I have been searching for a good beginner electric plane for th epast few months. I have a Firebird Commander and want to advance to a more stable plane. I am thinking of either the Minimag, Magister, or Piper J3 Cub? I like the idea of the long wingspan of the Magister. I would like tobuy a kit but also need to know what else I need to buy to make it like the version using AXI 2028/12 brushless direct drive - 3-cell Lipo (400 mAH), etc. Do they make a kit that can be modified to reduce weight, flight time, and performance.

Sorry for so many questions!

Craig

Hi Craig - perhaps the minimag - if you are trying to learn by yourself I wouldn't recommend the magistar - by all accounts a great aircraft but it is big - big means heavy, and heavy means potentially dangerous (well they all are, but as they get heavier... etc). The repairability of the multiplex planes is fantastic. Problem with minimag will come from puller prop setup - if you go in there is a fair chance you will damage the motor, or motor mount etc.

Have a think about the multiplex easystar - three channel, very controllable. She flys well on stock power with say 8.4-9.6v NiMH setup - so cheap. This plane will teach you most of what you need to know about flying three channel. If you want to you can even mod her for ailerons to make her 4 channel. Also a pusher setup, so when you nose her in you don't damage your motor. Good hint when you are building her is to put a third wire in place in case you want to upgrade to brushless later (they make a surprisingly good "hotliner" - although the speeds are nothing like the real things).

Trying to pick a good powerplant for the minimag is tricky - her stock one is inadequate, but you don't really have room for a gearbox so you are looking for an outrunner, but a narrow one with no external moving parts, you walk into the hobby shop, and before you know it walk out with something like a 2000-2800kv motor. Problem is you need a small prop and the plane flys fast - really really fast, but without much thrust - this is tricky to learn with as she is unforgiving if you loss too much energy, and because when she is straight and level she will probably cover ground faster than your brain can.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Cheers,
oz.

Thanks OZ, I will look into the easystar. I know I must pay my dues on two fronts; learning how to fly by buying a trainer plane then advance to better planes. I will be joining a local club and will have someone train me to fly, even a trainer. In that respect, I am trying to find a plane that I can learn with a trainer and be able to advance with it. I just don't like the idea of buying trainer then packing it away to collect dust. Trying to get the best value for the mighty dollar.

As I read about the trainers, I find that the power is not there like the minimag plus it doesn't have Lipo. Maybe the J3 Piper cub RTF may be best - any thoughts?

Thanks again,
Craig

I finally made my decision based on your input and other forums - I like the Hobby Zone Super Cub. Thanks again OZ!

Heh - super cub is a great plane too. Good luck with it.

CraigE - What Ozrcboy says i spot on, he's well known down under, see his website, lots of newbie-type tips etc. Super Cub is excellent but they do a brushless one now and that is the one I'd be tempted to go for. Minimag is great as OZ says and Elapor foam just has to be the best yet for re-builds (and there will be some). Ozrcboy and the Aussie BBQ guys recommended me to get the EZ* and its the best plane of 9 that I have, a great flyer stock or brushless. Mine has just gone b/less (2nd time) and I'm using 2S which saves money on Lipos, and the performance is amazing. Oh, and when you're pals can't fly 'cos of high wind you can be out there with a big grin on your face. Spares for the Cub are cheap and plentiful though. Good luck......