I realize this is going to start a fight, but I value all the experience on this site.

I've read through all the posts here and have learned a lot. Our club will be starting SSC this year and my son and I will be entering. We've flown open class (<.50 size) combat for the last two years and have really enjoyed it.

I'm an experienced builder as well as a pretty good SPAD guy. I have never cut my own foam nor build a foam plan. We're both experienced 3D fliers.

It looks like we should use the OS 15 LA, and standard servos. I'm not so sure if we should try bladder fuel cells.

Here's the main question. With which plane should we start?

Thanks in advance,

Roger

you may certainly get lots of suggestions on this, from readily-available kits to planes you can build from available cores to stuff you can do all on your own if you can cut foam. My son and I built four sscAVENGERs from www.teamseaholm.com last season, all survived the season's combat though we did need to build one replacement wing this winter. an excellent flying plane that will build up at or near minimum weight (depending on how you build, the instructions are very thorough and tell you exactly what to do but most folks can't resist adding some "strength" as they build, based on personal preferences) with all full-size servos, a 300 mah nimh pack (see www.cheapbatterypacks.com) and a 15LA (probably your best choice for starting). good luck.

I personally build my own the design, the Rapier, and I've made some kits available locally. But I'm not in the kitting buisness.

I agree with Scott that the Avenger line is very good. Also, look at the Battle Axe, I think you can find a link to it at www.GeorgiaCombat.com. It's a very solid flying plane and very easy to build and maintain, and once you've built one, you can see how to build more yourself. You'd just need to order cores rather than the entire kit.

I wouldn't bother with bladder tanks. You don't need them, and if you've never used one before, you don't need the extra learing curve to start with. I don't use them, and my engines run fine.

Personally, I prefer the Magnum engines, I think they are more powerful in the air. They require a little early-on TLC with the carbs, but once set, they keep running. The needle is more sensitive though. The OS runs good at first, but develops problems later, such as the backplate leaking. But if everyone around you is running the OS, you might want to go that way just for the support.

I agree with Kirk, I like the Magnum XL too, but it has a finicky carb (the OS LA has its share of problems too....) which is also a little bit more damage-prone since it is not RNV. But the Mag XL is a nice running engine. I only hesitated to recommend it due to the carb. But then the LA is not a free ride either, it has some carb and backplate issues too. if you have some local fliers, check in with them and what they are using and you might want to go the same way so you can benefit from their experience and knowledge.

Fwiw, when I say the Magnum's needle is sensitive, I mean one click is too rich, one is right on, and one click more is too lean. Sometimes tapping the needle, or wiggling it for a "half-click" is the thing to do. It's not a big deal if you pay attention. Also, I have some "how to make a Magnum run right" instruction on my website at www.MidAtlanticCombat.com.

The LA has a broader needle, easier to avoid lean runs.

www.teamseaholm.com

they just introduced a new avenger design that should be able to fly ssc, open and limited on one base fuse/wing combo. Not really being one who loves ssc i would go that route so one plane could be used for multiple classes. If you travel at all you will find a variety of events available. being able to make one plane work for multiple classes really has my interest peaked. When my current ssc ships are destroyed i will probably go that direction.

It will be interesting to see how that plane flys. I've yet to see a multi-class plane that can hang with a well designed class-specific plane. Doesn't mean it's not possible, just that I haven't seen it.

I have a feeling that you will....

Yeah, I've heard you were getting some. I'm looking forward to it, though it's too bad it won't be much of a fair shot for the plane .

Seriously though, I'm really curious about the wing airfoil and planform chosen. I know the latest generation of SSC Avengers used a very thin airfoil, and it flew very very well. But that same wing on an B ship would be dead meat, it doesn't have enough meat to take a mid-air at B class speeds.

I haven't flown any Limited B yet, so I can't speak to the mid-air damage in that class. (though my Mongoose was designed around Limited B rules, so it's legal, even though I've not flown it that way. It should be ok, but only time will tell for sure).

Also, as I understand it, the Avengers are going back to wood/G10 fuse laminate? Those are nice, but they seem prone to breaking if hit wrong. Of course, nothing is perfect, but I wonder if a fuse could be light enough for SSC but still tough enough for B class. I have my doubts.

Not saying it's not possible. If anyone can engineer it, AJ can, I have tons of respect for his designs.

But personally, I long ago decided to design a plane for the class it's flying in, and I've gotten pretty good results that way

And some time this season I should have the MkII Mongoose fuse flying. I'm looking in to getting them CNC cut for me, and we've made a few minor changes that should help.

I'm also thinking of building some new SSC wings. My old ones are getting pretty beat up. A new wing gains about 3-5mph in level flight due to not having all the wrinkles, dents, deformations and other crud that these wings develop. Some of my active SSC wings are now about to start their 3rd season, and they have the repairs and battle scars to show for it. I'll run the slower wings around here and fly the new, faster wings at Nats, I think.

Roger,

Check out the Battle Axe Kits at [link=http://www.treneffrc.com]TreneffRC[/link]. The Battle Axe was designed by Chris Quinn, one of the country's top combat pilots, and has been modified further to be extremely durable and maneuverable at the same time.

If you're equipping yourself and you son, be sure to check out the bulk packs which would save you even more money.


When you get into combat you're going to need Bi-Directional tape, so be sure to look at the [link=http://www.treneffrc.com/products.asp?cat=15]economy-sized rolls[/link] that are much cheaper than office stores.

We also have an article detailing how to reliably run the OS LA15 located in the FAQs section.


Alex Treneff
TreneffRC
RCCA 762
Jackson, TN

RogerRoger,

You might also want to checkout [link]http://www.hattrickrc.com[/link] and some of the kits offered there. I fly with him and he has gotten me started in combat as well. This year 1/2A combat will also be flown at our club. I know he has discounts on multiple quantities, and also carries the other supplies. Whichever one you choose go out and have fun. For engines, I would recommend using what other members of you club use. If you damage something on your engine, your buddies are more likely to have a replacement part so you won't be grounded. (Now how do I know that?)

Rob

RogerRoger--

The HAWKS, Hamilton, OH are hosting our 6th Annual Havoc Over Hamilton on April 29-30, 2006. We will fly 6-8 rounds of SSC on 29th. I see you are in Springboro--very close. Send me an email if you would like more info--

Greg
[email protected]