Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

What are your opinions of this airplane as an entry level pattern plane?
http://www2.gpmd.com/imagel/g/lgpma0400.jpg

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

Don,

The GP Tracer flies well, however I seem to recall it had issues with its wing mounted landing gear not being able to withstand the occasional hard landing. IMHO, the GP Venus flies better, is engineered and built better and looks great in the air. Other entry level pattern performers that won't break the bank are the Goldberg Tiger, Tower Kaos 40, Airborne Goovy 50 and LA Racer, and the Sig 4 Star 40.

Steve

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

Why not fuse mount the gear.

If you do decide to build this one take note that most build nose heavy and require 3 to 4 oz. in the tail.

Mine has 3oz. in the tail and the battery on a tray behind the wing.

Great flyer though.

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

Some older threads (2002-2003) said they were going to discontinue this plane. Did they decide to keep it? Or are they still selling old stock?

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

The Tracer is an old fashioned lawn dart. World Models has more modern designs. There is a build log here on the Spot On 50...the best of the lot in my opinion.


Colin.

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

I have a Tracer. I'd say don't bother. Not that it doesn't fly well, it does, but others fly better. I'd second that vote for the Venus 40. It's much better than the Tracer.

RE: Great Planes Tracer - Good first pattern plane?
 

The Venus is much improved over the Tracer. It was designed as an upgrade and it definitely is.

Arch