After 4 weeks of punching holes in the sky, I seem to have out grown my LT-40 already. I've been doing touch and go's until I'm blue in the face, and I've been doing as much aerobatics as I can with a high wing trainer. I was even torque rolling (albeit for not very long) over the field. I'm at the point where I'm entirely comfortable with the trainer, and wish it had more response in manuvers and a was little faster. Several people in my club have Twist's, and I quite like them. Cheap, small size (I live in a small apartment), and seem to be good performers. Having just spend a good amount of money getting into the hobby, I dont want to spend too much more. I can handle a cheap plane, flight pack, and engine.

I realize they are not the best choice for a second plane, but I really want to go down the aerobatic route. I would get someone to buddy box me on the first couple flights just to get used to a low wing tail dragger configuration. I was originally looking at a Tiger 60 as a second plane, but there is a guy at our field with one, and he wishes his was a little more responsive as well. I feel it may not be what I'm looking for.

I bought the LT-40 in Feb, and was pepared to fly it all summer as I got used to flying. It was maidened on Feb 17th, and I passed my test on March 30th. 4 weeks later I'm bored of the LT-40. I guess I got comfortable with it alot quicker than I expected. I've also had many hours on the sim, at least an hour a day.

So given that I feel I've progressed quite quickly, could I survive a Twist? Or more pricisely, would a Twist survive me? The other one I'm looking at is the Somethin' Extra, but I like the Twist better.

Thanks!

G'day Kerberos32,

I was alot like you i grew out of my trainer very quickly i think it was around 3-4 weeks of flying around ripping up the sky, i would recommend a Scanner they are a small Low-wing plane and only cost 100 bucks (Australian) which is like $75 U.S as for a motor for them they will happily take an O.S 46LA (Very cheap and good motor) they are pritty fast and very aerobatic they will take anything you can throw at them, not the best looking Low-wing but quick none the less.

I hope this helped alittle

Happy Flying
Paul

I would think that you could easily fly a Twist if you start with smaller throws on your control surfaces, and keep the CG at a forward position.

Paul, do you have a web link to the Scanner plane from AU?

Ryan

I would think about a Sig Mayhem. That is my second plane and I am doing hovers, torque rolls, flat spins, blenders, waterfalls, etc. Just keep the throws real low to start, but the fat wing 3d planes just land so easily.

Kerberos32,

I think the Twist would be fine as a second plane. It was my second plane, I have about 20 flights on my twist, take all the advice given here already with making sure that the control throws are at the lowest RECOMMENDED settings. The Twist will fly completely different than your trainer, and it will be very easy to get into trouble fast if you have the controls set to high. Take the first few flights very careful, and enjoy the twist.

Ditto what he said....... I found the Twists to be very squirrely planes and didn't like them for that reason. On high rates they can be a handfull. I might be able to fly one better now since my skills have improved but as a third plane (for me) they were just too much. It really depends on how you fly though.

I personally think that you might want to upgrade to a Ugly Stick (Stik) - Great Planes and Hanger 9 both make them - or a 4-Star 40. Even though the Stick (or Stik) is a high wing, it is very aerobatic, but still forgiving. The Twist can get you in trouble fast, even at low control settings. The Twist is a great third plane. I have two of them (but I will not let low time pilots fly them, they are set up to be very aggressive). But I still fly a GP Stik too. Progress slowly and build you skills.

RhyonO,

i went looking on the web for the Scanner as im not very good with computers i cant put the image on here to show yourself and others what the scanner looks like, i am sorry, but by doing a google seach under images put the words scanner R/C in and you will see what it looks like, again im sorry i could'nt post the pic on here myself.

The maker of the Scanner is Phoenix Model.

Happy Flying
Paul

I think the twist still has an issue with fuesalage strength and this may not mix well with the "second plane" theory. Maybe the Sig plane or a GreatPlanes UCD 3d ? I used a 3d plane as my second plane and it worked out fine, for me? As stated.....keep the cg forward and the throws at the low or lower end.

If your looking for a good 2nd aerobatic beginner plane for cheap I'd highly recommend an Uproar either 40 or 60 and definetly go with the kit. I had an Uproar 40 as a 2 plane and it was great. There are some mods you need to do but otherwise it's extrwmly cheap, great flyer and will definetly train you for later.

The mods are; enlarging the rudder up and over the vertical stab about an inch, kinda like the way a giles rudder is. Nose heavy-ness can be an issue as these planes were made moe for 40 FP and i had a Supertigre 51 ringed that made my nose WAY heavy so consider making a battery hatch in the back and installing a servo back there. I elso heard form someone else somewhere here on rcu about increasing all the contol surfaces chords and up rates but you definetly dont need to worry about that. This plane is pretty comparable to a Twist as a guy at our field has on but with out the mods it lacks full potential, mainly with out that rudder.

Good Luck Darion
P.S. heres the forum with the uproar mods. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_40...tm.htm#4111510

Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions. I'll take them all to heart as I contemplate my next bird. I would love to build a kit - however time and space doesn't permit me that luxury. That's the great thing about ARFs, they are perfect for a guy like me. I can turn my living room into a construction hanger for a day or two and its done. Whenever I do have space though, I want to build a kit. Seems all the planes that I really want to fly, only come in kit form. Might be a number of years yet, but I'll get there.

I'm thinking I'll probably go for the Twist, the price is right. Cant beat less than $100 for a decent ARF. Another couple hundred for engine and flight pack and I'm good to go. Another benefit is that there are 4 flown by advanced pilots at my field, so I'll have plenty of help.

Thanks again, and keep with the helpful suggestions. This forum has been an enormous help to me as a newbie - I have learned more than I ever could have on my own.

PM

Kerberos32 - just curious, did you increase the throws on your LT-40 for kicks?

I increased rudder and elevator by moving the push rod out one hole on the servo arm. I was going to try again by moving the pushrod in one hole on the control arms. I'm not sure my ailerons will travel much more, they seem somewhat tight at the current (suggested in manual) setting.

theres nothing wrong in getting the twist as ur second plane. i grew out of my trainer just as fast as u. in fact, i got myself a funtana for my second plane! but if u fell that ur really ready for a 3d plane like that, be prepared for all kinds of stalls. but u need at least a 75 for prop hanging though... but, do wat u think is right for u.

Hey all. my buddy got a World Models Sky Raider Mach II. It flys nice with a .40. Here is a website and a picture: http://www.airborne-models.com/html/...p?ProductID=16

I too have a Lt 40 and have become bored with it. I started look for a new plane when a visitor at our field showed up this a Big Stick. It flew great. The price seem right too. But, After researching on RCU I found a form dealing with the Twist. And the price is really what first got my attention. Further reading in the forms convinceded me more and more to get one. So last month I picked one up from a hobby store in Sacramento. I'm about half way thorough the build and everything to this point was easy. I did get some assistance in putting on the control surfaces because it comes with CA hinges and I had not done that before but after a quick demo from a hobby store I was set. Las week end I purchased an OS 46 for it and so-far I'm very happy with the purchase. The engine fits in the plane with out any cutting. This is possible because the adjustment valve can be rotated to a vertical poison. I think that the Twist would be a great second plane for someone who ready for something a bit faster that what they started with. I should also say that I did have a electrict by plane that help me get the feel of something a bit faster.

You can go with a modeltech magic and then just change over your components.

Well, I ended up getting the Twist and will hopefully maiden it on Saturday. It was a nice easy assembly job, however I had a hard time getting the OS 46 FX to fit in. I had to cut a notch for the needle valve, and with the fuel line coming in at 90*, its next to impossible for me to fit my fingers between the engine and the firewall to remove the tubing for filling. Is there a special tool to use that wont damage the tubing? I heard that the needle valve can be positioned verticaly, however I couldnt see how to do that. (Its a used engine, didnt come with a manual)

Here's hoping the first flight lasts in one piece.

I have the same problem with the fuel tubing on my trainer. I use a pair of hemostats with heat shrink tubing on the jaws to protect the tubing (a couple of wraps of electrical tape should work as well)

Try this out and see if it doesn't help your fuel tubing problem. Connect a short piece of fuel tubing to the needle valve on the engine, 2"-3" is usually a good size. Then have the fuel line coming out of the fuel tank. Connect the two lines together with a small piece of brass tubing. When it's time to fill the plane you can separate the tubing and fill the tank, and then reconnect the tubing with the brass tube. Quick, easy, and you don't need any special tools to get to the fuel line.

Hope this helps

Ken

Thanks Ken - Thats an incredibly simple solution. I already have an additional fuel filter in there, so I'll just adjust the lengths of tubing and I can do what you suggest. Sometimes the simplest, most obvious solution is the best!

I was concerned that the fuel line might be too long. Are there any limitations I sould be careful off? Also, are there any issues with having the fuel line looped up or down too much?

I've never had any problems with a fuel line being too long. I just finished putting together a Long Ez and because of where the fuel tank has to sit the vent and fuel lines are about 10"-12" long, running an OS 46 FX. I haven't noticed any problems with them that long. I like to have my fuel lines a bit long anyway. As you put on and take off the fuel lines the ends of them will split or open up, and if your line a tad bit long you can just trim back the bad area and not have to replace the entire fuel line.

Hope this helps

Ken

I maidened the Twist today, and after some trim adjustments she's flying like a dream. What a difference over the LT-40! Its like going from an 76 AMC Pacer to a Ferrari. It goes where its pointed, and is incredibly responsive. I reduced the throws and dialed in some expo to calm it down and she's still fiesty. My first two flights resulted in dead sticks, my first ever since I started flying. The first was a bad plug (the engine I installed was used, and I should have changed the plug to begin with) and the second was that my idle was a little to low, and it quit coming out of a flat spin. After those two moments of excitement, the next three flights were un-eventful, but incredibly fun! On landing it really slows down well. At my field the "carrier approach" is popular due to a row of trees at the end of the runway. I had to really fight to get the LT-40 down, but I can dive the twist at the runway, cut the throttle, pull back and it slows right down, and lands perfectly every time. What a great plane! I'm sure there are others even better and more fun, and I'm sure one day I'll have a go at some of those as well!

I'm happy to hear that your first flights with the twist were good ones. I spent putting servos and control horns in mine last night. I've been reading a lot about the CG on this airplaine. I was wondering if you followed what the book suggests or something different. Also, how did you solve the problem with the throttle linkage? I've read that some were using flex cable.

Mine seems to be balanced okay, about 4 1/4" back from the leading edge. Its not quite laterally balanced, I'm going to have to add some weight to the left wing tip to counter it.

I didnt have a problem with the throttle linkage. I have mine coming out of the firewall, bending down, then back up to meet the throttle horn at a good angle. In the radio compartment, the linkage bends down (with the fuselage inverted) and inwards to meet the servo arm. Seems to be working okay. Its not completely smooth, but I sqirted some silicone lube in the tube and that helped alot, no binding issues.

What issue are you experiencing? I followed the directions in the manual, and it all worked fine - I'm using an OS .46 FX

One thing I found was that with full rudder, (approx 45*) it wants to roll. This makes knife edges a little tricky. Is this normal behavior? I know it is in aircraft with dihedral, however this is a flat straight wing. Maybe its just too much throw?

Peter