David Ashby - Moderator

Can I play ? Hornett B25 Islander and Sea F....sorry sorry..

Ditto the Filip...it's a super model, The Sprinter (from Puffin) is another or the new 2.6m X-treme (Puffin) which is a bigger Filip with rudder and flap.

ARTF ? what's that? ;-) OK, well the choice is endless. Here's two suggestions - there's the Black Horse Twister which is a copy of the Precedent FunFly which was a classic intermediate model. The Seagul PC9 is a great follow-on model with nice scale looks. Good luck John. Tell us how you get on.

Normally the C of G is measured with the tank empty. I guess you wouldn't want the model to have new flying characteristics just before landing.

Cheers Tim, Try rinigng one of the main Graupner main stockists and they should be able to get a Hawk in for you on their new quick order turnaround. Baby Bro is the oldest actually :-)

Ok, the April issue should be with you all soon so here's a thread for your feedback, commentary, suggestions, critique or otherwise.....We'd like to hear from you. Graham and David

It's that old debate, mode 1 or 2 ? Futaba or JR? ......pays your money and takes your choice Toby. I've flown Futaba for years and I've no reason to change. Graham is s JR man and he's happy to. Going forward the decision may be influenced by the 2.4 question .....

Phil and everyone - great suggestions, keep 'em coming. We've got a beginners helicopter series planned soon and we've been talking about having more flying comments on kit reviews given that the increasing pre-build in ARTF kits.

I guess the tank bay favours a square tank - I used a SLEC orange tank (sorry can't remember which size this is...10oz?)

Bit too early to say until we've flown the model Toby...maybe, weight would be an issue I guess.

Well done Shaun, the skies the limit now. The Seagul PC9 is the only one I've seem fly and it's a great follow on model from training and looks good although it's pity there's no retracts. The Bobcat is pretty hot by all accounts so go steady there. What about the Hangar9 T34? Those retracts are lovely and the design is different. Flies well too.

Spektrum certainly aren't JR under a new name despite buying/licencing the JR 2610 casing.

David Are they older unit's ? My skysport 4 has a trainer socket (round DIN socket on reverse of case) Newer Futaba TX's use a square socket but (square to round) converter leads are available - just buy or order in a model shop. You could ring Ripmax service dept afor advice bout adding a trainer socket. You'd need to cut the casing and whilst I'm sure your soldering skills are better than mine I wouldn't trust even the best solder'er in the land to do the job retrospectively. Transmitters are so cheap these days, just buy a new one.

Best thing Matt is probably to get along to a local club and see whats going on. Good idea to change batteries on your models. If you can take your TX into a retailer then they can see if batt packs are still available for it. You could give the Ripmax (Futaba importers)service dept a call and see if they can source a battery. If funds allow though it might be a good idea to upgrade and renew your gear.

Just to quantify that Toby, I spoke to Gordon Upton the UK Multiplex rep today. We're probably looking at May/June for the Twister. The Cularis glider should be Apr.

April/May was the last I heard Toby, we're all as keen you you to get out mitts on one - it looked superb at Nuremburg. David.

Just done my bit Peter :-) Will nudge Graham and Tom today. David.

Yes, you're right, we will be having a little less text and more photos on future on-line reviews Shaun. Will see about getting more Phantom shots on. David.

The FF8 was replaced by the FF9 some 4 years ago now I think. The 8' was a good mid range unit at the time and is still very capable even now but I guess you need to ask yourself whether a bit of kit that's 4 years old or more has been looked after by previous owners. Personally I wouldn't want to trust a TX that I hadn't had from new. Some people take less care with their RC gear than others. The FF9 is easier to use and programme than the '8 too. As Shaun says the FF9 is not too expensive if you shop around. I now use a FF9 and I think it's a top notch system. Graham (ed) is a JR man!

Len, the 2.4 Spektrum is already in shops and there are a few posts on it in the forum here with plenty of comment from users. We reviewed the Spektrum in our last issue and have our air test in Apr issue due on the news stands next week. Hopefully we can look at the new Futaba offerings soon. I've not heard the gossip stories you mention but I suspect they remain just that and unsubstantiated at present.

Right ok guys, enough. Thank you ever so much for your suggestions. We'll now have a look at your posts. As you can see there's a pretty wide spread of subjects. I wasn't allowed to vote and sadly no one chose my Favourite the Sea Fury :-( ho hum. Will report back soon and present a final shortlist for you all to pick from. David.

Thanks Ian, all suggestions are apreciated, will bear in mind for future issues.

Ben We should have Andy Ellison's review of the model in the May issue. He used an APC 16x4 and an Evolution 1.00 two stroke. Good luck with yours David.

I've put an OS46 LA in the WOT4 and it's great. You really can't go wrong with one to be honest.

I'm not sure I'd try it Danny, for the reasons you mention, what about a piece of solartrim? It's about £3-4 a roll but always handy. In case you've not come across it, solartrim is like solarfilm but sticky backed, so you peel it off and stick it on, I use it a lot - you can use a heat gun or iron on it too.