I know that a lot of threads have been set-up for the DA50, but I couldn't really find ANYWHERE that told me what I needed to know. I was at a recent IMAC meet (I live in El Salvador, so the rules aren't nearly as strict...I know) and nearly everyone was running a Venus II (or similar) with a YS 140. There were a couple smaller planes, and ONE larger plane (a QQ 102" running a DA100). I started figuring things out, and it turned out that the cost of a VenusII/YS combo is near the cost of a Goldberg Obsession/DA50 combo...being around $100 cheaper depending on equipment. So, I decided why not chip in the extra cash and get a gasoline engine that'll pay itself off after a couple weekends of flying. fuel here is around $25/gallon for Omega 15%, so it adds up QUICKLY. I'm constantly updating a spreadsheet with different prices of different planes, and the totals and stuff. So, this is it:

My list includes: 2 Futaba S3004 (throttle/choke), 5 JR ST126MG (everything else), Futaba R138 PCM 8-channel receiver, the DA with the DA in-cowl muffler, two Hydrimax 6.0V 4200mAh NiMH Sub-C Flat batteries, 1 Smartfly Turbo-Reg. It comes to be $1200, all but the ignition battery and servo extensions and the actual plane (or so I think)

Okay, that gives battery redundancy. What do you think of the set-up so far? What ignition battery should I use? Are there any accessories that aren't completely necessary but a definite plus to have? One last question for this post, are there any ARF pattern ships around 12-16 pounds (75-85" span, i'm guessing) around or under $450?

Victor:
I don`t think you need a regulator for the 6 volt batteries you`re buying.
I fly an 87 inch YAK with the DA50-R and in-cowl muffler. For a plane like this you should look for digital servos or at least some good quality coreless servos that have 160/180 oz. torque. I have not seen a pattern ship in the size you want, but there are a lot of IMAC planes for that size. With the digis, Imac plane and the DA50, you will be closer to $1800 or a little more.
One question, are you going to fly only pattern? or mostly IMAC? That will make a difference in the kind of plane you should get.
Just my 2 cents.
John

www.dawghouserc.com

I know I wouldn't need a regulator because of the voltage, but how would I set-up battery redundancy without it? (total newb, be patient) Also, what ignition battery should I use? If I understand this correctly, IMAC is like a more scale pattern...using scale planes, right? What I've had experience with, however, are that scale planes tend to have a fetish for Tip-Stalling. Well, okay, it was the Kyosho .40-sized Spitfire that lived 3-flights before the engine shut off low&slow, and I know that it's more finicky than IMAC planes but still. What planes would be recommended for a Sport flier that likes to dabble in IMAC and 3D? I've heard that QQ Yaks are good for both IMAC and 3D. I know a plane that can 3D isn't gonna be the best IMAC plane...but just to try and fly in basic. I'll buy another airframe if i like it a lot. What's everyone's opinion on this? I've decided for the Airtronics 94358Z servos, they're rated for 200oz-in. opinions?

I fly both an Aeroworks 50cc Yak and Extra. Both are great 3D/IMAC planes. I tend to like the Yak more since it's a little larger airframe which helps to slow it in downlines.

I agree with juanes1969 on digital servos, especially if you are going to fly IMAC. These hold center better and are programmable.

On the voltage regulator, use it on at least your receiver batteries. When fully charged, those will get to over 7 volts and a friend of mine burned out a PCM receiver because of this. I now use regulators on everything!

Victor:
The airtronics servos you mentioned are suposed to be very good. I have not had any enperience with them,but they seem to be able to do the job.
I don`t fly 3D, only IMAC. The planes used for presicion are a lot more stable than scale warbirds. The new designs like the QQ YAk, SD-Models, Aeroworks, Extreme Flight and BME/PAU, are all great for 3D (from what I`ve seen). I fly an SD-Models YAK 30% with a DA50 and have tried some AeroWork airplanes and these two are very good presicion fliers (IMAC).
The QQ seems to be one of the lightest with the Extreme Flight.
You can`t go wrong with any of the brands I mentioned, perhaps someone else might give you more brands, as I can`t remember the others.
Oh, the Wild Hare YAK and/or Extras are cheap, well built and good flying planes too. You might want to try one of those if you want a very low budget aerobat. Cheap but very good ARFs.
Eventually, you should go with digital servos, as Grelker noted, they are better in centering and power.

John

I have a really important question for anyone willing to offer their advice. Since I use glow now, I know the pro's and con's of a full-length tuned pipe. That's kind of out of the question here! My question is: What's the difference between a Pitts/Wraparound and a Canister muffler?? I'm looking at the KS-86S since it has a smoke coil built into it. I've seen a lot of things about headers and stuff. Does this need a header, or is the $150 thing a plug-and-play thing? Also, what do y'all think the pro's and con's are? If I bought a pitts/wraparound it'd either be the stock $69 DA muffler or the J'Tech Wraparound. Input????

The canister muffler is the most quiet but the heaviest and most expensive but provides power 2nd to the stock DA muffler. The pitts is quieter than stock but takes away about 100 rpm. The stock muffler is loudest, makes the most power and is the lightest. Since power is king....go with the stock one.

Just a note on the 94358 servos I use them on my comp arf 2.6 yak. They are great I have 250 flights with know problems as for centering they are just as good a my digital's and they use a lot less juice just my .02