Wht is a good all around pattern plane for Intermediate, Advanced and above classes, using a YS 120SC on a pipe and with fixed gear? I've been advised to look seriously at Piedmont's Focus. Any advice out there??

Thanks, Les

The Focus is a great choice! I was "window shopping" at the NATS two years ago and found the Focus. As Lee Davis told me: "this plane will take you all the way to FAI". The list of winning Focus pilots is well published.
I fly Intermediate, but it's nice to know when I'm ready to move up, the plane is capable. Bottom line is the engine choice.
There are three power taxing maneuvers in intermediat: Outside loop from the top, stall turn with one roll on upline, and 1/2 square loop. Lots of power is needed to score well on these. Your 120 will get you by, but save your pennies for a Webra 145X (almost a"drop in") when you plan to move up.
The rave reviews and testimonials for the Focus far outweigh the few minor gripes about putting it togather by some....croz

The classes above Advanced are Masters and FAI and it's a tall order for a 1.20 YS to be competitive in those classes at high level competition. I'm not saying it can't be done, but it'll be tough.

I'd say use the 1.20 to get your feet wet, but plan on getting a more powerful engine in the future.

Check out the Probuild shadow. It was designed to be able to be used by people wanting to run older second hand 120s, right up to the 140DZ. It is a full 2M job, and is said to fly great. www.probuild-uk.co.uk

Les,
With a 120 you are going to want to get the lightest plane possible and I just happen to have one of the lightest pattern planes that I know of for sale.
Here is a link:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...853&forumid=11

It will come out at around 9 1/2 lbs if you build it light.

Jimm

I think that they built a Probuild Shadow at only 7.5-8 puonds with a 140 FZ once!