Anyone recommend a suitable model for a first artf pattern model for the YS63? We have a new guy who wants to get into pattern and wants to use the YS from his fun fly. Most of the small pattern models like Beat On, EZ Hydeout, Flair Magpie, Zen50 etc all seem a bit too ready to snap if treated roughly at low air speed.

I am putting together a Stream 50 Hi Perf/YS63 as a small practice model but they are almost impossible to get hold of in the UK.

Malcolm H

I flew EZ Topline 50 with YS 53/63.

For ARFs,

BeatOn 50, Hydeaway 50 are very similar to Topline in performance. They are all around 530 ~ 540 sq-in wing area. They have a little high wing-loading because of small wing, but I haven't had problem at lower speed with my Topline 50.

I actually have all the above, but only flew Topline 50. Both BeatOn & HydeAway are still in box.

If you have GP distribution in UK, Venus is also good.

Your Stream 50 High performance is also very nice design by G. Naruke.

Kyosho Majestic, (Yoshioka/Kyosho) Sensation, SonicSport, Aurum are also good.

For kits, MK Aliance, Synergy etc are available too. I have no idea what other kits are available at this time.

H9 Aresti, Global Avance, FreeStyle etc are not in my taste, but heard good about them.

Whatever you do, keep the weight close to or less than 6lbs(for any plane with pattern like wing loading) to retain YS63's performance. 5.5 lbs would be even better.

Vim

I think Vim has said it all. Most of these artf models are too heavy. Anyone know which is the lightest?

Malcolm

Pattern designs are primarily to keep lines clean. Design strength (this goes with any model) can be achieved by using heavier materials (which add weight and defeat the purpose) or by using light and expensive materials like carbon fibre etc (which lessen the weight of your wallet).

Either way, the newer pattern planes (of all descriptions and sizes) are designed to be handled with some care while gound handling. For example, I never taxi my pattern planes out, I walk them to the flight line, and I never taxi the plane back; once it has landed, I go and pick it up. These tactics increase the planes lifespan; I fly from grass. That leaves taking care of retracts following a hard landing; I usually upgrade the retracts (if the model uses them) with titanium struts (but then you are adding to cost).

An alternative, is to buy a sport pattern plane which is middle of the road compromise, can do sport aerobatics, some 3-D and some pattern flying. These models are usually inexpensive, comparitively speaking.

One of the lightest models is one from Hobbynet, Freedom or something similar; I think it comes under 6lbs, but it is fragile.
Fragile only if you are rough with it. There is a price advantage though, it is on sale for only $149.

There is a great 90/120/140 sized arf pattern kit coming out of my LHS very soon and it will be on sale for an incredible price.

Vim

I have just finished and flown a MK Alliance cp with a YS63. Although not ARTF it is a great pattern plane to fly with the YS63 combination. It has a wing area of 640sq" and an all up weight of 6lbs.

I bought a GP Venus as a practice plane and it has brought my building projects to a stop. It is amazing how well it flys considering its smallish size.
It is pretty light too. 5 pounds even with OS .46FX and GMS Muffler running 5 standard size servos. I am considering dropping a few mini servos in and shaving off another 3 ounces.
It flys really nice at this weight.

If you do one, dial in more right and down thrust to start.
With the YS .63 I would put the rudder servo in the tail.
Best $150 I have spent.

Totally agree with you JasonS... have an OS 50SX on mine and it can't be beat. It flies very true for such a small model. Very nice for the price.

Now that I have a YS. 63 on the way to me from Chief Aircraft, my MK Silent 50 kit is just a little higher on my priority list.

John

Thanks to all for the suggestions. If my friend is up for it I think building the MK Alliance is the best bet.

Malcolm H