I'd like to build a big high wing kit. Similar to the Sr. Telemaster or maybe even the telemaster who knows. Does anyone know if the Telemaster can easily be built in tri-gear mode? Does anyone know of another similar kit that comes with tri-gear hardware?

I'm not sure but I think the Sr. Telemaster is a tricyle gear kit. Most people convert it to a tail dragger though because it handles so much better on the ground in tail dragger configuration, especially in wind. Most people also take out all the dihederal as that improves the roll manuevers and makes handling in cross winds much easier.

Depending on your level of comfort with kit-bashing, the Senior Telemaster can easily be converted to tricycle gear, but it comes configured as taildragger. Ditto the dihedral comment above. To fly as a sport model, many take one or two rib bays off the wingtips, which takes it down from a 96" to 90" or 84" ws. With full 96" ws it's a definite floater.

If you want a kit that does not need bashing, the Sig Kadet Senior comes with tricycle gear, and at 78" ws is a step beyond most 40 and even 60 size high-wing models. The Kadet flies beautifully with a .40 if you want slow and gentle. Those who build it as a sport model also remove some or all dihedral and fit it with ailerons. (The kit is configured for three channels, no ailerons.) I went for barn-door ailerons on mine (1/4 chord, 1/4 span) and fly it for relaxation and to introduce novices to the pleasures of RC.

If you want a real builder's challenge, the Bud Nosen Trainer at 108" ws should be big enough for anyone, and it comes with tri-gear. This model flies nicely in trainer mode with .60-.90 two stroke, but really deserves a .91 or larger 4-stroke. However I wouldn't try to tackle this unless you are well-experienced with kits and bashing, as the instructions leave a lot to the builder's judgment and imagination.

Then there is the whole universe of quarter scale Cubs, Cessnas, Taylorcrafts, etc.

It sounds to me like you are asking the same kind of question I asked when I moved from U-control to RC. If that's the case, then I would suggest a four-channel tri-gear trainer with a solid following, such as the Great Planes PT60 71" ws or the similar Goldberg Protege 60 size 71.5" ws. The unmodified Kadet Senior with three channels is for my money the best trainer--what many experienced flying dads would get for their son to break him in right.

Thanks for the replys. I've built several kits with my latest bing the SIG 1/4 Clipped cub. I want a big tri gear to haul my R/C skydiver with and to do a banner tow. Will look at the Nosen. Don't mind bashing a kit, but I don't want to have to purchase additional hardware if I don't have to.

Anyone know where on the web you can purchaes the Bun Nosen Trainer?

The BNT mfr has been listing kits on eBay. Go on eBay and run a search and you might find it. These kits supposedly "retail" at $399 or some such figure, but they've been going for not much over $100.

If you don't connect, e-mail me and I'll fix you up with one of my kits--I happen to have two kits NIB, and one is enough for right now. You can have it for $100 + shipping. Be warned, this kit is not for the uninitiated.

Sent you an E-Mail with Nosen's site...........Regards.........Mike

Not to keep it a secret, the BNT is put out by A&A Industries, www.aaind.com. For some reason they are not listing the BNT on their website, although they do have a giant Aeronca Champ, Mr. Mulligan, and other big stuff (and some 40 size as well).