Alfa vs. Flying Styro

[Nate129]

So far I have only had the joy of owning and flying Alfa models, but Flying Styro sure has some NICE birds out right now. I know FS models require a good deal more building, which doesn't bother me at all - but how about the general quality of the product itself?
As far as I am concerned, Alfa puts out a GREAT product - so if FS is at least on par I would be satisfied.
How much more building is actually required with the FS planes, and is it really worth the extra time and effort?
I know, I know - a lot of questions, but this forum has to grow!!! :D

[Jon S]

Hey Nate,
I prefer the Flying Styro kits. Since F.S. has beefed up the protective coating on their depron and added the plastic "armor" to areas that contact the ground when landing, I find them to be as strong or stronger than the Alfas. Also, since the builder installs the servo tray, firewall, control horns, etc., he/she only has themselves to blame when these bits come unglued!!! :eek: After having the firewall come off my Alfa La-7, I feel more comfortable knowing how much epoxy has been applied and how. Lastly, the F.S. kits seem to fly as good as the Alfas and they have far more scale details. All that being said, I still like the Alfa kits a lot, especially if I'm really itching to fly and don't want to spend the extra time building a Flying Styro kit. Maybe others will come back in favor of the Alfas. To be sure, they're both great kits.

[imodel]

My only experience with a F.S. kit is the P-38 which I just love! I have built serveral Alfa kits and enjoy all of them. If you want a quick build, then go with Alfa. If you want more scale detail then go with F.S. Models from both fly great and you can't go wrong with either.

[Old Shep]

I agree that both make fine flying models. I lean toward the Alfa's for flying characteristics as the "scale" three and four bladed props (on my Spit and Lightning) don't allow for the same performance as the two blade non-scale props on the Alfa's (Mustang, Corsair, Thunderbolt and FW-190)...Like they say, you pays your money and you takes your chances.
Old Shep

[Nate129]

The Spit, P-40 and 109 are just begging to be in my fleet - that's basically why I am asking.
Honestly, I am looking forward to the longer build-time - the Alfa's are great, but it just seems like there is something missing when it only takes a couple hours to get a plane in the air. Am I the only one with that feeling???

By the way, where the heck can you get the white 109 G they have on their website??? I HAVE to have that plane! :D

[Martin Hunter]

Granted I've only flown one of each, but I'd take an old, beat up, thrashed Alfa P-51 "Marie" over a new, shiny FS P-40 anyday. Flying enjoyment difference was like night and day between the two. Perhaps this has changed with the other FS models, but that's just my experience.

Martin

[Jon S]

Yeah, the P-40 is not the best flying kit by FS, but you get used to it after running a few packs through it. I think it would be interesting to compare the Alfa and FS P-51bs that have recently come out to see if there's much difference between the two. I'm sure both will be more than acceptable.
Concerning where to buy the 109G, I think that one would either have to wait for Hobby Lobby to get it in stock or try to get one from an overseas dealer. Luckily, I'm all spent out so I don't have to worry about it!!! Has anyone had any success with ordering kits from Europe or elsewhere?

Jon

[spinnetti]

So far I have only had the joy of owning and flying Alfa models, but Flying Styro sure has some NICE birds out right now. I know FS models require a good deal more building, which doesn't bother me at all - but how about the general quality of the product itself?
As far as I am concerned, Alfa puts out a GREAT product - so if FS is at least on par I would be satisfied.
How much more building is actually required with the FS planes, and is it really worth the extra time and effort?
I know, I know - a lot of questions, but this forum has to grow!!! :D

Both are very nice, but it depends on how scale you want your planes to be..
The Alfa birds are great and are very quick to get in the air, but FSK models are just as good and look a ton better... I actually like the FSK detail a lot better, but like the 'no build' of the Alfa better (no time or patience I guess)..

I just flew my FSK 190 tonight, and it sure is a joy. I'm not even a good pilot, but I can land it at my feet every time.. Alfas fly great too, but FSK just takes the scale presentation up several notches. (can't go wrong with either)

[Marseille]

@ Nate 129: Try it here:
www.d2air.at
www.lenger.de

They offer this new 109G in their countries, but export it to the US if requested.
I ordered it yesterday... can hardly wait until I have it in my fingers!!! I already own the 109 E, it's a great plane!

[Pilot44]

Have 5 Flying Styros 4 good to go and the Zero 98% complete. Some pics.

Did rudder mods on the Stuka, Spitfire, and Zero. P40 and BF109 no rudder.

Power:

JU87: Mpjet Mark II 25/25/26 Geared 5:1 3S1550"s
Spifire: AXI 2212/20 3S1550's
Zero: AXI 2212/20 3S1550's
P40: MPjet Mark I geared 5:1 2S 1500
BF109: Mpjet Mark I geared 5:1 2S 1500

Have 5 Alfas

F86
Mig 15
P47
P51
F4U

They all fly great... Flying Styros required more build time to bring it to where you like your detailing to be.....

JIm

[dawnron1]

Are the FS models built any stronger than Alfas? I've flow the Alfa Corsair and it flies absolutely GREAT, but they are soooo darned delicate! I've never seen one that didn't have the telltale "crease dents" :( For $120, I'd like to see them made just a little stronger :)