Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Well i can do pretty much anything my Current tower Trainer .40 will let me do, Gone through more than 3 gallons of gas through it, Im looking to move on to a Tail Dragger, not sure what plane i want or what plane i can handle, i Love Super Decathlons but i dont know how hard they are to fly, im a very able pilot so please give me your recomendations, I like my planes to resemble real planes.. ie: not a fan of the sticks or narrow body things =D

K thanks guys!

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Take a look at the Sig 4* series. They are great flying planes and some of the guys have bashed the kits giving some really nice looking planes. Even a stock kit is a nice looking plane, if you cut down the canopy a bit. It doesn't matter when you are flying though.

Don

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Well,

Mr. 'Very Able Pilot" who is not a fan of sticks, I recommend a QQ 86" Yak. It's a taildragger, it's relatively inexpensive, and it is an advanced aerobatic model.

If you want to actually be able to fly one, get A STICK, and fly it till the wings fall off...THEN move on to something like a Showtime...and THEN to aerobatic gassers.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Not a fan of the Stiks?

When it comes to just cutting holes in air nothing is better.

How about a Super Sportster? (second image)

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Hey, take it easy, guys. He has burnt 3 gallons of fuel so he is an expert. I agree, he should move up to a QQ Yak or an Ultimate or an Extra or an Edge. After all, 3 gallons of fuel under their belt makes anyone an expert.:eek:

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I second the Four Star. I built a Four Star 40 kit during the winter, before I started flying, and I started flying it about 6 weeks after I soloed on my trainer this August. I was far from an expert on my trainer, but I was good enough at takeoffs and landings that I felt confident in breaking out the 4*. It only took a few flights to get comfortable with it, and then it just became a blast to fly compared to the trainer.

I still practice takeoffs and landings with my trainer almost every time I go to the field, but I spend most of my flying time with my Four Star. There are other planes that are as good or better, but I have had a great time building and flying this thing. Mine is pretty stock, but there are easy mods you can do to make it look more like a "real plane".

I wouldn't knock "sticks" either. There is much to be said for a simple, easy to repair plane that is very aerobatic. I'm sure I will find one in my hangar before too long.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

i would look at a pulse you can take every thing form the trainer right to take and the pulse also is a bit cheaper. dont send alot of money on your 2nd plane becuse it going to get boring quick get good with any low wing plane then steep up to some big planes. the bigger they are the easyer to fly

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Techna , A Sig 4* , CG Tiger or Hanger 9 Pulse would make you a good next plane. And if your looking for something cool , the PTS P51 ARF is a great plane and with the training gear off , it can easily be set up to fly 95 mph plus. But it is not as aerobatic as the other 3 I mentioned .
The 4* would be my first choice , easy to maintain and it is very tuff . It`s just fun to fly . But the others are good planes also.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Sig Astro-Hog. Oh, forgot, that requires building (like a winters worth of time) :D.....but he didn't say it has to be an ARF. I think anybody with 3 gallons on their trainer can actually handle one of these and it can be built as a taildragger too!

Hogflyer

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

World Models SkyRaider Mach II

They changed the color schemes now so they aren't ugly anymore. They are solid colors, white, yellow, red and orange. They are a tail dragger, and fly awesome for 80 bucks. I have one I'm flying and 1 in a box. They fly so good I will probably always have one.

Check it out at www.airborne-models.com

The pictures show the old ugly covering

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Well, he does have the engine broken in at least. ;)

Remember, a good pilot has to be careful but a great pilot has to be a little full of himself. Some little piss and vinegar shows he has passion for flying. Dad used to call it being "oskey siskey".

Hobby shops LOVE guys with a passion for flying. :D

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Tower Hobbies carries the Phoenix Models Dolphin .40 ARF, which is an hommage (in other words, a copy of) to the Four Star. It sells for about $50 less than the Four Star .40 ARF, however.

The aforementioned World Models Sky Raider Mach II is a terrific choice as well. So is the World Models LA Racer ARF. Again, both models are available through http://www.airborne-models.com if your local hobby store doesn't carry them.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Unless you are really pressed for cash, I would not recommend stripping your trainer to put together your second plane. There will be "incidents" where you will need to repair your plane, and if you keep your trainer together, you can keep on flying during the repair. You will also have times when you just feel like you have lost your confidence and want to go back to the trainer for a refresher. Trainers are also great for competing in fun-fly activities, flying on floats, aerial photography, etc.

I know that in the original post, it sounded like the trainer is just not fun anymore, but I am pretty sure I will always keep mine around.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Take a look at the Sig 4* or the Hanger 9 Pulse. I have the Pulse and it really has taken me far. Its easy to fly yet can be very aerobatic for sport flying. Someone had mentioned the GP Super Sportster. I tried it as my 2nd plane and it didnt last very long. It can be VERY fast using an OS 46AX. If you were to ask me...I would advise against it. The landing gear blocks are also weak and cant handle a hard landing here and there. Alot of fliers modify the landing gear and move it to the fuse just in front of the wing. You can use the GP Extra 300's landing gear.

Again take a look at the H9 Pulse. Take the time to reinforce the landing gear area with 30 minute epoxy to be on the safe side. I have had hard landings with it when i first got it and never tore the gear out. Its a great plane and easy to assemble. Good quality.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Hey I agree with A6Ordie; The Skyracer and/or the Racer are fine sport machines. Not only will you have a lot of good sport flying, but if you use a .40, then you are right in there to RACE in the Club 40 Pylon thing that is coming on big.

See the Pylon section herein and read the General racing sub-forum. great info. and so is Don Stegal with his RCPro news.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Now how is your pilot supposed to concentrate on his flying?

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Thank you for all of your input on the people that helped, those who flamed whatever me saying i am an able pilot in a trainer isnt saying MUCH, Trainers are easy to fly, i never said i was a ****ing expert thats why i came for advise so thanks for being a jerk,

Those who helped thank you much i will be looking at all the planes you mentioned.

[:o]

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I have this as my 2nd plane, it fly's great!!

http://thewingsmaker.com/airplane_de...php?code=GA014

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

When you get your second plane in the air, whichever one you choose, you will soon realize that trainers are not necessarily "easier to fly". They are more stable, and forgiving of mistakes, but a Four Star, for example, takes off and lands as easily as a trainer. The big difference is that, when you give it a hard right aileron input, it will roll and roll without "flopping" around like a trainer, and if you stop rolling at 3/4 of a roll, it will keep flying at that angle. You need to "fly" it back to level flight, it won't go back by itself. It's not harder to fly, it's just different (and lots more fun).

Good luck

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Techna;

First step up to a 60 size plane. If you have mastered the 40 size trainer, go to something bigger. The Sig 4* comes in a 60 size and is a quality plane and enjoyable to fly. Another plane that you would like is the Sig Astro Hog. It can be made into a trike or tail dragger, is a 60 size, and has grat aerobatic characteristcs yet is easy to fly. It has an excellent reputaion as the second plane to build for someone new to the hobby. If you like it, then, you can step up to the Astro Hog biplane which is a great third plane.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

A6Ordie,

Does your screen name refer to a former job description?

I was an AO in the Navy back in the '80's with most of my time spent with A-6 squadrons.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

What a great following for the Sig Four Stars?

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Techna,
I apologize for the smart *ss post. My experience has been that arrogance promotes an unwillingness to listen. However, the SIG 4 star series of airplanes is an excellent 2nd plane as well as being an excellent beginning tail dragger. I personally prefer the 60 size, but either will do just fine. It is easy to fly but will do basic aerobatics with ease. As mentioned, it can also be modified later on to give it more zip and drastically change the appearance to suit.
Once again, sorry 'bout that, must have caught me at a bad moment. :eek:

Regards,
doubledee

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

pkevinb

I.Y.O.Y.A.S

I was an AO, still am at heart. Best Rate in the Navy IMO :D A6's were ugly and slow, but if you wanted something gone it would get rid of it and with style. Love that plane. I'm gonna have to pull out Flight of the Intruder for some nostalga.

Sorry for going off thread there.

Techna

If you want another option for a 60 sized tail dragger. I don't have personal experience with it, but have read everything posted here on it is the Modeltech Dragonlady. It's a darn nice looking bird. A bit over a buck and a half from HobbyPeople. So not terribly expensive either. Here's a link [link=http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/123761.asp]DragonLady[/link] Someday I plan on getting one of these. When I can get more than 20 or so flights out of a plane before I plant it :D

Good Luck,

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I think the A6 is one great plane, an ugly plane would be the Beechcraft 1900.....it's just plain ugly! It's got antenna's and stabilizing cra# all over it.

This might be out of the question but how about that H9 Mustang trainer? There was a guy flying his at the field the other day and it sure is neat! I'm sure it's touching but with some radio adjustments it would be fine. It sure has the power!

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I felt the same way ... I know exactly where you are coming from. You watch the other guys flying planes that you KNOW you can fly. The trainer IS boring! It was for me.

I got a 4* 60 after 2 months or so of flying. I learned with an instructor, got quite a bit of time on my trainer in a short period, and was ready! I let my instructor take off and land the first couple times while I got used to flying it. Then I was off!

A year into this hobby and I have 5 planes. I still bring the 4* with 1 or 2 others. I warm up with it. Its so easy to fly and its fun. I still love that plane. Get one. Over power it a bit so it climbs straight up forever ... and enjoy it for a long time.

My 4* is getting skis for the winter ... yeah!!

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I've seen two H9 Mustang trainers.

One was used as a trainer by a new guy on the buddy box. - It was a trainer.

The other was used by an experienced guy that took the trainer attachments off. It flew pretty much as a low wing sport plane. He did all kinds of junk with it.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

All these guys have recommended great planes but i have another one. My second plane was a Seagull Spacewalker II it is a low wing scale tail dragger that is pretty forgiving. I maidened mine (but I had a few more gallons of fuel thru my Nextar ;) ). It isn't as aerobatic as some of the other suggestions but will do alot more than your trainer and has very few bad habits. It flies (and lands) a little faster than a trainer but that is what you need now any way. No matter what you choose just have a blast with it and fly the wings off.

Just my 2 cents.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

There were two of these at the flying field. They seemed like great sport planes

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

a Hangar-9 ultra stick any size. a four star. a gp dazzler. a gp u-can-do. a lanier stinger 40. thats all i got

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

I went staright to a stick, spad stick. then i built a taildragger spad. Im a spad junkie!! easy and cheap to build. I flew 20 years ago and have had only about a month and a half on a trainer recently. boy the stick was alot faster but not any more difficult to fly. neither was the taildrager . I solo-maidened them the same day. if I was to go balsa, I would go with the 4 star or equal

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

The Frenzy 100 is a very good plane and easy to fly. They land great and will just float in on the landing. You can just fly them around or when you get the feeling your ready then you can do 3D with them also. They are very nice looking planes also. The Frenzy is a 100 size plane. To me the bigger the easier they are to fly and land. Whatever you decide try to get alot of wing. The sticks alot of the fella's here fly fly great and land pretty good but think my Fenzy lands easier. This plane is easy to assemble aslo. Takes a 125 motor and if your going to do 3d stuff some pretty descent servos. But if your going to learn the just some average servos will work. Just to me the bigger the plane the easier. Such as a Funtana 100 is easier than a 50 size. MORE WING TO FLOAT ON. That is just my opinon. And i am as you are not far from trainer plane and still like the guys say keep that trainer you will need it. And you can use it to warm up before you take your decision into the air. Good luck and let us know what plane you decide on.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Yeah, the four * series or the Goldberg Tiger ll are both fine airplanes. I think I read somewhere they were designed by the same person. As far as sticks go, I still have an original Falcon 56 and it is basically a high winged stick, but if you really look at one, and I mean really LOOK at it, it is a gorgeous fuse and the built up horizontal stab doesn't hurt it any either. As far as the A6 is concerned, it is another airplane that gets more attractive the longer you look at it. There was one at an air show at Chesterfield airport just outside of St Louis a couple years ago. It was the wild weasel version and the little sign in front of the airplane said that the electronic module at the top of the vertical stabilizer cost more than the airplane. WOW!!!!! Impressive. And the airplane in flight is really handsome. I also enjoy watching "the Flight of the Intruder" occasionally.

RE: Second Plane Tail Dragger recomendations
 

Nope - you're thinking of the 4*60 and the BTE Venture 60, both by Bruce Tharpe. The Tiger II and Tiger 60 were Dave Patrick designs, I believe, although they were updates of the Sky Tiger which was late 60s-early 70s.