Hey all, I am looking into an electric trainer and I am interested in the Hobbico SuperStar EP. Is this plane a good one to start with, and does anyone know where I can find a video of it to look at before I buy it? Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

why not glow?

Yes?? why not nitro power. I had/have a superstar 40 trainer which is a great plane. I haven't flown the electric version, but in my opinion, when you have solo'd and want to get a lot of stick time, the electric version is going to limit you due to the batteries unless you have an extra set or charger or both. I use to fly all day doing touch and gos. The battery life on the EP version probably wouldn't let you stay up for 15-20 minutes either.

IMO, the electric is a good plane, but be warned the battery power may limit your stick time unless you have items to keep the plane at a safe battery operating level.

Just my opinion.

get a glow. I started with a Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer.It is strong and not that expensive.Does simple aerobatics as well.Would recomend it for a first trainer.

with the money you will spend on electric, you could spend a little more & go glow which you won't get bored with real quick. But if you insist on going electric the superstar should be fine. Just about all hobbico products are pretty well worth the $$$$ you spend on them.

Gil

Plus there is nothing like the smell of the glow fuel and the oil and everything else which comes with the 'package'> oh yeah did i mention the sound of the engine as well.I think it has a bit more kick' with the 'real' engines compared to the electric motors!!

RCCar,
There's nothing wrong with going with electric. But keep in mind the start up costs are higher if you want the same kind of performance and flight times you can get with glow. Primarily because you will need at least one additional battery pack, and a good quality, peak detection charger that you can use at the field. (Spend around $100 for a charger that can charge 20+ cells, because if you move very far from the trainer, you'll need it.)

Not sure what the EP requires for a pack, but I'd also suggest getting something slightly larger (one more cell in the pack). Planes like that usually have marginal to okay power. One extra cell in the pack will get you better performance, but will shorten motor life a little bit. (Generic can motors of that size can be purchased cheaply. $20 or so.)

I'd suggest that you go to EZone. It is dedicated to electric flight and you'll find a LOT more info if you're sure you want electric. Folks here are very nice, amazingly willing to help, but not too willing to discuss electric. (I fly both.)

http://www.ezonemag.com/

Good Luck,
Dennis-

I can't go glow because I only have a small area to fly it in. Oh, by the way, I have owned 2 R/C planes before, and they are the origial Firebird and the Sky Surfer Paraplane. The Sky Surfer works well and is easy to fly but is getting pretty boring, so I want a 3-4 Channel plane. Any ELECTRIC planes that would be good?

get the GWS E-Starter if your looking for a 4channel or mountainmodels dandy is good also... its a kit but i hear it its an easy build..

I guess it depends on how small an area you have. The EP isn't going to fly in a small space, in fact, any bigger or faster E plane won't cut it either.

Sorry, but you need something slow for a small space. Maybe a GWS Tiger Moth or Slow STick?

The Superstar is a good trainer and the electric power plant is good as well. The benefit of glow is your down time is lower and your flight time is longer. That can be addressed by changing battery packs and having multiple battery packs.

From a combo stand point, buy it and let others drool!

Due to the smaller space I have to fly in, I am considering the Spectra Select RTF Sailplane...I can get lots more flight time and it will fly slower, which is good for the space I have. Any opinions or reviews of that plane?

You may want to take a look at these two sites for some really nice electric planes.


Mountain Models

Todd's Models

Sailplanes take a LOT of space to fly.

Sailplanes definitely take more room than RC planes.
I would re-think that decision.