As promised, join me for an unboxing, discussion, and test flight of the VolantexRC Trainstar Stunt 4-channel RTF—also known as the Trainstar 500mm brushless RC plane. If you want to jump to a specific part, I’ve included chapter timestamps below. There’s also a purchase link further down.
About the Reviewer: Tim McKay
I’ve been flying RC model aircraft since 1972. Over the years I’ve designed, built, and flown a wide variety of models, with some designs published in RC Modeler and Quiet and Electric Flight magazines, and many more shared on my YouTube channel. I also bring experience from flying in the US Air Force, working as a Certificated Flight Instructor, and most recently as a B-777F airline pilot. On my channel I cover a range of aviation topics drawn from decades of flying.
What’s in the Box & Quick Setup
This one comes essentially ready to fly. Out of the box, the only steps I took were:
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Insert the main landing gear and tail wheel
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Snap on the propeller
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Charge the batteries
You don’t install or remove the wing—everything is already assembled. The presentation on the box is nicely done.
Airframe & Build Quality
My first impression: it’s a solid airplane—one of the most solid RTF-style models I’ve handled. You can see spars in the wing, and there are even reinforcing rods in the ailerons, stabilizer, and elevator. The hinges feel good, and there’s a large battery compartment.
A few setup notes:
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The ailerons sit more inboard (closer to where flaps might be). That keeps the linkage straightforward from a single servo to both ailerons.
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Each control linkage has a U-shaped bend for easy mechanical centering with pliers if you want to tweak neutral.
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The larger “bush” gear suits rougher surfaces.
Transmitter & Stabilization Modes
The included 2.4 GHz transmitter is simple and does what you need. Power is from four AA cells in the back.
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Three-position stabilization switch:
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Beginner: smaller throws + more stabilization
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Mid: a bit more throw + stabilization (I used this for my maiden)
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Expert: full manual control; gyros are out of the loop
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There’s a one-key aerobatics button; in my view, that’s more of a gimmick.
The model arrives pre-bound. The manual covers binding, the XPilot stabilization switch, low TX battery indication (LED flash + beeps), and calibration.
Power System, Batteries & Chargers
It’s a brushless setup and 2S/3S capable. The unit I received included two 400 mAh packs—one 2S and one 3S—plus two USB chargers (one for each type). That’s unusual but handy.
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On 2S, the plane already has good, smooth power.
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On 3S, expect a lot more pep for verticals and stunts.
I label my batteries, chargers, and the transmitter (e.g., “Trainstar”) to keep things organized.
Safety Arming & Bench Checks
There’s a safety arming feature: after plugging in, advance throttle to full, listen for the beep, then back to idle—the motor arms after that. My bench test showed:
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Elevator, rudder, ailerons moving correctly
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Gyro compensation working as expected (pitch down → elevator up, etc.)
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The motor runs very smoothly and feels securely mounted
Maiden Flight (Calm Day, Mid Mode, 2S)
Conditions were ideal: sunny with basically no wind. I chose Mid mode and a 2S pack with a ground takeoff.
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Takeoff: Full power and it jumps into the air. I felt in full control immediately.
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Trim: Virtually no trim required.
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Power: Mostly half throttle in cruise; full throttle for climb.
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Landing: Straightforward—line up, reduce power, touch down.
This is a fast flyer—not heavy, just solid with a relatively modest wing area in keeping with the stunt intent. It isn’t a “fly very slow” airplane (and it’s not designed to be). That said, it handles well and feels comfortable in the air.
Takeaways
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2S makes it a very workable trainer setup.
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With 3S and Expert mode, it becomes a no-kidding stunt airplane.
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Overall: flies great, feels solid, and the setup is minimal.
Chapters
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00:00 – Intro
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00:42 – Trainstar overview
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01:44 – Trainstar unbox
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02:48 – Discussion of the Trainstar RTF RC airplane
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05:23 – Trainstar instruction manual
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06:21 – Trainstar power-on checks
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08:41 – Test flights at the RC field
Watch the Review
Purchase Link
Purchase Trainstar here: