Hello Everyone:

Last winter I had a great time building my first plane since I was a kid. I put together a kit LT-40 and if I do say so myself it turned out pretty darn good. Now I've got the itch again. I'm looking to build another plane perhaps one that's a bit more challenging. I really love WWII warbirds but maybe that would be too much of a step? Strangely enough I have yet to fly the LT-40 (will do so soon) but the new plane should be a step up from this trainer in flight characteristics as well as building difficulty. Thanks for any input.

Fred

That depends a lot on your building skills. Sounds like you put a lot of effort into building. I would go for a simple plane and build it from the plans. I am sure you could do a search hear and find a good source of plans find the one you want and "kit" it yourself If not,
A good kit would be a 4-star 40 . There are sooo many to mention. Building to me is just time and patients.

The 4*, be it 40 or 60 is definitely the frontrunner around here when it comes to the #2 plane choice. I'm going to give you another alternative to look at. It's the same plane only better. It is the BTE Venture 60. BTE = Bruce Thorpe Enterprises. He is the man that designed the original 4* for Sig. He has since re-designed it with the purpose of eliminating some of it shortcomings. I'll put up a link for you to look at and you can see & read for yourself what Bruce has to say about the two models & the extra time & effort that goes into the production of each Venture kit to ensure the best fitting parts available, they have allready sanded each piece to a perfect fit for you, removing all lazer cut scorch marks & etc. I was very impressed it with it. It will be my first build when I'm ready.

http://www.btemodels.com/venture.html

Take a look, have a read & tell me what ya think.

4*s are popular for 2nd type planes because they will fly quite fast with a 46 engine and then will slow down and land at a slow walk. Actually they will land slower than most LT40s. This is good if you need to land at a slow pace. If you want to get into warbirds later then you may want to get used to a plane that lands a bit faster for a 2nd plane. In this case a Tiger 2 or a Super sportster fits the bill. The faster landing speeds also means that the planes are a bit easier to land in windy conditions. [8D]

I would also recomend the 4*40.

The Tiger 2 is a great kit both to build and fly. I built mine as a tail-dragger and had no problems with the maiden flight. Take-off is as easy as a tricycle trainer and landing is just as smooth. I actually find landing my Tiger easier than my Avistar.

I'll add one more vote for the Four Star as a "second" airplane.

4 Star 40 is a good choice . the ever popular Ugly stick would be a no problem #2 plane as well. the 4 star's wing loading is low so even the engine off your trainer would work ok.

The Sig Midstar is another good flyer with a wide speed range and a it has a different look as its a mid wing. It has a more positive landing approach (not as floaty as the 4*) and flys similiar to the Tiger 2 low wing. [8D]

Tiger 2, or 4*40 -- both are great second airplanes (I prefer the Tiger). Build either one as a taildragger.