New to planes...need input

[ExtremeMT]

Im seriously considering getting a plane....Im not new to the rc world...Ive had a nitro RC truck (HPI NMT) for about 4 years now and am well acquentanced (sp?) with the running and tunning of nitro engines...also the hazards of run away electronics.

Heres my question.....or ask for advice. Im a WWII junkie and want an old war bird plane like the Great Planes Stukka or Top Flight Spitfire both using .61-.75 engines. as far as the engine Im pretty set on getting an OS 4 stroke as Ive never dealt with a 4 stroke and have heard them and they sound more realistic..plus they seem more fun. Now....what would be a good but affordable electronics setup to go with...name brand...model...? Ive always been partial to Hitec and Airtronics stuff...anything affordable from them that will last? And what are the safety precautions taken in these to prevent possible run away planes incase of signal loss....... :eek:

My MAIN question is....I know its reccomended to learn to fly on a Bi-plane or top wing mounted plane for their stability and ease of control but would it be UNADVISABLE to learn to fly on a lower wing mounted style war bird plane like the spitfire...? Any advice...?

[Dave Robelen]

Hello Extreme,
It would be more than inadvisable to try and conduct flight training with a Warbird. These models are typically heavy, marginally stable, and most unfirgiving of slight mistakes. Along with that, the repairs in even a mild accident can be a mess compared to a typical trainer. Consider- if you went to a flight school for full scale, and wanted flying lessons, what are the chances they would roll out a hot, neutrally stable aircraft with a high landing speed for those first flights. Go ahead with one of the many 3 wheeled high wing trainers offered, even fit it with that expensive and delicate 4-stroke, your chances are much better that you will learn to enjoy the hobby and move up to that glamorous warbird.
As for equipment, I am solidly in favor of HiTech. If you are looking to fit out a complex model in the future, check out the computer models. Many of these have a programmable failsafe that will put the controls in a predetermined position if there is a signal loss.
Have fun, Dave

[ExtremeMT]

Controls in a predetermined place....ahh that works great for landing if your in an open field the size of an air port :D

What would be a good trainer that has a good design/look to it.... I want one that after I learn and get better with can go moderately fast with in the future. I noticed you said delicate four stroke. How much more delicate is it then a 2 stroke...?

[Dave Robelen]

Hi,
Those predetermined failsafe controls can be set for any combination. Our radios are so dependable, it is mainly a precaution against a complete fly-away with a stable model. Both Tower Hobbies and Hangar 9 (Horizon Hobbies) have some nice trainers. Go for the ones that have a flat bottom airfoil. Mounting a larger engine will take care of the "go fast" part (a larger 4-stroke?). The reccommended engines are just right for about a season of flying.
The delicate part about a 4-stroke is partly mechanical, the valve train, pushrods, lifters, etc, that can get broken in a crash. The other part is adjusting them for flight. Learning to get the proper settings can make the difference between consistent good runs and a burned out engine in short order. They are much more difficult to tune by ear than a 2-stroke. But, they do have a lovely sound, eh?
Cheers, Dave

[ExtremeMT]

Ah I see....but these parts can be replaced like a worn piston/cyl in a traditional 2stroke correct without purchasing a new motor.....

Do you know if OS still makes their .26 2 stroke...? The one that can also be put in cars/buggys?

Should I go with an almost ready to fly.....or a kit?

[Dave Robelen]

Hi,
Correct on the parts. They are replaceable. Just expensive. It appears that OS has replaced the .26 FS with the .30 FS, don't know if it would fit cars now or not. By all means consider an ARF trainer. It costs almost as much to build one, and the quality in the ARF models is excellent. Of course, if you are looking toward a more complex warbird, some building experience would be a big help.
Cheers, Dave