First Plane - Tiny Trainer, Tutor, or Mini Explorer Bundle?

[ithink2020]

Coming back to the hobby. Have several hours on a sim, looking to finally pull the trigger and build a FT plan. I know I want to get a bundle, so that is why I'm looking at these three. I also know I want a 4 channel. I was getting into the hobby years ago and was learning on a 4 channel, so the muscle memory is there.

Which do you recommend and why? Would the Tutor handle wind a little better? Not of a lot of days under 5 mph winds where I live.

I like the idea of the Tutor because as it it is part of the swappable series. Also, I hear the FT Mustang would be a good second plane. So, I like the idea of swapping out the electronics. (planning ahead ) Cons: Cost more and bigger.

However, The other two are slightly cheaper and smaller (fit into my car better?). I've mainly been flying the Tiny Tutor and the FT Mustang in the SIM.

Unfortunately, the Mini Explorer and Turor are not in the sim. I don't fly the Explorer in the sim, as I don't like how it flys in PhoenixRC.

Something to add. I was planning on scratch building a couple FT EZ Gliders to learn building techniques first.

Maybe I'm just over thinking this... Please help.

 

[Foamforce]

I recommend the Mini Explorer. I’ve built and flown all three. The Mini Explorer is the toughest of the bunch, and that’s really important because you’re going to crash it a bunch.

It’s a pusher too, so it saves your prop. When you’re getting started, even when you’re not crashing, you’ll probably be breaking props on the other two. It’s not a big deal since they’re cheap, but you learn a lot faster if you spend more time flying and less time repairing.

The Tiny Trainer is slightly easier to fly, if balanced correctly, but very little difference. The Tutor is slightly harder to fly, and you should avoid landing gear when you’re learning.

Regarding being swappable, that’s overrated. Swapping power pods is too involved to actually work. The batteries end up going on different places, you have to disconnect and reconnect servos, and you need to rebind your receiver. In practice, everything just gets a separate set of electronics for every plane. Or wait until you wreck and build a new plane.

Keeping the weight low makes any plane much easier to fly. Most beginners try to over-reinforce their planes or use a bigger motor thinking that it will help them, or use a bigger battery… etc. Or they paint it with a thick layer of paint, or colored duct tape, etc. Overweight planes MUCH harder to fly. Try to hit the target weights given on the instructions. Fly it before you decorate it.

Good luck, post videos!

 

[Mr NCT]

You might want to look at the simple scout, too. A very nice flying plane on a B power pack. I like the explorer better than the mini explorer. I made a glider style wing for it with ailerons and flaps (plans in resources here) that lets it fly aerobatic or just float around.

 

[ithink2020]

I recommend the Mini Explorer. I’ve built and flown all three. The Mini Explorer is the toughest of the bunch, and that’s really important because you’re going to crash it a bunch.

It’s a pusher too, so it saves your prop. When you’re getting started, even when you’re not crashing, you’ll probably be breaking props on the other two. It’s not a big deal since they’re cheap, but you learn a lot faster if you spend more time flying and less time repairing.

The Tiny Trainer is slightly easier to fly, if balanced correctly, but very little difference. The Tutor is slightly harder to fly, and you should avoid landing gear when you’re learning.

Regarding being swappable, that’s overrated. Swapping power pods is too involved to actually work. The batteries end up going on different places, you have to disconnect and reconnect servos, and you need to rebind your receiver. In practice, everything just gets a separate set of electronics for every plane. Or wait until you wreck and build a new plane.

Keeping the weight low makes any plane much easier to fly. Most beginners try to over-reinforce their planes or use a bigger motor thinking that it will help them, or use a bigger battery… etc. Or they paint it with a thick layer of paint, or colored duct tape, etc. Overweight planes MUCH harder to fly. Try to hit the target weights given on the instructions. Fly it before you decorate it.

Good luck, post videos!

Thank you very much for the info! I was wondering how swappable they were and how many extra props to get. Great advice here.

 

[ithink2020]

You might want to look at the simple scout, too. A very nice flying plane on a B power pack. I like the explorer better than the mini explorer. I made a glider style wing for it with ailerons and flaps (plans in resources here) that lets it fly aerobatic or just float around.

I really want to get a bundle option. Too bad neither of these are sold as a bundle at the moment.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I really want to get a bundle option. Too bad neither of these are sold as a bundle at the moment.

Yeah, I will second on the simple scout! It's the best trainer i know of!

 

[Chris M]

Yeah, I will second on the simple scout! It's the best trainer i know of!

I built the tiny trainer . Scratch built the simple stick and now doing the simple scout . The bigger planes are easier to fly .

 

[ithink2020]

@Mr NCT @Houndpup Rc @Chris M

I keep seeing the simple scout mentioned as a great first build and plane! So, I'm looking more into the Simple Scout.

I never liked how it flew in Phoenix. However, I just revisited Rickp's Post and he mentioned that he increased the throws to make it more snappier in the Sim. I've adjusted the throws to the what is recommended on the plans and it seems to fly a lot better!

I'm now reconsidering if I need to get a bundle, as I already have a FlySky FS-I6x and receiver...

 

[Houndpup Rc]

@Mr NCT @Houndpup Rc @Chris M

I keep seeing the simple scout mentioned as a great first build and plane! So, I'm looking more into the Simple Scout.

I never liked how it flew in Phoenix. However, I just revisited Rickp's Post and he mentioned that he increased the throws to make it more snappier in the Sim. I've adjusted the throws to the what is recommended on the plans and it seems to fly a lot better!

I'm now reconsidering if I need to get a bundle, as I already have a FlySky FS-I6x and receiver...

Yeah, all you need is the Speedbuild kit and then get the power pack (I recommend the C as it will allow you to expend in the future and I have always liked having a little extra power so if I get into a stall i can pull out of it.) Also if you don't have wheels you will need those and a battery of course! (Its all in the drop downs on this page!)

FT Simple Scout MKR2

The FT Simple Scout is a fun scale WWI reconnaissance plane. This quick and easy build RC plane is upgradeable with FPV for immersive flying.

store.flitetest.com

 

[ithink2020]

Silly questions coming.

@Houndpup Rc Would you recommend lowering the Throttle Curve in my Transmitter to prevent me from using all the power as a beginner?

Also, comparing 1300 & 1800 batteries. Is it worth the extra cost/weight to step up to the 1800 batteries? Esp. if on a budget?

Similar question for chargers. Deciding between the B3 and the B6 charger. Is the B6 faster/safer for charging? I don't see flying something that requires 4 cell batteries anytime soon...

Since I'm planning on making templates and the plans are free, I think I'm going to scratch build the Simple Scout. Aside from the wheels, do know if I just need to add the simple HW pack to complete the build?

Thanks in advance for all the advice!

 

[Foamforce]

Silly questions coming.

@Houndpup Rc Would you recommend lowering the Throttle Curve in my Transmitter to prevent me from using all the power as a beginner?

Also, comparing 1300 & 1800 batteries. Is it worth the extra cost/weight to step up to the 1800 batteries? Esp. if on a budget?

Similar question for chargers. Deciding between the B3 and the B6 charger. Is the B6 faster/safer for charging? I don't see flying something that requires 4 cell batteries anytime soon...

Since I'm planning on making templates and the plans are free, I think I'm going to scratch build the Simple Scout. Aside from the wheels, do know if I just need to add the simple HW pack to complete the build?

Thanks in advance for all the advice!

The Scout is also a great plane, probably the best overall flying plane of theirs. You’ll break more props and it’s less durable than the Mini Explorer, but still a great choice.

Per the battery, I’d go with the 1300. Lighter makes it easier to fly and the battery area on the Scout is pretty short because the landing gear tab gets in the way. A 2200 won’t fit there, I’m not sure if an 1800 would.

Absolutely do not get the B3 charger. Those are super slow because they charge through the balance wire. When I had one, it dangerously misbalanced the cells in my battery. Spend a few extra bucks and get the B6.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

The Scout is also a great plane, probably the best overall flying plane of theirs. You’ll break more props and it’s less durable than the Mini Explorer, but still a great choice.

Per the battery, I’d go with the 1300. Lighter makes it easier to fly and the battery area on the Scout is pretty short because the landing gear tab gets in the way. A 2200 won’t fit there, I’m not sure if an 1800 would.

Absolutely do not get the B3 charger. Those are super slow because they charge through the balance wire. When I had one, it dangerously misbalanced the cells in my battery. Spend a few extra bucks and get the B6.

Who's says it can't fit a 2200! I packed one in there once but that was without landing it gear it was supposed to be really tail heavy but it flew just fine!

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Silly questions coming.

@Houndpup Rc Would you recommend lowering the Throttle Curve in my Transmitter to prevent me from using all the power as a beginner?

Also, comparing 1300 & 1800 batteries. Is it worth the extra cost/weight to step up to the 1800 batteries? Esp. if on a budget?

Similar question for chargers. Deciding between the B3 and the B6 charger. Is the B6 faster/safer for charging? I don't see flying something that requires 4 cell batteries anytime soon...

Since I'm planning on making templates and the plans are free, I think I'm going to scratch build the Simple Scout. Aside from the wheels, do know if I just need to add the simple HW pack to complete the build?

Thanks in advance for all the advice!

Yeah I think a 1300-1500 would be just fine, I personally use the B6 charger because it allows me to set how fast the batteries charge which can help them last longer. Also it allows be to do 2-6s which is nice...I thought I was only going to do 3s when I first started out but now I am doing all of them!
Cool! When I first started out I didn't know about the plans and now I wish I did because I could have saved a lot of money! Yeah, all you will need is HW pack, wheels and then some props (And of course your electronics, which if you need some help deciding just let us know!)....If you have trouble keep breaking props I recommend getting some of these APC gas props which are very strong...what ever you do DON'T get the amazon cheapies! (Like the Sologood slow fly or the uxell) Gemfan is also good.

10x4 - APC Propellers

Sport

www.apcprop.com

 

[ithink2020]

I've ordered a B Power Pack, extra props, the Simple HW kit, wheels, two Tattu 1300 batteries, battery alarms, and a server tester.

After a bunch of research, I've decided to purchase a Hota D6 Pro charger. I wasn't planning on it, but I kept seeing people say to make sure you get a good quality charger. I also like the idea of charging two batteries at once and using an external discharging bank for discharging.

Now just have to wait for things to come in, get some foam, and start building.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I've ordered a B Power Pack, extra props, the Simple HW kit, wheels, two Tattu 1300 batteries, battery alarms, and a server tester.

After a bunch of research, I've decided to purchase a Hota D6 Pro charger. I wasn't planning on it, but I kept seeing people say to make sure you get a good quality charger. I also like the idea of charging two batteries at once and using an external discharging bank for discharging.

Now just have to wait for things to come in, get some foam, and start building.

Nice! Have fun and don't forget to post pictures of your progress here (That is if you want to of course! LOL): https://forum.flitetest.com/index.php?threads/anybody-else-scratch-building-tonight.60613/page-873

 

[tomlogan1]

@Mr NCT @Houndpup Rc @Chris M

I keep seeing the simple scout mentioned as a great first build and plane! So, I'm looking more into the Simple Scout.

I never liked how it flew in Phoenix. However, I just revisited Rickp's Post and he mentioned that he increased the throws to make it more snappier in the Sim. I've adjusted the throws to the what is recommended on the plans and it seems to fly a lot better!

I'm now reconsidering if I need to get a bundle, as I already have a FlySky FS-I6x and receiver...

+1 on the Simple Scout. You have a plane that will "grow" with you. It can fly slow and easy with the correct amount of expo and low rate settings on the controls. You can even start out as a 3 channel. As you become more confident, reduce the expo and change from low rates to high rates and you have a pretty acrobatic plane. If you start with a 3s battery, it is very responsive. If you later move onto 4s it really zips along. You cannot go wrong.