Hey all,

I'm looking for a second plane and Im coming from a GP PT-20 with an OS 25 FX. I have not yet graduated from the PT but am looking at getting the second built before spring in hopes of keeping down time to a minimum. I am looking for a 40-60 size Bipe and have really been impressed by the reviews of various Ultimate Bipes as far as flight performance is concerned (not to mention the looks!).

What I am wondering is which manufacturer's kit is going to:

a.) Be easy enough for me to build
b.) Fly well enough that it will make a decent 2nd plane
c.) Be in the 40-60 range (preferably 40 as I am comin from a 20 and also $ is a concern atm as I am buying a house soon)
d.) Be a kit! I would really rather stay well away from an ARF as I really do enjoy the building process!

I was very pleased with the quality of the GP PT-20 kit and while I don't want to quote brand loyalty on one plane, I am slightly concerned about getting a crappy kit from a company I have not dealt with in the past.

Any info on the GP Ultimate, or any other Mfr. for that matter, is well appreciated!

Thanks,
Cameron

The GP is one of the best bipes I know of in the 40 size range. it's a good build, and it flies great. But make sure that you're ready for that step. If you're still on your trainer, I would highly recommend a few flights with a buddy box.

I second Mike's advice. Jumping from a 20 size trainer to a 40 or 60 size, aerobatic biplane is a pretty big step. If you're set on a bipe, why not try a Sig Hog Bipe? Quite a bit more forgiving.
Dennis-

Thanks for the info guys,

Does anyone know if a few ways that I would be able to tame that particular kit down temporarily? I have pretty much decided on the GP Ultimate. I have access to an instructor through my club and will definatley have someone more experienced than I trim it out. But, is there any tips that would help me reign in the aerobatic side of the plane for a few flights till I can get used to it? I am looking for things that could be done (and un-done) fairly easily such as reducing throws, using low rates, etc., as well as a few tips in building the kit to be abit docile at first but could be altered back to be more aggresive if I wanted.

I do feel pretty confident with my trainer as I did have quite a bit of stick time around 10 years ago. Its all coming back, but even still this would be the most aerobatic bird I will have ever flown.

Thanks!
Cameron

If you reduce the throws on everything you should be able to handle it OK with a bit more help until your confidence builds up a bit, but you might still need a lot more experience at landing.

Biplanes tend to need a lot more throttle management to land safely, especially as they tend to almost stop when you chop the throttle in the last phase of the landing! There is so much drag created by the extra wing and the struts etc that they don't glide as freely as you are used to.

Apart from that though, with a little help from your instructor, you should be OK.

-David C.

I have a GP ultimate and I love the way it flies. It is a very forgiving plane. It will fly well on a 46 size 2 stroke engine. Make sure you set the control throws to the recommended settings in the instruction manual. I changed from an OS 46 FX to a Saito 72 4 stroke and this plane has unlimited vertical performance. This is a very nice flying and looking plane and will fast become your favorite. I like mine so much that I just got a bigger ultimate bipe.

Rick

Ugh!,

Bleh.... Sorry to waste everyone's time but a long time friend and fellow R/C flier has told me he would straight whoop my arse if I decided to make that big of a jump (to a Bipe) right off of the trainer. He's been flying throughout the 10 years since I left the hobby and we started out in it together about 2 years prior to that, so I have to trust his judgement. Along with the words of caution I have recieved here I've thought it probably best if I don't put my ear plugs in and just do what I want to do.

He said I should look into a docile low wing and steered me toward a Venture 60 and I've seen good reviews in the past. I think that maybe a decent place to start but who knows.... I hate not being able to decide on which kit to buy, and I thought I had it sorted out.

Thanks for the input on the GP Ultimate though, I WILL have one sooner or later! [:@]

Goldberg Chipmunk!

The venture 60 is a great second plane. My flying buddy has one and it flies great. I have a 4*60 which was designed by Bruce Tharp also. It would make a great second plane also. Build the GP ultimate after you get some low wing time under your belt. I love my ultimate but my 4*60 is great also. I fly both of them every Sunday and it would be hard to choose one over the other. The venture is a great kit put a 4 stroke 91 on it and you will love it.

Rick