I'm getting pretty good with my trainer, and I'm thinking of building something for in the future. Do you think it's too much for a first kit to build a SIG Hog Bipe kit?? Or would this make a decent choice. I'm also leaning toward a Venture 60 or a SIG 4 star 60. I can't decide if I want to go with a mid-wing or a low wing , or the Bipe route. There's something really alluring about a Bipe, so I'm heading in that direction. Let me know of your recommendations for my first kit, either the bipe or the mid-wing, or low......Thanks.

They are all nice planes and are pretty easy to build. I would either choose a 4* 60, ,or the hog bipe, they are both good flyers. Can't comment on the other though, because I don't have one. The Hog Bipe and the 4* are equally easy to build, but with the bipe, you have to build an extra wing.
Just make sure, since this is your second plane that you use the recomendend control throws so you don't get yourself into truble.

I have built and flown all 3 and I would hold off on the Hog Bipe and make it your 3rd plane. It's a great flyer but a lot different then what you are use to, and bipes do fly different, get more stick time. Now you mention a mid wing but the other 2 are low wing, did you forget to post one??? Now of the 2 I would go with the Venture 60 hands down!!! Bruce Tharpe designed both and the Venture 60 was to be the next generation 4 star so to speak. It builds like a dream and it's a dream to fly!

2nd plane i ALWAYS recomend a stick, they fly great and dont cost heaps.

have a look at the DPS and SPADstick at www.spadtothebone.com

or any one of the comercial sticks are fine

Hold off on the bipe, they fly way too different from your trainer.
4*40 or 60 would be a good choice.

Thanks for the advice everyone......Well it looks like I'll hold off on building the bipe, I didn't realize the flight characteristics might be so different (high drag etc.) I'll make it my 3rd plane. I'm leaning either toward the Venture 60, or one of the Spad's, based on your recommendations. Also by the way, GrnBrt I forgot to post the mid-wing (was tired when I posted) It is the SIG something extra kit. Although since I have a .46 engine already, I'm leaning toward the .60 size, and the SIG runs the .40 range engine. Again Thanks..

Flintlock, just something to consider (Flame Shields Up) If I were you (actually I am looking for my second plane also, looking at almost exactly the same models) I would stay away from the SPADs. Only one reason... If you want to build that hog, I think it would help to have the experience of building another balsa kit before hand.

I think if you build another (balsa) kit first, you will get a few of the mistakes out of your system and the Hog will come out better. I just rebuilt my first kit (sat for 10 years,) and man was it a mess.

Just a snack for thought.

Jon

Another one you may wish to consider for your second plane is the Sig Mid-Star 40. It's a nice transistion plane.



I believe Bruce Tharpe had a hand in this plane, too.

He calls it one of the best, but most underrated, planes available today.

It's an easy, well designed kit (took me 28 days to build working slowly from start to maiden) and it files quite well.

Best of luck whichever plane you choose.

Hey Woodsy.
Why is it that EVERY post of your's I've read recommends Spads? Have you EVER flown anything else, or do you get a royalty for every one built?
Dennis-