RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Just two words of caution on trailers- THEY BOUNCE. Unless you have pancake flat roads , they can rattle a small plane and do damage. Yes, many of the IMAC boys use trailers, but since

their planes are much larger/ heavier, they tolerate the pounding and generally stay put with a restraining system.

Unless you have a family , consider removing the back seat if it is possible.

Leave the front seat in just in case you get lucky...

Ron Lockhart carries a 2 meter ship in a Toyota Scion. If your Civic is a 2 door hatchback; they're about the same size.If my memory serves me,he removes the spinner &prop.Also, it's not really hard to do a removable rudder.

Good Luck !

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Ya.  I had to remove the wheel pants to fit the Focus II in my Cavalier.  You can usually make them fit with a little forethought.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Heck at the Andersonville contest a couple weeks back jason shulman came to the contest with a acura Integra. and was able to fit his Integral in there.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

I think it depends on the want/must have factor, I had to have a plane with a pipe and retracts back in the early days, then when I got back into it a few years ago,  I got a 40 size then 90 size pattern plane, then had to have a 2 meter.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Yeah, it's kind of tricky! What do I want? Planes I can't afford and have no business flying - Pinnacle, Beryll, etc. Need? My Venus is pretty much all I need.

I wish there was a way to quantify the difference between the Focus Sport and the Venus.

My car is NOT a hatch back which makes it difficult. The space betweenthe top and bottom of the trunk where the trunk meets the back seat isthe limiting part. I think I could squeeze 78".

Maybe I'll just keep my eyes and ears open for the right used plane at the right time.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

How about building a box that can be attached to the roof of the car to haul the large parts?

Terry in LP

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

if theres a will you will find a way my friend

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Does the Focus Sport have an adjustable stab? Do most planes? Of if not do you just set everything up (engine&wing) based on the stab...

I think I'd really like a plane that had some kind of incidence adjustability that didn't require surgery.

Actually Ithink that might be one of the biggest reasons I'm interested in another plane. Not that there's anything wrong with the way my Venus is flying but Ifeel limited to what Ican learn/experiment with as far as the way the plane is setup.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

I dont believe it does , I know the Focus 2 doesnt

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Neither the 'Focus 2 or the Sport come with adjustable stabs. The directions tell you what incidence to set the stabs, engine and the wings. The wings are the only thing adjustable in the Focus line.

Larry

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Ha ha, actually that sounds like a huge improvement over expoxying the stab in whatever hole got cut out in China and hoping it's right! Iguess a lot of what happens to the plane is determined in the build. It would be nice to take an entire winter and work slowly and surely on setting up a good plane.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Joe,

On all the Focus planes, its really easy.  You set the stab to zero, then you adjust the wing.  On planes you really one need one or the other adjustable.  Adjusting both can be an advantage, but if you get them off it can be a headache chasing them.  On my old Mantis with a one piece wing it only had an adjustable stab.  Worked great.

Arch

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Arch beat me to it.

When you adjust one, you influence the others. Even on an ARF you should check (and correct if needed) the incidences/thrust anglesduring the assembly.

Terry in LP

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

One small correction Arch.  Instructions on the Focus II call for a -.25 degree stab.

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Are there any other good planes for a YS 1.10 in the $400-$700 range?

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Joe, you keep asking the same question and the answer is the same.  The Focus Sport (to the best of my knowledge) is the only true 1.10 sized pattern plane.  When Mike Hester finishes the Black Magic 1.10, you will have another choice.  And at $295 ($249 for ARC version), the Focus Sport is in your budget.  There are a couple of .90 size planes but I don't think they are as good as the Focus Sport is (or the BM1.10 will be).

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

I just stumbled across some older models and saw the Black Magic and the new plane posted at the top of the forum...

If I can't fit another plane I'll replace the Venus with the Focus Sport. If I can find room I'll go for a used 2M plane.

Thanks all, for the help!

RE: Pattern Plane Progression
 

Hi Joe,

I have a focus sport with a YS110. I'm running 821's in alierons, rudder, and throttle, on 2S A123 packs (6.6v), and they work great for the money. The wing is adjustable but the stab is fixed (really though, that is enough adjustability to get the decalage correct).

I've recently discovered 30% nitro, and the combo flys the plane with authority.

I transport it in a VW GTI, so yeah, it is just about the "right" size for those with small cars.

Enjoy!
George

P.S. The Leo 110 is another in the same size category, never seen one though...