tarcure

Hi, I have about 5 years RC experience and currently fly a 1/4 scale cub and PulseXT 125 among others but time at the field is limited. I am somewhat proficient at aerobatic maneuvers though I'd like to become much better. I have a park nearby and was thinking about something fairly small such as this:

http://www.horizonhobby.com/product/...ology-eflu4950

I would also like to be able to fly it in my front yard though the space is limited. I like the idea of a micro-sized airplane but have never had one. I'd like to solicit opinions about what would be a good airplane that would be ideal for learning more maneuvers. Foam is okay but I'd also like to find an ARF version if possible. I just don't see any out there in this size. Surely, I must be missing something.

So, I'd like to ask the collective wisdom of the RC world to help me out.

Thank you very much.

ahicks

My Feedback: (2)

There's one problem with a plane that size. It's wind. Anything that small is going to be in survival mode when airborne in anything over a breeze, and the problem there is if you're serious about learning more aerobatics, you're talking about building serious stick time.

Foam is a great plan, but there's one type that really stands out. EPP foam tears. It does not explode into bits when it hits hard. It breaks/tears clean, allowing you to glue it back together again and again. That's another big factor when building stick time, as well as minimizing cost per flight. Another HUGE bonus is that it's compatible with regular CA. You do not need the foam safe variety. These traits are all unique to EPP!

32" foamies are OK in a lot of yards. How OK depends on how big the yard is and how good a pilot you are. They get blown around a lot too. They're probably the most popular class.

The next are the 39"/1000mm These handle the wind noticeably better.

Then there's the 42-48"/1100+mm planes. Those will handle about anything you'll want to fly in. That's where I settled in after deciding to learn 3D a couple of seasons ago. School yard or your regular flying field, with 3-4 charged batteries, give you all the room and stick time you'll want. A link to a couple of the planes I'm flying follows. With everything you need, these will end up about the same price as the link you have listed. There is a lot more to this, and I don't want to write a book here. If you're interested, shoot me a PM for more info/links. Best of luck on your endeavor!


http://www.nitroplanes.com/02a-008-1...d-epp-kit.html


http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...arch=epp%20sba

tarcure

Thank you very much for taking the time to respond. I posted a similar question on FaceBook/RC pilots Association group. The response was overwhelmingly positive for EPP and multiple positive comments for Twisted Hobbys Crack Yak. I have started to price out those planes and will take a look into Nitroplanes. Do you have an opinion of flying characteristics of either? Thank you again

ahicks

My Feedback: (2)

Crack Yak is the one I was thinking of when typing the comment about 32" being the most popular class plane. Collectively, this is a huge group, but it doesn't change the fact the plane is really too small to be flown in any wind. Yes, they'll fly. The question is though, are you going to be learning something, or just trying to keep air under it?

Both of the planes in the links I gave you are about the same size and can use the same electronics. The biggest difference is the Sbach is set up for removable wings, which I generally glue together anyway. Some guys don't care for Nitroplanes, would rather deal with Hobbyking. Other than the shape of the canopy and paint jobs, that may be the biggest difference between them. They're both made by Techone. Here's a list of components I put together for guys that have asked about the larger planes I'm flying. Parts selected for durability and on bucks spent for bang received logic - and based on the cheaper the plane is, the lower you can fly it logic as well. ;^)
-Al

Note that the flying surfaces on the Yak 54 are MUCH bigger than the the ones on the HK Yak 55

Yak 54 -
http://www.nitroplanes.com/02a-008-1...d-epp-kit.html

Swift-
http://www.nitroplanes.com/02a-004-swift-epp-kit.html

New, Sbach-
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...arch=epp%20sba

Yak 55 -
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...?strSearch=yak

3530 Motor for either Yak or Sbach
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

3536 Motor for Swift -
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...strSearch=3536

Note: both of these Turnigy motors have very large diameter shafts I haven't managed to bend yet - despite MANY attempts. They have plenty of power for 3D, without overpowering or adding any more weight than necessary. You may have to modify the motor mount slightly to fit the plane. For a smaller motor with similar performance that should fit the Yaks and Sbach without mods, but has a smaller, more easily bent shaft -
http://hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...ner_Motor.html

40a ESC
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

servos (4)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

Batteries (what I would go with if ordering tomorrow)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

I've flown the planes with 1500, 1600, 1800, and 2200mah batteries. I like the smaller ones, but it will do fine on the bigger ones if you had them 'in stock' already?

Matching battery connectors for use on speed control and charger (if you don't have an adapter)
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

You'll need 2 servo extensions about 18"/45cm long (for rudder and elevator).
https://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...dProduct=46775

Props - these are 10 time more durable than the APC equivalent. Highly recommended for either motor!
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...arehouse_.html

Optional: 3 axis stabilizer. Yes it works, no you don't need it....
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...elta_AUX_.html

boberos

Try Value Hobby.
They have EPP profile foamies in 32" size but more interesting is their 39" size. Flys 3d or regular aerobatic.
Handles wind too & priced right.

Bo