First off, this is my first post andI am excited to now be a part of the ******** community. I will be purchasing my first "real" RCaircraft in the next week or so. I hate to say this, but my flying experience consists of two foam AirHogs from Target. One being a 2-channel, the other a 3-channel. Both were fun at the time, butI soon realized that I neededsomething more.I have since been making weekly trips to my local Hobby store's simulator and feel very comfortable with a 4-channel high-wing trainer.

Having said that, I have my decision narrowed down to a couple planes. The Hobbico NextStar Mini EP and the E-Flite Apprentice 15e. Any suggestions? I'll go ahead and list my own pro's and con's for each model and let you tell me right from wrong after that...

<u>Hobbico NextStar Mini EP</u><u>
</u>Pro's:
-44" wingspan seems versatile (I will be flying in a soccer/football field)
-Reasonably priced
-Speed-limiting flaps appear to be a nice feature
-Air-foil extensions also appear to be a nice feature
-The pivoting wing design may absorb some of my early flying fumbles
Cons:
-Balsa-wood/monokote construction worries me. If I can consistently land a 4-ch on the simulator, do I have anything to worry about? I will not fly in any weather less than perfect to start off with.
-Repair. Are balsa-wood planes repairable?

<u>E-Flite Apprentice 15e</u><u>
</u>Pro's:
-Foam construction
-A number of positive reviews on the web
Con's:
-Size. I'm worried that the 58" wingspan will seem too large for my flying area.
-The price is on the high end of what I'd like to spend.

<u>Misc. Questions</u><u>
</u>Does anyone have any feedback on the DX5e versus the Tactic TTX440?
How large of a flying area is recommended for planes such as these?
What accessories are recommended to start off with? Extra batteries, props, ACadapter, etc?
Thinking long-term...what would be the logical next plane after a high-wing trainer?
Are there any more good 4-ch models other than what I listed above?

Feel free to give me feedback!Again, I'm looking forward to acquiring more and more knowledge of this sport. I haven't even flown yet and I already feel obsessed.

-Mike

Balsa is definitely much easier to repair than foam. That's why we buy it. Also usually flies better.

Tom

Nest step planes?

If you are going the classic 40 fueler, would strongly recommend Sig 4 Star 40 or Goldberg Tiger II. If you can go for a larger engine, the 4 Star 60 and Tiger 60 are even better. Both can fly slow yet maneuver well. And very slow and steady for lading.

Bruce Tharpe Engineering (btemodels.com) sells a most excellent 60 sized kit, the Venture 60. Tharpe was the designer of the venerable 4 Star and this new plane is an update with the few bugs ironed out. The kit is excellent with great plans and instructions but do not think he is ARFing yet.

Note, you can get instructions to do all these electric if you are into that.

Tom

You bet!

Though the opposite is often touted to newbies.


bighoffer, with time you develop the skills to repair any balsa plane with relative ease. With a foamy you must rely upon the vendor for replacement components... for Balsa planes all I need to do is find the Balsa/ply sheet bins at my LHS or craft store.