What's the cheapest way to get a giant scale 3d plane

[The_Tinker]

Hi, I have been flying rc for about 5 years and love my aerobatic and 3d planes. Now I am looking to get into giant scale but really don't have $1500 to invest into a plane. So, in your opinion, tell me what you think is the cheapest, best way to get, say a 50cc/100cc yak/extra/edge (or a python! I fell in love with those pitts!) I am willing to build a kit, or even buy a wreck and spend all winter fixing it, whatever. I'm not really interested in buying a plane from a "cheap" company where the quality will be bad. I want a good quality plane and I'm not scared to work for it and put a lot of time in it if I have to. I just don't want to get more money into it than I have to. I'm talking about the airframe. I think I can handle the electronics and engine/motor. Tell me what you think guys... Thanks, Micah

[castlebravo]

I think your best bet is to scan the want ads for an airplane that fits your needs. Look at whats hanging in the local hobby shop or check out your local clubs newsletters. You could put an ad in one of them requesting any broken airplanes. Just remember....whatever repairs you need to do are going to add a considerable amount of weight.....not something you're looking for in a 3D airframe.
I've found some incredible deals at the LHS because people are willing to get rid of them because they just lost interest or decided it was a bigger expense at the moment than they anticipated.......whatever the reason....there may be some deal to be had.



CB

[JoeAirPort]

Yeah get an air frame used. That'll save you lots.

[classclown]

Or check out the swapshop right here on FG.

[jj46]

There are great deals to be had, but they aren't 'a dime a dozen'.... keep your eyes pealed. Check the ads on here, other sites, craigslist, etc daily.... find yourself a used airframe in good shape. Then, as time goes on and money permits, find yourself a decent used motor... etc etc etc. Just piece it together over the winter. Usually the best deal is to buy a plane that includes everything, but I understand your money situation. Just be patient and keep shopping... when a sweet deal comes along, you'll usually know right away! You can pick up 50cc airframes used for 200 bucks if you are patient.

One word of warning though... I wouldn't go to 100cc with your budget, even if you find a good airframe cheap. You'll end up with a sweet airframe and no money for the engine, servos, redundant batteries, etc. 50cc is much cheaper, and they fly great. You'll learn a lot with throttle control and other giant-scale techniques before stepping up to 100cc. Good luck.

[Fast Fly]

There is a plane in the Swap shop right now for only $1000 bucks!!

[cjgillette]

Hey Micah -

You shouldn't have to spend $1500 just for a 50-100cc airframe - PAU makes and amazing Edge for less than $1000. Personally, I wouldn't spend more than about $600 for a 50cc airframe. Aeroworks, PAU, Pilot, TT, Dietrich - they all make great airframes well within your price range.

C

[cjgillette]

Or look in the swap shop!

[Extra nuts]

This is from another thread here on FG, it is a pretty cheap deal for a new 50cc plane(extra 300). Below is the link. I looked at it and shipping was $18.00. or so.



http://ecsvr.com/abm/shopdisplayprod...verstock+Sales

[The_Tinker]

I saw that thread too. But the quality sounds questionable. I don't want something that I can't have total confidence in... IF the money was the same, electric or gas? I like the sound of keeping my eye out for good deals this winter...

[forgues research]

	Quote: Originally Posted by GonnaBe
	Hi, I have been flying rc for about 5 years and love my aerobatic and 3d planes. Now I am looking to get into giant scale but really don't have $1500 to invest into a plane. So, in your opinion, tell me what you think is the cheapest, best way to get, say a 50cc/100cc yak/extra/edge (or a python! I fell in love with those pitts!) I am willing to build a kit, or even buy a wreck and spend all winter fixing it, whatever. I'm not really interested in buying a plane from a "cheap" company where the quality will be bad. I want a good quality plane and I'm not scared to work for it and put a lot of time in it if I have to. I just don't want to get more money into it than I have to. I'm talking about the airframe. I think I can handle the electronics and engine/motor. Tell me what you think guys... Thanks, Micah

If you were a good boy, Christmas is around the corner

Sorry I just had to say it , but I am kidding of course, hope you get what you want , you will love it.

Roger

[jwilliams]

I assume you only have 1500 bux for everything (motor, servos,plane)??? If so, you can do a good 50cc plane easily for that. I had a friend who just sold a Extreme Flight RC 50cc extra ready to fly for 1300. If you want to go cheaper I would find an Extreme Flight RC 50cc plane that has been wrecked, get the remains and fix it. Buy a used DLE motor, used servos, a new reciever/battery pack and I be you do not have $800 in it.
Jeff W.

[reyn3545]

There are lots of deals floating around out there, just keep looking for something that sparks your interest. I almost don't want to say this because it always starts another arguement... but please don't dump every spare dime you have into your first GS plane! The worst experience in this hobby is flying (or landing) a plane that if something goes wrong, you're out of the hobby. It's supposed to make you a little nervous the first 1000 times or so, but it shouldn't bankrupt you if someone with a glow plane takes you down... those stakes are too high to enjoy. So, pick a budget that you're happy with, stick with it, and something will come up.

[husker]

There are deals to be had. But if you want something 50cc rtf for well under 1500 it probably won't happen...the lowest I have seen a good airframe with "good" parts would be 1200 or so. If you buy parts separately you will have go cheap on a few parts because even a good used airframe and da50 are around 400 each and you still need electronics which even used you are looking at about 500 more for good stuff.

Reyn I totally agree^^^

[ljaganna]

I've purchased 3 used airframes/planes in the past....1 was a complete bust, 1 was just OK, and 1 was great. The bust was an expensive bust...it was when I was new to GS....and didn't know what to look for...needless to say an expensive lesson learned.

On the other hand....I have purchased 4 brand new airframes from great companies....pilot-rc, 2 from 3W, and one from QQAC.....all 4 were 100% awesome, with the 3W airframes being the best of the best...but high$....the germans seem to build their rc planes as if they were BMWs....the absolute greatest overall value is Pilot-RC...the airframes are all wood, and the best wood ARFs I have ever seen, and great customer service.

All said and done...I think if you buy a used ARF airframe you are fine, as long as you inspect before puchase.
With motors....it's hard to judge, unless you get to see the motor run, take off the plugs & mufflers and peak inside the chamber.....you can check for cylinder score marks or other signs of abuse or a motor that is about to head south.

However, don't skimp on the motor/servos/bats/switches/extensions/ball-links/control rods or anything else.....wait a little bit if you need to buy the right stuff.