SIG Kavalier
 

I am presently learning to fly on a Hobbico Superstar and am looking for a second plane to build over the winter months. I have been looking at the SIG Kavalier and was wondering if anyone had any experience with this plane . I want to know if this would make a good second plane or not. Any help would be appreciated.

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

The Sig kavalier is a great second plane. The kit is an old one, and it takes a while to build, at least the wing does. I'm a little surprised you can still get the kit, actually. There are some more modern designs, the sig 4 star comes to mind, you might want to look at that too.

peter

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

The Kavalier is a very good model and one I recommend as a secondary trainer. But you didn't build your first trainer, so that puts you at somewhat of a disadvantage with this kit.

If you're willing to take your time and make sure it's straight you'll love the Kavalier. I'm personally willing to help you with any trouble you may have while building it - at least as much as I can via e-mail. If you have questions just shoot me an e-mail.

Another good secondary trainer is just about any decent Stik model. I also highly recommend the Sig Somethin' Extra or Mid Star as well.

Even these models can be good performers, all you need to do is put on a lower pitch prop to keep the top speed down and use less control throw until you get comfortable with the planes. That will make them easier to transition into and still allow you to progress when you're ready by increasing the throws.

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

I just picked up a SIG Kavalier as my second plane and second kit (Great Hobbies in PEI has it on sale at $89CDN!). Anyway from first look this kit requires a reasonable amount of crafting to finish. Things like wing ribs are already cut but almost everything else supplied requires cutting/shaping from the supplied stock wood as part of the build. I've only just started but the wing shape looks great. BTW this was recommended as an excellent second plane by two guys at my club and offers something different to the 4* and TigerII. Also you will need to buy most of the hardware to complete the kit i.e. fuel tank, wheels, spinner, control rods, covering etc... I'll probably start a build thread soon, doesn't seem to be that much on this kit on RCU.

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

I don't mind shaping the parts or any ogf that work. I actually enjoy it and would preferit rather then just gluing the pieces together. My Dad is also willing to help me, he has just finished building is Kadet Mark II, I know that there was some shaping invoved in that one.

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

I'd go for it then, building is what i enjoy the most so far in this hobby and this kit looks like a great build. I'm working on a few mods, wing mounted servo's and clipped the ailerons in by a coule of inches from the wing tip, all fairly easy to do. Gonna use my OS .46AX in it from my trainer and i reckon this thing is gonna rip it up with that in.

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

Build the wing flat with it upside down when joining. It takes out most of the dihedril and works well. I flew mine for several years (thru the beginner stages) and finally retired it when the plane started coming apart from to many fixes.
I would eliminate the canopy(ugly as sin) and use wing bolts like I did .
This is a great plane........

RE: SIG Kavalier
 

I have had 3 Kougars & 3 Kavaliers , all flown extensively. The Kavalier is one of the finest #2 planes you could hope to find. very smooth, gentle stall.only a bit harder than the kadet or Eagle II. do not eliminate the washout.you should use something more powerful than a FP or LA type mill but a .46 engine is not neccesary. SIG designs are usually winners and this one is no exception. stay away from the Kougar untill you have at least one low wing under your belt.the foam wing can be built as light as balsa with the use of double -sided tape to attach wing skins . saves much weight.used to be sold by Wing Mfg. go with the wing bolts but I cant agree on the canopy as it is well designed compared to the old Goldberg falcon. and I think it looks great.I saw one of these years ago made up, kit bashed, as a counter insurgency fighter(COIN) really neat.