Author Topic: Best trainer for a 10 year old (Read 3642 times)

rich gorrill · « **on:** August 07, 2013, 12:48:45 PM »

Hi guys, I want to build a trainer for my grandson and grandaughter. Should I build a 1/2A Sig Skyray, or go to a .15 size trainer? I like the Flite Streak trainer solid wing, looks like an easy buil and easy to repair. Being it's a trainer I was also looking at the Sig Shoestring or Buster. I know these a goodyear ships but can they make a good trainer?

I don't own a.15 size engine but there a lots of them offered on E-Bay.

This build will be for next year as they come out to visit us for three weeks in the summer.

I kind of remember th 1/2A's being hard to fly and easily affected by the wind, I know they are cheaper but i don't want the kids to get frustrated if it's a little windy or they keep putting it into the ground.

Thanks for any help, Rich

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #1 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:56:02 PM »

This is going to vary from kid to kid. But for most kids I think the ideal trainer would be a Reniger ET-1 scaled up to 15 sized, and complete with radio controlled throttle.

I'd build it with out of wood, though.

Stay in the circle with them for the first few flights, and make sure to bring glue. I think the most positive learning experience I had with a kid on the handle was when she crashed on her second solo. The airplane broke, which shook her. I put it back together with CA and had her back in the air in ten minutes, and everything was all right.

I know that with my kids they got discouraged after the first crash -- after that they were scared to go up again, and since the airplane was RC it took some time to get it back together.

Edit: Maybe build two or three airframes, so that if the crash is bad enough you can just transfer equipment over...

Tim Wescott · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:57:49 PM »

If you've just got to go with glow power then the Sig kits that you mentioned, or an Acromaster with toned-down controls, should do well.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2013, 12:59:31 PM »

I have had good success with a Brodak Flite Streak trainer and an OS FP 10 motor. The FP has the stock muffler on it and is very quiet. My son only had one major crash and some CA and epoxy sorted that out.

Next up is a Skyray 35 and FP-25

rich gorrill · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2013, 01:57:05 PM »

Steve, I never gave the .10 a thought. What length lines did you use and was the .10 enough power?

Rich

Phil Krankowski · « **Reply #5 on:** August 07, 2013, 02:31:16 PM »

http://www.coxengineforum.com/t3411-1-2a-c-l-beginner-build-combat-wing

This plastic wing. I built one, it has been piled into the ground countless times and it is still fine. I used a bit of hot glue to reinforce the holes for screws.

The hinge is stiff, and even with some loosening in the hinge it still won't maneuver well (I am considering a pin hinge), but it will loop, wingover, and fly inverted just fine (use a stunt tank engine if you want to do inverted). It is 100 times worse in the cold (most of the crashes were in the winter with yarn wrapped in the glow head fins) since coroplast stiffens considerably and a few crashes in snow packs the wing full of ice.

Now, once they can circle without crashing every time they will want/need something better. Keep this one for anybody who decides to want to try CL since you KNOW it can take a beating. You also won't have to worry about hangar rash with this one.

Phil

Bill Little · « **Reply #6 on:** August 07, 2013, 03:24:44 PM »

Hi Rich,

You stated that you "like" the Flite Streak Trainer. So I say go with that. It will use a modern .10 to do the "training". A used .15 off da bay will allow a few more maneuvers, and still be a good trainer.

You are right, a 1/2A can be a hand full for a young'un starting out. The Flite Streak Trainer will be easier to fly.

BIG Bear
RNMM/AMM

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #7 on:** August 07, 2013, 04:14:57 PM »

Hi Rich,I have a box full of 15's that I am saving for just this occaision.Send me your address and I'll send you one to power up that trainer for the kids.I have a nice Enya .15 with the muffler.That should get ya going and last for a while to boot.Trax

Russell Shaffer · « **Reply #8 on:** August 07, 2013, 08:42:29 PM »

This one is good. It's a 24 in corroplast "Platter" from the Aeronuts. An old Fox 19 for power with a 3/8 plywood strip down the middle for a fuselage. The motor mount is 1/4 aluminum bolted to the ply. It will take a beating and it is almost free. Let your grandkids do the painting - they love it. When it gets too beat up build another and transfer the controls and motor stuff over. I have flown one with a stunt 35 and it isn't too fast.

Steve Fitton · « **Reply #9 on:** August 07, 2013, 09:15:54 PM »

The 10 FP is much more power than the Fox 15 a lot of people used to use. I run a APC 7x5 prop on 5 to 7.5% sig fuel. lines 52' 0.012. The wing is the limiting factor for stunt as well as the controls. I just use the trainer to get the beginner (in this case my 11 year old son) able to take off, fly out a tank, and land.

Mike Keville · « **Reply #10 on:** August 07, 2013, 09:28:40 PM »

I've posted this before, but it bears repeating:
Get an all-balsa Flite Streak Trainer (kit from Brodak).
Years ago I built one from scratch. Powered it with a McCoy .19, 8-6 prop and 58' lines.
Wife soloed quickly, then taught young daughter AND her entire Girl Scout troop to fly (one of whom soloed on her second flight).
Yes, with the McCoy .19 it was somewhat nose-heavy, but that seemed to help.
For newcomers, you cannot beat the Flite Streak Trainer!

rich gorrill · « **Reply #11 on:** August 08, 2013, 02:58:21 AM »

Jeff, thank you so much. I.M. sent

Rich

Brett Buck · « **Reply #12 on:** August 08, 2013, 08:43:38 AM »

Quote from: Mike Keville on August 07, 2013, 09:28:40 PM

I've posted this before, but it bears repeating:
Get an all-balsa Flite Streak Trainer (kit from Brodak).
Years ago I built one from scratch. Powered it with a McCoy .19, 8-6 prop and 58' lines.
Wife soloed quickly, then taught young daughter AND her entire Girl Scout troop to fly (one of whom soloed on her second flight).
Yes, with the McCoy .19 it was somewhat nose-heavy, but that seemed to help.
For newcomers, you cannot beat the Flite Streak Trainer!

This is a good recommendation, but I would point out that people will move beyond any of these very simple trainers in a few flying sessions at most, and then you will need something more maneuverable.

Brett

john e. holliday · « **Reply #13 on:** August 08, 2013, 09:21:25 AM »

That is when the Flite Streak Jr comes into play.

Duke.Johnson · « **Reply #14 on:** August 08, 2013, 11:28:19 AM »

I think Larry's ET-1 is a easy, cheap build. Easy to fly, but they will out grow/fly it very soon. Then I would go to a Sig Akromaster with a old Fox .15 or an OS .10 LA/FP or .15 LA/FP. We ran ours with Fox and OS engines, didn't run mufflers on the OS for weight. Your could also build a coroplast wing for them to learn stunts. We built the flying coroplast wings with Cox engines, with a good flexable prop you can crash over and over with no problems.

Jim Thomerson · « **Reply #15 on:** August 08, 2013, 01:25:22 PM »

I have a Guillow #2 trainer with a worn out McCoy 19 which I always take along in case someone wants to give control line a try.

rich gorrill · « **Reply #16 on:** August 10, 2013, 07:25:07 AM »

Thanks Guys for all the input. The F.S. Trainer is ordered. I agree with Doc if they outgrow this ship we'll go with the JR. F.S. Also a big thank you to Jeff Traxler for his offer of an engine to power the trainer.

Rich

john e. holliday · « **Reply #17 on:** August 10, 2013, 08:45:00 AM »

Remember trainers are just that. Like the old Guillows Trainers of years past. Learn to take off, fly level and land. Once that is learned without getting dizzy, then it is the climb and dives with a wingover thrown in. The trainer can then be used for more people to try control line flying.

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #18 on:** August 10, 2013, 10:26:27 AM »

Rich,I have been lookin' through the goodie box and I have a tank and prop for you also.IU think I have cables and a handle too if you don't have any.Let me know so I can get this stuff in the mail.

rich gorrill · « **Reply #19 on:** August 10, 2013, 01:08:34 PM »

Thanks Jeff, lines are needed. O.K. with a handle I have. I.M. sent

Thanks again, Rich

mike londke · « **Reply #20 on:** August 11, 2013, 06:10:15 PM »

F.S. trainer is a good choice. My 5 year old has been flying his all summer. Its has an OS LA .15. A little nose heavy with the muffler but very docile. Pretty tough too. We are getting alot of use out of it. Our last outing Samuel flew 8 laps before I had to correct him, he is getting better. Have fun! Mike

Jeff Traxler · « **Reply #21 on:** August 12, 2013, 05:35:12 PM »

Hi Rich,The nice lady at the post office said you're goodies should arrive Wednesday.You have an Enya 15-IV W/prop and muffler(Sent that for the neighbors

).I sent a Perfect #21 1oz. fuel tank,tubing,015x52' cable and a new Sullivan insta-just handle.All you need is an airframe and munchkins.Hope this will get ya airborn,Trax

rich gorrill · « **Reply #22 on:** August 12, 2013, 06:52:29 PM »

Trax, all I can say is again, THANK YOU. We will be leaving on Thursday afternoon to take Grandson home to Il., so it should arrive in time to show him his engine.

Next time I see Dan B. I'll be sure to let him know what you did for us.

Best to you, Rich