Cheap 4-channel RTFs on e-bay

[Leo L]

Does anyone have experience with the cheap (less than $100) 4-channel RTFs being sold on e-bay? There's a Mustang, a Zero, a Spitfire, a T-34 Trainer, and a Pitts Bi-plane. They look like they all come from the same factory (probably in China) and appear to have the Art-Tech transmitter. From personnal experience with the Cessna I know that the Art-Tech electronics are not very good, but if the rest of the plane is decent, it might be worth buying and replacing the receiver. Any comments?

[JJFlash]

I bought a 4 chnl tiger moth 3d for about $50. Its on 27 mhz but I get no interference since we are at the bottom of the sun spot cycle. The plane flys real good and is one of my favorite planes to fly.

JJ

[Leo L]

Thanks JJ. The Tiger Moth is one of the planes in this category that I am considering buying.

[cjg]

I bought a 4 chnl tiger moth 3d for about $50. Its on 27 mhz but I get no interference since we are at the bottom of the sun spot cycle. The plane flys real good and is one of my favorite planes to fly.

JJ
Are you able to get replacement parts after a crash? If so, where do you get them?

[JJFlash]

Seems GWS parts fit my plane. I replaced the gear box and several props. I order mine from Tower hobby, but most hobby shops have them.

JJ

[joebugs1]

I've got the Pitts bipe
with original motor & prop it seemed really underpowered, could barely stay in the air
replaced motor with another cheap brushed motor, a 380 I think
replaced prop with 2 bladed 10 X 6.5
flies pretty well, will loop with a fresh battery
most importantly, it's real easy to repair with clear packing tape
haven't had any serious radio issues that I've noticed
it does jink around sometimes, that could be the wind, servo jitter
or radio interference
it is 72Mhz, channel 50, and my Futaba radio works with it

one thing I did notice is that the aileron control was reversed
but the radio has a reversing switch
and it has a rate switch, so you can increase your throws
after you get the thing flying right

got a lipo battery, brushless motor & esc
haven't installed anything yet, waiting on charger for lipos
had to cut some foam off the front fuse to get the new motor to fit
inside the cowl

all in all, it's been a learning experience
in hindsight, I'd save the money and just get a T-Hawk,
even though the Pitts is a 4 channel aileron plane
and the T-Hawk is a 3 channel, ugly pod & boom plane
I think it'll be more fun and less frustration