Tower Hobbies Sky Runner ???

[toywizard]

Has anyone tried the Sky Runner from Tower Hobbies?

Good, bad or ?

[Wings]

I've never tried it, but most everyone I know of who have consider it an "iffy" model at best. You get what you pay for. Hobbico isn't known for making high quality models, and for what they charge I doubt they could and still make a profit.

What's your interest? There are lots of excellent models available, and depending on your interests I may have a few suggestions for you to look at. They'll likely cost a bit more, but a good model is way more than worth the difference.

Good luck. :)

Wings

[toywizard]

I purchased one still in the box RTF. Even with extra battery, from a gentleman getting out of the RC planes due to eyesight.

It was a good deal so I went for it. I checked afterwards @ tower hobbies and the package as I got it goes for over $200.
I paid $80. so I know I did not get burned.
At that kind of deal, I could even part it out for my other stuff.

I had not heard of anyone flying it, so I was looking for any insight before setting it up and trying it out. Box still in celophane.

I would not have purchased it even for $150 but this deal I could not pass up.

I also got a Sig Scamp from the same guy. Nice little plane too.
He had it all setup with a new OS .15LA (one tank of fuel run through so far), a new Voltwatch, a new Tower Hobbies system 3000 4FM / 3 servos and a glow starter. all for $100.

He, like myself loves the lazy bees. and had similar war stories to match.

Great deals!

I was suprised at TH's price on the Sky Runner. A little steep for what it is.

[Wings]

Are we talking about the same plane?

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p.pgm?Q=1&I=LXK969&P=7

This one lists for $64.99.

Wings

[toywizard]

You are correct, But, the $64. is for just the plane.
The package is .......$203.71 for the whole deal. IE
Radio, reciever, batteries, charger ,all the misc crap that goes with it. $203.71
In the catalog, I think it was a little more but no matter.
I got it for $80 and I think for what it is.........I got a great deal.

You should remember that not everybody wants to put hundreds of dollars into a plane. There are many levels of planes in this hobby. And often, something that did not cost a lot will actually give you more enjoyment where you don't need to worry about the cost of destroying it. And god knows they get destroyed!

But for some, this is one level.
Very few of the people can afford to start out the way others feel they should.(If you add up all the misc. items it takes in real life to fly RC, it is expensive).
Very few of the newbies stay in the hobby to utilize what they have purchased. (They have been talked into more than they need, and after the first crash, and they see the damage, they get pretty discouraged.)
I believe that a newbie should get into the hobby with a disposable, complete package that will allow them to fly without worrying about the future.
The first complete package may be a complete throw away. This will allow them to experience the hobby without putting $300 or more to startup.

If they like the hobby and want to stay in it, they will spend what is needed to make the next step up and turn over their old learning stuff to someone else to start out with. If the first equipment has been trashed, (which I expect) then it is called experience.
Lets face it, the hobby is changing and the "disposable" hobby planes for those that want to start out by getting their feet wet is here to stay.

Once someone decides that this is a hobby they want to stay with, then they will make the proper decisions (with the help of bulletin boards) to purchase items that will last them and will be upgradable or at least adaptable to other models.

With all the planes I have (9) from electric to glow, some of the most fun I have is with a $59.99 Spinmaster "Intruder".

This plane is a twin engine, two channel electric that controls left/right with motor speed and elevator with motor speed.

Its a riot in the back yard and its cheap.

And having "Fun" is what its all about, right?

[dstout]

The price in Tower is for the whole kit, radio and everything. I ordered one at Christmas for $75 but sent it back because it weighs a ton. It was to be a present for my nephew. Wound up getting him a LiteStik FD, Gws Pico gear, and a Futaba Transmitter. Much better set up for a few $ more. The Runner will fly I hear but only with extensive mods and $$$. The Radio seems good though - 2 channel glider perhaps?

ps. fun is indeed what it's all about. My current fave? Walmart $3.96 glider - no stickers - tossing around in the back yard with my 2.5 year old. Now that's fun!

[toywizard]

Well, I am a little confused.

My box says "stock number HCAA2002"
The TH catalog has the same stock # on page 36 or 37 and it is RTF for 219.99

On line @ the TH web site as mentioned above, the stock # is HBC001EN and the price is 64.99 (I thought that was for the plane only).
When you click on the mfg info it goes to item # HCAA2002.

Which is which? I will find out. Hey, what the heck. I either got screwed or a hell of a deal. Water over the dam at the moment but it will nag me till I find out. I will contact TH for the answer.

[toywizard]

Yup! we are all right.

You are correct that the TH Skyrunner is 64.99 on line.
It is a sale that I was not aware of.
My loss.

The catalog does list it for 219.99 apparently it did not sell well and they reduced it ones before to 79.99 and now again to 64.99

I got screwed, however I won't feel so bad if I slam it into a tree. LOL

I do love disposable planes but would have liked it better if I got it for as cheap as possible.

Oh well, such is life. I am still happy though. I think I got a good deal on the other setup but..shhhhhhh don't bust by whole bubble. LOL

[toywizard]

Will live with it but.........

Dstout , you are correct, I have not weighed it yet but it is heavy.

Its simple enough and I put it together tonigh. Some of it I like, and some of it, not.

The tail area seems weak. The wings have good form.
The servos are at least rugged at this moment.

The TX, well, the first non windy day will tell. I am going to test out the distance it will transmit. we will see.

I have seen (through searching) several problems with this plane, ie , overheating motor, weak tail section, etc.

I will give it the benifit of doubt. time will tell.

I don't really care about whether I got a deal or not cause from what I see from other posts and you guys,,,, nope.

It will give me stuff to mess with. I might put some of the guts into a foamy anyway. I will keep all posted on flights.

[toywizard]

Ya, the fusalage is a piece of crap but.....she does fly.

Check out my post here...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RC_Lovers


Busted the cowl off......thin foam, taped up and flew!!!

[dstout]

I might have to get one if the price comes down a little more. Maybe the gear would be better suited for a model like the Piece o Cake - powered glider.

Keep us posted on your successes.

Dan

[fly_joy]

The plane looks like it would do OK if it was equiped with micro equipment.

The included servo's weigh almost 2 oz each! Talk about good design practice.

It's a good deal if you have a use for a 2-channel AM set up and heavy servos. Unfortunately I don't.

If you bought the gear separately it would cost you a lot more than $65.


To those who have it, I wish you good luck. ( and think about converting it to a 3 channel set up with light gear)