First Electric?
08-13-2002, 12:18 PM
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First Electric?
I am a former private pilot. I have flown basic .40-size glow models using a "trainer" connection several times. I got right/left reversed a few times while the plane was approaching me, and the plane's owner took over control. After that, I was able to keep the plane under control for minutes at a time, doing rolls, loops, figure 8's and low approaches. It wasn't smooth, but I kept it under control, and even the owner began to relax!
I am now ready to buy my first R/C airplane, and I have decided to go the electric route. I am considering the Graupner Tipsy as a first purchase. I live in Florida, a few miles from the Gulf, so calm days are few and far between. Do you readers think this is a good choice? If not, why not, and what would you recommend as an alternative? Many thanks.
I am now ready to buy my first R/C airplane, and I have decided to go the electric route. I am considering the Graupner Tipsy as a first purchase. I live in Florida, a few miles from the Gulf, so calm days are few and far between. Do you readers think this is a good choice? If not, why not, and what would you recommend as an alternative? Many thanks.
08-13-2002, 03:58 PM
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First Electric?
Bill,
I would stay with glow for now it is much easier for a beginner. Electric planes must be built lighter so they can carry the heavier batteries required to give sustained flight.
Although I tend to build very light (lighter flies better) my sport planes still come out to about 16-18oz/sq, ft mostly because I tend to over power. Even with having said that I don't think my building skills would allow me to build an electric light enough for me to get the performance I like.
I also think that glow is much cheaper and less bother, no need to have three battery packs for a days flying (one to fly, one cooling, and one charging).
I live in FL during the winter so I know about your wind, I think that clow is better in the wind also.
I'm sure that those in the silent flight will not agree but that is MHO.
I would stay with glow for now it is much easier for a beginner. Electric planes must be built lighter so they can carry the heavier batteries required to give sustained flight.
Although I tend to build very light (lighter flies better) my sport planes still come out to about 16-18oz/sq, ft mostly because I tend to over power. Even with having said that I don't think my building skills would allow me to build an electric light enough for me to get the performance I like.
I also think that glow is much cheaper and less bother, no need to have three battery packs for a days flying (one to fly, one cooling, and one charging).
I live in FL during the winter so I know about your wind, I think that clow is better in the wind also.
I'm sure that those in the silent flight will not agree but that is MHO.
08-13-2002, 04:37 PM
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First Electric?
Bill,
Bingo Flyer makes some good points....and even though I can go a short distance to fly my 2 electrics, I still perfer to drive to the field to fly my glow models. If you do decide to go electric, the Graupner Tipsy that you mentioned is suppossed to be a good plane. I have a Wattage Mini-Max that flies great, but you need very calm conditions to fly it.
Mike
Bingo Flyer makes some good points....and even though I can go a short distance to fly my 2 electrics, I still perfer to drive to the field to fly my glow models. If you do decide to go electric, the Graupner Tipsy that you mentioned is suppossed to be a good plane. I have a Wattage Mini-Max that flies great, but you need very calm conditions to fly it.
Mike
