I am looking for suggestions on what to purchase as my next plane. I am new into this hobby and still learning. I am currently flying a Nexstar (without bells and whistles) and a G.P PT40 (trainer). I learned with an instructor, simulator and lots of good advice from other club memebers.....but the Nexstar is getting a bit boring. Thiking low wing, tail dragger with some aerobatic capabilities...with the docileness of a high wing trainer. Any kit or ARF suggestions?

I would, and did, go with a 4* and love it. I am now running a 4* 60 with a 91 4 stroke in it. A ton of fun.

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers and second planes. All of them on the list are proven planes that are well suited for successfully letting students learn to fly, or advance to a second plane. Check out the list here
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer- what's available. (Updated 1-19-07) [/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

My favorite second plane is the Tiger II or Tiger 60 (Whichever engine you have)

But it has a nose wheel. You could modify it as a tail dragger, or you could go with the 4*. Personally, I like the looks and flying characteristics of the Tiger

There is also the BTE Venture 60.

The Sig Four Star and the Goldberg Tiger 2/Tiger 60 are both wonderful choices. I have a Tiger 2 myself and I think it is a terrific airplane.

You might also consider the Phoenix Models Dolphin ARF:

[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXLGM8&P=ML]Phoenix Dolphin[/link]

The Dolphin is very similar to the Sig Four Star .40 ARF, but it's significantly less expensive. The Dolphin comes largely pre-assembled as well, with the ailerons, rudder, and elevator pre-hinged and pinned from the factory. The canopy and pilot figure are factory installed, too. You don't have to glue the canopy on yourself like you would with the Four Star ARF.

With Tower Hobbies' current promotional code of 011C5, you can save $25 on an order of $149 or more. That means you could purchase the Dolphin .40 ARF with a Magnum XLS .46A ball-bearing 2-stroke and get the package for $134.98 plus shipping and handling.

Add a flight pack with servos and receiver, and you'd have a wonderfully aerobatic low wing trainer that will slow down and land as gently as your Nexstar.

I just went into low wings a couple of weeks ago. After doing some researching , I built a 4 Star .40. with a Saito .56 . This plane is fun , yet forgiving .

if your interested, you can check this one out. [link=http://acehobby.com/ace/showpic.asp?imagepath=images/airplane/enlarge/ACE4559.jpg]Cloud dancer 40 or 60[/link] It flies like a trainer but if you want to open it up, it will do alot of maneovers (sp) without a prob. The airframe is very light. I have a .65la on mine and it hauls it around fairly decent.