I'm now trying to figure out what plane to build over the winter to go with my OS 61 fx. So far, I've built a tower trainer 40 size, two great planes 40 size cubs, a great planes 40 size super sportster, a goldberg ultimate 10-300 kit, and a couple of ARCs and ARFs. I'm currently flying a World Models super stunts 40 and a great planes 1/4 scale spacewalker ARF.

I'm looking at the four star 60 and BTE venture 60. I'm certain someone will have comments on these planes, and I'm curious about other unusual alternatives. I'd like a kit-built plane for my os 61 fx.

waagbuck:

Go with the Venture 60. It is what the 4*60 was supposed to be.

Bill.

waagbuck,
I'm currently building the Venture 60 and let me tell you, the kit is awesome. The wood is near perfect. I've just about finished the wings (very first part of the build) and everything has fit together perfectly.

It's a little bit more cost for the Venture kit vs. the 4*60, but so far, it looks like it was money well spent.

Don

Been looking at the Venture 60 myself as a project but I already have my winter project planned so the Venture 60 will have to wait.
My project is probably way over my head but Im going attempt to do the twin engine conversion of the Super Sportster. Already had the two Saito .30's so I ordered the conversion plans from RCM and acquired an 80's vintage Super Sportster kit.
That ought to keep me outta trouble for a few months!

waagbuck,

I'll echo the positive comments on the Venture 60; it was one of the best kits I've ever built. The wood, die-cutting, etc., was just flawless.

The problem is that this won't be much of a "winter project". As Bill alluded to, the Venture is nothing more than a Four Star 60 with class. IOW, it will go together quickly and easily.

Steve

Steve:

I just figures Waagbuck was going to be slow and deliberate, really taking his time.

Now one of the Sig "Craftsman's" kits...

Bill.

Thanks for the help everyone. Why is the Venture so much more expensive than the Four Star? And can anyone recommend another kit?

I think that if you're flying what you say you are, you may get bored with the Venture/4*.

Try the GP 60 size Extra 300. An EXXCELLENT Kit, and an EXCELLENT Flier!

Because the Venture features top-grade wood that is cut out by a bandsaw, as opposed to mass-produced, ho-hum, die-crunched wood.

MinnFlyer has a point; while the Venture is aerobatic, it is a more of a majestic flyer than a throw-around model. By clipping the wing, you can make it pretty quick in roll; but that long empennage is just plain stable and forgiving. I guess the best way to describe it is that this model, when used with a buddy box, would be an excellent primary trainer. Did that with mine, as a matter of fact, a couple of times. Built per plans, and with minimum control throws, it is as docile and smooth a model as you can get; period.

So, if you're looking for something to get ignorant with, and are set on one of these two models, get the Four Star. Its wing has a more narrow chord; it has less fuselage area and tail area, and overall will be quicker.

Minnflyer,

I keep checking out that GP Extra. I assume it comes with your basic ABS (i.e., crap) cowl?

What about low-speed characterisitcs?

Steve

I suppose I may get bored with the Venture / Four Star, though I'm relatively low on stick time. I did build and fly the Model Tech Cap 21 (almost ready to cover kit) without incident, though I did observe the nasty tip stall / snap characteristics of that plane, and many have described that as one of the squirrelly-est planes around. I decided there are better flying planes out there and sold it to a friend in need of a plane before I lost my concentration and risked a crash. He knows about the snapping issue and was able to induce a few on his own, so it's not just me. But I'm still a little worried the squirrellyness of the high-performance line of airplanes. Do I need to be worried with the Extra 300?