I lost my second plane over the weekend - a GP Easy Sport. I'll spare the gory details, but a mean barred wire fenced leaped up and … just one of those misjudged the altitude and location ... We shared a little over a dozen fights before the ill fated event and had a good working relationship. I’ll miss her.

So, my question is: What next?

What’s a good choice for a semi-second plane. One capable of some aerobatics and maybe even more then what the Easy Sport had to offer. The only limitation (and it's a big one) is that I’d like to just move the OS .040 over to the new plane. So, I’m looking for a 40 size aerobatic trainer … one thought that I had was the Hangar 9 Ultra-Stick (I have a Fubaba 7C). But, I’m open to all suggestions.

With size restrictions like that, you may wish to try theGreat Planes Venus 40. I had an OS 50 on mine, but it will fly fine with a 40. Great aircraft, very capable and easy to fly.

DS.

This one flies GREAT on a .40 and it's cheap!

http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopexd.asp?id=63

I'll throw this in before someone else surely will

Sig Four Star 40 or Goldberg Tiger 40.

Sig Somethin' Extra

If you want something rather aerobatic and possibly 3D, the Goldberg Wildstick 40 is an easy build. Mine flys great with a OS .46. I use it as a fun-fly plane. Will do loops in just about it's length with a roll rate that makes it look like a propellor! You can tone down the throws and make it as tame as a trainer... and anything in between.

DS.

A Sig Midstar would also fit the bill. Flys similiar to the 4* and a little easier to see with the larger wind span. Can be built as a trike or tail dragger. [8D]

Phoenix Models Dolphin .40 ARF - available from Tower for $99.99

Sorry to hear about your Easy Sport, I had one that I really liked, too.

I agree, this is a fine flying plane. However, I hesitate to endorse it as a second plane, simply because it is built as a performance plane, not a trainer. I don't think it will handle rough treatment very well, and, lets face it, trainers lead a rough life, sometimes! Same can be said for the Hangar 9 Pulse XT: looks good, flies good, but it's not built like a trainer. Pilots want to spend their time flying and not repairing.

Thanks guys! Great suggestions ... you're not making this decision any easier.

CGRetired - The Goldberg's Wildstick sounds a lot like Hanger 9's Ultra Stick ... one of the reason's I'd considered the Ultra was because of the 4 servo wing and the ability to play around with the mixes on the Futaba 7C. Is the Wildstick similar?

Your right, bigedmustafa, the Easy Sport was a great plane ... I'm still keeping my options open and considering another one. But, I’m also thinking that this might be a good time to find something better - <?>

That's a good point Jim, thanks for making it ... I'm not an "experienced" pilot. I'm probably not ready for that 27% Extra - even if I may think I am (at times). Truth be known, I still need a plane that's going to forgive some of those less then perfect landings.

I learned on a 60 sized H9 Ultra Stick. It was a great trainer with the delfections set low. Then I learned more advanced maneuvres with it. I still have the plane and still love it. Many people do not like the Sticks because "they look funny."
The Stick was designed to be a good all-around RC plane. And that's exactly what it is. There is a reason a design from (before?) the 70's is still flown quite often.

The flaps are not necessary for landing, but are still very cool. Putting mine into butterfly blows my mind every time. Also, by mixing the flaps to act as full-span ailerons when not being used as flaps, you get bigger ailerons than the "stock" full-span.

Keep her light and she'll be amazing. Heck, mine's heavy and is still amazing!

Make it a little nose heavy and it'll settle itself in the air.

There are probably build threads for the 40 size here on RCU, just do a search. For the 60 size I moved all of the tail servos to the tail and balanced the plane by making a battery bracket to get the desired CG (aka no lead weights)

Take care, and good luck with the decision!
Jim

Hobby People offers the 40 size LUCKY STIK ARF. it goes together quick , rugged & will do most aerobatics .

Thanks for all the suggestions it WAS appreciated.

I stopped off at the LHS on my way home from work the other day (Tuesday). I figured I'd just stop to look and compare ... I had Goldberg's Wildstick, H9's Ultra Stick and H9's Pulse XT along with and a couple of others pulled out and scattered on the floor and shelves. I must've stood there for 30 minutes, looking and comparing, before the Ultra Stick leaped into my hands and drug me off to the cash register ...

I just couldn't get past the color scheme of the Wildstick and the Pulse was just too "pretty" and it didn't have the versatility of the sticks with the four servo wings and the large control surfaces. I'll let you know how the build progresses. So far the wing's together and the servos are mounted. I'm hoping to get some time to work on it, and hopefully finish it, by this weekend ... but with Christmas decorations to put up and shopping to do, I'm not holding my breadth.

Good to hear! I'm sure you'll be more than happy with her. I would recommend using the experience of others here on RCU to your benefit. a few searches and you'll know everything there is to know about this plane. One thing you can be sure of, it will fly GREAT!

Congrats and happy flying,
Jim

i have been flying for about 1 yr and have 20 planes. my fav is still my h-9 ustick w/ a jet 45. this is the best flying plane i have. russm