[martinic]

Me too Georges - with 4 packs for my Trex, even at only 5 minutes of flight for each, it's really effectively continuous flying at a reasonable pace. I put a pack on the charger as soon as I've flown and take a little break, fly another pack. By the time I go through the 4th pack, the first is ready again.

As for charge times, the A123 cells can be charged at ridiculously high rates - they just don't have the energy density to compare with the latest lipo offerings. The newest lipos too can be charged at 3C safely (at the field, 1C at home) using the proper equipment.

All the rules we're used to are now starting not to apply. Things like 1C charge limits - gone/going; not fully discharging lipos - going/gone (Air Thunder and Kokam - discharge fully over and over without damaging the cells) - the list goes on. Kokam's latest lipo technology is supposed to be perfectly safe - no fire under over charge, ocver discharge, crush, puncture, etc. Very cool developments that should become common.

It'll all come together very soon.

[Oshawapilot]

There's one thing that electrics can't match - the soothing drone of a twin with IC engines.

Even the electric guys at our field comment "how good that sounds" when I (or someone else) fly's a twin there.

[userzero]

Originally Posted by Oshawapilot

There's one thing that electrics can't match - the soothing drone of a twin with IC engines.

I cannot argue with that, not one bit. Twin engine planes, 4-stroke engines, they are truly sweet. And nitro models in general still have their place. I would never say otherwise, but I have chosen the electric road myself.

One thing I miss is the smell of nitro engines, and the smell of my 20 year old nitro soaked field box. Strange huh?

Happy flying
Georges