Which Plane Next?

[FLYINGBRICK]

Started A While Back With The Wing Dragon, Then Moved Up To The Wing-dragon Sportster And Have Done Well With It. Any Suggestions On What Would Be A Good Next Plane? Thanks

[bigedmustafa]

How about something a little more scale like a Parkzone J3 Cub, Parkzone Super Decathalon, or a Thunder Tiger Super Cub EP?

The Parkzone models run around $130 at your local hobby store, and the TT Super Cub is available as a ready-to-fly bundle from http://www.thundertiger4u.com for about $137.00.

Any of these planes will fly a bit faster than what you've flown so far, but all of them will handle a bit more wind than what you're used to as well.

[Leo L]

I suggest that you go with the PZ Cub. Very nice flying plane, plentiful supply of parts and good potential for performance improvements. The PZ Decathlon is very similar to the Cub, but the Cub flies a little better and a little longer on the same battery. A correction to Bigedmustafa"s info: the Cub and Decathlon run $160, not $130.

[FLYINGBRICK]

How about something a little more scale like a Parkzone J3 Cub, Parkzone Super Decathalon, or a Thunder Tiger Super Cub EP?

The Parkzone models run around $130 at your local hobby store, and the TT Super Cub is available as a ready-to-fly bundle from http://www.thundertiger4u.com for about $137.00.

Any of these planes will fly a bit faster than what you've flown so far, but all of them will handle a bit more wind than what you're used to as well.

THANKS FOR THE ADVICE I THINK WILL LOOK REAL HARD AT THE THUNDER TIGER EP. READ SOME OF YOUR OTHER THREADS AND THE PLANES SOUNDS ABOUT WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR. JUST A LITTLE NOTE ORGINALLY TRIED STARTING WITH A PARKZONE SUPER DECATHALON HAD LOTS OF PROBLEMS, EVEN HAD AN EXPERENCE PILOT HELPING. WHEN TURNING THE WING WOULD DIP HARD INTO THE TURN AND OUT OF CONTROL SHE WAS,THEN DOWN LIKE A BRICK! HENCE MY SON NAMED IT THE FLYING BRICK, WHICH IS WHERE MY NAME IS DERIVED FROM. ONCE AGAIN THANKS!

[FLYINGBRICK]

I suggest that you go with the PZ Cub. Very nice flying plane, plentiful supply of parts and good potential for performance improvements. The PZ Decathlon is very similar to the Cub, but the Cub flies a little better and a little longer on the same battery. A correction to Bigedmustafa"s info: the Cub and Decathlon run $160, not $130.



THANKS FOR THE ADVICE

[aeajr]

Time to get serious.

1) Get a radio - If you are staying with elecrics/parkflyers, then consider the DX6. There are so many good reasons to go with this one.

THE PROBLEM - Channel Conflict on 72 and 27 MHz

One of the concerns of the RC flying community is that people flying off the club fields are not being taught about frequency control within the 72 MHz RC airplane hobby band. The feeling is that these off field flyers are beginning to represent a danger to the safety of planes and people on and off the club fields. If you are flying your RC plane at some school yard you could interfere with those on the club fields or with other parkflyer pilots elsewhere. You could be causing crashes and not even know it. Or you could be subject to loss of control of your plane and not know why.

The issue is channel conflict. If you are flying on the same channel as another flyer, one or both of you will crash. With the range of today's equipment, you might be a mile away from the other flyer and still effect each other. The AMA recommends that club fields be at least 3 miles apart for this reason.

In the past channel conflict has been handled by frequency control procedures on club fields. But, with the dawn of the low cost parkflyers, many new pilots are not members of clubs and are flying outside of the frequency control procedures of the clubs.

Pilots using 27 MHz may feel they are not at issue here as their radios typically have shorter ranges and don't impact 72 MHz club radios. However some of the 27 MHz planes are being flown on club fields. In addition, 27 MHz is not dedicated to airplanes. Someone running an RC car on the other side of the park could easily turn your plane into an out of control missile or, at least, turn it into a pile of junk. This could happen and the two of you might not even be within sight of each other. So 27 MHz carries its own problems. What to do?

THE SOLUTION - Spread Spectrum 2.4 GHz

Enter a new offering, Spread Spectrum 2.4 GHz radio systems for parkflyers. This technology was introduced to the RC car community a while ago and has been growing in popularity. This new system is extremely well suited to the parkflyer community and does not interfere with the 72 MHz radio that are traditionally used by the club flyers. It also does not conflict with 27 MHz planes, cars or boats. In fact, by design 2.4 GHz devices of all kinds are made to work around each other without conflict. No channel control is required as it is designed right into the specifications of the radio. It is totally automatic!

So, what does this mean to the parkflyer pilot looking for his first RC radio system? It means a new 6 channel computer radio choice that may be the best of all worlds in a radio system. And, it is competitive in price and features with the entry level 5 and 6 channel 72 MHz computer radios while avoiding the whole channel conflict issue. You avoid conflict with the airplane clubs and with other pilots, rc cars and rc boats in the area. Sounds good!

Horizon Hobby has begun distribution of a 2.4 GHz Spread Spectrum system from SPEKTRUM. SPEKTRUM has been selling these systems for RC cars for a while. When you compare it to entry level computer radios like the Futaba 6EXAS, the Hitec Flash 5SX or the Airtronics VG 6000, it is quite competitive in price and features. And since the radio is targeted at the parkflyer community, it is packaged with 4 micro servos and a micro receiver that are very appropriate for these planes.

If you are considering an entry level 6 channel computer radio to fly your planes, add this one to the list of radios you consider.

DX6 DSM 6CH Park Flyer/Micro-Heli System $199
Includes 6 channel micro receiver and 4- S75 micro servos
http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Better/DX6-glance.html
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByCategory/Product/Default.aspx?ProdID=SPM2460

Digital DSM* Spread Spectrum Modulation
• 10-model memory
• Dual rates on aileron and elevator
• Exponential rates on aileron and elevator
• Dual and exponential rates can be combined on one switch
• Trainer system compatible with Spektrum* and JR® radio systems.
• Adjustable stick length
• Throttle trim only affects idle position
• Two-speed scrolling
• Throttle-smart fail-safe system
• Digital trims for precise adjustment

Airplane Specific Features
• Aileron to rudder mixing
• Elevator-to-flap mixing
• Flap-to-elevator mixing
• Flaperon mixing
• Delta wing mixing ( elevons)
• Aileron differential
• V-tail mixing
• Three programmable mixes

Helicopter Specific Features
• Two 3-point throttle curves
• Three 3-point pitch curves
• Flight mode switch can combine throttle curves, pitch curves, dual and expo rates,
and gyro sensitivity
• Throttle hold
• Revolution mixing up and down
• One programmable mix
• Supports 120° CCPM mixing
• Independent digital trim setting for each flight mode

More information - Spektrum
http://www.spektrumrc.com/DSM/Better/DX6.html
Indepth - Part 1
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535
Indepth - Part 2
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Explore/Article.aspx?ArticleID=1535&Page=2
Product Reviews
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=623
http://www.rcgroups.com/links/index.php?id=4936
detailed field test - see post 16-25, 31-33, 66, 82, 96-101, 118, 142, 171, 178, 180,
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=452817&page=2&pp=15
Practical field report from a user.
http://www.flyingcirkus.com/forum/Flew_and_Biff-_tested_JR_Spread_Spectrum/m_96209/tm.htm

[aeajr]

2) Possible next planes - go for an ARF or a kit. RTFs are great but time to expand your knowledge and experience

MORE ADVANCED PLANES -
After you master a starter plane, what should you go to next. That is all
according to where your interests lie. There are 4 channel aileon planes, 3
channel aerobatics planes and then there are the extreme aerobats, pattern
planes and 3D planes. Below are samples in each group. Which you choose is
up to you.


THREE CHANNEL ELEVATOR/AILERON OR ELEVON PLANES
These planes introduce ailerons but do it on a 3 channel design without a
rudder. They typically have throttle/aileron/elevator control, or they have
elevons which combine the function of ailerons and the elevator into one
surface. They are quite aerobatic with the limitation that having no rudder
they can not perform rudder guided or enhanced manauvers. Knife edges, for
example, make extensive use of the rudder. There are a few RTF packages
here. The rest are ARF or kits and will require you to buy a radio system.

These are a lot of fun!

Carbon Falcon -
This may be the ultimate take it with you plane
Folds up to almost nothing for travel or for
keep in the car fun!
http://www.acesim.com/rc/p2/p2.html
Discussion
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=272229
Review
http://rcgroups.com/links/index.php?t=article&cat=198&id=4236
Video
http://www.acesim.com/rc/p2/videos.html


F27-Stryker - RTF - $170
Fun Keep-in-the-car plane
If you must stay with an RTF, this might be you best bet
Just pop off the tail fins and it goes back in the box!!!!!
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/products/description.asp?prod=PKZ1200
Video
http://rc-galaxy.com/Video/F-27_Stryker_Richard_Harris_7-9-04.wmv
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/parkzone_F27_stryker_smallformat.wmv
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/parkzone_stryker_video.wmv
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=392


Multiplex Space Scooter - RTF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV5&P=7
ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV4&P=7
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=548
Video
http://www.bungymania.com/videos/films/spacescooter/spacescooter_sun_stunt.wmv
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/548/SpaceScooter.wmv

Multiplex Microjet - ARF
http://www.multiplexusa.com/product_fs.htm
video
http://www.bungymania.com/videos/films/microjet/microjet_hand_launching.wmv
http://www.bungymania.com/videos/films/microjet/microjet_hight_speed.wmv

Viper Twin - ARF
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/viper.html
review
http://www.parkflyers.com/Viper_RCM_PSD_LowPDF.pdf
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/trailervid.html
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/smoothvid.html

Zagi XS - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=1
Video page
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_page=movies&sessid=5fe1f36d4db5782d3e812dbc8b76c42f

Zagi XT - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=5
Video Page
http://www.zagi.com/index.php?main_page=movies&sessid=5fe1f36d4db5782d3e812dbc8b76c42f

IFO - Easy to build kit
Demo at the 2000 Tournament of Champions
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/toc2000.mpg
Flying Combat in a gym
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/mk3combat.mpg

Park Jet - Easy to build kit
http://mountainmodels.com/parkjet.php
Video
http://mountainmodels.com/ParkJet.wmv


FOUR CHANNEL AILERON TRAINERS
These planes introduce the full set of flight controls consisting of
ailerons/elevator/rudder/throttle. They are a logical next step for the
pilot who wants to take their flying skills to full 4 channel control. All of
these planes can perform aerobatics, but are primarily designed as 4 channel
trainers with high wing designs . This makes them easier to fly but less
aerobatic than the mid or low wing planes. RTF, ARF & Kits

Magpie - with both wing kits - $55
Easy to build Foam kit -
Has trainer wing AND aileron sport wing
Master the first, then advance to the second.
They offer a complete package with both wings and all the electronics for $160
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
discussion threads
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3502851#post3502851
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=306795&highlight=SmoothE+build
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3502851#post3502851
Video - slow fly wing
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv
Sport wing
http://www.mountainmodels.com/MagpieSP.wmv

SmoothE - $50
Easy to build Balsa and foam
4 channel aileron trainer
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
Discussion Threads
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=234349&highlight=SmoothE+build
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=205796&page=19&pp=15
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=276761
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295225
Funny video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/SmoothEsmall.WMV

Models Dandy Sport - $45
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandysport.php
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=295225
Complete Package $155
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/ds1.wmv

GWS E-starter 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $50
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?products_id=551
Available as a ARF complete package kit with radio - $150
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=56&products_id=611

GWS Tiger Moth 400 - Simple Foam Kit - $70
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=2_54&products_id=203
Complete kit including Radio - $175
http://www.gwsexpert.com/product_info.php?cPath=34&products_id=658
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=345
Video
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/345/TM400m.wmv

Multiplex Magister ARF - $110
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV2&P=ML
Multiplex Magister - RTF - $299
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZV3&P=ML
This plane is much larger than the others
Close to a .40 glow trainer in size
Review
http://www.smoothair.ca/reviews/Magister/magister.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=519
Discussion
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=309397
Touch and Gos
http://www.plawner.org/video/magister_touchngoes.wmv
Video - Take off from grass - standard motor/battery
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/519/magister1.wmv
Towing up a glider
http://plawner.org/video/Magister_easy.wmv
Video - This is not with the standard motor
this plane has an upgraded brushless motor
http://plawner.org/video/magister_test.wmvhttp://plawner.org/video/magister_test.wmv

BeginAir - RTF or Receiver ready
RTF - $180 Receiver Ready - $110
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=443
video
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/443/BeginAir.wmv

Cesna 182 - 4 Channel RTF - $180
http://www.ewebcart.com/cgi-bin/cart.pl?merchant=3210&add=1&item_id=144
Includes 72 MHz radio and wall charger.
Sku# 4303 $179.99 4 Channel with 72 MHz Radio
(Intermediate Level Recommended)
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/cessna_long_movie.html

[bigedmustafa]

Wow! You guys are really bombarding him with suggestions! My local HobbyTown USA stores stock the Parkzone Cub and Super D for $129, so does the local independent hobby store. It's hard to find a hobby store that doesn't stock these, and I didn't want to assume that Flying Brick wanted to pay suggested retail.

It's a shame you started with the Super Decath and had a bad experience, Flying Brick. It would be a good plane for you now.

[Leo L]

I stand corrected. Wish I had a HobbyTownUSA store near me. All three local hobby shops in my area charge $160 for the planes.