Hi,

I'm am looking for a second REAL plane. i have recently had a Firebird XL and looking for a more serious trainer that i can actually do something with (like rudder and elevator) I am stuck between a SIG EP-42 and a Hanger 9 p-51 mustang. I also don't know whether i should go with an ARF or an RTF. Please help. I also am moving to Washington Township NJ. If anyone can point out a good club to join please point it out.

THANKS

The jump from a firebird to either of those planes is a big one. Are you going to get some help or go it alone? If you are getting help ask your help. If you are going it alone I have two ideas, one would be a Park Zone plane like the Cub the have. All in one box but you get throttle, elevator, rudder, to learn the basics and slow easy flight. Two would be on more step up and a Hobbico Superstar EP with ailerons, it's available arf or rtf. as far as arf or rtf ? if you really like flying nothing you will really want to fly come rtf, so you mat as well start learning a little about how it all works and putting it together, just ask lots of questions if you have to and triple check everything!

like my spelling......sorry

Take a good, long look at the Hobbico Superstar EP Select RTF with Ailerons:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJKU3**&P=ML

It's a built-up balsa and monokote airframe that comes complete and ready to fly with radio, motor, speed controller, battery, and most everything else you'll need to get airborne. You'll simply need a charger for the battery pack included. The radio systems and servos are all standard 72Mhz equipment that can be used in future airplanes, too.

If you want to stick with electric but you want a realistic 4-channel airframe that will prepare you for bigger and faster airframes, this one is tough to beat. You can hook a buddy box to the included Futaba 4YF radio system and get help from a flight instructor while you're learning to solo.

AMA Club Locator:
http://www.ama-dist-8.org/Clubs/Locator.php

The SIG RTF planes come with Hitec radios. These are usually compatible with Futaba or Tower trainer boxes; in addition to Hitec. The LT-40 RTF is available with glow engine or electric power. It has 70 inch wing span so it's easy to see in the air.
The EP-42 has only 42 inch wings. It's also only available as an ARF I think.

The P-51 PTS comes with a JR radio. I have read that it has an adapter to connect to a Futaba trainer box (or you can buy one) but also remember reading that a few people had issues with this. Using a JR trainer box is not a problem.

Try to talk to a club instructor before spending any money. Getting something compatible with the instructor's equipment will make it easier to get startedthan having to try and match up parts.

I see nothing wrong with going RTF. You get a matched setup that should work well. If you stay with the hobby you'll buy bigger/better stuff but starting simple is good.

I don't know if "glow" engines are acceptable, if so you might consider the Great Planes "Easy Sport". It is available in either ARF or BIY and is an excellent 2nd plane. It will do virtually all the manuevers and is very docile as well. An excellent choice.

As far as clubs, mine is in Somerset County, NJ. A little far for you, but keep it in mind. If you want to take a look at the field and try it out, drop me a PM.


DaveB

Going from an electric Firebird to the Easy Sport might be a bit much! I was thinking more like a GWS Tiger Moth 400 or even the GWS PT-17. Both are 4 channel electric Bi Planes and both are very docile and forgiving flyers.

WOW....i'm shocked at how many choices there are. Thanks for the tips. I talked to my local hobby shop and they suggested the SIG EP-42 before i even brought the subject up. If anyone has any good tips for an electric plane PLEASE TELL.[sm=wink.gif] I'll tell all about the palne once i have it up and flying. If anyone belongs to a club in Washington Township NJ please tell me. I\m looking for an instructer to help me learn.

thanks a bunch.




Bird+plane=big trouble

Good luck with wich ever plane you choose and I am sure you will get hookes when you fly something like we are talking about here!

well it really depends on so many things. one thing that hasn't been brought up is:

where you want to fly? moving from a parkflyer to a "real" trainer is not only one of skill, but also one of venue. while you recognize the need to join a club, understand that clubs also have restrictions on planes. some are all electric, some have a maximum cubic inch (although most trainers are okay).

second, what is your budget? in other words, if you're on a tight budget and have to buy equipment that you can use in your thirds plane, think about that third plane. if you're thinking about say a 40 size mustang, consider buying a 40 size trainer ARF because you'll need to have at least a 5-channel radio for that mustang (6 channels if you control one servo per aileron). consider getting a quality 46 size engine rather than a budget one that often comes on RTFs.

along the same lines, do you want to go electric? if you have the chargers already and feel like electric is your future, then get the Sig EP trainer because it'll be where you want to go later. get a good charger, invest in a good radio and batteries. start to learn about electrics. however, if you feel you want to fly glow planes in the future, go with a glow trainer like an avistar or the mustang PTS you mentioned and get all the ground equipment you'll need for glow planes.

personally i wouldn't recommend the P-51 PTS unless you are flying off thick grass and need that particular trait of a tail dragger. i say go with an Avistar, get a decent 6 channel computer radio like the Hitech Optic 6 and power it with a O.S. 46AX or a 70 size fourstroke. that would be a great beginner package IMHO!

Firestar, there are two clubs in your area, neither are very close. I grew up in Old Tappan, not too far from Washinton Township. My dad, brothers and I belonged to R/C-R/C (Rockland County Radio Club) They have a very nice field on Rt 303 just south of the NY Thruway. The other club is down near Teaneck.

I just did a quick look and found one in Saddle River too.

[link=http://www.ama-dist-8.org/Clubs/Locator.php]Click Here[/link] and type in your Zip Code and a 25 mile radius and you'll get lots of club info