Here's the deal... I'm in the mood to build another kit. I've decided on something in a .60 size. My new Super Sportster .40 ARF is a blast to fly and hauls the mail with a .46-AX. That's gotten me thinking I might like to build the .60 version and throw a .75-AX on it. I've also had my eye on the Hog Bipe. I've read through some old threads but didn't see anything to convince me one way or the other. I'm sure they are both great so I'm looking here for experiences and opinions. What do you like about each? Since I have the .40 size, Ihave some idea how the Super Sportster flys but what about the Hog Bipe? How is it in the air?

Thanks in advance for any input. Truth is, I'll likely end up with both. Just not sure which I want to get first I suppose.

One other question: Has anyone ever done retracts on the SS? Any photos or suggestions? It probably just adds unnecessary complexity to a simple, fun airplane but it sounds kinda cool.

Thanks

I loved my Sportster .60 and would recomend building one. However, since you've allready been down the Sportster road, I say build the Hog Bipe. I've never built one but I hear they fly very well. If you like to build, you can't beat a Sig kit.

-Johnny-

I have seen a Sportster .60 with retracts and it looked really cool! Though, you are right that it adds a lot of complexity. I eliminated the wing mounted gear on my Sportster .40 in favor of a fuse mounted setup. Still I say build the Hog Bipe.

-Johnny-

Hog Bipe is a beautiful and unique plane that is increadably virsitile for personalization. Look through the various build threads and see what people have done with them. You can make it look like a WW I warbird or a competition aerobat like a Pitts or Ultimate and anything in between. So the real question should be, "How many Hog Bipes should you build?"

Build the Hog! I am about to finish up mine that I have been working on for quite some time. It has taken a while (new born son), but the build is pretty straight forward. I can honestly say that I am more excited about seeing this thing lift off for the first time than I have been for any of my other builds. It is simply a stunning and unique aircraft. I just hope I have the skills to keep it around for a while! Anybody have any video of the Hog in the air? Any prep will help!

Chuck,

FWIW, I'd say build the SS60. One with retracts would be AWESOME. You can get a set of electrically operated retracts that are easy to install and setup amounts to plugging them into a "Y" harness and plugging the harness into your receiver in the gear slot and that's it! You can see them at www.Lado-Tech.com. I ordered a set for the 60 size GP Ultrasport kit that I want to build this winter.

Good luck with your decision on which to build and maybe start a build thread for the SS60 and retracts with lots of pics.

Those retracts look like they are a lot less hassle that air or servo powered gear. I may have to look into that.

Has anyone built one of the newly re-released SS .60's? If so, how is the quality of the kit? I have to admit, the wood quality and and poor die cutting in some of the GP kits I've built lately can be a little frustrating.

I know this thread has only been up for a day and there aren't too many responses but I made my decision. I just ordered the Hog Bipe kit AND the Super Sporster .90-.120 plans from RCM. I figure if I'm going to build a bigger SS, it might as well be quite a bit bigger. I need an excuse to buy a new scroll saw or band saw anyway.

I have built/flown two SS 90-120's and loved them - and the NEXT ONE will be bashed into a P-40 - all the wood is there, just reconfigure it a bit

ChuckW,

I just sent you a PM.

you'll love the Hog, build it get it in the air then start on the SS. I have a Hog kit and two SS 60 kits and a Jack Stafford Aircoupe kit, and a framed up Pica Waco 1/6 scale and can't decide what to start on first. I'm thinking about setting up two building surfaces and doing two at once.

I JUST FINISHED MY HOG BIPE AND THE CONSTRUCTION OF IT IS A FUN BUILD TRY IT I THINK YOU WILL ENJOY IT I FLEW MY HOG SUNDAY FOR THE FIRST FLIGHT ITS LIKE RIDEING ON RAILS FUN PLANE TO FLY

Looks good. my kit should be here tomorrow and I'll start on it this weekend. I'm thinking about a .75-AX. Anybody have a particular favorite engine for this plane?

Chuckw,
The Hog Bipe just begs to have a 4-stroke in it (I have an OS 91 Surpass in mine). I'm sorry, but the Sig Pig just doesn't sound right with a 2-stroke engine in it.

Ken

Hey Ken, I feel guilty for putting a .75 2 stroker in mine after hearing you say that in numerous Hog Bipe threads!!! I guess I'll just have to save up and try out a 4 stroke to let you sleep better at night! Hey, I can't blame a guy enjoying every aspect of a plane in flight, including how they sound, if you can afford to do so! I'm still pretty young so I have these days to look forward to (no age criticism intended).

I hate to ramble on, but I find it very satisfying to be able to get on here and have friends that I can share flying/building stories with. I say that because my dad and I are literally the only ones keeping our field "alive". I have yet to see anyone else at our field this year, and only 2 other guys that flew together all of last year. Chatting, picking on, and just watching other people fly are a big part of what I enjoy and never get to experience at our field. So this makes up for it. I mostly read every post that I can, and very rarely make comments myself, so most of you don't know me. Hpwever, when I finally do comment I just can't shut up...see!

I guess I can kinda see what you mean. A biplane does tend to match that low pitch 4-stroke sound. It's like seeing a nice warbird with a 2-stroke. It flys nice but something just isn't right. I'll give it some thought. The OS AX series has been very good to me so it's not easy choosing something else. Those Saito rocker covers sure look nice though.

For some reason my kit shipped from Tower's IL warehouse instead of Reno so it will take a few more days to arrive. The SS plans from RCM were waiting for me on the porch when I got home today though.