Those newbies that are wanting to build a kit instead of an ARF, here is a great combo if you are trying to cut costs on that first engine and kit. Put an OS .40 LA in the Sig LT-25 trainer.
I have 3 Saito powered low-wing planes ...but.. I LOVE flying this little trainer. You will notice.... it is a tail dragger as it comes in the kit. This is NOT a small .25 size plane. It has a 63" wing span and mine weighs out at 4.5 lbs dry. I built mine to be more aerobatic with very little dihedral. I used a control rod instead of their pull-pull system for the steerable tailwheel. I was shocked when it first flew. The old worn LA, with a 10-6 prop, will ALMOST pull unlimited vertical because the plane is so light. The kit is an easy build with ALL laser cut parts. The only thing I didn't like is the formers are also basla. I did a little bracing and hardened some formers with thin CA. The fuse doublers are also balsa as there is very little ply in this kit. I saw NO problems using the balsa fuse doublers as in plans. Dont be affraid to put some extra gussets or braces in the wing tips or any other places you feel should have it. (I do NOT build light... and this thing still came out at 4.5 lbs!!) Just food for thought while scanning the "wish books"!!

PS. As with a lot of planes.... add some triangle stock on both sides of the rudder to support it's contact with the stabilizer!!!
..lownslo

I have to agree that the 25 is a great plane. I built per plans with the only difference being that I also used very little dihedral when I glued the wings together based on another pilots suggestion. This makes the plane fly very well even in windy conditions. Later I added axles to replace the 6-32 screws which were always coming apart causing the tires to rub. I use an SX32 engine with a 10-6 prop and I can take off in about 10 feet! I taught my son to fly invertered circles around the field and the plane will do knife edge. Get one and you won't be sory!

They fly great with a 25LA as well.
With a 25 they are plenty strong without any extra bracing. If I build another one the only strengthening I will do is to include a small stick on the top of the wingtop former sheet. Id you catch a wingtip that spot is kinda light.
I've had both the LT-25 and the LT-40 (actually still do). I like the 25 better. It's a little more responsive but you can slow it down and it will be a lot easier for beginners than the great majority of the popular trainers.

Larry

lowinslo:

About how much for this combo? Still waiting to get our first plane, and still not sure whether to go gas or electric.

Thanks

Cindy

I would recommend that the SIG senior be built. Same engine but a lot bigger plane.

If your going to go with the Sig Senior Kadet, which I highly recommend, go with the ARF version. It is built EXACTLY like the kit, saving you alot of work. At $199.00 it's a steal, if you value your labor and time that it would take to build the kit. Also the ARF has a reall nice fiberglass cowl that really makes the plane look awsome and full scale like. I have a Tower Hobbies .46 in mine and it works perfect. None of the other trainer type planes in my club can fly and land as smoothly as my Sig Senior Kadet ARF. In a little breeze, I can come in and land at about 1 mph. Awesome!

I didn't know they made an ARF version. I will have to check that out. A guy at our field is learning on a Rascal. He soloed on his first flight. He used RF to train himself to fly.

Hello MiniCG
You ask about how much for the combo I mentioned in the thread. LT-25 and a .40 LA. Here are two URL's for the items at Tower.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFG17&P=7

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBY18&P=7

As for fuel or electric..... sound is part of my preference! (my other 3 planes have 4 strokes)

There have been several posts since I started the thread. I posted this because the .40 LA engine and the Sig LT-25 are inexpensive. You will have to remember..... that this plane will have to be covered. That means buying equipment for that task. Covering came easy for me and I enjoy it. Most hate covering. This trainer is also a tail dragger. Some say it is easier to learn with a trike. (steerable wheel up front).I may have been an oddball here too. I took to the taildragger better than the nose wheel planes. Remember....... a LOT of the cool looking planes people want next are tail draggers. You would have to re-learn slightly when switching later.
There are a LOT of good ARF's out there, and unless you WANT to build, (as I stated in my original post), they may be the best choice.
Good luck.... lownslo...

Hi Lownslo

Thanks for the links. I have been doing alot of so-called "research" into this hobby, and it can be a bit overwhelming when you are trying to decide what would be the best plane to get without breaking the bank and learning all the lingo at the same time (everytime I see the word "servo" I think of Mystery Science Theater 3000, and I'm still not clear what it is). I have always seem to get into a hobby that isn't cheap or easy.

My husband and I would love to get into fuel planes, but right now we have no place to learn to fly them (I agree, they do sound great). I haven't found any clubs around here yet, but hopefully there are around. So we might have to settle for a park flyer that sound like a mosquito (we have been eyeing the Graupner Tipsy). But at least it would be a start.
The only education we have received is DIY's "Radio Control Hobbies" and reading the posts around here.

Anyway, thanks again for the info.

Cindy

if you are going to spend the money, go ahead and get what you want. contact the ama to find some clubs in your area, or check the local hobby shops. they will (should) know where people are flying. check out what they are flying, as well as the ground support equipment they have. good luck loren