The Nexstar actually is a better trainer after all the special trainer stuff is removed.

I've taught a number of beginners who brought out Nexstars. The first few flights are better for them with the junk on. But after they've gotten just a couple of flights the airplane and they do lots better (and safer) with the drag brakes and wing droops off. It's a decent flying model cleaned up. And it's "knock off" landing gear is definitely a plus. It's the best trainer feature the airplane has.

I think most beginners want to stick with all that stuff because they think it makes the airplane fly safer. It just makes it fly closer to stall speed. And with less power margin. Gusts can kill it. And it will struggle with some turns. If the droops lower the stall speed then the drag from those drag things kills any needed acceleration and push the stall speed back up. Even a 46AX has problems dragging that sucker in for a landing with all the junk on it. And that's where a trainer needs some nimble, not numbing.

I agree with da Rock on most of those statements.

The Nexstar does have all those problems, even with that extra stuff off. It's very difficult to turn and the wind will kill it.

Put an OS 91 on the Kadet Senior and it there is no comparison to the Nexstar. Plenty of power to get you out of trouble and you could almost fly it in a tornado. Great turns and very slow easy landings.

I'm just a beginner, so what do I know? I only recently spent a week flying the two of these planes one after another from about 8am till 4pm everyday until I soloed.

My flight training also took place on the California coast. Very windy area.

I agree with da Rock. I too have taught on both planes, and have played around with both pushing each to its limits just for fun and have done it in lots of wind performing vertical and backwards ground roll landings. There is nothing wrong with the NextStar as a trainer, and either will work just fine. I do prefer to start students off on the NextStar with the speed flaps and wing droops removed. Both planes have their quirks also but nothing that is a detriment to either design. It makes no difference to me what trainer a student shows up with - I'll work with him. Just because some flight instructor or flight school prefers one plane over another doesn't make one or the other better - different clubs/instructors do have their preference, but overall most trainers out there are all good flying trainers.

Putting an OS 91 (I'm assuming you are talking 4-stroke as a .61 2-stroke is pushing the limits of what the design will safely handle over time) and comparing it to the NextStar is not a true comparison. The Kadet Sr. is designed for a .40 2C, so if you want to compare the two, you need to power the NextStar the same. And for a comparison, the Kadet Sr. with a .61 on it is very close in performance to my Alpha 60 in most respects, and I have flown both on a .61.

Hogflyer

No I'm talking about an OS 91 two stroke. Works great on the sig senior. No problems at all. My instuctor was hovering the senior with it. I bought the exact same engine for my sig. I also bought a twelve ounce fuel tank instead of the ten ounce it comes with. My instuctors senior had quite a few miles on it with the 91.

I don't know how you can compare the two planes even with the same engine on them. All you have to do is look at the control surfaces of the Nexstar and then look at the control surfaces on the sig senior. There is no comparing them whether your running the the same engine on both, or totally different ones.

Great!!!!!!![:@][8D][8D][8D]

Spend your money on a good motor and radio and go a little cheap on the trainer. Most basic trainers out there will do a good job for you.
Trainers do get beat up but the gear in them usually survives for several planes to come.
I like the Sig LT 40. I also like the LA series of bushing motors. The 45 is a good choice for a "40 " size trainer. the 40 is sometimes considered a little weak for some birds.

OK!

I had a bud nosen trainer 20 yrs ago, it was ok. i had some problems with some planes that were too advanced for me at the time and I went back to the eaglet trainer. it was wonderfull. 100 times better than the nosen trainer. back into hobby again after 20 yrs and I am building an aerostar from midwest. man this thing is build right. plywood fuselage and rugged. should be in the air in the next 2 weeks

Hi. My b-day is coming in march. i hope i get a plane. what about the hangar 9 p-51 mustang? anybody tried that?

Although some people have learned on that. It's not the best plane to start out with. And if you plan to learn alone then it is a definate no-no. A warbird has tendencies that can really get a newby and possibly cause you to crash.

Austin

Sorry I'm late to the conversation, alex001, but I'd recommend you take a serious look at the Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer .40 Super Combo with free Side Kick bundle at www.thundertiger4u.com:

http://www.thundertiger4u.com/thunde...de-p-7284.html

The Easy Trainer Super Combo includes a high quality airframe, a powerful, easy-to-tune Thunder Tiger GP-42 engine, and a Hitec Laser 4 radio system. The Thunder Tiger Side Kick package that is also included comes with glow ignitor and wall charger, 4-way prop and glow wrench, fuel pump, fuel cap kit and fuel line, starting stick, and even a carrying caddy for your flightline accessories.

This is a very complete package that includes everything you need except a bottle of fuel to get in the air. The $265.99 price tag includes free shipping; thundertiger4u.com ships all orders $150 or higher free via ground in the U.S.

There is an excellent review of the Easy Trainer Super Combo package at the AMA's Sport Aviator website available here:

http://www.masportaviator.com/va.asp...leName=Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40 Plus

This is the best value in a complete trainer package currently on the market. It includes everything you need and nothing that you don't. I've flown Tower Trainers, Nexstars, and Avistars and they're all nice planes. If I needed a new trainer, however, the Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer .40 Super Combo with free Side Kick package is what I would buy for either myself or a friend.

No matter which trainer you decide on, I know you'll have a lot of fun learning to fly. Good luck and good shopping!

I agree with bigedmustafa
The combo he referenced is probably one of the best RC values on the market.

Really???????.....!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!....... And for only 265 BUCKS!!!!!! WOW[X(][X(]!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I HAVE TO CHECK THIS OUT!!!!
Now, what do you guys think that the age range is for these planes? I mean, I'm turning 11 in March.

We routinely start training kids as young as eight years old at the clubs I fly at. By eleven or twelve, you should be fully capable of learning how to start and tune your engine as well as learning the basics of flying. In a couple of years, you'll be flying circles around us old guys.

ok thanks