Is this anygood?

[Airborne 2007]

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXARN2&P=ML#tech

I know it's a cheap one, but is it any good? I would like to try control line and want something to start out on that's cheap. If you know of any other good planes to start with I would like the RTF price under $50 if possible.
Thanks.

-John

[mlbco]

The PT 19 is OK for learning how to fly level in a circle. It doesn't do any stunts (maybe a wing over) and can get quite boring after you master the basics. Here's one that will teach you to do stunts:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXDUT1&P=ML

If you fly over grass you might get away with using it as a trainer too.

In general, the 049 models with nylon (non-metal) control lines are vastly inferior to a .35 size stunter and are often harder to fly. They are cheaper and in the case of the PT-19, can take a lot of abuse. The PT-19 is fine if you have no clue about control line and just want to fly a full tank without crashing. Once you get the feel you need a plane that is lighter and has a decent airfoiled wing like the Hyper Viper.

One of the things you'll learn quickly is that in control line flying, crashes often occur at full throttle and over a hard surface. This can take its toll on any model and until you learn the basics of level flight it can be downright awfull. I went through this phase when I was 12 yrs old and back then just getting a full tank flown was a good goal to shoot for. In later years, I flew more advanced models and found they were much easier to fly for stunting than any of the so-called trainers. Very few RTF 049 models can even do decent loops. Most kit-built models with built-up wings have no trouble stunting. I'd recommend a Brodak Flite Streak if you want a good all around 049 model.

Steve Morris

[Airborne 2007]

OK thanks. I have never flown control line before but I can fly remote control models. I have a 3 ch. aerobird. For starting out should i get the pt-19? it looks like all i need to complete this is fuel, glow clip, chicken stick, and battery, right?
Thanks

-John

[TLyttle]

049s are underrated by most. They are cheap, they are (usually) reliable, and on the right model, a bucket of fun. I've had all-sheet models that would do MOST of the Pattern, minus the square manoevers, and many years ago there was a TD-powered built-up model that would do ALL the pattern. Not too shabby.

Sure, 35-powered models have better wind tolerance, and move slower so that precision is better, but even the 35 models that I built over the years I put on a severe diet and powered with 15 diesels on 52' (FAI) lines. They worked really well!

I have no experience with RTFs, so have no idea of what they perform like, I defer to other op[inions here...

[mlbco]

John,

The PT-19 does sound right for what you want. You'll need fuel with high nitro (25%-30% prefered) and a fresh battery for starting. If you fly on a cold day with an old battery the glow plug will flood easily, so get a good starting battery. The recommended starting accessories on the Tower Hobbies site look fine.

Don't try flying it in winds above 5 mph for your first attempts. Wind causes the plane to climb on the upwind side of the circle and descend on the downwind side. Line tension also varies (tight downwind, loose upwind) and this can be disconcerting. You will learn to compensate for these effects eventually, but you don't want any wind your first time out. If you have any trouble with the engine just post your questions here and I'm sure they'll be answered.


Steve

[Airborne 2007]

OK, Thanks guys.