Next Plane : T-28 or MPXT?

[flyinghigh]

I've been flying my cub for about 9 months now. The only crash I've had was the one recently ( in crash forum) from being stupid. I estimate i've had about 100 flights on it, and now I want to move up and add another plane to my hangar. I'm looking at either the t-28 from parkzone, or the mini pulse from e-flite.

I've read both the topics on both RCU and RCG from begining to finish, and still can't make up my mind. Here's what I'm thinking.

I'll get the PNP version. So the first thing is the cost. The t-28 is 50 bucks cheaper.

Balsa! I really want to try balsa. I hear the mpxt is a great balsa plane and flys on rails.

Ailerons- Which is better for training on ailerons?

Which is a better "noob" flyer?

I really like the mpxt, a lot. But the cost of the t-28 equals out the decision and makes it harder.

I'd like to hear some feedback from both owners of the trojan, and the mini pulse. Thanks!

[mararra]

Hi Flyinghigh

For the record, I don't own either plane and can't comment on their pros / cons. BUT, if you're like me I was quite aprehensive about movin to an aileron equipped plane. Let me put you at ease, flyin with ailerons is the same as with rudder only except much smoother and more precise. It just feels natural. The only exception to this is landing. With rudder control it's a little easier to make last second course corrections just before touch down. With ailerons added to the mix you need to learn is to use your left stick (rudder) to make these corrections and at the same time use ailerons to keep the wings level. I'm kind of a klutz as well as a noob, so this is a little tough for me. I always land directly into the wind to make it easy.
Did you check out Bigtone's last vid? Now there's a guy who could give you some advice !

M

[sackohammers]

I own the Mini-Pulse.
I wouldn't go from Super Cub to mini-pulse. Get that t-28 and have a blast with it.
Getting the PNP version of the mini-pulse will really leave you wanting for more. To set it up right, you'll want to drop $300 or more into it.

[flyinghigh]

Thanks for the replies!

Stack, you talking about the 450 motor in the PNP? What else needs upgrading?

[sackohammers]

Here is the thread:
www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4692202/tm.htm

Here is my specific post - #1396:
www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4692202/mpage_56/key_/tm.htm

Most MPXT owners recommend avoiding the PNP version, get the cheaper version and built it right. The PNP is a disappointment. It says it comes with a 450, but its not a 'real' 450, its a weaker motor.

From the post:
Cliff Notes. This is cut and paste from my build post a few pages back:
Plane:
Mini-Pulse XT - ARF

Motor:
E-flight 480 1020 kv Park

ESC:
Extreme Flight AirBoss Elite 45 amp

Servos:
Hi-Tech HS55 X4

Receiver:
AR6100 Version 1.2

Battery:
Thunder Power 2200 Extreme
11.1V 2200mAh 3-Cell

Prop:
APC 11X7E

Spinner:
Dubro 2" Nylon - White

Wires:
2 X 6" servo extention wires
2 X 12" servo extention wires
1 X Y harness

Nylon Bolts 1" 4-40

I picked up everything from adchobbystore.com and horizonhobbies.com

Build tips:
Don't use the stock bolts to hold on the landing gear. Get some nylon 1" 4-40 bolts (pan head) Just search Amazon for them. Like $5 for 100 of them. If you have a rough landing you won't tear up your plane, the nuts will pop and damage will hopefully be reduced.
Screw in your canopy, don't glue it.
Make sure to check the alignment of your tail section pieces. Some of us are finding that when you screw it down it is to the left or to the right. Just shim one side with a small strip of very thin balsa to make it line up.
If you use the 480 motor you'll have to either grind down the bolt heads or the casing for the motor. You can see pictures on the previous page.
Make sure you get your center of gravity set like they suggest in the manual... or some people have moved it 3/4 inch close... to the main spar on the wing.

Thats about it... a summary of the build suggestions from the last 30 pages or so.

Good luck!

EDIT: That ESC is a bit overkill. Some use the E-flight 40 amp. Also, the wheel pants are cosmetic and you may choose larger wheels if you have tall grass. Do CoG after you replace wheels. Also, the spinner is cosmetic... and to get it to fit you'll have to grind it down... you can fly without it... again, do CoG without spinner if you choose to fly without it.

I almost got it together in one evening (minus mounting ESC, Receiver, Battery). Very easy to build.

[SCC]

I would not hesitate to recommend the MP if you were comfortable with your handling of the cub.

If you want an easy build and fly at a leisurely pace doing loops, rolls, and all the other moves then get the pnp but ask the shop to give you the normal 450.

On the other hand, if you want to start grinding down the heads of the bolts or the casing of the motor and have the option of racing around the Sky's like a nutter, then go with the 480. ;D

I love my MP and i still have not been at full throttle but thats the way i like to fly.

[sackohammers]

Hehe, S.C.C.
At least talk him into getting a beautiful Gemini before getting the pulse.

Ah, I forgot about the bolts/motor casing issue. Actually someone posted a much more elegant solution. You can just use four small washers to space the motor out so you don't need to do any grinding. The washers were simple... but then again so was grabbing the dremel (which was already plugged in on the bench) and grinding two grooves on the motor.

I respect S.C.C.'s opinion about flying the PNP version with a regular 450 motor.

But I have to stick to my guns. When he asks which is a better "noob" flyer and which is a better "aileron trainer", although I haven't flown the T-28, my guess is that is the better step. However, maybe either way he goes would be a good decision.

[frazer1981]

Is there any benefit of getting the t-28 over just upgrading the SC?

[sackohammers]

Lots of benefits. Its a lot less hassle.. you'll basically have to replace the electronics in the cub, cut out ailerons, put 2 servos in the wings, etc... maybe take some dyhedral out of the wing. I mean.. if that sounds like fun then you should do it.
People go both ways, it just depends on the cut of your jib.
Me, I'd rather just buy a T-28... less hassle, plus then you've got two planes... one easy one that you don't mind torturing, and the aileron trainer.

[finchkid24]

I JUST got the T28...its gorgeous. I really love the way it looks and want retracts super bad...but I am not sure if I will follow through. The ONLY downside to the T28 is the charger. Its a "Cigarette Lighter" style only. I found a nice converter on Amazon.com though and now I can charge it through a standard wall socket. I haven't flied it, but I can do a direct comparison to the Cub probably tomorrow night (tomorrow is the scheduled maiden).

[frazer1981]

Keepus updated finchkid and any pics or video would be great

[finchkid24]

Okay maidened her today. It was absolutly picture perfect. It still looks like it did when it came out of the box, and thats a great feeling.

Sorry, no pics or video today...my co-pilot/videographer/photographer/girlfriend wasn't able to make it out today. Saturday though I plan to fly again and hopefully she will be with me.

On to the flight. First thought after it was in the air: quiet! This thing doesn't make a sound unless its RIGHT over you. It takes off in a pretty short distance...25 feet or so at most and then lifts nicely into the air. Once in the air my Trojan had a big tendency to go nose up, making it climb...I adjusted the trim of the elevator to full down but it didn't help...I landed her (first landing, I will elaborate on her landing characteristics later) and took a look. I figured that if I move the control rod to the outter most hole on the servo arm, it should make the elev. flat since it has a longer distance, thus 'pulling the rod' causing it to be shorter and leveling it (someone please tell me that was the right thing to do, and will it make the plane fly any different?). I couldn't do that though because I didn't have my screwdriver with me...so I fly her with a little down input all the time.

In the air its flies wonerfully. An absolute dream. Very predictable and has a tone of power to clime. It is extremly stable...just like the cub. I would really describe it as a SC with ailerons and a faster motor. It makes tight banked turns, only loosing a small bit of altitude. It loops very easily. Rolls though are tougher. I am not sure why, but mine would not roll very easily. My controls are still on low rates (which might have something to do with it) and the rods are on the outer most setting of the aileron horns.

Landing. This is where it most resembles the SC. I lined up my plane on approach the going the opposite way. I then banked the T28 around so that when the wings came out of the turn level, it was right above my runway. I set the throttle trim to full, which in reality just makes the prop turn at the lowest level. This way I can cut the left stick off, but have the prop still turn for that scale affect...its a very cool little feature. I start to bring the plane down, 0 throttle..and boy does this thing glide well! It would have glided right over my run way if I let it!!! The aileron controls are nice and subtle for those last minute adjustments right before touch down and slowly it touches down. Perfect. Its a very easy plan to land.

Their you have it...if you have any more questions...let me know.

-Finch

[sackohammers]

It sounds like either your thrust angle is off on your motor (pulling your plane up) or your balance is off (tail heavy). When a plane is tail heavy it makes the noise point up.

Take a look at those two things. If you're not happy with your aileron response (rolls) then move the rods into the center hole on the control horns.

[finchkid24]

sackohammers said:

It sounds like either your thrust angle is off on your motor (pulling your plane up) or your balance is off (tail heavy). When a plane is tail heavy it makes the noise point up.

Take a look at those two things. If you're not happy with your aileron response (rolls) then move the rods into the center hole on the control horns.

The T28 feels plenty front heavy. Like I said, I adjusted the control rods on the servo arms and I think full trim down it will be okay. If it isn't, I'll add some waits up front.

I guess I'm in a pickle then. I like the way the trojan turns and backs...very controlled, but I want it to snap faster on the rolls. I don't think I'll change those rods just yet...maybe in a few weeks, but I will try chaning the rate to hi once I get it in the air and in a straight line. I'll just flip the switch, try the roll with a lot of altitude and if I land it, I'll switch it back to low and fly 'easy' again.

[sb352]

finchkid24, You got me motivated about the T28.Ordered mine from the local LHS ,but due to the backorders from horizon , it will be a couple weeks before it comes in. Picked up the Parkzone FW190 to fly while I am waiting just haven't flown her yet.