Hello All
I'm a newbie with about 10 solo flights on my trainer. I purchased someone elses planes and tools, and I'm hooked big time. The following is a list of my hanger and also the steps I will take in my flying progress.

Vmar Challanger 40 trainer GMS 46----- 10 solo flights
Vmar Apache 40 trainer, GMS 46 (tail dragger) ---- next plane I will attempt
Great Planes Spacewalker, Super Tiger 75----------- attempt after Apache
Vmar BigBeautiful doll Mustang GMS 61 --------- last one I attempt to fly.

I know Vmar doesn't have the best reputation, but it is what I have. I purchased all the above (Spacewalker NIB) plus tools (field and building), field box, 3 airtronic transmitters and real flight sim for $500.00 us.

What do you think about my progression in planes. Do I have the right planes to progress properly on the learning curve to the mustang?

Also, should I stick with Airtronics or switch to Futaba or Hitech? All my present planes have Airtonic servos and recievers, but my area is not well represented with Airtronics, but has several LHS that supply and service Futaba and Hitech. I can order, just have to wait for delivery.

Thanks Roger

looks like a plan to me...

just make sure you master that spacewalker before you step up to the 'stang'.

as for the radio gear. I would keep the stuff in the planes as they are but slowly upgrade to something that is available to you as you get new stuff. (ie is your local shop carries futaba and your flying buddies use futaba I would suggest looking into futaba later on)

but for now the airtronics should be fine. also you might find you like them better than the other brands, but thats up to you.

as for the servos you shouldn't need to change them out. the only concern is that you might need to rewire the connectors or get adapters for them as I think airtronics uses a diffrent wireing configuration then the rest.

good luck.

Sounds like you got a deal for the $500. I have 5 Airtronics Vanguard (not computer) radios. All are getting to be almost 10 years old. I have had nothing but great use from them. My only complaint is the trainer switch is a little weak and I have replaced 3 out of the 5 radios. In thousands of flights with these radios I have only lost one plane due to radio failure (that's pretty honest because lots of people crash and blame it on the radio). I was instructing when the trainer switch broke. I asked the student if he had control - he didn't. I didn't have control either and the Kadet MKII went in. It was only 3 hours of fixing and in the air again. That's a pretty good record for as many flights that I have had from the 5 radios. I would keep the Airtronics if I were you.

Thanks for the response guys. Goingstraightup, my transmitters are the VG 400 and (2) VG 600's. I just need to add electrics to the Spacewalker. All the guys around here use Futaba and Hitec, not that they are better or worse, just due to convenience of product availability. I'm somewhat of a rebel and just might stick with atronics as my go to electrics. As UNSTABLE said, I am having troubles with connections (getting them locally), and am thinking of changing to the Futaba connections for the charging systems. I couldn't find an external plug adapter for the fuselage and am thinking of changing the charger plug.

And yes, I think it was a great deal. It was to bad for the fella I purchased from, he just was getting out of the hobby and needed the money. I'm 39 and was looking to get into this hobby since I was 10, finally made it.

Sounds great Stang. Looks like you are going to have a great season of flying. I'm 37 and was blessed enough to get into the hobby 14 years ago. I never stopped. People close to me think I've gone a little "overboard" on the hobby thing, but I don't mind!

Stang,
You got a GREAT deal there! I'm jealous
I have to second what unstable said about mastering the Spacewalker before trying the Mustang.....don't rush yourself, enjoy your planes and their life expectancy will be longer!

Mike