Hey everyone,

I am starting to get bord of my Nexstar and I was wondering if this might be a good idea: http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXSWA3&P=ML
I am an expert on realflight G4 and can fly it easily doing various aerobatic manouvers. If you guys have any other ideas then feel free to post them.

Well, if you have a couple thousand dollars you're ready to turn into a pile of sticks, go right ahead.

I'm not trying to be a wise guy, I'm just trying to put it in perspective for you.

Chances are, you might be able to fly that thing pretty well. Chances are, you'll bring it home in a trash bag too.

Are you ready to take that chance?

A much better idea would be to get something you can learn 3-D on, like a U-Can_Do, or a Sig Something extra, or any number of 40 - 60 size Aerobatic planes.

A simulator is an outstanding tool, but it's no substitute for the real thing. Learn on something that won't break the bank,

THEN when you KNOW you can do it, rolling the dice is not so risky

Ok, I hope you're not serious. If you're joking, it made me laugh. If you're not, please follow this link: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_8138675/tm.htm

In short, it's not a good idea.

I think I'll just pull my popcorn machine out of the cobwebs and make a couple batches. Two Extra 330 threads so far, all within a week, and this is starting to get interesting. In reference to gaRCfield's link, these planes don't fly in reality like they do on the sim. You never know the glide ratio, or how it's going to trim the first time out. The stall characteristics may be a horse of a different color once you get that 38% bird out to the field. There is no garantee that brand new engine is going to do what's expected: What are you going to do if it deadsticks just after the takeoff rotation? Oh, what the heck. If you got the money to spend, Andrew, then go for it. Please post your observations after the maiden. If it all turns out to be a success, then inquiring minds want to know!

NorfolkSouthern

Andrew,


You have received some good advice.
The guys at my club recommended this
for my second plane,


Bob

Being proficient on the simulator doesn't automatically equate with actual flying. Simulators are nice but, in the end, they are video games not a real airplane, with a real engine, in a real sky.

That Extra might just be an expensive lesson if you try it too soon. I'm thinking about working on my full scale pilots license again. Do you think the instructor will want to train me in a Cessna 150 or will he take me out to the National Guard base and strap me into an F-16? Learning RC is no different; a natural, safe progression is the way to go.

Take the advice here. Move up to a more traditional second plane. Someone suggested a Stik and that may be a good idea for you if you plan on getting into 3D. The Stik isn't a 3D plane but it can do some pretty cool maneuvers but is still forgiving enough for a newer pilot. Then move up to a smaller 3D plane eventually getting to the giant scale aerobatic stuff when you are ready. You'll have a much happier, longer and less expensive love affair with this hobby if you do.

I'll take a 3.5 pound, 600 square inch 3D profile over a 4.5 pound, 500 square inch Stik anyday....for any reason. Easier to land, maintain, more aerobatic, forgiving, etc. Look into some of the planes at Morris Hobbies or OMP. Set the planes up conservatively at first and you will be amazed with how easy they are to fly and to land gently.

CP: Would this be one of the kits you were referring to?

http://www.morrishobbies.com/product...sledgekit.html

NorfolkSouthern

My second airplane was a 4 Star 60.....first flight with the 4 Star and I knew it wasn't a basic trainer.....I just didn't know at that time what I didn't know.....sims are sims...they help you develope muscle memory and you can pratice manuvers, but they don't fly like the real thing....
The airplane you're looking at would require a gas engine....high torque servos, probably in the 180 oz/in range...5 or more with a standard servo on throttle...I wouldn't touch it unless I was running 2.4 or 72 with PCM....batteries 4.8 on ignition and 6 volt for the airplane nickle metal but you could do nicad....long servo extensions...you really are looking at 2,000 bucks.....
I really don't think you will find many seasoned (that's a nice way of saying old f**t) flyers, that would think this is a wise move..
bored with your trainer? can you fly it inverted all the way around the pattern? do you grease in your landings 90 percent of the time? can you do three loops and three rolls in a row without losing altitude?
it maybe time for a second airplane that ain't it..that's a 4th or 5th airplane...try a Tiger II or a 4Star60 or a Pulse XT
Don't mean to make you mad..just my opinion....Good flyin to ya

Thanks guys, I'l think about that

Might this be a better idea instead: http://www.electrifly.com/parkflyers/gpma1572.html

I'm on my 2nd plane right now, Phoenix Dolphin .46 . I'am quickly learning and performing numerous aerobatics. This is a great 2nd plane if your looking to get into aerobatics. This thing can go slow or kick up throws, rates, and throttle and this thing will rip up the sky. Plus its a good price for what you get.

Heres a link - http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXLGM8&P=ML


TF96

Much better

Thanks alot!

Or maybe even this: http://www.greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1033.html

I'm going to second the Dolphin; it was my second plane. It totally rips if you want it to, slows down nicely. I flew it in a pattern meet and was able to perform all the basic aerobatic maneuvers with it.

I've got no experience with the Cherokee but have flown the Hangar 9 Value series cherokee (similar) and it's also a pretty easy but fun plane to fly. I would fly it on a box for the first few flights though; doesn't float quite like a Dolphin or something similar.

Your most recent link is the best, Andrew. Although it's designed as a second plane, keep in mind that it's a low wing and won't have quite the stability that your trainer has. You can get around that, though. The tricycle gear will help ease the adjustment, and the ARF builds quick and easily. RCKen did a review of this plane, and notes in his article that the Cherokee is a good aerobat, while remaining stable and forgiving in flight. Of course, the roundness of the fuse along with its attractiveness helps break with the tradition of the "box-like" low-wing trainer.

NorfolkSouthern

You have asked for advise and been given it. Up to you what you do it's your money.

The Cherokee is an outstanding choice

I definitely get your logic. I've scratch built a couple Hots Profiles and flown the OMP Edge-540. I agree that they float in and land like a feather. The problem I see though is that they are extremely maneuverable and could get someone in trouble in a hurry if he wasn't ready for it. Now you have me thinking... I wonder if OMP has any kits back in stock yet? I kinda want a Fusion.

I'm about to maiden my 4*60 after having trained on an Alpha60.

Any words of wisdom based on your experience?

If you take it easy you'll be fine...wouldn't hurt to have someone stand out on the spot with you just to talk you through any rough spots..I had my 4 Star for over 2 1/2 years...lost her on a foggy morning when I had to climb over a foamy that encroched over the runway as I was turning...she just disappeared...the next time we saw her was just at impact on top of a hill.....The 4 star is a great airplane

Having flown one, I'll second MinnFlyer on the Cherokee. The one I flew had an OS .55 AX and it was really a great match for the airframe.

Hogflyer

I haven't flown the Cherokee, but boy what a handsome plane. One of the guys at the field has one and that is all he flies now, and this guy has several planes to choose from. I really want one!

I've been looking at getting a Cherokee also, is Great Planes the only one available right now?