I got into RC planes years ago and now that there is a hint of spring in the air, I thought Id pick this up for some fun for me and my son. I thought electric would be easier and since this is easy to put together, I would have to spend too much time building it. Im also a sucker for the Corsair. It looked like it flies well in the video.

Has anyone bought one of these styrofoam electric planes? Are they any good or should I just build one from scratch?

Thanks for any advice.

Rob

http://www.nitroplanes.com/93a304-1400-f4u-blue-rtf-24g.html

from my understanding the airfield brand is the same thing as FMS. i have not personally seen the FMS corsair in action, but a feaw guys at my club have the Spitfire, Mustang, P 40, and jug, they all seem to fly pretty well for foamies. as to buying an ARF v/s building, well thats a personal type question, i personally prefer scratch building, or kit building butit is really up to you, they are definately a quick way to get flying. here is a link to the FMS site.

http://www.fmsmodel.com/EN/

Cheers
Craig

I've heard mixed on the forums. With any of the imports like that, you risk getting a bad servo or ESC. And since that's RTF, the radio might not be the best either. It wouldn't stop me from buying one, but I'd probably swap in a more reliable Elevator servo at the very least, and use a name brand radio system.

That said, I can vouch for the Parkzone corsair myself, it's a hoot to fly, uses a 3 cell batt vs. 4 cell (much cheaper batteries!), can be flown in a smaller area, and is made of a very durable foam material (it's not brittle like styrofoam, it actually has a little bit of flex). It lacks retracts, but if your just looking to have a good time with you son, I don't see that ruining anything. Also, should you break anything, most hobby shops stock or can stock parts for Horizon planes. Plus if your LHS can't get the PZ corsair for you, horizonhobby.com will ship it free.
http://parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ4600

Side note: If you can wait till April, there will be a baby corsair coming:
http://parkzone.com/UltraMicro/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZU1600

Thanks for all th egreat info guys.

There seems to be lots of options out their. I think Ill sit on it for week or so and check out the Parkzone models too.

Rob

Personally, for my money, go with Alfa models. http://www.hobby-lobby.com/corsairf4u.htm

My first aircraft was one of their Huckebeins, and it was a fantastic kit. Just my .02.

No problem
Let us know how your searching goes

Thanks,
so far in the last 24 hours, Ive changed my mind 8 times. Im going to sit on it at least a week or 2 and do more research. I dont want this to be an impulse buy for the wrong reasons. So far, Im back to the airfield/FMS Corsair, but im sure it will change again.
Im also debating between the gray and traditional blue version. Ive never seen gray one, but I belive a small number of them exsisted during the Korean war. Still, I think I prefer the Blue one. Black Sheep squadron was one of my favorite shows as a kid so if I do get one, it will be the blue version.


Rob

Oh well, so much for following my own advice and waiting. I just had to get it. However, I didnt get the corsair. I figured its been a long time since I flew RC planes and even when I did, it was gas. Never flew and electric. I thought Id better get some type of trainer first, so I ended up buying this Cessna high wing fixed tricycle gear model. It seems stable in the video and capable of slow flight due to the fact that is has working flaps. The Nav lights are a little silly, but A neat effect I guess. anyhow, I should have it be next week. Ill let you guys know how it works out.

Rob

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sai_T--fkWA&feature=player_embedded

probably not a bad idea to go with the Cessna as a way to retrain your thumbs. you mentioned having never flown electrics, well you will be suprised at the performance of electric power systems these days, one of the key factors in the performance is the use of Li-Po batteries. the energy density of these cells is fantastic but if mistreated, or abused they can be a dangerous bit of gear. i have been flying solely electrics for the last 4-5 years and have about 20 packs shared between about 5 planes, i have had 1 lipo go let go on the charger early in the piece, luckily i only charge outside or it could very easily have burnt down the house. do yourself a favour and have a read through this link for some do's and don'ts, makes things safer and cheaper for yourself in the long run.
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1181554&highlight=li+po+safety

here is a little vid a mate of mine from the club made a while back demonstrating how volatile a mistreated li-po can be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ieq3MWUnD34

have fun with your new toy
Craig

Hey, Thanks for the tips on lipo batteries. Good to know information for a newbie like me although a bit scary. I guess I will only charge them outside also.

Rob