[Capt. B]

I'm a bit ahead of myself, but already thinking about a 2nd plane and wondering what it could be. So far I'm really thinking about a P-51. I'm more or less decided on it being a warbird, it has to be Allied, and I'd much prefer something that was flown by a Canadian squadron. Scale-ish, it really doesn't have to be perfect. I'd rather something that sacrifices a bit of realism for stability. I do want retracts, and I'd like flaps. I've been playing with the realflight version of this plane, creating an Allied colour scheme and am having a LOT of fun changing from a slow, low rate flaps down config to a high rate fast aerobatic, and then back again to make a slow pass over the runway.

From what I've read, the spitfire seems to be a more advanced plane, being less stable at lower speeds? This is why I haven't really considered it. If someone can prove me wrong, please do so. I prefer the spitfire, but it doesn't seem right for my needs or experience level.

I'm still undecided if it should be ARF or not. If it's a kit, it would be my first time building a whole kit, and I'd probably find some local help. But hey, gotta start some time!

The ones I'm really thinking about are:
the .40 kit from GP (no flaps, but a more forgiving plane?)
the .60 kit from top flite (has all I want, but costs more, and I've never built a whole kit myself)
the .60 ARF, also top flite. (american paint/decal scheme, but could be given allied decals and look alright).

So yeh, I'm looking for suggestions and input.
thanks!

[mdscientist61]

If you want a wabird for your second airplane after your first trainer, this one would be a good one for you:



It is the Hangar 9 P51 Mustange PTS. It is actually a good second airplane.

First remove the speed brakes in the wheel struts but keep the plastic wing droops on the wings for your first few flights. Then take the droops off after it begins to feel comfortable.

You will find that landings are a little faster than you had on your first trainer. Be advised that as you slow down for a landing, the ailerons become less effective so you'll need to use rudder properly.

This H9 Mustang PTS actually flies like a pattern airplane. It does decent aerobatics. It has fixed landing gear.

Do *not* get a fancy warbird with retracts etc for your second airplane. Those ones are too difficult to control during takeoff and landing. Wait until your fourth or fifth airplane before you get a fancy warbird.

[Capt. B]

Boooooooooo!

I was afraid someone might come along and pour common sense all over my shiny new fantasy!
I saw a how-to somewhere on a retract mod for that plane.
I wonder how much work it would take to make a PTS look like this:

[Wildlabman]

the MkII Mustang Sport ARF from Hanger 9 is the same plane as the new MKII PTS but without all the silly training stuff. The nice thing about it is that it comes "retract ready". It is basically a low wing sport plane dressed up to look like a Mustang.

http://www.hangar-9.com/Products/Def...ProdID=HAN4440

Something to thing about....

Chris

[Capt. B]

Hrmmmmmmmmmm interesting. If that's true, the wing droops from the PTS are also available separately. And if the ARF is constructed the same as the PTS, I don't think it would take all that much effort to recover into something a little nicer.

[Riddick]

Hey if you want to build your second plane to match your pic, go nuts. Your THIRD plane can be something you fly while you build your dream warbird. That's what I did, and STILL have not flown my second plane because it's not done yet. But now fly my ninth plane.

[michel gravelle]

Hi

If it,s youre second plane ( no matter what it is ) use the KISS system ( keep it simple )

Don,t go too fast

Michel

[Guest]

If you really want a Canadian warbird as your second, and your instructor agrees that you can move on to a low-wing airframe, then I suggest the Carl Godberg Super Chipmunk.

It won't take much bashing (if any) to return it to the military standard configuration and then to finish it with one of the training squadrons.

Good stable airplane with no real bad habits. Just build light because lighter flies better.

[williame3590]

Pick up one of the Hanger 9 arfs used and strip it. Recover and paint as you like. These are stand off but at full throttle who cares. Build your third one.

Bill

[Capt. B]

I've been thinking about just stripping a hangar 9 ARF and recovering it. Though new the PTS kit comes with a 6 channel radio which I don't have yet either, so I may just go that way, and strip it all the same.
I also like the idea of the super chipmunk in a training squadron colour scheme, before getting a mustang! If I do that though, the mustang will have to be done in RCAF colours, and not allied WWII colours!

So... um, I've now gone from 'next' plane... to my next 3 planes?! WTF? lol