Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I already own a Four Star .40 but Im thinking about stepping it up to the Somethin Extra, GP Revolver, or U Can Do 3D, so I just wanted to know how these planes compare. Here's what Im looking for, (1)speed-I like doing fast low fly-by's. (2)Axial Rolls-all the planes Ive owned so far have dihedral in the wings. (3)Good knife-edge-Can hold knife edge with capability of slight climb. (4) Good inverted flight-love flying upside down and want to be able to pull up without having to roll it over(Four Star had good inverted flight characteristics) (5)Good entry level 3D plane.

RE: Sig Somethin Extra VS Four Star
 

If you are comfortable with the 4-star, the SSE might just be a great choice. I've personally owned the ARF and built a kit version. Both are excellent.

The SSE is a mid-wing airplane and therefore doesn't have any dihedral. I've heard others say that the SSE doesn't knife-edge well but both of mine had no trouble. You just need plenty of airspeed. The SSE, like the Twist in your other post, is very nimble. Use low rates for the first few flights just to be safe. Once you are comfortable, turn it loose and have fun.

RE: Sig Somethin Extra VS Four Star
 

By chance do you own or flown the GP Revolver or U Can do 3D?

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I was just gonna post a similar question as I think i'm reaching the comfort level of an upgrade.

Have you tried Knife edge with your 4*? You should! I do about 5-6 knife edges each flight and it's does a great knife edge. I'll try to post a vid of it sometimes when I can get a cameraman out there.

The snap rolls are awesome with it, especially when you're in a 45deg climb, snap it and then continue your 45deg climb... it does that pretty well.

I love the 4* but I want something a bit more capable now. I've come to realize that I'm more of a 3-D freestyle pilot rather than a precise pattern flyer. That's not for me.

I already fly a MiniEdge 540 and it's a blast. It's a little heavy but still pretty acrobatic and I'm currently building a [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=390003]Nasty[/link]

I'm looking forward to suggestions in this thread.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Ive been reading reviews on the U Can Do 3D and it sounds like what Im looking for. Just about the only thing Im not sure on is how fast it can fly. One review said it clocked the Revolver at 95MPH, but I really want more than just speed. So Ill probably go with a plane that has majority of the things Im looking for. But now I cant decide if I want to spend the extra cash and get a 4 stroke. I like how they sound and I hear people say that it has a better power curve and more torque for 3D, but they cost so much more!!!!

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Everyone who flies a UCD totally loves it. People kill the engine as they turn into the downwind leg, and float in 1/2 way around the circuit with no engine running and it just floats right in for a landing. Supposedly very tame on low rates and can do just about anything on high rates. Recommended engine according to guys at my field is at least a 70 four stroke. One guy has a .90 and loves it.

RE: Sig Somethin Extra VS Four Star
 

Yes I have, both of them in fact.

Others may disagree but I'm not a big fan of the U-Can-Do. Sure it is an OK plane but the big control surfaces really tend to flutter easily even if you are very careful with the throttle. It is also a very fragile plane since it is fairly large but still very light.

The Revolver is another story... this is a beautiful airplane both to look at and fly. Speed? The thing is super slippery in the air and very fast with the right engine. Axial rolls? They are about as close as you can get. Knife edge? It will knife edge as long as you have the nerve to hold it there. There is very little coupling. Inverted flight? Just flip it over and fly upside down all day if you want. You notice a slight difference between inside and outside maneuvers because of the semi-symetrical airfoil but not much. 3D? Not so good. It isn't intended to be a 3D plane. It is a high performance sport plane. Yes it will knife edge, flat spin and just about everything else but no true 3D. It's strength is speed, stability and maneuverability. There is a down side to the plane too: it likes to land hot. It will not slow down as easily as your 4-star or the Somthin Extra. Using the Revolver as a third plane would really depend on the skills of the pilot I think.

You mention wanting a fast plane that is also a good entry level 3d plane. Those things really don't go hand in hand. 3D planes need big control surfaces that don't lend themselves well to going fast. Fast planes are generally very stable which isn't good for 3D. They are two different animals.

I'd go for the SSE. It isn't really a 3D plane but it is a good fun flyer and it can be pretty quick too with a good .46 in the nose. It will also slow down nice and land easily.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I touched on this in my other response but if you try a high speed pass with U-Can-Do, get the trash bags ready. It will shake itself apart. It is meant to be tossed around at low speed.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

U can DO is not really that fast of a plane. one of the flier's 9 year old (yes NINE) son flies .90 U can do. It's a slow throw it in the air any way you want kind of a plane. It's a floater when it comes to landings, this kids almost just drops it like a heli.

Though you can toss it around in the air... it seems like thats all you can do with it. Then again IT IS a 3D trainer.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I got a Hangar-9 Tango powered by an OS 55AX, and I've had it going at a good clip with unlimited vertical. Maybe not 90, but pretty fast. It can really slow down good too, and be easily mistaken for a trainer until I open it up and set the rates on high! It will do just about anything you want, but knife edges do take some skill. The only object to the game here is taking off. Landing is the Tango's forte, and I have floated mine in many times on deadsticks. If you like 3D, it may actually be a good choice as a third plane. In my opinion, anyway.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

What do you mean by " hot landings"? Do you mean they come in real fast? I'm not sure how to rate myself on landings, I fly at a very large field and just about 9 out of 10 my landings are smooth with no bounce. I like the SSE but Ive read they don't knife edge too well.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I am building a .46 U Can Do 3D as my third plane right now. I had a Saito .82 sitting around so I thought what the heck. I never really was into the massively fast airplanes, at least for now. I also have a Venture 60 (Basically a 4*) as my second plane. I am going to keep the UCD throttle low and have fun tossing it around the sky! I wish I could give you a flight report but I'm still about a week or two away from a maiden.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

With the exception of the Revolver, of which I am unfamiliar with, none of these planes are fast. You can get fast 3D planes, but these aren’t it. To meet your other requirements, such as KE, good inverted, axial rolls, good beginner 3D plane, I’d suggest the UCanDo well above the rest. The longer tail moment and better distributed side area make this plane perform KE and hovers better than the Sig SE and the Twist, and it tends to be more stable in pitch and yaw, making the learning process easier (i.e. when panic mode kicks in the plane can be easily brought back under control.) 3D maneuvers that involve spins will suffer with the UCanDo due to the airfoil shape and thickness, but the same would apply to the Sig SE and Twist due to their airfoils/thickness, ect.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I recently asked the same question, "I want a fast aerobatic plane that can perform some 3D". A you can do 3D or a Twist are not "fast" planes, but will do about 70ish. I went with an extra 300s from phoenix models, and I had recommendations from someone with an aeroworks edge 540 who said that on low rates his was super fast, and at high rates can do 3D stuff. The big control surfaces on the actual 3D planes will cause flutter at high speeds. I have heard that flying a twist straight and level at full throttle is not good on it. I pick up my extra today, so I can't tell you how she performs yet.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Hey Chuck I just read your review on the Revolver. Can you tell me more on the plane?

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

The Twist is a very good all-around plane. You won't fly fast with it, but it can be set up to be either mild or wild and lands like a butterfly. Once you get confortable with it, you can progress to 3D flying.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

The Twist is a great sport/3D plane. Good looks and an easy build (especially the 60 size), upright engine mounting, & no cowl to align/cut.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

What would you like to know?

It is not a 3D plane and isn't intended to be. It is however a high performance sport plane.

The construction quality and ease of assembly are amazing. In my book, this is the best ARF I have ever put together.

The plane is fast due to its slippery shape and very aerobatic. The only downside is that the low drag airframe doesn't slow down as easily as other planes. It's manageable of course but could get someone in trouble if they aren't ready for it.

It's also a looker, much prettier in person than in some of the photos.

I also saw your post about the SSE and knife edge capability. Sig touts the knife edge ability in their description of the plane. Maybe my two were "special" somehow but they both would knife-edge beautifully. Maybe I'm missing something but I saw no problems.

If I were in your position, I would go for the SSE over the Revolver at this point. Then if you want to advance into 3D look at one of the profiles from OMP, Swany, etc.

www.ohiomodelplanes.com
www.swanyshouse.com

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

It sounds to me like you should get a Katana.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Well who makes a good Katana? Im a little bit away from making a final decision so any suggestions will be heard. Ive only been flying since November of last year. Started off with a electric Sky Fly, moved onto a Superstar with a .46 Evolution, then moved to a Sig Four Star .40 which I learned the hard way about over-stressing a plane when the right wing panel snapped off after I tried pulling out of a full throttle dive, then heard about the Pacific Knockabout which is about the same as a Four Star but bigger and tougher but not so good outside loops, so then decided to get another four star since I really liked the first one. I had the second four star for a little while and miss judged a landing and hit a pole at destroyed the left wing panel, so now I have a good left and good right panel but never got around to making one good wing, so then I put the Pacific Knockabout back together and just recently crashed that when the elevator linkage came loose on the elevator itself. So really I haven't lost any planes due too tricks but just poor judgment and faulty parts.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Try a Hanger 9 FuntanaX 50.... You will love it. In your choices I voted for the U-Can-Do based on your criteria for flying style. However in general 3D planes should not be flown "fast". They are built very lightly and will snap in half on you;)

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I would highly recomend the Sig SE. I have one and am running a .46 AX in it and she roasts along pretty quick. My brother has one witha .55 AX in his and he loves that combo also. Both our SSE's knife edge pretty good. Ther is zero control surface flutter with ours at high speeds. My brothers Twist and my Phoenix Funstar and Funtana 40 all have flutter at high speeds. The SSE can be docile or a real preformer... your choice. Beef up the landing block area and install a differant tailwheel bracket and you will have one tough, durable, multipurpose flier that can take you to the next level and give you the thrills that you are looking for.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I've flown the Sig SE, the UcanDo, the Twist, and the FuntanaX. The Sig SE is a good plane, but their knife edge (KE) performance is lack luster, which was one of the criteria. Yeah, they will hold a KE, sort of, not really, kind of like the twist. The UcanDo however will hold KE all flight long if you want. Most the funfly plane types like the sig SE and twist are capable of fast loops and rolls, but they can't snap or spin properly, which leaves out entire groups of 3D moves, so I have a bit of an issue considering them a 3D plane. The UcanDo also has 3D issues, but it is very capable of KE, so out of the list, it got my vote since it met the most of the criteria the poster listed. However, with the mention of a new plane option, i.e. the FuntanaX, I change my vote from UcanDo to FuntanaX. The FuntanaX will snap/spin well, hold KE, and can handle moderate speed.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

After reading all this I guess I'm withdrawing my recommendation for a Katana. From similar personal experience I'd wait until you have a plane flying that you're not making repairs on at the end of the day.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Sounds like you might actually need a trainer:eek:, sorry. If you can't keep from misjudging those then you don't need a fast agile "third" plane. Thats my opinion. Full throttle dive wing failure is more a pilot error than a part failure. You're not really supposed to do that.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I didn't say it was part failure, I know it was a misjudgment on my part. I learned from that mistake fairly quickly. As far as the Four Star hitting a pole, I was in a school parking lot and probably should not have been flying there in the first place. I was doing just about every trick you can do with the Four Star but when I decided to try a landing I took her out further to give me more room and upon approach clipped a light pole that I wasnt aware of because I hadnt been flying the plane in that section of the parking lot. In a nut shell I should have been flying in a big open field. Lesson learned again. So now that Im not doing full throttle dives and flying only in open fields I should have no problems.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Sounds just like me! I said pretty much the same thing, got my 3rd plane and on the second flight it went full throttle, nose first into a corn field!

You can get something fancy, and it will probably take a beating but it might survive. Or you can fix up your very capable Four Star or whatever else you can fix and have fun flying it. Try doing some precision stuff, or planning out some kind of routine where you do one trick into another, but have the locations AND altitudes planned (i.e. you didn't lose altitude trying to make a correction or something).

I was doing 'tricks' with my Nexstar, and I lost it due to 'poor judgement'. At the time I wouldn't admit this, but I was really just yanking on the sticks. I sort of knew what the outcome would be, but that one time when I took a chance, I lost it due to 5' lack of altitude.

Then I had an Avistar, and I thought I had learned a lesson from my experience with the Nexstar, so I did all my 'tricks' at high altitude. Unfortunately I did a 'trick' and got a little disoriented and my lack of experience showed as the 2 mistakes high wasn't enough and I lost that plane, too.

Next I got my Dolphin. I was so eager to have a flying plane that I was up late building it, and finally got it ready for flight. Second day, due to lack of sleep, I missed the runway by about 6" and caught the wingtip in the tall grass; plane cartwheeled and snapped in half. I fixed it, but now have a plane that doesn't fly straight.

People kept telling me to slow down, that I didn't really know what I was doing (in much nicer words though;)). Of course I didn't believe them, but they were right.

You will know when you're ready for something more advanced, and really only you will know. I tried to convince myself, or prove to myself or others that I was ready, but deep inside I knew I wasn't. I have a feeling that when you are ready, you will know it, and by then you will know which is the right plane for you.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

“Lesson learned again. So now that Im not doing full throttle dives and flying only in open fields I should have no problems.”

– Heh... I’ll give you that it appears you understand and corrected for those misjudgments. But maybe you have more critical lessons to learn, especially if you just recently made these above two misjudgments? Just food for thought.

I do not believe new to the hobby pilots that say they have done every trick their plane can do. Regardless, there is nothing wrong with wanting a more aerobatic plane than the 4*. A cleaner more honest model will make it easier to learn more advanced maneuvers. I like that you are confident in your abilities, just be sure you are as equally confident in knowing what you are not able to do... that is the one that causes problems.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I understand that you guys are just trying to help and looking to give words of wisdom. But you are also right when you say that I am confident in myself, because its true. I may not be a precision flier which I probably wouldn't care for since it would probably take the fun out of it for me. I enjoy plain old throwing sticks and really don't care to do a perfect 4 point roll and pull up and do a stall turn, etc. Im a self taught flier, learned all the basics with my $100 electric Sky Fly, and yes I did crash it a bunch while learning, but I had to figure it out on my own since I didnt have anyone at the time to help. I did find help when I stepped it up to the nitro trainer(Superstar), not because I wasn't confident in my flying skills but the fact that there's alot more to it than whats on a $100 electric plane. For example trim, engine tuning, servo's being reversed. etc. The guy helping me took it up and trimmed it and handed it back and I was good to go. Im not trying to brag and act like Im a rc flying prodigy, but more or less say that i feel Im a quick learner. I work on planes for a living, specifically I rig flight controls. So I have aircraft experience and know the general physics of flying, so I guess that worked to my advantage. But getting back on track to what this thread is originally about, I may end up going with the Somethin Extra. For one I like Sig planes, and it sounds like a good direction acording to all your posts. Im still unsure on the knife edge capabilities, half of you are saying it KE good, and the other half say its lack luster. Also I probably won't get the Twist because my speed demon side will probably come out and I'll end up overstressing that plane. But then again there's a little voice saying get the Revolver!!!!

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I would wait on the Revolver if I was you. It is a fantastic plane but ..................it is fast and requires good reflexes without thought.
As stated, fast and 3D do not go together. You may think about something like a Super Sportster next. It is pretty quick and will get you ready for something like a revolver. It will also do all of the aerobatics you are asking for.

Sounds like what you really need is two different planes. ;) One for 3D training and one for fast aerobatics.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Ya I understand now that you can't get fast and 3D. With the larger control surfaces on a 3D plane it would have too much flutter. As much as I want to get into 3D, I really like speed and prefer it over a 3D plane. So now its between the Revolver and Somethin Extra.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Don't believe the hype, the Sig SE does not have good KE performance, in fact, I'd consider it closer to the bad side of the spectrum. Yeah, it will do it, sort of, not really. The Sig SE is a good plane and a good value, but KE is not it's strong point.

You can get a fast 3D plane, but to do so you must get away from the funfly type of planes. No thick wing, no low aspect ratios, no silly control surface size, etc. This means no twist and no sig se. You do not need huge controls or even extreme throws for most 3D moves. It may surprise some that a pattern ship, designed for precision aerobatics actually makes an excellent 3D ship, more so that many of the so called 3D planes… go figure. In my 2M ship I can pull off high alpha maneuvers, torque rolls, etc., and I have moderate sized control surfaces and less that 15 degrees of throws on aileron and elevator and only 30 degrees on the rudder.

If you really want to go fast and 3D in the same plane, get a pattern/3D hybrid ship and stay away from the funfly types. - Cheers

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Beachbrada, we're both in the same boat here lol.

I don't want a 3D only plane... I want a very acrobatic plane which can pickup some speed. Seems like you're looking for about the same thing I'm looking for.

The revolver does look like a decent plane....I might have to bite the bullet.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I think this makes a lot of sense. So, here's your plane:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXMUX7&P=0

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

gaRCfied, I've never flown or seen a Reactor, so I have no firsthand knowledge. But from looking at the picture, noticing the airfoil thickness, aspect ratio, tail moments, fuse side area and distribution... yeah, that could probably fly pretty fast and be capable of performing the full range of classical aerobatics and 3D.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

I probably shouldn't let looks determine my outcome but that Reactor is one ugly plane in my opinion. Any of you fly the Hangar 9 Sundowner? [link]http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdId=HAN4725[/link]
My only gripe about this plane is look at the puny rudder it has? Obviously because its built for speed, but Hangar 9 calls it a sport aerobatic racer. I wonder if it can knife edge.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Haha! I think the Reactor is beautiful and the Sundowner is ugly! Don't think Sundowner's made for 3D.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Beachbrada,
No matter what they look like, the Sundowners are "turn left and go fast" planes. While they may have "ok" aerobatics these planes are designed for one thing and one thing only, racing. If you buy the plane for any other purpose you'll wind up being disappointed. I did the RCU review of the larger Sundowner and Minnflyer did the review of the 50 sized Sundowner. Those reviews can be found here:

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=929]Hangar 9 Sundower Review[/link]

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=1009]Hangar 9 Sundower 50 Review[/link]

Ken

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

The Sundowner is a nice airplane. Very pretty in person. It is also very fast. It is capable of sport aerobatics of course but the ones I have seen really like to be opened up and make high speed passes. I'll probably end up with one of my own before the year is out.

Like the Revolver though, everyone I know who has a Sundowner 50 says it lands hot. They also complain that it can be difficult to see head on, especially in bright conditions. Everything is a trade off of course and nothing is 100% perfect in every area. The Sundowner is an excellent airplane but the speed and visibility could bite you if you aren't ready for it.

I would seriously consider the SSE. It is probably the most well-rounded of the planes you have mentioned and would be perfect for someone who is proficient flying a 4*.

RE: Looking for good 3rd plane.
 

Beach...what size of plane are you looking at.... is 46 your max?

I really think you need to look into these next few options I'm posting.
http://aero-works.net/store/detail.aspx?ID=75 I like this one and am probably gonna go for it. don't forget the VIDEO at the bottom of the page. I think this is THE plane for you and me :) lol.



ok .. I just watched the video... don't even look any more man, just get the Aero-works 46!!!!!