I'm new to flying period. I've been flying computer simulators for about a year and finally got the wife to allow me to buy an electric plane. I've been flying the GWS E-Starter and love it, however, I'm getting bored and want something more aerobatic. I've read a buch of reviews on the Formosa and the Switchback and like both planes. I think I'd lean towards the Switchback because I can change the wings later on if I want to , but I'm not sure this would be a good idea with my experience. Which plane would you advise me to go with? What would be the advantage with going with one or the other? Would I want to get a brushless motor? Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks.

RoneDogg
I have the switchback and couldn't be happier with it. It was easy to build and flies beautifully. However, it is a small underwing plane that can be touchy to fly and land. It's probaby a good third plane. I haven't flown the Formosa, so I can't comment on it. Hope this helps.
Unprof

Doesn't the Switchback have two wing options, a "sport" wing and a "3D" wing? That's why they call it the Switchback, IIRC.

My personal preferences lean toward balsa, and if it were up to me I'd build the Switchback. I have heard nothing but glowing reports on the way it flies, and how easy it is to build.

Since the E-Starter is really a good second plane for the self-starting R/C pilot, and you're bored to tears with it, the Switchback should be absolutely no trouble for you.

Great. Thanks for your advice. What would be your suggestions on getting a brushless motor? I'm not really sure what the differences are between the standard motor a brushless, but a lot of people in the forums have raved about a brushless motor. Any thoughts?

Thanks,

Rone

You really should jump to the other forum on engines, etc.

However, for my 2 cents. All of Mountain Models are well powered as stated. You will have no problem with them.

If you want to beef it up however, I would invest in Li-Polys before brushless. The investment is actually rather similar, $60 for a battery and $60 to $120 for a charger.

If you go brushless you will have $80 for a motor and $60 for a brushless ESC.

I think my real point is that power to weight is the name of the game, and dollar for dollar you will get more punch from Li-Polys, and the investment is more portable to other models.

Larry

I haven't flown the Formosa, so I can't provide a comparison.

The Switchback Sport has been used as an aileron trainer successfully for many people (myself included). If you can fly the E starter, I don't think you'll have a problem with the Sb Sport.

Brushless motors and li-poly batts aren't needed for the SB to be fun. Try it stock first, then you can worry about upgrading. Keep it light if possible, light flies much better in the Switchback.

If you want to go brushless, I recomend the Astro 010 in a GWS B box. I got mine from Aero Micro. It's not a big power house, but does give excellent power and run time in a small package. A 3s 700 or 1200 pack is also a good match for this motor in this plane.

I have the Formosa and I think its great. I can't comment on the Switchback, but I do have the Miniflash. MM makes a great kit. I don't think you can really go wrong with either one. My best guess would be that the Switchback sport would be a little more forgiving model than the Formosa. The Formosa has no self righting characteristics, it goes where you point it. Another suggestion, have you really went to the max with your E-starter? I had one of those too. I really maxed the controls out. I could even get it to do a decent snap spin. I agree with the Li-Poly first. You can gain a lot of performance just by losing some weight.

Thanks guys. I have not maxed out my E-Starter. I'll be doing that tomorrow. I've got a 8.4v 720 mh battery I've been using. I get about 10-15 minutes with a mixture of full throttle and mid throttle. What lithium battery are you using with your E-Starter and how long are your flight times with it? Can I use that same battery in the Formosa and the Miniflash? What setup do you recommend I go with (The electronics I currently have are just the stock one's that came with my E-starter) if using a lithium.

Thanks,

RoneDogg

I never did use Li-Poly in my E-Starter. I used the same battery as you. With my Formosa, I saved up enough to get a Thunder Power 2100. I was more interested in long flight times. I think they make a 1500 now. It might be the best of both. A longer flight, with some weight savings. With the 2100 in the Formosa, I have gone almost half an hour. Not full blast all the time. As far as the fit, you may need to do a little foam extraction, but I am not sure.