Anyone know of a plane that flys like an Ace Simple 400 ?

I had 2 short flights on my Simple 400 before the wing had an accident with a closing door. I really liked the way it flew but would like to check out options for a better looking machine.

Oh, and preferably under $70--willing to build....

Thanks.

Jump in and scratch build. A plane like that isn't hard to design and build and its much more satisfying.

I built the plane in the attached pic, its Speed 280 powered and a little smaller. Balsa box fuse, slab empenage, and simple built up wing. Less than $20 in balsa.

How was yours powered? If you're willing to use an inexpensive outrunner, the Mountain Models EZ series airplanes are not far away in concept from the old Ace Simple Series (but with a few neat new tricks). The EZ Scout is probably the closest one.

If you really want to use a Speed 400....perhaps the prior answer is a better one.

Strouse,

Still having the plans, I considered doing just that and modifying the wing somewhat to give it a slightly thinner profile. That is definitely a possibility. You did a nice job on that plane, BTW.

BEC,

I looked at those models and I'm not sure they'd fly the same as the Simple 400--just curious if you've flown the Simple 400?

I have a Great Planes Slinger which I like--everything but the prop whine. The Simple 400 flew a little like that, good glide, fairly fast, tracks well, but does it all quietly.

I'm powering the Simple 400 brushed, but that's not a necessity. I just did that because there was supposed to be Speed 400 pylon racing in our area which kind of fell through.

I'm close to full throttle flying it (80 watts: 7cells Nimh, 4.75x4.75 APC prop, GWS EM400) so a brushless motor w/lipos would be a good blend. Half throttle for zipping around the sky and full for all that other crazy stuff.