Hey folks.

I have a question regarding my choices for a second plane. I currently have a Nexstar, that I have solo'd and have started on my first kit, a 4*60. I would like to purchase a second plane to fly right away, but would like some input from some of you that have more experience than I have. Part of the problem is work. I am working on the construction of a new Hydro Generating Station in northern Manitoba and am away from home for 35 days, and then at home for only 6 days. This does not leave alot of time for anything. One of my first choices was a Goldberg Tiger 60, but I am thinking this would make a good second build. Another choice is a Great Planes Escapade. I have read through much of the thread on this plane, and am concerned about the landing gear, and elevators. I don't know if I have the time to modify these and still get some flight time. The other plane I have been looking at is the Hanger 9 Pulse XT . 40. I haven't found that much info on this plane so I'm not sure if it would be a good second plane or not. If it would be a good second plane, does it have any issues? Some help with this " Earth Shattering Dilema " would be greatly appreciated. If you have other possibilities, please let me know .

Thanks very much.

I've been flying a Pulse 60 for a season now and rate it very high on the second plane list. It was powered with a Saito 100. Any of the choices you have would be good. Your equipment from the Nextstar will slide right in a Pulse 40. I found the Pulse easier to land that my trainer (Alpha 60).

RCKen's "Looking for a trainer? thread also has a good listing of second planes
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4537845

My wife has been flying her Escapade for some time. I assembled it per the instructions and Tech notices. It has had Zero problems. The landing gear is fine and does not need any modification. The elevator hinge issue is covered in the Tech notice, basicly you need to add a few drops of thin CA  to the hinges, a 2 minute job. The Escapade is quick to assemble and easy to fly. I think it would suit your needs just fine.

You're going to want something that builds relatively quickly. The Escapade comes with the control surfaces pre-hinged from the factory and is a very quick-building plane.

You might also check out the VMar Ramrod low wing trainer from http://www.richmondrc.com if you want to check out something a little different. I finally got a chance to maiden mine and I've found it to be a wonderful airframe that also builds quickly. The RamRod comes with the control surfaces pre-hinged and pinned from the factory. It even includes an aluminum spinner in the box all for $99.99.

there's alot to choose from, I have a world models sky raider mach II, quick assy, hinges pre glued, engine mount installed, great flying plane, love mine and it's off of Ken's list

http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopexd.asp?id=2926

Kevin, If you need something you can build on the remote job site, take a look at the S.P.A.D forum here on RC Universe.. See also spadtothebone.come for free plans and other information.
SPADS are great!

Jim Gallagher

One thing is for sure, it is hard to beat the price of the Escapade! We have one at our field and it flies super nice. The only thing that we notice about it is it is a bit small and can get lost pretty quickly at a distance. You can hardly go wrong with the Pulse or the Escapade. You will pay a bit more for the Pulse.

The Pulse XT 40 or even the XT 60 model are great flyers. These things will move out and do minor acrobatics and will also float like trainers and fly incredible slow when needed. I actually think many of the low wing planes like the Escapade and Pulse would suffice well for a trainer and especially a second plane. There are several models out that are similar in design and should do well.

I bought a Pulse from a friend just to see if I would like it and I find myself flying it most of the time just because you can do so much with it. I put an OS 55AX on it and it flies with the best of the bunch until you get into the slightly more advanced sport planes like the Revolver or Edge of which is a different design altogether.

I can take the Pulse up and fly it slow around the field or open it up and burn through some loops and rolls. Does a great job and seems to hang in there pretty well for the quality. I can hit the throttle and it will take off in what seems to be less than ten feet! As with any light plane you need to consider beefing it up some if you plan to overpower it. Landings are super sweet as it will slow down to a crawl and just about float on a landing. Recovery is very nice. Probably the only drawback is that due to the lightweight build it is not a great windy weather plane. I have other more sturdy built and stable flying planes that I fly when winds are higher.

With my flying habits I usually put several flights on my Pulse or one of my off-brands then take up the faster stuff and that works out well for me and sort of takes the edge off for my first flights of the day.

Good flying

I have both the Escapade and the Pulse XT 60 and have been flying them for well over a year. They both build quickly and are of high quality. They both also fly great! You can get the Escapade for $99 now through the end of May from Tower. The Pulse is more expensive. I have a Magnum 46 XLS I picked up for $47 in the Escapade and it is my least expensive plane. The Pulse has a OS 61 FX making for an expensive combination. But you can not go wrong with either.

Bruce

You may want to consider the Tiger .40 ARF. It's a good flyer, fast build and you can use the engine installed in your Nexstar.

DaveB