Hello all. I'm looking to purchase an e-trainer for a 13 year old with no flying experience.

What I have now is an FMA Razor. I'd like to use the electronics from this so he doesn't have to buy a new setup. It's got a micro receiver, micro 30a speed control, and I believe the PS-100 servos:

Size: 1.16x1.14x0.53 (LxHxW)
Weight: 0.67 oz

I was looking at things like the Slow Stick and the Hobbico FlyZone. Any suggestions/advice here would be very welcome. I'm new to the electric world

I'd prefer something ARFy and durable, but I'm willing to build as well, if there's something worth it.

I almost forgot, I also have an FMA co-pilot. So, the plane can be a bit more advanced (4 channel, perhaps?). That might be nicer so he can grow with the same model.

Thanks!

-Joe

How's the lancaster research coming? Anyway, I would think that you're on the right track with the slow stick. You don't list weights of ESC or Rx, but it should fly happily with what you've got. The FMA mini servos and micro Rx should be well within the SS's capabilities. The 30a ESC is overkill, but should work just fine, too. Another option, if you're willing to buy micro gear, is the mountain models dandy. I can't say I have personal experience with this one, but, it's well-loved over on E-zone. You can build it with a polyhedral sailplane wing for 3-ch, upgrade to the sport wing for 4-ch aileron training, and then the GT wing for snappy aerobatics. I'm sure others will chime in with more options here.

The research is going pretty well. That UK thread on the 12 foot lanc is amazing.

I'm willing to buy micro gear, as long as it's not too much of a layout of money, and as long as it's standard stuff I can plug the Co-Pilot into. After I explained the above to him, my LHS tried to sell me this 2-channel thing with non-interchangeable components, and told me it'd be perfect.

Thanks,

-Joe

Ah, but there's one more type of 3 point landing.

A buddy of mine has a 60-size mustand with a 72 4-stroke in it that sometimes lands 2 main wheels and rocker arm covers.

OUCH

Argh! I just finished typing about three paragraphs, and hit the reset form button instead of submit. Damn, I hate that. Anyhow, I was going to offer another option: the GWS e-starter. It appears from looking in the box to be typical GWS (ie quick build) and hearsay flight reports seem to rank it highly. This or the dandy (BTW the dandy reportedly builds as quick as foam excepting covering) would most likely require an investment in micro gear. Check www.balsapr.com for pretty reasonable prices. I think the 6 gram GWS servos are $19-23 and hs55 or GWS 9 gram servos are about $16-18. The GWS 4-ch single conversion Rx is about $30, same for a hitec feather. I believe that stuff should work with the co-pilot just fine, but remember the GWS Rx must be specified by shift.

heh that's funny, I just read a review on the E-Starter about 10 minutes ago

The review said mini or micro servos, so I'm considering buying and trying it. If I have to buy new servos, ah well, such is life, eh?

Thanks,

-Joe

I've heard good and bad reviews for the E starter, though I have no experience with it.

I do however have a Mountain Models Dandy with both the stock wing and the sport wing.
The average builder can have the airframe built and ready for final sanding and covering in about 3 hours.

It flys very sedately when it's needed, but also does good aerobatics with the sport wing.

Being a balsa plane, it won't take a crash as good as a foamie, but it's not fragile either. I've cartwheeled mine several times with very little to no damage.

Good luck with your choices, and keep us updated.

Jason

I'm new to R/C like your son. A few weeks ago I bought a Great Planes Firebat (foam pusher jet) and destroyed it within a few days. I read some good reviews of the Kyosho Ferias and saw that people had done some interesting things with them, so that was my next purchase. The kit is easy to assemble (despite poor translation from Japanese to English) and flies great. Its toward the heavier end of the speed 400 section, but I haven't had any issues with lack of power. It has tail controls only, 6 degree dihedral, and a high wing, so it's not a 3D flier. Some good reviews are at
http://rcgroups.com/links/index.php?...at=198&id=3598
and
http://kyosho.com/reviews/kyoa1205-man.html

I'll chime in here. I bought the GWS E-Starter a few weeks ago and finally got to take it out today. Built it stock except for the tail section (modified it internally for strength). I am using ailerons, but some suggest you could get by without them. I suppose you could, but turning with just the rudder is slooooowwww! I'm using an e-tech 700 2s pack lipo and a Kokham 1020 lipo for power. This is my second plane to the tiger moth. I can say the plane flies well moves a little faster than the tiger moth and more stable. I believe the e-starter is easier to fly and handles the wind a whole lot better than the moth. It loops nicely and will fly inverted. Also can fly slow with out any bad tendencies.