Any new 1700mm or bigger planes coming soon ?

[weedsnager]

Anyone know of anything coming soon in the 1700mm or bigger size ?

[Konrad]

Can you let us know what you think of as "soon"? :dodgy:

[weedsnager]

I have the carbon T-28 and the 1700mm Fms P-51 and I just love them, I was just curious if anyone knows of any new "big" foaming are on any companies radar.

[Alpha]

Foam electric aircraft in the 1700mm+ size category are a rare breed. I've owned or at least flown all of the warbirds in this category, from the LX B-25 to the FMS offerings to the Carbon-Zs. They are all good fliers in their own right. The challenges limiting large planes versus smaller ones comes down to costs, market size, and ROI. Each of those factors are driven by many other factors. In short, it's complicated, and I'm uncertain that there are many aircraft being developed currently to fit the 1700mm+ size category. Maybe one a year, or two max, across all foam electric manufacturers. The foam electric warbird market seems to be focused on the 980mm-1600mm size right now, with most of the new products being in the lower half of that range. That's what's selling, so that's what manufacturers are making. For those of us wanting larger aircraft, the sales of larger aircraft like the 1600mm P-38 and the 1980mm Carbon-Z T-28 can only help convince manufacturers to "Go Big". As I often say, Time will tell.

[Aros]

That's one of the reasons I am pleased with the early success of the P-38 pre-sale. I was disappointed to hear that FMS was likely done with their 1700mm line of models. I completely understand the value and popularity of the smaller models but I just don't get as excited about them as I do the larger or giant scale class.

There's just something more thrilling and special for me to pilot a large warbird or aircraft over a small model.

I understand a big consideration for flyers is the ease of transporting the larger class. I feel this issue can be mitigated by having the wings come off easily for transport. Although from the perspective of the manufacturer, I can appreciate the other concerns as Alpha outlined above.

I am thankful that this wonderful new P-38 is at least 1600mm. While not giant scale, a nice size indeed. Due to the limitations in giant scale foamies, I am forced to turn to the much more expensive composite/wood versions to get that giant scale scratch itched. They are fantastic additions to my hangar but final turn key price is astronomical which destroys my chance to buy any of the new hot offerings from Freewing and other foam manufacturers much of the time.

I wish there were more demand for the larger models than the small models but I don't see that trend changing for various reasons. I'll continue to keep my hopes up though.

[crxmanpat]

I too prefer the models in 1400mm or larger (preferably larger like the 1600mm P-38). My largest plane right now is the old 1600mm Starmax P-47. I love the size of this bird!

[Konrad]

That's one of the reasons I am pleased with the early success of the P-38 pre-sale. I was disappointed to hear that FMS was likely done with their 1700mm line of models. I completely understand the value and popularity of the smaller models but I just don't get as excited about them as I do the larger or giant scale class. ...

Done as in no longer going to do any more development work? Or done as no longer going to manufacture any 1.7m models?

[Aros]

I've just heard through the grapevine that FMS is no longer going to develop new 1700mm models.

[Konrad]

Sorry to hear that, but I suspect it could be a lot worse.

[Aros]

This is why I am glad that the 1.6m P-38 is showing such promise...I want Freewing to start considering some larger warbirds.

[weedsnager]

The foam electric warbird market seems to be focused on the 980mm-1600mm size right now, with most of the new products being in the lower half of that range. That's what's selling, so that's what manufacturers are making

You guys are depresing me with all the news about plane size trending small.......I want bigger because they're aren't that many out there to choose from and everybody and their brother makes planes in the 980 to 1400 size
Sad news about the Fms birds !!

[Aros]

We get the manufacturer's attention with our wallets. Nothing can effect change more then sales. The market eats these small planes up because they are easy to throw in the back of the car and fly at the local parks and fields. Still, I think there is a huge portion of RC flyers who like me, prefer the larger class.

[boomer108]

I agree with you Aros. The smallest I like is 1100mm but I prefer 1400 to 1600 mm. More scale appearance on the ground and in the Air.

[Konrad]

I actually like the smaller heavier wing loaded ships. The ROC Hobby 980 come to mind. As they allow me to demonstrate my flying skills without risking as much of the pocket book.

[FLTRI]

I actually like the smaller heavier wing loaded ships. The ROC Hobby 980 come to mind. As they allow me to demonstrate my flying skills without risking as much of the pocket book.

Yes, agreed. My next plane will likely be the FMS 980mm Ki-61, the 980mm P-39, or the rereleased HK 1100mm Mk24 Spitfire. All are 6-channel planes, and the Spit has lights. At just over $150 they are a fantastic bargain! That said, I did preorder the 1600mm P-38, it'll be my first "big" plane. I took that leap only because it is a P-38, my all time favorite fighter.

Besides the convenience of flying in a smaller field that is ½ a mile from my house, I just don't have the budget for $450 planes, that require $75 batteries. I know I'm in the minority, but I prefer the smaller planes...

PS: Konrad, if your are looking for a really fun flier, check out the Roc Hobby 1030mm Staggerwing. I have the red version, and it's a ball to fly! What's not to like about a biplane with flaps, lights and retracts?!? It's scale detail is supurb, fit and finish is above par, and it's tough as nails as well. Pretty good deal for $180.00 and it flies and CG's perfectly on 2200 3S batteries...

[weedsnager]

You say you prefer small planes, but you haven't even flown a large one yet to compare. Besides being a pain to transport, nothing compares to the big planes. Never once have I said, "I can't wait to go fly my 900mm plane "

[Aros]

We all have our preferences and of course nobody is "right" or "wrong" but I gotta admit weedsnager, I have never once said that, lol.

[FLTRI]

So I've heard, the P-38 may change my mind.

I do have the 1200mm Sea Fury from HK. It's not "big" by the standards we are talking about here, but I can't fly it at my close by field, as it's just too big and heavy for that area. Then there's the cost to fly big, and it's over my budget. Everything scales up in price, from props to servos to batteries and all the other spare parts. I wish I had endless hobby money, but I don't.

I'm currently topping off batteries to go fly my 980 P-40 and Staggerwing. Can't wait for them to charge... :)

[Aros]

I do like the FMS 980 P-40B and P-47 Razorback. Had my eyes on those for a while.

[Konrad]

Yes, agreed. My next plane will likely be the FMS 980mm Ki-61, the 980mm P-39, or the rereleased HK 1100mm Mk24 Spitfire. All are 6-channel planes, and the Spit has lights. At just over $150 they are a fantastic bargain! That said, I did preorder the 1600mm P-38, it'll be my first "big" plane. I took that leap only because it is a P-38, my all time favorite fighter.

Besides the convenience of flying in a smaller field that is ½ a mile from my house, I just don't have the budget for $450 planes, that require $75 batteries. I know I'm in the minority, but I prefer the smaller planes...

PS: Konrad, if your are looking for a really fun flier, check out the Roc Hobby 1030mm Staggerwing. I have the red version, and it's a ball to fly! What's not to like about a biplane with flaps, lights and retracts?!? It's scale detail is supurb, fit and finish is above par, and it's tough as nails as well. Pretty good deal for $180.00 and it flies and CG's perfectly on 2200 3S batteries...

+1
Yep love the Staggerwing I gave a detailed review of it on the sales page. I also have give a real honest review on other sites. I might have to port one over to here on Hobby Squawk.

Having flown little Cox 0.010s and up to 30lb 1/4 scale models (small by todays standards) I can tell you that no matter the size, an underpowered mis-trimmed plane is a pain to fly. As I get older I'm liking the smaller planes as I can fly them in closer, making it easier to see. With the advent of gyros most small planes can now feel like they too have the inertia of the larger planes (less likely to be upset by wind).

I have both the P-40 and P-47 love them! But there is a flaw in both. The rudder is not powerful enough. Get all you can in your linkage and radio set up. also as shipped (set up) the tail wheel has way too much response. Separate the push tail wheel and rudder push rods. Place the tail wheel as close to the center of the servo as possible. (This is true for the Staggerwing). I fly off of concrete and astro turf you need to be on top of the rudder when taking off. while moving the throttle up also add right rudder. You will need about half the rudder input or more other wise you will be taking off 90° to your intended direction. I hope your runway is wide enough for this!