I have been in this sport for years and am just now getting into IMAC. I have'nt bought my plane yet and would like some feedback on how some of you feel on the purchase that I am going to make. I am going to buy the Great Planes 1/4 scale Patty Wagstaff Extra 300S. I will probably put a ZDZ 50 in it for power.

If anyone has any comments or suggestions for me please let me know. Keep in mind that for now, being in the basic category, I just want this size of aircraft for now. If you all have a better plane to suggest please keep that in mind.

Thank You..............

The Great Planes "Patty Wagstaff" plane is good however more posts on this site seem to point to the Dave Patrick plane as being the better choice. Haven't flown the Extra but just sold a Great Planes Giles which was built well and flys well. The 50 cc engines would probably be too much for this size plane. With any ARF it becomes difficult to install an engine on the existing firwall that has a rear mounted carb (such as the ZDZ you mention or the new DA-50). If you are building a plane and plan on the firewall placement it isn't a problem. For this reason you may want to consider the BME or Taurus for an engine selection.

EXCAP232 -= The GP Extra with the ZDZ did NOT require any firewall work...there is ample distance for any motor that I know of; you just have to get the right length of standoff. I think mine were 1 3/4"....there is PLENTY of clearance behind the carb for air...

My standoff is 2.05 inches.
While I haven't flown the plane it does look good.
Their is also plenty of clearance.

The DP Extra is a nice 3D plane, but I'm really not too thrilled with its snap characteristics for competition. You have to get the perfect amount of elevator and rudder in, otherwise it turns into a very sloppy snap. In comparison I have flown a WM Extra that snapped very cleanly with full throws. The GP Extra would make a very nice choice in competition, easily capable of competing seriously in Intermediate and even above. You don't have to have a $2500+ setup to be competitive; just the drive to practice and continually improve.

That is true but it does help!