Terry Plumridge 1 Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi all. Looking for some advice on the best electric trainer for me. About me. I am 73 years old, I live in Austria out in the sticks, flat countryside everywhere. Back in 2000 I was flying a Heli, but didn't get much further than hovering and simple maneuvers. Kit building is not so easy with my limited resources, and transport on a motorbike is also an issue. At the moment I am considering a Multiplex Easy Star, or a Xeno, both will go on my bike boxed. I am aware of the basics, join a club, get the model trimmed by an experienced flyer etc. I would be grateful for any suggestions regarding model choice. Cheers, Terry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Don't forget insurance. Maybe a powered glider rudder/elevator/power. Later use it for slope soaring, then add aileron wing, then when you can fly the socks off that progress onto something bigger. What bike you got? Larger models are easier to see and fly. It's better to make the plane your self, you know how it's made so will be better at fixing it. Build it light, so no aerobatics until next model . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ken anderson. Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 hello Terry, I don't think you'll be far off the mark with your multiplex stuff. The easy star anyway. Another one to consider would be the m/plex easy glider....very docile but nice to fly/glide. ken anderson...ne..1...M/Plex dept. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Plumridge 1 Posted December 17, 2020 Author Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi Rich, Yamaha Virago (Viagra?) 750. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J D 8 Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi Terry, Easy Star. Pretty much go to first flyer in our club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Hi Terry, yes Viagra!! Crawl, walk, run then marathon. Similar with biking, I bet you didn't start with a z1 eh. As a biker you will have good observation, scanning and hand skills not to mention a 6th sense. Your 1/4 way to flying a fixed wing as you have help skills. Don't know the models mentioned but you need a model that will break down to fit in a box that t fits the bike, so a 2 piece wing? Go for a flat bottom wing to start, research Clarke y section, easy to make from balsa or even veneered foam. May be a veneered foam model kit for a quicker start. Say out loud ( then in your head ) "when the plane is coming towards me, prop the dipping wing with the stick" until you think it automatically. What is the longest 2piece wing you can safely have on your bike, don't forget fuselage lenght. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Griff Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Also think about removable tailplane and evevator and rubber fun and rudder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Etheridge 1 Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Try a Twinstar 2 made by Multiplex. Mine has lasted since 2006 and I always take it with me when model flying. I am now 73 but did not realise I had become an Old Biker! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Miller Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 You know, reading your post and the answers, I am reminded that Goodyear actually made an inflatable aircraft. Now that would be great from some manufacturer. Easy to transport and almost crash proof. SORRY, Only having a bit of fun!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Robin Colbourne Posted December 17, 2020 Share Posted December 17, 2020 Posted by Peter Miller on 17/12/2020 13:51:12: You know, reading your post and the answers, I am reminded that Goodyear actually made an inflatable aircraft. Now that would be great from some manufacturer. Easy to transport and almost crash proof. SORRY, Only having a bit of fun!! Peter, That is a really good idea. Along the coast these days, Stand up paddle boards,like windsurfers minus the sail, are everywhere. They are inflatable, but you wouldn't know it when you see one. A honeycomb structure inside holds the shape. Don't go giving the Americans the credit for everything. Dan Perkins at RAE Cardington was one of the first with an inflatable aeroplane, and he also made the Reluctant Phoenix, an inflatable man powered aeroplane. Dan Perkins' Inflatable Aeroplanes Image by Mary Evans - National Aerospace Library Edited By Robin Colbourne on 17/12/2020 14:37:49 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dai Fledermaus Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 Terry, I have a Hobby King Bixler which is very similar to the Easy Star. I found attaching the wings was a real pain, so I now leave the wings permanently attached. I'm not sure the method of fixing the wings would have taken too much assembly and disassembly anyway. The Easy Star may be better in this regard, but I would check it out if you're hoping to pack it in a box strapped to your bike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fly boy3 Posted December 18, 2020 Share Posted December 18, 2020 I agree, all the above are great fliers, nearly flying themselves lol. Bixler3, easy star, and twin star are very light as well so they can be flown slowly, and land with ease. This will help to get back into flying when age has crept up on us. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Terry Plumridge 1 Posted December 22, 2020 Author Share Posted December 22, 2020 Hi all, sorry for late reply. Thanks for all the advice, still pondering on what is best for me. All the best, and have a Happy Xmas, so far as it is possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Murat Kece 1 Posted December 22, 2020 Share Posted December 22, 2020 I started with Sky Surfer8 (similar to Bixler). It ahs been a great plane. I crashed maybe 10 times or more.. It now has a lot of scars and hot glue on it now as well as some tape .. But still flies great. I strongly recommend it... It is also reasonably priced as a PNP.. See https://uk.banggood.com/HSDJETS-D1400-1400mm-Wingspan-Sky-Surfer-RC-Glider-EPO-RC-Airplane-PNP-p-1755547.html?cur_warehouse=CN&ID=6287842&rmmds=search I bought a second as spare.. One of my friends who is a new starter too is using an Aero Scout: https://www.horizonhobby.com/product/aeroscout-s-1.1m-rtf/HBZ3800.html .. This is also a very nice plane with undercarriage.. Not having undercarriage in Sky Surfer is great for a new starter in my view. Edited By Murat Kece 1 on 22/12/2020 17:05:41 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.