederickMD
RE: First Glow Plane
In praise of Trainers - I like to take mine along every time I fly. I find its a great warm up. I don't get to fly nearly as much as I like, (every 2-3 weeks it seems lately), so I fly the trainer for 2-3 flights before I go to my more exciting planes.
Brad
Brad
10-31-2005 | 12:53 PM
#34
Senior Member
RE: First Glow Plane
Trainers are keepers forever. If you prang one, it should be immediately replaced.
Had a fab time yesterday flying a 10 yr old (maybe 11 now) Superstar hot rod in the wind. Great fun just hanging there & flying sideways up & down the length of the runway in a hover (big crosswind) without moving foward. Harrier landings were dead easy & 2' take-off rolls were also possible. It would even hover inverted (didn't try an inverted harrier landing).
Had a fab time yesterday flying a 10 yr old (maybe 11 now) Superstar hot rod in the wind. Great fun just hanging there & flying sideways up & down the length of the runway in a hover (big crosswind) without moving foward. Harrier landings were dead easy & 2' take-off rolls were also possible. It would even hover inverted (didn't try an inverted harrier landing).
10-31-2005 | 12:55 PM
#35
Senior Member
RE: First Glow Plane
ORIGINAL: bkdavy
In praise of Trainers - I like to take mine along every time I fly. I find its a great warm up. I don't get to fly nearly as much as I like, (every 2-3 weeks it seems lately), so I fly the trainer for 2-3 flights before I go to my more exciting planes.
Brad
In praise of Trainers - I like to take mine along every time I fly. I find its a great warm up. I don't get to fly nearly as much as I like, (every 2-3 weeks it seems lately), so I fly the trainer for 2-3 flights before I go to my more exciting planes.
Brad
10-31-2005 | 06:54 PM
#36
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From: San Jose,
CA
RE: First Glow Plane
Yesterday, on a very windy, I saw someone fly his nexstar.Even with the 25 mph gusts the nexstar looked very stable.I asked the owner after the landing about it and he said it's great so i made my decsion on the nexstar.Now the only problem i have is i don't know all the equipment i need to get.Can you guys help?
11-02-2005 | 08:27 AM
#38
RE: First Glow Plane
You're going to need:
INSTRUCTOR !
Fuel
spare prop
prop wrench
various small tools for maintenance
spare glow plug - OS #8
Method to transfer fuel to plane - pump
glow ignitor
EVERYTHING FULLY CHARGED !!!!!!!!!
Chicken stick or electric starter w/battery for same
DID I MENTION INSTRUCTOR !!!!!
Nice weather
INSTRUCTOR !
Fuel
spare prop
prop wrench
various small tools for maintenance
spare glow plug - OS #8
Method to transfer fuel to plane - pump
glow ignitor
EVERYTHING FULLY CHARGED !!!!!!!!!
Chicken stick or electric starter w/battery for same
DID I MENTION INSTRUCTOR !!!!!
Nice weather
11-20-2005 | 07:10 PM
#39
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From: San Jose,
CA
RE: First Glow Plane
Hi guys,
Well I talked to my instructor and he gave me a list of all the things I'll need to get flying.The problem is the all the things he has listed costs 300$.Is it really necessary to have an electric starter or electric fuel pump?
Thanks
Well I talked to my instructor and he gave me a list of all the things I'll need to get flying.The problem is the all the things he has listed costs 300$.Is it really necessary to have an electric starter or electric fuel pump?
Thanks
11-20-2005 | 09:14 PM
#40
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RE: First Glow Plane
$300 !!!
that list is too big...lets see in the last 3 years I havent used a power panel but I bet you need to get one right?..you will WANT an electric starter but dont need one...I use a hand crank fuel pump so cant answer that one for you..glow driver $20,,glow fuel gallon, $20,,hand crank pump $8 glow plug wrench $5...use a tote for my stuff as I out grew my small field box...Rog
that list is too big...lets see in the last 3 years I havent used a power panel but I bet you need to get one right?..you will WANT an electric starter but dont need one...I use a hand crank fuel pump so cant answer that one for you..glow driver $20,,glow fuel gallon, $20,,hand crank pump $8 glow plug wrench $5...use a tote for my stuff as I out grew my small field box...Rog
11-21-2005 | 10:09 AM
#41
RE: First Glow Plane
You don't NEED an electric starter or pump and without them you won't need a 12 volt battery either. Having said that , they are nice and should remain on the wish list for getting when you have the cash and are sure this is your hobby/sport. They make life easier.
11-21-2005 | 10:48 AM
#42
My Feedback: (12)
RE: First Glow Plane
ORIGINAL: Ferocious Frankie
Hi guys,
Well I talked to my instructor and he gave me a list of all the things I'll need to get flying.The problem is the all the things he has listed costs 300$.Is it really necessary to have an electric starter or electric fuel pump?
Thanks
Hi guys,
Well I talked to my instructor and he gave me a list of all the things I'll need to get flying.The problem is the all the things he has listed costs 300$.Is it really necessary to have an electric starter or electric fuel pump?
Thanks
11-21-2005 | 10:51 AM
#43
My Feedback: (12)
RE: First Glow Plane
ORIGINAL: bruce88123
You don't NEED an electric starter or pump and without them you won't need a 12 volt battery either. Having said that , they are nice and should remain on the wish list for getting when you have the cash and are sure this is your hobby/sport. They make life easier.
You don't NEED an electric starter or pump and without them you won't need a 12 volt battery either. Having said that , they are nice and should remain on the wish list for getting when you have the cash and are sure this is your hobby/sport. They make life easier.
