I would like any comments on the Mini Mag from Multiplex
as a good trainer. It seems more resilent than the Super Cub.
One thing I dont care about it is lack of a tail wheel. How does
this affect take off and landings? Can a tail wheel be added?
What surfaces can I takeoff and land on? How does it fly on
floats?

Tailwheel can be added. Also water-rudder.
With original brushed motor you can take off from concrete and other hard surfaces. But on grass a handlaunch is needed. With a suitable brushless system you can take off from grass. Brushless is needed to get easy takeoff on floats...

Hi Me 02,

The SuperCub is generally considered to be the best beginner (1st) plane; with the Multiplex EasyStar being close behind it. The Minimag is considered by most to be the best 2nd plane, to move you from rudder control to aileron control.

I would be careful with that statement as the mag can be rudder/elevator as well you don't have to use the ailerons, what I would say is the super cub and easystar are considered to be the best RTF planes and are most popluar with beginners as many buy RTF's as their first planes. personally I think if you can afford to go artf and buy the gear, the sooner you start building up good gear the better. RTF's are ok if you just want to get going and are not sure if you plan on getting more planes but if you think you want in for the long run, get the mag and kit it out yourself. I would advise going brushless it makes these small plane much more versatile and fun, if you want a cheaper trainer check out the e-starter although it is made from a weaker foam.

Yes, the Minimag can be flown with rudder/elevator control only, but in this configuration, it is not as good a flier as the SuperCub. The Minimag is also available in RTF, but the stock motor leaves it rather underpowered. My point, although maybe not quite clear, was that the Minimag truly shines as a second plane, to be used by someone who already has basic flight experience with a rudder controlled plane, but now wants to begin to fly with aileron steering. I agree with gt5500 that if used for this purpose, its almost essential to set it up with a good brushless outrunner and LiPo. The E-starter is a decent plane, but not as good, nor as strong, as either the SuperCub or the Minimag.

Would a 4-channel SuperCub(9.6V NiMH) with aileron conversion also be a better flyer than a 4-channel Minimag with ailerons?