Hello,
I've been wanting to get into RC flying for a while, finally have the time
and a little bit of money. Obviously want to start slow, was hoping someone
could recommend a trainer package to get a feel for things. I'm tempted to
buy one of these $200 kits at the hobby store but have a feeling that's not
the way to go. I don't want to waste money or end up with something that
leads me to hating the hobby. I think I would prefer powered flight Vs. a
glider at first, but would appreciate thoughts on that as well. I have done
some control line flying and tagged along on some RC flights so I am not
totally inexperienced.
Obviously I am new to this NG as well, so if there is a FAQ that covers this
sort of question please point me in the direction. Websites for necomers
would be good also. Any help is appreciated.
Rick
rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
John Morley - 19 Feb 2004 17:44 GMT
Hi,
There are a number of basically equivalent selections to chose from.
Beginners in our club have had extremely good luck with the Hobbico
Avistar trainer. This model is a .40 sized high wing trainer that can be
purchased as an ARF with a pre-installed OS engine and Futaba 4 channel
radio for about $300.00. You need about $100.00 worth of accessories to
be ready to go (fuel, fuel pump, glow starter, etc.), but that's about
it! Hard to go wrong for that price!
John
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Dr1Driver - 19 Feb 2004 18:12 GMT
>I've been wanting to get into RC flying for a while, finally have the time
>and a little bit of money.
Get with a local club. Your chances of learning to fly without crashing your
plane are greatly increased. Clubs usually have instructors who are happy to
teach you, free. Besides, it's a lot more fun with others.
I DO NOT recommend the park flyers or slow flyers TOY planes. They break
easily, usually don't fly all that well, and can actually teach you bad habits
you'll have to shed when you graduate to a REAL R/C model.
Clubs and local hobby shops may have used trainer equipment you can buy at
reduced prices. Even if you have to go with all new stuff, you can get a GOOD
trainer setup for around $300.
Dr.1 Driver
"There's a Hun in the sun!"
Mike R. - 20 Feb 2004 07:15 GMT
> >I've been wanting to get into RC flying for a while, finally have the time
> >and a little bit of money.
[quoted text clipped - 12 lines]
> Dr.1 Driver
> "There's a Hun in the sun!"
Hmmmmmm......I thought my Yard Stick was a real RC plane......lets
take a look....got wings...tail....rudder...servos...reciever....flies...goes
up and down left and right...lands......So.. ummmm..hey DR1Driver let
me in on your secret of making my Park Flyer into a real RC
Plane??????
Dr1Driver - 20 Feb 2004 19:18 GMT
>let
>me in on your secret of making my Park Flyer into a real RC
>Plane??????
It'll never hsppen, it's FUBARed beyond all hope of redemption. :)
Dr.1 Driver
"There's a Hun in the sun!"
Fubar of The HillPeople - 20 Feb 2004 20:36 GMT
hey

Signature
Dan
KE6ERB
AMA605992
I've heard the screams of the vegetables...
http://fubar1.freeservers.com
> >let
> >me in on your secret of making my Park Flyer into a real RC
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> Dr.1 Driver
> "There's a Hun in the sun!"
Ricky - 19 Feb 2004 18:24 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Thanks for the advice. I'm in Austin, TX where I know there are a few good
clubs but you know how intimidating it can be to just show up, not knowing
anyone. I was hoping I could just become a master at the HS parking lot!
(kidding)
Lew Garrow - 19 Feb 2004 18:30 GMT
being a newbie myself, I'd recommend finding a good club first and then
seeing if anyone is selling a complete startup set (plane and electronics)
cheap. You'd be surprised how cheaply some of the guys will part with their
currently unused trainers.
Lew
> > Hello,
> >
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> anyone. I was hoping I could just become a master at the HS parking lot!
> (kidding)
Dr1Driver - 19 Feb 2004 19:35 GMT
>but you know how intimidating it can be to just show up, not knowing
>anyone.
Everyone starts that way. Just jump in, grab someone and say, "I'm a newbie,
and I want to learn to fly. What can you tell me about good equipment and
instruction?" Hint at joining ($$$), too. <grin>
Dr.1 Driver
"There's a Hun in the sun!"
aeropal - 19 Feb 2004 22:13 GMT
http://beginnerparkflyers.nexuswebs.net/index.html
MJC - 19 Feb 2004 20:14 GMT
I can't speak for all clubs, but I think I can speak for most including
mine when I say that if you wander in and even HINT that you are a newbie
thinking of getting into the hobby, you will immediately be shown around the
field and given all the help you could want.
DR1 is absolutely correct; you need to begin your modeling hobby at a
club field. As a group, we modelers are gentle to the newbies as long as you
don't call us "old farts". Farts is OK, just don't say old :-)
MJC
> Thanks for the advice. I'm in Austin, TX where I know there are a few good
> clubs but you know how intimidating it can be to just show up, not knowing
> anyone. I was hoping I could just become a master at the HS parking lot!
> (kidding)
BÿkrDan - 19 Feb 2004 18:53 GMT
Sounds like you might enjoy one of the Firebird or Aerobird planes - they're
considerably less than $200, fly somewhat slow and easy, and they're sort of
a cross between powered flight and gliding. They have very decent flight
times, particulary if you invest in two batteries. They're tough as nails,
too. Mine has taken several smacks, including one full-throttle into a
brick wall (ouch).
Regrettably (with the Firebird), none of the radio equipment will transport
up to the next plane, but you can re-use the battery and charger in the
right plane.
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Mike R. - 20 Feb 2004 22:51 GMT
> Sounds like you might enjoy one of the Firebird or Aerobird planes - they're
> considerably less than $200, fly somewhat slow and easy, and they're sort of
[quoted text clipped - 30 lines]
> >
> > rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Rick, I would agree BykrDan on the Firebird...they fly great and
are tough. I started out on the Outlaw and moved onto the Firebird
Commander. Both are 2 ch and easy to fly....The Outlaw cost
$50.00......The Commander about $110.00.
I agree with the rest that if you have a club near by, join it and
find some help. Nitro or electric its your choice. If you wanna "do it
yourself" then start with a 2 ch R/C and when mastered: Get a decent
radio, gear, 3 ch electric ParkFlyer and have some fun.
Good Luck
Mike
swede - 19 Feb 2004 20:51 GMT
Ricky-
Also, you should ckeckpout the website spadtothebone.com. Spad(Simple
plastic airplane designs)are made of a corrugated plastic sheet material
called Coroplast. There are many designs and free plans for durable,
inexpensive, and easy to build planes at this site. The Debonaire is the
Spad trainer.
Swede
> I've been wanting to get into RC flying for a while, finally have the time
> and a little bit of money. Obviously want to start slow, was hoping someone
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
>
> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
jeffm - 19 Feb 2004 21:54 GMT
I had good luck with hobbico superstar select. I started into the hobby
purchasing realflight g2 simulator software, trained on it for a month or two
until i could land in 10-15mph winds, then bought the plane. The plane handled
just like the simulator. Everyone sez to get an instructor, while that is a
good idea, it isn't mandatory...
>Ricky-
>
[quoted text clipped - 23 lines]
>>
>> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Nick Beard - 19 Feb 2004 23:28 GMT
Just be carefull if you walk into a commercial model shop. Don't say you're
a newbie or they may have a fashion of selling you all in excess of what you
really need. ......You need this and....err..... you could use that... and
how about this. You get the idea.They are not all bad, just some. Avoid the
supermarket type of outfit. Get to talk definately to the guys that have
been doing it some time cos' thy will know exactly what you will need.
BunnyKiller - 20 Feb 2004 00:16 GMT
> Ricky-
>
[quoted text clipped - 5 lines]
>
> Swede
awesome idea... made me remember one of my planes I had purchased when
I started flying...
the company builds something ( IIRC) The Airmadillo... ( was in
Mandeville La.) simple square aluminum tubing with the coroplast wing
and tail/rudder assy.the radio box was a fuel tank with the back cut
off. VERY TOUGH plane.. a cohart flew the plane directly into his truck
and did more damage to the truck than the plane ( broke the plastic
spinner the truck had a huge dent in the left rear quarter panel that
reqired replacement... Dent Dr. couldnt fix it)
not pretty but tough as hell...
Scot D
Ricky - 20 Feb 2004 22:10 GMT
> Hello,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
>
> rgmjr321 AT yahoo DOT com
Just wanted to thank you guys for all the great suggestions. Seems to be a
great newsgroup, though I don't understand most of it yet. Hope to soon!
Have a good weekend.
Rick