Cap 232

This Cap 232 is the Graupner 46-sized ARTF model.  From the same series as the very popular Extra 300, this plane should be an excellent flyer.  And with an Irvine 53, it is.  The build is as easy as any ARTF of this size, only requiring a few evenings work to complete.  The test flight was in very windy conditions, but the plane handled it brilliantly, despite it's small size.  Small models of this type are renowned for being a bit temperamental where stalling and pulling too much elevator is concerned.  With this one, it's not too bad at all.  With low airspeed and full up elevator, a convincing harrier can be flown, despite this not really being a 3D machine.

It is more at home flying medium to high speed aerobatics, and for it's small wingspan is very smooth.  Obviously not as smooth as the Extra, but it makes a good 'sport' alternative to it's bigger brother.

The colour scheme is very striking and easy to see in the air.  Most of the small stickers such as the red diamonds are already on, leaving only the larger Breitling ones and a couple of other not-too-critical ones.

I've always preferred the shape of the Cap 231, but if I was looking for a small semi-scale aerobat, I'd probably choose one of these.