OK, where do I start. I have been flying for about 4 years, nothing serious, I did fly some combat for a while, not my cup of tee and no time to fix broken airplanes, I have flown wings (Zagi type), low and mid, so now it's time to try something else. I would like to do IMAC, but the planes are too expensive, so Pattern flying is the best alternative.

I was looking at the CA Models Epsilon 90 with OS 91 FX, is this a good plane to start with?, btw, I like to build my planes, no ARF's for me.

Joe[8D]

If you like a challenge you'll be hooked.

I don't personally have na Epsilon 90, I flew an Exelleron 90 last year and they seem to about the same dimensions. I would suggest a littel more power in the nose than a 91FX. If you can find a YS 1.10 that would be a good choice. I know some guys have used the ST2300 and the OS 1.20AX with great results.

The YS will allow you to put the fuel tank on the CG.

Yes, the Epsilon is fine plane to start pattern. My son has been flying one I built for him (from a kit, easy build) for nearly two seasons. It's powered with a Saito 125 and has plenty of power.

I, too, have started to fly pattern, but decided to start out more modestly. I've got a Cermark Javelin II, powered by a Saito 72, that provides sufficient power.

The Epsilon does better, especially in windy conditions. But, of course, the Javelin (only as an ARF) is a smaller investment.

Joe,
I got back in this past year after a long time away.
I flew an Ultra R/C Quest 2 powered by a YS 1.10.
I really like it.
It has 100 flights on it and has held up really well thanks I think in large part to the Hyde mount.
I flew Sportsman class in NSRCA Districk 5.
Although U-RC is out of stock on the Quest 2 I believe they have a Quest 3 in the works.
I am kinda at the end of the universe here in rural Iowa so I don't have any fellow pattern flyers nearby.
I can say EVERYBODY at the contests was very, very helpful.
If you want to add discipline and precision to your flying then pattern is the way to go!
Good luck!
JLK

Just what I was looking for.


I might look into the ST2300, the OS 120 is a bit on the high side.



Any thoughts on servos for this plane? standards or digitals?

Joe

For sportsman and even intermediate you can do well with a good BB sport servo. My Excelleron had Hitec HS-635 on all surfaces.

My Focus (which I didn't get to a single meet this year and I just sold it) has all Futaba digitals in it. Although a buddy of mine likes the less expensive hitec digitals. Depends on how much money you want to throw at it.

Try a good BB servo for starters and if you really like pattern you can always upgrade as you move up through the sequences. If you decide it isn't for you then you aren't out anything and have a really nice flying sport plane.

Thanks for the replies, I have been eyeballing the Epsilon 120 as well, I have an OS 160 not being use very much, will this be too much plane to start with?

Also, I went to the NSRCA website for info, very confusing those Pattern sequences, how do you read those? what do you call the manuvers? where do I start for practice?

Joe

Can you really have too much plane? If you want it, can afford it, and have an engine for it why not. A true 2 meter plane does fly better.

The sequnces are a little confusing until you catually see someone fly it. Can you hook up with a pattern person out your way? If you were on the NSRCA site sign up for the mailing list and ask if there is someone out in your neck of the woods.

If not I'm sure you can get some people here to explain things.

Thanks, I know for sure that there is one guy at our club that flies and competes in Pattern, most others are IMAC, our club is the home of Aeroworks, shouldn't be to hard to find somebody.

Joe

Joe, I used to be a member of the Mile Hi RC Club several years ago. Moved out of the area so haven't been to their site for many years. Mile Hi used to be the premier pattern club in the area however, I think most of the pattern fliers in the area now belong to other clubs or fly elsewhere.

There are several excellent pattern fliers near you and I would be happy to share their contact info with you via PM
Don Atwood (Woodie)

Hi,

I personally think that these engines are a bit too much for the 90. The plane flies very well with an OS 91 FX, as you suggested, and a 15x8 or 14x10 APC. It is obvious that the plane should be built light. Moreover, a tuned pipe could definitely bring you the power you need, but the standard OS 91 muffler is quite good, too.

Regards,
-Fabrizio

Joe I flew this exact setup a couple of years ago and flew FAI with it stock muffler had plenty of power use a 15X6 APC prop, it a very reliable setup and plenty of power to weight.

Steve Maxwell

I had an Epsilon 90 with OS91FX and stock muffler. Great flying setup. The plane is very light so the 91 had plenty of power. I have an inverted pitts muffler for the 91 if you need one. You have to manufacture some type of tunnel for the stock muffler. No problem if you like to build.

Sounds great!, I didn't want to spend money on another engine at the moment, so I will use the OS 91FX.

Joe

Joe my OS 91 was mounted so the stock muffler went straight down the bottom of fuse, just like it show in manual, the way they do the motor mount is a little different but works fine. Helps keep the plane clean too.
Steve Maxwell

I've been watching this thread. I'm thinking about the same setup. With inverted pitts muffler I'm guessing the engine is mounted inverted. Will that engine and muffler combo fit completely inside the cowl? I've heard the space is tight.

I used the stock muffler on the Epsilon and made tunnel (ditch) down the middle of the bottom of the fuse. Kind of a pain but worked ok. I had an OS91FX in a Showtime with the inverted pitts muffler. Engine was inverted. It fit fine in the Showtime cowl. The Showtime is quite a bit heavier so I moved up to a Webra 1.20.