Has anyone used this plane before? What are your thoughts?

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXEXK2**&P=0

It's an excellent trainer. I learned on it and liked it's every aspect. If you perform a search you'll find tons of comments on the Nexstar. You'll find both fans and detractors of this particular model but in my opinion it's one of the best, if not THE best trainer out there. Newcomers are also looking to have something that looks fairly sleek and the only trainer that gives you this is the Nexstar. In my opinion Hangar 9 PTS contraptions are only marketing schemes, not proper trainers.

There is also a list of good first planes stickied on the top of this forum. You can do some research about the ones listed there as well.

I learned on a NexStar and also loved mine. I still fly it too. I like it because everything was in one box. I didn't have to go find an engine, servos, transmitter and receiver, etc. nor did I have to install everything. It's amazingly acrobatic too.

There are trainer planes that are cheaper but as I mentioned you will have to go get the other things separately but will save some money. It wasn't worth my time so I bought what you are looking into.

You will find that everyone will tell you to disable the AFS system and I agree with that. The other training aids I left on for the first few flights but they came off quick.

Before you buy anything, I recommend you check with your instructor and local club (you do belong to one right?) and see what they have or recommend. There was one club that I checked into that had their own trainer planes that I could have learned to fly on for free. Yours may too.

Also, check out [link=http://gettingairborne.com]gettingairborne.com[/link] because it was created by a couple of knuckleheads that are on RCU too . It's good info for beginners.

Best of luck!

Why did you not like the AFS system?

Everyone agrees that the AFS system tends to confuse rather than help. The system will try to level the plane but sometimes that gets in the way of what the pilot is actually trying to do. I agree that AFS is worthless.

Oh that makes sense I guess. DId you use the training flaps and droops?

They're OK but not needed. Especially if you have an instructor and an instructor will save you a lot of time and money.

The Nexstar RTF trainer is an ok trainer, but as a package is very overpriced. The plane comes with the AFS system, the speed brake/flaps, and the wing droops. Those are the big selling features for this plane. The majority of instructors will have you remove at the very least the AFS, and more than likely the flaps and wing droops as well. When those are taken off the plane flies pretty much like most other trainers out there. But it's my opinion that it's silly to pay extra money for something that you're not even going to use. Without these items the plane is pretty equal to the Tower Trainer in the way it flies. Trust me here, I've trained plenty of students on both systems and I can tell you that they are pretty much the same. Except the Nexstar RTF is $399 and the Tower RTF is $279. I would prefer to see a student pay for the Tower RTF and use the extra $120 for the field equipment that's going to be needed. Don't get me wrong, the Nexstar flies fine and will do well to train students. I just don't like seeing people pay more than they need to in order to get in to the hobby.

Ken

RCKen,

Are you comparing apples to apples? Does both the Tower and NexStar RTF packages contain the same things like transmitter/receiver, simulator software & cable for the radio, same kind or similar engine, etc? Just curious why the NexStar is $120 more. I agree that the training aids are worth that much.

You are probably right that with an instructor the training aids wouldn't be needed.

I do like the wing bolts instead of the rubber bands though.

They're close enough in the way they are equipped to make the comparison relevant. The simulator is marginal and like most actually teaches bad habits if not used properly.

The wing bolt simply makes sure that when you bang a wingtip into something (ground?) you will tear out the mount and do more damage than the rubber band version.

If you want to get exactly the same equipment then go with the ARF Tower Trainer and put what you want into it. Better motor and/or radio than either RTF package.

I just hate buying stuff just so I can throw it away without ever using it.

Thanks Bruce.

What he said!!

Ken

Thanks, but what simulator does the Tower have? Is it marginal too or is it better? I spent a lot of time on the one that came with the NexStar and I have even taught my 3 yr old grand daughter on it. It's fun, and has a lot of options. I've seen a couple of others and they all looked about the same to me. Can you learn bad habits? Sure, but for practice when you cannot make it to the field it's great stick time. The simulator was an important part in my purchase decision.

You and Ken have a lot more experience with the various trainers and packages and I just wish I had joined RCU before I went out and bought what I did. Don't get me wrong, I love my Nex$tar and it flies great as I mentioned, but it was the package that attracted me not the training gadgets that came off quickly. Obviously, that's a huge part of their marketing though.

I do not wish to conflict with any of the posters, especially several that I like and respect. I trained with the Nexstar Select and solo'ed with it. It's a fine aircraft and trainer, no matter what configuration you select. That's my official opinion.

However, I my instructor tried the AFS and we both decided to not use it. I actually removed the entire Futaba system and installed my own Airtronics RD6000 radio system, including the servos.

Why? Only because I had the radio system and wanted to learn using that system. Simple as that.

The flaw in that decision was that I was using a buddy box which eliminated any of the computer advantages I had with the RD6000. So, there was really no difference for me a a student, with the RD6000 system.

Once I solo'ed, though, I did realize the differences and enjoyed them until I advanced to my second aircraft, a Goldberg Tiger 60.

The RTF configuration of the NexStar has some very good advantages, in my opinion. They include their Real Flight version of the Nexstar Flight Simulator software. If you use it, it is a great way to practice certain factors of learning RC in times that you cannot fly outdoors.

Personally, I think this is a great trainer and a pretty good value for the money.

I cannot sign out without saying this. There are other trainer systems out there that are less cost than the NexStar. That's true, and it would not be fair if I did not say that there are are others out there that will do exactly what the NexStar does but for less cost.

One big advantage that the NexStar has, though, is it's size. Visibility is very important for the new RC'ers out there. It is bigger than some, if not most of the trainers out there. So look over all specifications of the new aircraft you are shopping for and make sure what you get is what you want. Always consider the cost versus what you are getting for the money. If you do that, you will find that the NexStar is right there with a lot, if not most of the competition out there.

CGr.

I just ordered my first airplane and I decided against the Nextstar and instead purchased a Sig Kadet LT-40. Here are my reasons.

All the ARF's I looked at came with a radio, receiver, servos, engine, and some with software, including the Nextstar.

All of these 'tag alongs' are sacrifices in my opinion and you will likely end up buying a new radio if you like the hobby and progress, and a better sim if you like the simulator.

The engine is an O.S. Max 46FXi - almost everyone I know prefers the 46AX, so that's what I bought. FXi is fine. AX is better, just that simple.

The NexSTAR simulator disk included in this kit is NOT compatible with any version of the RealFlight Add Ons Volumes and doesn't include all the airplanes and fields of the full version.

The radio is a Futaba 4 channel FM radio. I got a 7 channel radio and instead of FM it's 2.4 GHz, a real advantage since you don't have to worry about interference with other peoples frequencies.

Last, the AFS (Active Flight Stabilization), SpinControl, Airfoil Extensions, SpeedBrakes and Training Flaps are things I'm told alot of people end up taking off as instructor's and owners sometimes don't want them on the plane.

For a little more you can get a better engine, better radio (by far) and better trainer.

I'm not knocking the Nexstar; I'm sure it's a good trainer and good value. I just see it as a sacrifice that you can avoid by spending a little more money. Just my two cents.

If you're set on the Nexstar take a look at getting the ARF version along with a better 6 channel 2.4 GHz radio and better OS Max engine, something like this for 100 bucks more:

109.99 Nexstar ARF http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXJDH3&P=ML
129.99 OS Max 46AX http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFMD5&P=ML
259.98 Futaba 6 channel 2.4 GHz Radio w/4 servos http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSFY3&P=ML

If you can't afford to spend any more than 399 then save some money for other things and get the Tower RTF for 279 like RCKen said.

It's a shame that the 46AX took that $25 increase all of a sudden. I'm glad I got to snatch two of them at $104.

I have to agree with RCKen, considering that the flight simulator that comes with the package can be downloaded for free as a demo with the nextar. You can easily get started flying much cheaper, with a plane that flies just as well and have an extra $150 in your pocket to buy a better transmitter if you wish. Or, buy Realflight 3.5 or 4.0 (the full version) with what you will be saving. The wing mounting system be it rubber bands or nylon bolts is negligent. I would even prefer rubber bands on a trainer. My entire point is, you can have a nice trainer in the air and learn to fly just as easily as the next guy cheaper than $400.

Here is a link to the Tower Trainer

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0

Use the xtra money to buy a good sim. OR feild equipment.

What they said,

Also for my 2 cents worth it flys just fine without the extras and every bit as good as a plane 1/2 the price.
It also is rather dificult to repair IMHO

Friends
I´d like to make that kappaj1 said, but where i go to obtain instructions in order to assemble servo's ?
I am an aplicant student and i'd like assemble by myself
Tanks.

Paul

Paulrouke,
Good for you if you want to build it yourself. The LT 40 by Sig comes as a kit and will save you some money too. By building it you will know how to fix it. Tower Hobbies and other mail order places can sell you the kit covering and a few tools, glue etc. All things a modeler will eventually get anyway. Go for the OS AX 46 though it runs fine and is a reliable engine.

Check out the first two posts at the top of this forum for all the details, these guys have really done the finest job of simplifying the beginer process. I send all of my new students to those posts. [8D]

I would agree the tower 40 trainer ARF , with the complete setup is the better buy. We have two guys learning on the tower 40 and they fly great and the price is right. My friend thought he could get the tower 40 trainer with everthing for around $250, not sure if he is right. One guy had the NexStar and went to the tower 40 after his nexstar was distroyed.

I just taught myself on the nexstar ARF. I used the brakes and the airfoils (ARF does NOT come with AFS) and after 10 flights took them off and realized the plane was much faster with out them so put them back on for 10 more flights. With a OS 55ax and a 2.4 7C I think I have the perfect package for me. The radio should last me quite a while. I took out the dihedral and added floats to have more fun. Good luck.

How do you take the dihedral out of the wing?

I read another post about bending the rod some that is in the wing. It is straight and when you bend it down it straightens the wings. Someone also mentioned putting some glue on the rod on one side to keep it from turning in the wing and giving you more dihedral then stock. Worked for me. I've flown it off wheels too and it seems to wake it up a bit in the air but I'm no expert.