Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

[Allred]

I am new here, and to Motion RC.  I like their videos, very informative.  I have pretty well learned to fly my Apprentice and Park Zone T-28, and I recently acquired an FMS 1400 ME-109 at a local swap meet.  I have not flown it, and because of its excellent condition I doubt the original owner flew it (much) either.

I have heard that the ME-109 is very challenging in take-off, and is quite fast, and for thar reason I have been reluctant to attempt flying it.

Is there another, easier and slower, large (1400) warbird that I might consider as more suitable, easier to take off and fly?

Thanks for your suggestions...   :)

Allred

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings Allred,

First off, Welcome to the forum!!!
The ME-109 like most war birds can be tricky to get a handle on as an early-on plane. Especially on the ground with its narrow wheel stance.

When ever you ask a question as to which is the "Best" of any thing that will always be open to vast interpretation.
The best is always the one you'll use the most!!

What's best for me/us may not be best at all for you.

If you like the T-28 and don't mind having another one, the FMS 1400mm T-28 is an awesome, relatively slow, intermediate flyer and it's available in three different schemes.

The 1400mm Mustang is also a good flyer and flown by a lot of guys here on the forum, it quicker and less forgiving than the T-28.
Lot's of guys are using things like the AS3X Stabilization which really helps until you get a feel for a new plane especially if you live in a windy environment.

If you live near a club go and check out what the other pilots are flying and ask lots of questions. We love to talk about our planes.
Remember that videos, while very informative are designed to sell airplanes!

You should be hearing from many forum members who will offer good insights and will share the pros and cons of what they fly and have experienced.

Again, Welcome! We look forward to hearing how you do!

Good luck


Bill L.
In Okla.

[OV10]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Hello Allred,
Welcome to the Squawk forum.
The best 1400 sized warbird for your jump up is the FMS T-28. Since you say that you've learned the PZ T-28 the jump to this one ought to be pretty natural. This warbird is not a screamer but it will do most acrobatic maneuvers. With flaps and etracts you'll need a 6 chan Rx. Glad to see that your not considering using the 109 as your move up because you heard it right, it can be more than a handful at you your skill level. Best of luck with your decision.
Best Regards,

[Pheonix]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

The FMS T28 is the way to go.  I still fly mine even though I have many jets and war birds.

[tyresebimmer57]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

i really want one

[Alpha]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

I'll echo Bill and Charlie, the FMS 1400mm T-28 is very docile. If you want to stay with low winged warbirds, the 1400mm Zero is a good choice as well. In general, if you are concerned about landing gear and ground handling while you're still learning, avoid the atypical landing gear arrangements like the ME-109's narrow stance, the FW-190's tapered stance, and the Corsair or P-40's rotating retracts. Stick with wide gear layouts like the Zero, or easier tricycle gear layouts like the T-28.

Altogether all of the warbirds we carry can be operated successfully in similar conditions. Some are just a bit easier in different ways that others.

Welcome to the family!

[Sky Wolf]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

The FMS T-28 was my first thought as well. It's sheer size, stability and power will help you gain confidence in your flying abilities. This was a trainer used for getting to the next level in the military. The benefits of this plane is that it gets you used to flying more size and weight. The ParkZone version can be brought without power, whereas the 1400mm FMS version needs power and is more realistic.

It is a tricycle gear too that teaches you to flare shortly before touchdown. You'll learn this mor and more if you damage and replace enough nose gear. I still enjoy the heck out of my T-28, and I'm still flying the version 1, which has the sequenced doors. It was my first large plane to fly. 

It will also teach you about torque a little more than some others. This plane gets you ready for things like the P-51 mustangs, and other more maneuverable warbirds, without paying a high-priced crash that can happen quickly in a warbird.

And, it's a down-right beautiful plane! 

Like Rocketeer mentioned, everyone has an opinion, but with this one you can't go wrong, and it's highly logical by many comparisons.

Good luck, and keep us informed of the progress. :D

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings Guys'

My first big warbird was the red and white 1400mm T-28 and It was my first big purchase through MRC.
The rest has been history as they say. I added the Mr. RC Sound System to it and that took it to a whole dimension!

I still have bouts of wanting the Silver version from time to time..... Someday.

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Sky Wolf]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings Guys'

My first big warbird was the red and white 1400mm T-28 and It was my first big purchase through MRC.
The rest has been history as they say. I added the Mr. RC Sound System to it and that took it to a whole dimension!

I still have bouts of wanting the Silver version from time to time..... Someday.

Bill L.
In Okla.

I've always eyed that silver version as well. I'm wondering if it'll be next on the FMS chopping block. The grey version is being discontinued and in the past it was a hot seller. Not sure I understand their reasoning because they're even killing off the Pitts, another popular flyer.

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings,

I know with all of the short to no notice discontinuations going down lately I may just have to take the plunge a grab the silver before it's no longer around.

Bill L.
In Okla.

[Pheonix]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings,

I know with all of the short to no notice discontinuations going down lately I may just have to take the plunge a grab the silver before it's no longer around.

Bill L.
In Okla.

I have the grey and red one.  The very first edition and both fly very well.  I like flying these plane, especially after not flying for a while.  They are easy to see for these aging eyes of mine!

[starcop]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

This is a tough question to answer! There are so many good 1400MM airplanes that fly super. I have a Mustang, Corsair, BF109f and the sky trainer to boot. I really enjoy flying anyone of these birds in my flight area. I'd say a great airplane to learn with is the Apprentice, RTF for anyone who wants a great chair flyer... With a cold drink by your side if you wanted too. Take off is easy, flying is as simple as pushing a button while to get situated. It's fun with all these new AS3X or the Eagle Gyro! How much easier can it get? Well, now they have that airplane coming out that will "land itself" dang, they take away all the fun...!

enjoy friends, Matt

[Allred]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

My thanks to all who have, or may yet respond.  It seems the consensus is that I might best consider the FMS 1400 mm T-28.  I have found the smaller Park Zone version quite challenging to fly.  After the Apprentice, the T-28 seems small and fast.  When flying it I have to diligently focus my attention on keeping it in close enough to me so that my old eyes can recognize it's orientation and attitude in time to prevent it from flying to far away from me.  I suppose the bigger FMS version should be easier to see?

I am on the fence as to whether to order the orange & white Navy version, or the grey Air Force color scheme.  Maybe I'll have to flip a coin!  :shy:

[OV10]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Hello Allred,
If your worried about orientation issues DO NOT get the grey Air Force livery. The red/white Navy color really sticks out against a bright blue sunny sky or a cloudy overcast gray one. Based upon some comments you have declared, I also would strongly recommend that if you still find the PZ quite the challenge to fly that you hold on the jump up until you can master the smaller bird. If you think the PZ is fast then I'm concerned that you'll be intimidated with the bigger one.
I am a flight instructor at our club as well as the warbird airshow demonstrator and VP. Too many times have I seen pilots ambitions take the plunge when their skills were not at that level and end up humbled by the disappointment(some level of a costly event).
Best of luck with your decision,

[Rocketeer]

RE: Best large warbird for intermediate pilot?$

Greetings Allred,

I support 100% everything shared by OV10.

His advice is spot on and I would heed his wisdom..

Good luck,

Bill L.
In Okla.