I have a YS-63S I would like to put in a pattern-type ARF. The only one I'm aware of is the Great Planes Venus 40. I'm looking to keep the costs down. Are there any other/better options? I'm also building a Focus Sport with YS110. I know the smaller airframe required of the YS-63S will sacrifice performance, especially in the wind, but I'd like a smaller, less expensive set up to practice on as well.

Thanks!
Scott

Check this one: 260302003823 There are a number of 50 size ARF pattern planes available that are scaled down versions of 2 meter designs.

For something less stressful on the wallet, try the WM Spot On ... I had a few flights with my friend's and its nice. Worth looking into. He is running a mere ASP 70 4C and the power is ok. With the YS63 I am sure its even more fun to fly.

I know you also were looking for something in the IMAC forum, so maybe something like the [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEDN9&P=0]Phoenix Giles[/link] would work for you. I haven't flow this plane but I had two other Phoenix planes, and they're nice for the price. One could say they run a little heavy, but I like to think of them as sturdy. They both flew very well.

The Giles' (and Venus 40) length is about equal to the wingspan, which is better than most other scale/sport planes which have a wider wingspan than length.

I got my ***** kicked in my first pattern meet by a Giles. He had close to 3 perfect rounds. Nice looking plane to boot.

I would 2nd the World Models Spot On. A friend used this for his 2nd model after a trainer. I test flew it for him and did some set-up on it. For a model this size, it grooves really well.

Thinn had a nice build thread on an Osmose 70 pattern plane from Kyosho using a YS-63 and a good flying report at the end. I bought the Osmose 70 and am impressed with the quality, but I am using a Saito 82 with a VP-20 Perry pump. I have to finish it yet so I have no personal opinion at this time but was impressed with Thinn's results.

The Osmose 70 is a beauty! The Seagull Giles flies very nice. I am sure that it will fly pattern manuevers fine, best of all, it's pretty well priced.

Osmose 70 or World Models Spot On 50, true pattern with the new airframe style, the rest are sunday fliers.

Thanks for the ideas! These give me the type of options I was looking for. Does anyone know if there are U.S. distributors for the World Models or Kyosho?

For the World Models is www.airborne-models.com and wwwkyoshoamerica.com, you can buy from airborne direct, I don't know about kyosho, but you can go to www.amainhobbies.com for kyosho.

Thanks for the vendors, apereira. I also found Kyosho models at www.espritmodels.com today. The Filton Models Inspire 60 looked interesting on the Esprit Models website. Does anyone have experience with it?

The Inspire-60 is a great airplane, but IMHO not a pattern plane. I fly a lot of pattern and also own the Inspire-60. I only use it for 3D style flying.

I think the Venus40 is an excellent solution if you want to do pattern style flying in 40-size.

Volkert

I have the small electric version and is a very good airplane, if the 60 flies better than the electric it could be a good choice.

socolofs
I ordered my Osmose 70 from Espirit Models and asked for a box in good condition. They put foam peanuts through out the model box and then covered that with heavy cardboard which took the delivery beating.

Stay away from the I60 ... seems that the wing breaks too. Look here: [link=http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=899516]Inspire 60 Wing Failure[/link]

If ... only if you want something that can fly pattern and aerobatics, look at the Fliton Extra 330 Freestyle. Totally awesome plane to fly.

Hey, Tianci, I think one or two reported failures should not lead to a recommendation to stay away from a plane. In this case, this is a very lightly designed plane. You should ALWAYS use common sense when putting together an ARF of any supplier and keep an eye (=maintenance) on a plane during its lifetime.

Anyway, the plane is away from the Fliton catalogue. If anyone has a chance to buy it, do it by all means, I think it is one of the best planes in its categorie (if not the best, but hey, I haven't seen them all!!).

Volkert

@ Scott, you might do something extraordinary and build a kit iso an ARF. The GP Tracer is for sale again. I flew it with a Saito-72 and it was great. You can also build it with retracts. That is sort of cool as well!

Volkert