Which biplane?
 

I have decided to add a biplane to my collection. So, I need you help in recommending what in your perception is the best or your favorite one. I am open to any size.

I am also open to scratch building.

Pedro

RE: Which biplane?
 

Great Planes Super Skybolt. No other bipe has the sexy outline this one has! Put a 120 4 stroke on front, and hold on! Pattern flight characteristics, fairly fast for a bipe, and lands somewhat hot. But a real ball in the air!

RE: Which biplane?
 

Pedro,
Were (what club) do you fly?
What is your interest? Scale, Fun Flying, Easy build, ????
There are so many great bipes for different reasons.

Super Sky bolt as Deadeye has mentioned.
Sig- Smith Miniplane 43inch (or so) wing really fun flying airplane.
Balsa USA- EAA Bipe 60inch wing good intro to bigger kits.
If your wanting full blown aerobatics just about any of the Ultimates.

If you can find a old Great Planes Super Sportster Bipe, they are easy and fun. They clasify for a bipe since they do have two wings.

RE: Which biplane?
 

And WW1 and pre WW2 Bipes could fill A hanger. I have three Bipes left, GP 60 size Aeromaster, MAN plans scratch built Fokker D-VII and A scratch built 68 inch Boeing F4B-2 from John Tanzer plans.
Best looking modern Bipe is the Sky Bolt and the best stunt Bipe is the Ultimates.
Just so many to choose from and all A pain in the back side to haul!!;)

RE: Which biplane?
 

One of the reasons I like the Skybolt is I can leave it assembled and sitting in the back of my pickup (full size Chevy). It fits between the rear wheel wells if angled slightly. But, if you do need to disassemble the Skybolt, it's got a very quick, foolproof, and easy attachment system. Wings could be on in as little as 5 minutes.

RE: Which biplane?
 

How about the lanier Pitts?

RE: Which biplane?
 

How about a Golden Age Bi-plane, the Curtiss Goshawk!

RE: Which biplane?
 

Goldberg Ult is the best flyer IMHO. The Skybolt is another good flyer but the Ult will out aero it.

David

RE: Which biplane?
 

For first time Bipe pilots the Sig Hog Bipe is hard to beat. It's an easy kit to build and it's a very forgiving biplane in the air. It's a great flying plane to boot.

Ken

RE: Which biplane?
 

Wow...the menu is larger than I really imagined. You guys are now just opening my appetite.

RE: Which biplane?
 

Balsa USA Phaeton. Very simple construction, easily bashed, resonably priced, fantastic flyer!

-Johnny-

RE: Which biplane?
 

Looks aside, how do the profile's like the Sig and OMP Ultimate's compare to the Ultimates with the fuselage?
MikeB

RE: Which biplane?
 

I have a GP Skybolt and it is a nice plane (OS 91 FS), I also have a GP Ultimate 40 size with a OS 70FS. Out of the two the Skybolt has the looks, but for ease of transportation and fun flying it is the Ultimate. Ultimate kit goes together quickly and it is easy to assemble at the field. If you have never built a bipe, get an incidence meter if you don't have one. It is a must for bipes.

I have a CG Ultimate in the box and hear nothing but great reports.

The planes mentioned above are all good, I guess it comes down to Rickstubbz point about what you are looking for.

RE: Which biplane?
 

What do you want it for?
I have a GP ultimate 40. Its a good plane that does crazy aero's. I can also transport it in my car fully assembled so it's very quick setup and packup. It can be a handful at times so if putting around is your thing then maybe choose something else.

RE: Which biplane?
 

I second the Sig Hog bipe. Easy to build and flies great. Although the nose could use a little work.
Ben

RE: Which biplane?
 

Dead Eye, I never had A real big problem hauling my Bipes but it was sometimes A thrill getting it all in the van without removing wings. Forth of July weekend on the way to an IMAA event for three days about 5 years ago. Even had room for all my camping equipment. The Boeing always had to be loaded nose down but the Tiger Moth would fit side ways on it's wheels if the Boeing wasn't going along. The Boeing is 68 inch and the Moth is 66 inch, any bigger then I have to take them apart.
SIG HOG BIPE?? Friends should never let A friend fly an ugly plane!!!:D

RE: Which biplane?
 

That's a good question. I like precision aerobatics and sport flying. Not a 3D fan at all. So, the more precise is the airplane, the better.

With all these recommendations, it is going to be hard to choose from. If at first sight I thought one biple was enough, I am consider more than one.

I do not worry about the building difficulty. I know it helps to have it sooner in the air, but I have learned to be patient in my buildings. I build all of my planes and I improve my building skills in every model.

So, let's review if I am catching this properly...

1. GP Skybolt is kind a most to have. Good looks and precision.
2. Ultimate's are good at aerobatics.
3. WW1 or pre WW2 because are classic.
4. Sig Hog recommended because it's good for first bipe.
5. ....any more....

RE: Which biplane?
 

Along the lines of a pre-WW2 bipe, you might look at an old PICA kit of the Waco YMF, sometimes found on Ebay in both 1/6 and 1/5 scale, or scratch build from plans. More info on this plane can be found in the vintage section of RC Universe.

RE: Which biplane?
 

You pretty much figured it all out with the four numbers, correct.
Between WW1 and just before WW2 you have the Golden Years of flight when the world was learning how to build A great airplane and not just Bipes. There were some strange flying machines during those years, some worked and some didn't.
The point is these are the years to be searching if you want to see the great classics. By the way, the Waco's are not only one of the best looking Bipes to ever fly, they are great in the air and wonderful stunt planes too. Just way too many great Bipes to even come up with A list though.
WW2 sort of put an end to the two wings except for post war stunt Bipes like the Pitts and several others used to compete with.
As RC pilots most of us go through A Bipe stage. Mine lasted for several years. Almost everyone loves A Bipe but because of the extra wing and work setting one up you don't see A lot of them at clubs. When you do they draw A crowd.
Just make sure you have A GOOD incidence meter before you build one, that's about the only real extra work involved and the key to A good flying plane.
Good luck!!;)

RE: Which biplane?
 

If you are looking for a beginner bipe, and a scratchbuild, try the RCM Airmeister by Floyd Manly, RCM Plans #805. 42" wingspan for a .40 to .46 2 stroke engine. The only problem now is finding the Mr. Mulligan cowl, but the Great Planes 1/12 combat corsair cowl #GPMA2614 fits pretty good.

It is designed for rubber bands on both wings, but shouldn't be too much hassle to convert to bolt on.

For a top view, see my avitar.

It is one of the plans that come with really good set of instructions.

RE: Which biplane?
 

I love the Pitts,but there are a lot of good bipes out there.Nothing better than the Bulldog II!!:D

RE: Which biplane?
 

Honestly, I've been a biplane junkie for 10 years now, ( it sounds like a help group already)but anyway, I've built and flown the sig smith mini plane, GP pitt's special, Pica waco ymf 1/5 scale, pica buckman jungmister, sportsman aviation waco .30, herr eng. pitts, wattage pitts and the skybolt from GP. If you like vintage bipes, go with a buckman jungmister, if you like performance I would suggest the ultimate, ( I know, never built one but flew a friends) they fly smooth. If you want a bipe that flies like a sunday flier but can ring-it-out, get the skybolt or smith miniplane, the mini plane will require building skills and paitence. but a fun plane to fly. I now have a nitro models christen eagle on the boards with a 25cc gasser, should be just like the pitts I had years ago, but that's my hang up, bipes.

RE: Which biplane?
 

What a great finish on that bipe. My talent leans toward the sticks on the radio not on the board. Or should I say my patience. Either way that's a great Bipe PB66.

David

RE: Which biplane?
 

I would say that a lot depends on your experience.

The Hog is an excellent choice for a first bipe. If you want something a bit more fun get the GP Skybolt and if you want something really redical, get the Goldberg Ultimate.

If you're looking for something smaller, the GP Ultimate 40 is a winner!

RE: Which biplane?
 

Years ago when I first got into RC I built a Andrews Aeromaster from a kit. It was just plain fun to fly and it flew great. I now have sitting in a box a Giant Aeromaster from GP in the ARC configuration. This is my next project after I finish my Balsa USA Giant Stearman. I also think you may like the Waco YMF series of planes.I also have a 33% YMF5 that is just the most beautiful bipe ever to fly IMO.

You have so many choises to think about........I know........ build them all!!!!