Suitable First Warbird

Hello everyone,

Like many, I want to get a WW2 Warbird kit to build. I originally planned for the TN 62" Spitfire, but I am not sure whether this would be a suitable first warbird.

So what is? Is the Spitty okay, or should I get another? And what one?

Must be a kit to build, no foamys or ARTF's and preferably for a 70 four stroke.

Thanks in advance,

CS

if your hearts set on supermarines best, build the topflite kit, its perfect for your 70, and i have personal experiance of how it flys, next to the YT spit, its the best flying one i have flown, but, i have no experiance of the Tn one

Kyoshio Fw190

Alan- I don't mind a different Warbird, the Spitfire is my favourite but I like most warbirds. I'll look into that, thanks,

Garbo- Thanks, but kits only please, I don't want an ARTF, I really like building!

CS

CS - Don't be afraid of warbirds if you have low winged experience they aren't that difficult. I fly my Phoenix Spitfire 40 and it is one of my best flying planes, flys like its on rails.

I will say this avoid the Texan's AT-6 as I have found it diffcult to takeoff as it has lots of drag, a large cowl and pulls to the left more than most. Okay in the air though, aparrently the real one had similar issuse too and the simulators seem to do the same.

It's a good idea to practice flying warbirds on the simulators first

CSB I'd see if you can find a way to have a low inger that has flaps and retracts first.

Not sure about anyone else but I found it quite a big leap from sports model to large warbird. (Large is a relative term here, I know theres many much larger these days).

You're coping with something you've spent lots of good money on, that you've spent a lot of time on, that you're really proud of, that needs flying well and flying all the time. Something that may swing a lot on takeoff and tip stall if you pull up too soon and nose over when you land. Then add in that there's two more switches to operate, both of which may affect trim and handling and it adds up to quite a lot to take on.

Not trying to frighten you at all, most people cope with all this and more no problem, its just the learning phase that is the risky bit.

I was lucky enough to aquire a 1.4m foam warbird that has nice forgiving flying characteristics for a price I could afford. This has enabled me to fly with the extra channels and more workload than I was used to, without some of the worry of eliptical wings, and narrow scale U/C etc.

So what I'm suggesting is some sort of intermediate model. Not sure what would be economic though, maybe others have suggestions?

I agree with foamies being very usefull to get used to lots of different RC inputs and handling always a good idea.

I would reccomend my Phoenix Spitfire 40 you can get the ARTF for about £80 in some shops flys great and has mechanical retracts but no flaps. I didn't find it a massive leap from my sport planes but then I've been flying since 2000.

If I was spending lots of time building an expensive larger version it would be worth buying the Pheonix ARTF just to be used to the way they fly.

Edited By Tony H on 10/08/2012 21:20:53

Chris, some good points made there, thanks. I can't find any low wingers with flaps and retracts that aren't warbirds! My original plan was to get the TN 62.5" span Spitty (so 8.5" bigger span than the Funfly, quite a lot) but after hearing some dodgy traits or Spits I am not sure I could handle it, so I was wondering whether, let's say a P51 is easier (I doubt it, can't think of any other examples). My long term plan is to get a BIG Spitfire, maybe the DB 81" monster but obviously not now. I'd like a warbird for my 70 four stroke, and wondering if there are any easier ones to fly then the TN Spit, and I also want a build for next year.

Tony- Thanks as well, I have looked at the Phoenix Spitty in the past, but like I mentioned above I'd like a build project for next year, and I can't afford both the Phoenix one and a kit warbird.

Help please? Would I just be fine with the TN Spit, remembering that I always have my ace pilot Dad with me?

CS

CS

Have pm'd you re-TF spit

a good first warbird is, and always will be, a P47 thunderbolt, if a spit is not your need

Cheers Myron, I've replied.

Alan, do you know of any P47 kits for a 70 four stroke? Looks pretty good, nice wide undercarriage.

I change my mind by the second, a Cirrus moth would be quite nice, but I would prefer a warbird. Are there any Bearcats about 60 sized, they are nice.

CS

CS

You're not going to believe this but I have a P47 built but not covered either.You could have it dirt cheap .It's a transportation problem isn't it ?

Do you have everything Myron?!

PM sent.

CS

sadly, i dont , the old red box topflite one went well with a 70, but the new one is bigger, struggling here,

Yeah, looks too draggy for a 70 at 63" span. I'm off to bed!

CS

the aircraft that the Spitfire pilots cut there teeth on is the Chipmunk, there are several I would think that would fit the bill? Might be worth considering?

Cheers

Danny

I agree with Danny. The Chipmunk is a very good way into warbirds. Low winger with flaps but not too big a step and quite user friendly.

Lots of plans available, not sure about kits. I know you said you didn't want an ARFT but as a warm up act for Warbird flying the Balckhorse Chipmunks (two different sizes available) take some beating. I'd recommend the one that's about 60-65" span.

BEB

Hmm, the Chippie is very nice but there are not any kits around, from what I have found. What ones have you got in mind Danny?

I want a plane as much for the building as the flying, the Domino is this year's project and I need something for next year. I have always fancied that TN Spit, I am a Spit fan, and I will probably be inspired once I see some flying ones at Duxford air show! The editor has the (original I think) TN 62 Spit, it was in the mag and he loves it.

I still have plenty of time to debate about it while saving up, so keep firing away, cheers.

CS

CS

Just checked.Yes ,there are pictures of my P47 on my album.Gives you an idea of the size etc even though it's to do with making a new cowl

Myron is right of the warbirds the Jug is a great flyer with a nice wide undercarriage as is the zero.

if you are reasonable on the sticks go with the TN Spit.

As for Chipmunks I think Galaxy did a kit so its probably unnavailable now. there was also the Airsail kit but that may be a bit small.

Cheers

Danny