Ally
New Member
Posts: 3
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Post by Ally on Apr 15, 2004 5:18:27 GMT -5
I have decided to come into the world of PPS, and i was wondering if anybody could point me in the right direction on where to buy my first PPS model.
CHeers
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AndyB
New Member
Posts: 45
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Post by AndyB on Apr 22, 2004 17:38:41 GMT -5
Well... that depends on your circumstances and inclination.
<personal opinion>
As PSS is a bit of a niche pastime, there aren't that many traditional kits around. Those that are available (Flair Lightning, Hunter, AMD kits (various), etc.) seem to be aimed mainly at slopes that produce lots of lift; the notable exception to this is the Modeltec Mustang (which I believe now comes pre-covered from YT International) which will fly in next to nothing.
There are some EPP kits available but many of them seem to be rather un-scale (with a few exceptions); I'm not a fan for that reason but many people are quite happy with them.
There are, however, several very good plans available from (e.g.) Traplet - some of the designs by Paul Janssens (Yak 9, etc.) are known to fly well. I think a plan will usually give you a better, lighter and more accurate model, and isn't that much slower to build than a kit if you get the wings cut and veneered by one of the usual suppliers.
</personal opinion>
Hope this helps
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Post by Phil Cooke on Apr 27, 2004 16:38:48 GMT -5
Hi Ally, Welcome to the world of PSS modelling! ;D As for recommending what to start out with, it really does depend on your experience in modelling (building and flying I guess) and also what you want from the model in question. As Andy has pointed out, there are a number of good foam models on the market which would get you into PSS, in a semi scale and rather modern-materials kind of way. If you can live with the semi-scale nature then you can not go far wrong with a Hawk, Tucano or Aermacchi from Pheonix models. (see link on main website Links page). All these models are easy to build and fly, of managable size and wont break the bank. They also bounce if your flying skills are still being developed!!! If you want something a little more scale, but still foam for simplicity/longevity, then take a look at the Vortex Vacforms warbird range. Again, see the link on the site. The Mustang in particular is a well mannered and well proven model. I have seen many of these models on the slope and they always go well! A notch up on size, cost and realism from the Phoenix range, yet still EPP and therefore rugged/bouncable! However, if you want to go more scale still, and are capable/willing to build from a plan, then I would recommend perhaps building something like an Andy Conway Hawk or Steve Griffiths Tucano. A lot more work, resulting in a near scale model. Yet both still good stable flyers. The choice is yours, remember that the essence of PSS modelling is about building scale models really, but the semi scale foam models do make a good introduction to the sport and get you flying quickly and safely - it would be a crime to put 100hrs building into a model only to find out you really dont take to PSS after all!!! Hope this helps in some way - for reference my first model was an Andy Conway Hawk - I have built 4 others since as it is such a winner!! Good luck - let us know what you decide upon!!!
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