Originally Posted by
bobinsd
Good morning,
I'm new to the forum so here's a little introduction.......
I'm a recently retired police officer and have more time to pursue the RC hobby. 8-10 years ago i got into RC with a high wing Kadet & glow engine, I trained on the buddy box and was able to solo and then flew only a few times after that due to work, life, and other circumstances.
I very excited to get back in the hobby but want to go electric only. I still have my like new Futaba 6XA FM/PCM TX (channel 55) and a few different size RXs and servos.
My questions are:
1. What is a good intro electric ARF/RTF?
2. Can I still use my Futaba or is it obsolete & more cost effective to buy a package with TX/RX included?
3. It seems like the electric RC crowd has really grown since I have been out of the hobby, your thoughts?
Thanks for your time
Bob
What is your flying area like in terms of area and the availability of some kind of suitable runway? Many electric pilots fly smaller planes than glow pilots and many hand launch rather than ground launch because they don't have a runway. There are so many options. Slow flyers you can fly in front of your house. 4 channel trainers and sport planes.
Your Futaba, on 72 MHz, is just fine and can be used. But you may still find that buying an RTF with an included radio may be a simpler return to the hobby. Or get a PnP or receiver ready aircraft and add your own receiver, battery and charger. There are dozens to choose from.
A budget would help and some idea of your flying area.
And, of course there are kits. Some enjoy the build as much as the flying.
As far as I can tell, electric has taken over and now outsells glow and gas. Personally I fly gliders most of the time. Many of my gliders have electric motors which are only used for launching, then the motor is shut off and the prop folds.
Possible options:
A slow flyer that you can fly in front of the house - the Ember:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...-2-rtf-PKZ3400
The Apprentice would be somewhat similar to your glow trainer but perhaps smaller
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...nology-EFL3100
Glasair
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...an-rtf-HBZ7600
Sensei
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXCKWL&P=ML
If you would like to try thermal soaring, the Radian is one of my favorites:
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/radian-rtf-PKZ4700
Plug and Play is a format where you use your radio and receiver:
T-28 Trojan might be a good choice - very popular as a second plane
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...an-pnp-PKZ4475
Radian Pro
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products...ro-pnp-PKZ5475
A collection of receiver ready options
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...eady&search=Go