[NSRCA-discussion] Price for a pattern plane...

Mon Dec 31 09:17:25 AKST 2018


Sent from my iPad

> On Dec 31, 2018, at 12:04 PM, Charlie Barrera via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> 
> Phil, What is a good source for a good SPA plane? I’d like to try it, but electric. A nice Dirty Birdy would suit the bill! ...Charlie
> 
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Dec 31, 2018, at 11:02 AM, Phil Spelt via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
>> 
>> Guys,
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> I agree with others that this is a good discussion.  I have done the same sort of thing Jas did, but for an SPA plane rather than a 2-meter one.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> However, it occurs to me that the discussion may be comparing apples to oranges, with the talk of pattern costs vs golf or motorcycles.  Might it be that when someone mentions the "high cost" of pattern, they are thinking of it compared to sport R/C flying?  Certainly, the cost of an "inexpensive" 2-meter pattern plane, at ~~$2100.00, compared to a plane with which one just bores holes in the sky, is expensive.  The same is true, however, with any of the competitons in R/C -- a scale Top Gun competition plane is not cheap, nor isa top-of-the-line helicopter for IRCHA, or a competiton glider compared to a Gentle Lady, etc., etc.  BTW, the SPA plane, with new competition grade parts is considerably more than a sport plane, but also way less than a 2-meter one -- as Mickey Walker intended.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Assuming one is already into R/C, this seems to me a more plausible comparison.  No golfer is gong to just take up pattern, whereas a general R/C pilot might very well consider it, and look at the realtive costs from that perspective.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Phil Spelt, AMA 1294, Scientific Leader Member
>> 
>> SPA L-18, Board Member, KCRC Emeritus
>> Oliver Springs, TN (865) 435-1476v (865) 604-0541c
>> 
>>> On December 31, 2018 at 8:27 AM Randy Forbus via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote: 
>>> 
>>> Good discussion Jason, any hobby or sport has a price tag, like golf it can get expensive, I never got into playing but I can see the fun in it. I do have motorcycles that hobby can get pricey too. You have to pick your poison on how you want to spend your hard earned dollars, and R/C in general is the least expensive, I don't need top of the line stuff , but I don't fly junk either, top of the line not going to make me fly any better or worse, I just enjoy the hobby and the friends I've made over the years doing this.
>>>  
>>> 
>>> From: NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org> on behalf of Jas S via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
>>> Sent: Monday, December 31, 2018 1:14 AM
>>> To: nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
>>> Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Price for a pattern plane...
>>>  
>>> There’s always been talk about how expensive pattern is. All disciplines and hobbies are expensive, it’s just a choice one makes as to how much they want to spend. I’ve not had a ‘top of the line $$$$’ model since I was a teen when I wasn’t paying for my planes. Back then I was lucky enough to get the best planes on the market. Ten Plus planes back then were as good as the Yang/Oxai planes of today, and relative cost was about the same. Since being on my own, I’ve had more average planes, price point at least. Sponsorship allows me to outfit my planes with what I consider some of the best equipment, but even then I don’t bling out my planes at every turn. 
>>> 
>>> Example, Acuity set-up from the 2017 Nats in Blytheville, AR: 
>>> Plane: AJ Acuity $949 
>>> Motor: AJ 5230-20P $260 
>>> OS/Futaba ESC: $300 I think 
>>> Battery: ThunderPower 6000’s $220 
>>> Servos: Futaba SBUS, 173’s, 171’s & 175 $950 now 🤭 
>>> Receiver: Futaba 7006 $100 now 
>>> Falcon Spinner and Prop: $160 
>>> Total works out to about: $2939 
>>> 
>>> Most hardware is stock from the kit. Linkages, tail wheel assembly, sticky velcro hook side, axles, wheels. I changed the cowl screws, motor mounting screws (shorter) and velcro strap for the battery. 
>>> 
>>> I could have used, and not hurt my performance any, this equipment: 
>>> Futaba 9650’s, 9151’s & 9155 ($430) and saved -$520 
>>> Futaba 617 receiver ($94) and saved -$6 
>>> Castle 80a ESC ($145) and saved -$155 
>>> Gator spinner ($18) and saved -$42 
>>> APC prop ($44) and saved -$56 
>>> Power Unlimited 5800’s ($186) and saved $34 
>>> Shulman Aviation 6v regulator ($20) +$20 
>>> Total saved: $658 
>>> 
>>> So my Acuity set-up could be done for just about $2144. This is assuming you have NONE of the stuff to put in a 2m sized plane. 
>>> 
>>> Now my Epic set-up from the 2018 Muncie, IN Nats is a different price point: 
>>> CA Model Epic $2780 (Evo price, I think Epic + was less) 
>>> Brenner Contra: $1000 last year 
>>> Kontronic Motor: $500 
>>> Add $100 for a 2nd Falcon prop 
>>> Subtract $60 for the Falcon spinner 
>>> Futaba servos/receiver, ThunderPower batteries and OS/Futaba ESC are the same prices as Acuity. 
>>> 
>>> I usually use 2mm carbon rod for pushrods, Du-Bro/Central Hobbies/F3AU links, MPI 2.25 wheels. 
>>> 
>>> Total around $6000 
>>> 
>>> Again, using equipment that’s not ‘top of the line’, I can save about $2400. Most of the difference from the Acuity savings is swapping the contra for a Himax set-up. 
>>> 
>>> And the Yang/Oxai you can add another $~2500 to the total for a top-shelf set-up. 
>>> 
>>> All this being said, the BEST deals for a newbie to pattern are: 
>>> Any sport/pattern capable plane they are comfortable flying. 
>>> Any second hand pattern plane they can afford. 
>>> A good friend with a spare plane they will loan you 😁 
>>> 
>>> Have a safe Happy New Year to everyone and always land wheels down 😉 
>>> 
>>> Jason 
>>> Jas iP 
>>> _______________________________________________ 
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>> 
>>  
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