I built one of these kits about 20 years ago and still have the OS .40 engine. I have been away from the hobby for many years but would like to build a kit over the winter months and give it a shot again.

Is the PT-40 still a good trainer? I was actually a bit suprised to see it still available although I see it has been reworked a bit.

I will also need to pick up another radio as my old AM one is a thing of the past.

Thanks!

w9nl,

Welcome to RCUniverse and back to the hobby.

The PT-40 was a great trainer back then and is just the same as today. The PT-40 with something like an OS .46 will work great for you. Take your time and do some research to find the radio you want and you'll be set.

I would highly recommend going to [link=http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx]AMA's website [/link] to locate a club near you if you haven't found one yet. They can set you up with a flight instructor and get you flying next spring.

Hogflyer

Thank you for the quick reply.

I hear you on researching the radio. Much has changed.

The engine hasn't been run in 10+ years but fired up just fine today.

Be sure and get at least a 4 channel radio

Build the PT 40 with the ailerons four servos and less dihedral as shown in the instruction book.

My PT-40 has a thunder tiger .42 in it and I have to admit it could use alittle more power,but it flies. I'd be alittle concerned about that .40,but if it runs good and has power equal to newer engines its size......then it might be ok.

The PT is still a good trainer though! Heres mine.....

I put one together a few years ago...I converted it to electric power with an E-Flite Power 46 brushless outrunner.
It surprised me as to how well it flew (flys) and we use it as a trainer for a group of Air Force JROTC cadets in our high school.

Short answer yes...it's still a good trainer.

yes. it is a magnificant trainer. BUILD THE B WING/SPORT WING. the a/trainer wing has way too much dihedreal and a find it difficult to fly in wind. It's a tough bird and can be easily repaired.

Farr301

Yeah....even with the sport wing version(which I built),it totally sucks in the wind. Not sure if this dehidral's stabilizing charactoristics outway its bad wind tendencies. I would also almost go as far as recommending building it with even alittle less dehidral then what the sport wing says.

Your 40 will work just fine on the plane. It is a good building kit and they do fly just fine. Good Luck, Dave

Thanks for all the replies and also good information. I should have a kit in a few days and will dig into it. I know I will have a few more questions as I get going. Good to know where to find answers and advice when needed.

We sometimes wonder what people consider sufficient power for a model. When built correctly, the PT-40 will fly very nicely on an O.S. Max .40 FP or .40 LA. They really don't need more power than that.

My PT-40 has an OS 40FX, seems to have plenty of power to me. I never did get around to weighing it, but I'd be surprised if it's the lightest one out there .

Does an excellent job converted to a taildragger.