I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

One season down (almost), and hopefully many more to go.

My first plane was the Herr Air Boss-EP, (Breezy Day Park Flyer). I've been given encouraging remarks from the guys at the field as far as my skills, but I have little to relate it to. For my second plane, I'm wanting a full house model (the first one was a RET), and likely glow powered. I'm considering a Sig Four Star, but am a little afraid that I'd be biting off more than I can chew. I'm patient, so I won't be running to the field to fly it by myself, but I also want a plane I feel I can solo with by mid-summer.

The GP Easy Sport and Goldberg Tiger II have also been suggested, but would love to hear the suggestions/thoughts of some of the seasoned folks on this board.

Feel free to recommend the engine also.

Cheers,
Rus

I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

It appears as if you have been doing your homework...all three choices are very good - for .40 sized planes. Don't forget about a .40 sized 'Stick' (or Stik as they were originally named).

If you want to go with a .60 sized plane consider a Bruce Tharpe Venture 60 - it will be probably the best building kit you will ever build!

Don't worry about biting off more than you can chew - if you stay away from the Extra's, Giles, etc.

Keep us posted!

Jerry

I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

Rusharden,

You didn't say whether you are looking for a basic trainer or at step up. My recommendation for a basic trainer is the Goldberg Eagle 2. Its tough, big, slow flying, gentle, stable, flat bottom wing, and high wing - all the characteristics of a basic trainer. But if you're ready to move up to a more maneuverable plane, I have a Goldberg Tiger 2 and really enjoy flying it. It has maneuverability and remains quite gentle on landings. One thing about it, it seems to perform better with an engine a shade larger than a 40. I found it became a much more fun flyer when I put a 46 in it.

Roodester

I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

The 4 Star is a good airplane. It is easy to fly, but it will do some aerobatics, and get you used to a low winger. The only thing that I would suggest that you change is the wing. It's a little too big to fly in much more than a gentle breeze. You need to remove one or two of the outer rib bays to shorten the wing. It still lands great, and flys better. It is more aerobatic, and will fly much better on a windy day.

I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

You'll hear every say '4 star'

Any size...

The four star was designed as the second plane / first low wing for 'young' pilots. Every one I've seen, and from everything I've heard, this is teh plane. Building is a breeze; Sig manuals are some of teh best in the feild. As others have said: pop the laser cut parts inthe box, squirt in some CA, and shake for five minutes. Out pops a plane ready to cover!

And let's talk flying.. Silky smooth, no bad habits, floats like a butter fly, zipes like a bee! (OK, dragonfly is more like it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] )

The GP Slowpoke 'sporty 40' is another one to think about. The build is a little more involved, but do-able.

The Tiger from CG.. The Thunder bug frorm BalsaUSA...

The Top Flite (?) Contender is another good one..

I'm ready for my second (kit)
 

The Four Star 40 has no problems with wind. I flew one for over a year in winds that ranged from calm to 25 mph gusting to 40. I didn't clip the wings. I didn't add dead lead ballast. (I came out under the kit list weight....) Don't be afraid of wind with the 4* series aircraft. They handle it fine. I've also flown it in rain, sleet... If I was willing to be out in the weather, the plane could take it.

The problems people have with the 4* is not understanding that a light plane needs to be able to slow down. With a 10X6, the average .40 engine will have the prop turning fast enough to almost keep the 4*40 in the air at idle. Go to a 11X4 or 11X5 (depending on your engine...), and you get the ability to slow down, which makes landings easy. (no more floating on past the runway) The longer lower pitch prop also improves take-off accelleration and vertical climb... Go to a TT .46 Pro and a APC 12.25 X 3.75, and the plane can accellerate in a vertical ascent from a VERY short take-off roll! (needs a bit more ground clearance for that prop...) It'll still fly about as docilly as a trainer, and will almost do 3D with the Fun-Fly planes... just rolls a bit slower.