Better 3rd plane
 

Dear All,

am currently flying a Phoenix tiger 40. I am considering taking a 60 size plane. Which of these would be better for Sunday fun flying

Phoenix Topstar 60 (with suitable reinforcement of tail)
Phoenix Tiger 60
Phoenix Yak (60size 64" span)

Will probably be buying OS75AX

Trainer is suggesting Topstar 60. I know its tail is weak and its transparent covering is difficult to see. I will be strengthning the tail and re covering with oracover

Ameyam

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Well, the Topstar 60 is a 3-D plane, so I wouldn't call it a "Sunday Flier"

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

The Phoenix Extra 330S .60 ARF might be a good pick. It's going to be more aerobatic than the Phoenix Tiger .40 you're already flying, but not a huge step up with regard to the skills required to fly it. Extras tend to be more stable and exhibit fewer bad tendancies than other scale aerobats like the Yaks or Edge 540s.

With low rates, you should be able to enjoy some nice relaxing flying with the Extra 330S .60 ARF. If you want to crank things up, just increase your control throws, move the CG back a little bit, and crank up the power.

The Phoenix Extra 330S .60 ARF doesn't have a reputation as a particularly good 3D airframe, but it should be a lot of fun for either mild or wild sport aerobatics depending on your mood.

Good luck and good shopping!

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

The Phoenix Extra is a lot of fun. No 3d but it tumbles well, snaps cleanly, lands like a baby as long as you remember it's a scale plane-not a trainer-and keep the speed up. It's soo smooth and oh soo clean. Definitely a great buy for the price.

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

The Phoenix extra 300s does not have a good reputation on our field...it is said to be very delicate. Not too many have heard of the Yak for 60size either.

Having inspected all four kits, the tiger 60 feels to be the sturdiest. Next is the Yak and Topstar (assuming its tail will be reinforced) and finally the Extra. Having built kits earlier, however, all of them seemed to have been produced cheaply, quality-wise, and I found strict no-nos being violated even in the Yak. For example, the leading edge is all sheet-wood and there is no such thing as capping strip.

If this continues, I will end up buying the tiger 60. I am resisting the same as I am already flying a 40 size and getting more-and-more confident with it...

Anybody has any suggestions within the Phoenix range 60size? (Phoenix will definately be available...I dont know regarding other brands)

Ameyam

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Well... anyone?

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

I don't think the Tiger 60 is going to be much different from the Tiger 40, ameyam. Have you considered a pattern plane, such as the Venus II or Venus 40 from Great Planes?

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Why not purchase a Topstar.. which is essentially a U-Cab-Do and fly it as a pattern plane / sunday flier before trying 3D. That is what my instructor is suggesting. Correct me if I am wrong- the Topstar at low rates will fly very close to a low-wing trainer which is what I want

Ameyam

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Two different continents make for different availability. If the Topstar is similar to the Great Planes U-Can-Do or Hangar-9 Twist in wing area and function, then it should work out very well. Fun flyers with thick airfoils can almost float like a boat, yet they can do just about anything you toss at 'em.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Am attaching pictures of the Phoenix Topstar for analysis. Agreed it has transparent covering, which I will replace to increase visibility. Doesnt it look like a UCD. Am told handles similarly. My instructor said it has very good low speed handling.

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

It does look quite a bit like one, yes. As for the covering, I see stripes are on one side of the wing and elevator to help with visibility. You may want to try it the way it is at first, with the aid of other club members. If you can see it without a problem, then you won't have to worry about recovering. Unless, of course, you prefer a different color scheme.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

So in that case should I go for it?

As always, will new plane of 50% aileron for test flight an increase ratio till I am comfortable with it. Will be using OS75AX, no nitro, 20%castor. By the way, is is a good ideaa to use only castor or should I add in some synthetic. If so, how much?

Ameyam

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

I have been using Omega fuel, which has an 18% mixture of Castor and synthetic lubricants, for three years and haven't had a problem with my engines. As for the plane: Just dial in some exponential with moderate rates. This will dull the sensitivity, yet still allow you adequate travel should you need it. Since this is your third plane, I assume that your orientation is good, you're familiar with all the flight surfaces, can fly the pattern inverted, can land reasonably close in a deadstick, and are able react quickly to changes in flight patterns. If you can do this, then you shouldn't have a problem. If any of these are issues, then a quick handling 3D plane like this could result in the improvement of your repair skills; if you catch my drift. Just make sure that you can react without thinking when flying it, is all.

NorfolkSouthern

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

Thanks NorfolkSouthern

RE: Better 3rd plane
 

The transparent film would look nice on it if it was colored. Transparent dark blue would look good with that orange nose.