First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

Hey guy's and gal's. Im looking for a good pattern plane! This will be my first pattern plane to get and im not sure what to get. I fly 3D but i would love to sit down and do something with persicion and look good at doing it! Im looking at the CA Models Fantasy or the Eclipse. What is your input on one of these models? What should i get???
Later,Kyle

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I'd say "it depends". Do you want a kit or an ARF?

Do you want a 3d capable pattern plane, or a dedicated pattern airframe? Are you going to get out there and compete (Which is the BEST way to get good in a hurry) or just mess around by yourself? Are you a good builder or have access to one? Are you looking to not spend a lot, or do you just want a great plane at a little more expense?

-Mike

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

The Eclipse is a competitive design. Its not too expensive. The Fantasy is a variation of the Eclipse intended to do some 3d stuff, might be ok for pattern also.
www.patternproz.com has a bunch of various planes shown you can see the price ranges.

www.aeroslave.com is texas made so that might appeal to you.

Availability is something else to consider.

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I would really like to go out and compete with others at events. And i would possible like to do some 3D with it but mainly pattern. I don't build but i can get a guy to build it for me. Thanks for your input so far. Thanks,Kyle

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

A Fantasy is a great plane, that is more than capable of some fairly aggressive 3D. However, exactly what makes it good at 3D makes it not so great for pattern. It's a compromise. It will do both, and fly pattern competetively. But if you are going to compete, I'd check out the Symphony from Aeroslave. It may not do really aggressive 3D, but it will do a lot of stuff. And it's excellent at pattern. Plus it's made here in the USA so you don't have to worry about support, and it doesn't cost that much compared to other full tilt pattern planes.

Personally I like to keep my 3d and pattern in different packages. That way you have planes that excel at both, just not the same exact airframe.

-Mike

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

3D master,

You may want to come out to our pattern primer in March in N.Houston.....if the weather is good, you should see quite a few pattern planes and how they fly....there will also be a judging seminar in the afternoon.

You're in a good area to try out pattern...TX has a busy calendar..starting with Waco in April....Temple in May, Jetero in June, Nederland, Dallas, Sulfur (LA)....you get the picture....


-Mark
www.houstonsportflyers.com

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

That sounds good Mark. I'll try to make it up there and check it out and have some fun with it. What does everybody think about an Eclipse? Does it do good pattern? Is this strictly a pattern plane? Whats you input?
Thanks,Kyle

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I have owned two three eclipses ove the past two years, and I will tell you that this plane is very good at pattern but OK at 3D. It will hover and torque roll, but some of the other maneauvers will depend on your throw, CG. What you could do is get the Eclipse, but also get the fantasy wings and stab. That way if you want to fly 3D, put on the fantasy wings and stab. If you want to fly pattern, put on the eclipse wing and stab. There is also a new pattern plane that planes plus is bringing out called to OTOP and this plane can come with both pattern and 3D wings.

www.planesplus.com

Look under pattern

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

There is a local flyer who belongs to Jetero (Mr. Steve Kessler) who was at one time selling an OS140 powered Eclipse. He has been flying an electric Eclipse for a while now (2nd Eclipse).

BTW, our pattern warm-up is on March 19th..find a flyer under "events" at www.houstonsportflyers.com

-Mark

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

Mark,

Thanks for the comments. Actually I have a brand new Fantasy I was considering selling. The plane has only maybe four test flights. I also have two Eclipses (one electric, one OS140). I do have an extra set of covered wings and stabs from my original electric Eclipse. It would be no problem for me to install them on the Fantasy and have another true pattern plane. By the way, the Fantasy flies a good pattern, provided you do not push the rudder too hard. Then I get some roll couple. On normal pattern deflections, it almost flies identical to my Eclipses.

If someone is interested in the Fantasy, please contact me. I will later buy a second set of batteries for my electric Eclipse.

By the way, at $499 + shipping for the basic Eclipse or Fantasy kit is a bargan. You can't go wrong with either plane.

Steve Kessler

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

Also for all around inexpensive pattern plaen is giantscale planes SWALLOW

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I think im going to go with an eclipse. Thanks Mark i think me and a buddy of mine will head up there and check the event out.
Thanks, Kyle

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

Kyle,

Just remember, most of the flying will take place in the A.M. since the judging seminar takes place around 2pm and the field faces West.

Hope to see you there.

-Mark

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

Oh another question before i get an eclipse. Does anybody know where i could get the pattern version of the double vision?
Thanks,Kyle

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I don't think you can get a "legal" 11lb Double Vision kit or ARF. I have 2 Eclipses and can tell you that it is a very competitive plane. It is a very good deal. There are some things you can do to get it lighter if you want (carbon wing tube and carbon gear) but you can build it stock and come out under 11lbs without a problem. I flew mine all last season and at the NATS, and had a very good season with it. There is/ was a very long Eclipse build thread by swk551 here on RCU that has a huge amount ot good info to help when you get the kit.

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

You might ask Chip Hyde himself in his Forum about the Double Vision pattern plane....I think it is kitted in Japan...can you say $$$$.

RE: First Pattern Plane What to get??
 

I have been flying the Double Vision on the AFPD simulator. Personally I prefer the pattern planes for precision. The Double Vision was better at 3D. I don't know how Chip's original 2m FAI version would compare. If it takes some 20 minutes at the field to assemble the wires and wing struts, then I would not want a bipe.

Steve