Why this is the best hobby in the world    Gallery
View related threads: (in this forum | in all forums)

Logged in as Guest



Users viewing this topic: none
    Search This Thread  
 
Printable Version

All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Beginners >> Why this is the best hobby in the world
Page: [1] 2   next >   >>  

Tower Hobbies Get Coupon Codes Brands  
Login
Message << Older Topic   Newer Topic >>
Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 3:08 AM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online 		 I walked in the hobby shop knowing nothing about planes 3 yrs ago. Mow I'm still learning. This hobby is just very deep and intricate. 
Im a medical doctor so I'm a little more educated than most people and still the perils of RC planes are slowing getting in my memory bank.
There are planes, but there are warbirds, acrobatic, sports, pattern, combat, ducted fan jets, turbine jets........ Each of these categories fly different and requires a different set of skills. To the point that if you are flying a warbird for two or three flights and then decide to take off on a pattern or acrobatic you can crash it .
Then there are electrics, glow, gas and turbines powered. The electrics use batteries, wow another science, there's different brands and different powers. 
The glow uses a mixture of nitro, methanol and oil, but wait, there is 0-5-10-15 &30%. Which one do I use. Well that's another science, it all depends if your engine is 2 stoke or 4 stroke, OS, Saito or Moki. God forbids someone gives you a vintage German engine because that's another chapter.
These engines uses glow plugs, but they are 6 or 8 or F. But they can also be long or hot. Whattttttt. If your head isn't spinning by now there is more.
Even the glow or gas powered engines uses batteries, yes both things fuel and batteries. They are foe the electronics. Another science. They are nimh or nicad, lipo, life.... They need a charger which in turns need a power supply. Some are little some are bigger. Which one? It all depends on the CG. That itself is another science. Sometimes the manufacturer tells you where the CG is supposed to go, but guess what it is wrong and the only way to know is by flying a poorly balanced airplane and risking destroying your brand new plane.
So are you ready? I think not. There are some planes RTF, ARF or Kits.
Wait you need to know about receivers and the difference between a 5 ch or a 10 ch, Futabas vs JR. Ready?
Not so fast... Do you know what a servo is? The difference between mini servos, digital, analog and metals?
That is why this hobby is so interesting. You never stop learning, you never get bored because there is always another level to go where you know little of..
Then there is RCUniverse, a web page where all the RC guys hang out, buy, sell ask and answer.

_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures
       Post #: 1

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 3:39 AM   
bingo field



Posts: 1663
Score: 158
Joined: 5/6/2004
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Mt. Morris, NY, USA
Status: offline
Great post!

_____________________________

http://www.tailhook.org/AVSLANG.htm
Sign over Ready Room Door: "Complacency Kills" - Thimk

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 2

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 3:53 AM   
Charlie P.



Posts: 4587
Score: 192
Joined: 2/26/2003
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Port Crane, NY, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: lopflyers
Im a medical doctor so I'm a little more educated than most people and still the perils of RC planes are slowing getting in my memory bank.


Ah, but the further you go in medicine, the more specialized.  Which means the less you know about everything else in the universe. 

You didn't mention building.  Every build is an adventure in bashing or altering designs.  The Zen of getting a wrinkle free Monokote covering can take years to master.



And then you use a Dremel tool to lop off a bit of extra bolt and, even though you made a cardboard shield, it bounces and lands on the wing and melts through top and out the bottom covering before your eyes.  Always learning . .  .new cuss words.




_____________________________

Charlie P. (NY) "Gravity is weak but persistant".

AMA 747089/IMAA 30723

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 3

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 4:02 AM   
Chucksolo69


 

Posts: 525
Score: 169
Joined: 4/6/2011
Last Login: 5/24/2013
From: , CA, USA
Status: offline 		Why? Well, I tell ya, I have been into RC for a couple of decades. Mostly cars/trucks and helicopters. There is no better or relaxing feeling than piloting a plane as she soars through the sky. Just beautiful. But best of all are the two most exhilirating things in this hobby. The thrill of a perfect ROG takeoff and the beauty and excitement of a perfect landing. Yep, this is a fantastic hobby, no doubt.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Charlie P.)
       Post #: 4

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 12:11 PM   
mike109



Posts: 1429
Score: 148
Joined: 7/25/2004
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: DubboNew South Wales, AUSTRALIA
Status: online 		G'day

Some time back in the mid 1950s a small boy and his dad stood outside a model shop in Manly, NSW, Australia. In the window was a row of brightly coloured model engines. The boy was transfixed by the anodized red and blue cooling fins on the small diesel engines.

A few years later his next door neighbor, a boy about the same age, turned up one day holding a small model engine (Frog 150 diesel). The local chemist (pharmacist) mixed up some kerosine, ether and castor oil and a short time later the boys had the little engine singing.

Move forward a couple of years and one of the boys has started to learn to fly control line but this time with an OS 15 glow engine. His early attempts at building were not pretty but they flew and he was hooked. Eventually school studies got in the way and the models disappeared for a while.

Marriage and a real job made the possibility of getting back into models a possibility and for several years he raced small diesel powered, and later glow powered models then his son came along and family again took precedence.

Now the son is 12 years old and a move to a country area again wakes the modeling monster. This time it is RC. The son quickly learns to fly and solos but dad drags the chain and when about two years later the family moves overseas, the models again go into storage with dad still learning

Son moves off to university, dad's job starts to slow down and once again the itch is back. This time it is four stroke engines and slow fliers and at last dad is up and away with his Kadet Seniors.

Ten years have now passed and dad now has a shed full of models ranging from small diesel powered old timers to 1/4 scale models. Teaching others to fly and build gives dad great satisfaction.

It just keeps getting better and better and it all started with a small kid with his nose pressed against a shop window.

Mike in Oz



_____________________________

"I just had no control. Must be the radio." Club Saito #597 Kadet Brotherhood #66

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Chucksolo69)
       Post #: 5

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 12:33 PM   
Luchnia


 

Posts: 1778
Score: 193
Joined: 5/17/2009
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Amelia, VA, USA
Status: offline 		Good post. One of the things that keeps me so interested is that I have always found so many variables that are challenging to me. I truly like that aspect of all the challenges. It is definitely not a narrow path that is for sure unless you make it narrow. Money does affect how far you can go, but what hobby is that not true? It also incorporates various levels of skills from simple mechanical skills in building, repairing, replacing all the way to mind to hand cordination when flying.

Another thing I like is that even the pros and seasoned experts can stumble which levels the field at times and makes us not so well seasoned guys enjoy it just a bit more

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 6

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 5:14 PM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online 		My point is that this hobby is more challenging than most others, take fishing, or hunting. Not to much to learn or do there. I think we are in the best hobby, always learning and perfecting techniques, and when you are done with one category, there is always the next.
Not to mention that you always busy, if you are not flying you are repairing, building or reading about it.


_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Luchnia)
       Post #: 7

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 5:56 PM   
Chucksolo69


 

Posts: 525
Score: 169
Joined: 4/6/2011
Last Login: 5/24/2013
From: , CA, USA
Status: offline

Hmmmm, I think some serious hunters or fisherman would disagree with you there. I hunt, especailly upland birds, it ain't easy. Especially the part where you have to learn the habits of the creatures you are hunting. Then there is the safety aspect of it. A simple mistake with a light foamie aircraft can cause the loss of your plane. A simple mistake while hunting can cost you your life or someone else's. Anyway, I agree that this hobby is all about always doing something in it be it building, repairing, flying, etc. I do consider this my most enjoyable hobby. All my other hobbies, competition shooting, playing rock guitar in a band, etc. are all way too serious most of the time. When you are flying your plane, it's just you and it up in the sky enjoying peace of mind and the outdoors around you.



Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 8

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 6:08 PM   
ATVAlliance



Posts: 861
Score: 113
Joined: 3/8/2010
Last Login: 5/23/2013
From: , WV, USA
Status: offline 		Yeah...I hunt and fish (like fishing more than hunting) and neither is easy.

I can take someone fishing with me on the river and in a canoe.  I will catch 40 bass...they may catch 1 or 2 or 3 or 4...not nearly as many.  I try to make them laugh it off by saying something witty like..."You must not be holding your mouth right or somethin'?".   I even give them the same lures that I use.  Its just they dont have the proper technique to angle a fish.

Hunting is even more difficult because you have to know how too fool an animal into them not knowing you are in the woods.  Especially bow hunting for white tail (only hunting I do as I dont hunt anything I wont eat).

Anyway...I get your point.  I havent hunted or fished nearly as much as I did before I got into the RC hobby.  Its like this RC stuff just completely consumes me.  Its like some heroin junkie.  Im addicted!  Just ask my wife, she'll tell ya!  LOL

_____________________________

SpeedDemon
ATVAlliance.Com

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Chucksolo69)
       Post #: 9

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 7:09 PM   
koastrc


 

Posts: 188
Score: 137
Joined: 5/7/2009
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: BILOXIMississippi, USA
Status: offline 		This hobby is as you pointed out "challenging." Many of the things that are positive parts of the hobby can be applied to other pursuits. In the military and as a law enforcement officer I always fired expert. I was trained to do so. The thing is. The more I flew these things the better I got with firearms. So much so that after twenty two years as a law enforcement officer I set the stress course pistol record. Many think it was because of my use of eye and hand to fly these things. If you fly much, it gets to where you never look at the transmitter while flying. Not even realizing I never looked at my pistol to reload. I would say it was a fluke, but the same thing is going on now and before with others.
There is many other things that are beneficial. The list is mighty long of benefits to this hobby. Assembling, electronics, use of tools and yes the use of the computer. The "best" part of the hobby and what make it the best hobby is the PEOPLE.
One note, my weapon is a model-19, that is a six shooter.

< Message edited by koastrc -- 6/21/2012 10:47 PM >

Hide Signatures

(in reply to ATVAlliance)
       Post #: 10

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 8:50 PM   
Charlie P.



Posts: 4587
Score: 192
Joined: 2/26/2003
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Port Crane, NY, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Chucksolo69

Hmmmm, I think some serious hunters or fisherman would disagree with you there. I hunt, especailly upland birds, it ain't easy. Especially the part where you have to learn the habits of the creatures you are hunting.



My other interests include fly tying and then fly fishing, hunting for ruffed grouse with a flintlock English fowler and whitetail deer with a flintlock rifle and also a recurve bow (1966 Browning Explorer with wood arrows I full-length taper and crest and fletch myself) and sailing a 31 ft sailboat.  The traditional archery/bowhunting and sailing are as much a lifestyle as a hobby.  I shoot a few arrows every day, all year round before I go to work to keep my aim and muscles tuned.  It's a very focusing martial art - clearing your mind and focusing on a spot while pulling 55 lbs of bow weight repetively.  Try it some time on foot at a deer's eye level if you want a challenge.  ;-)

But R/C is my hobby.  For fun and relaxation.



< Message edited by Charlie P. -- 6/21/2012 9:11 PM >

_____________________________

Charlie P. (NY) "Gravity is weak but persistant".

AMA 747089/IMAA 30723

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Chucksolo69)
       Post #: 11

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 9:07 PM   
WaffleMan



Posts: 228
Score: 100
Joined: 2/13/2011
Last Login: 2/25/2013
From: sanford, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Because it's so much more fun than whacking at little white balls with long metal sticks.

_____________________________

Trees have a tendancy to grow a few feet when airplanes try to fly over them.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Charlie P.)
       Post #: 12

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 9:10 PM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: WaffleMan

Because it's so much more fun than whacking at little white balls with long metal sticks.



LOL
I agreeeeeeee

_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to WaffleMan)
       Post #: 13

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 9:18 PM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online 		The there is the transmitter science, some people call them radios. There are 3 channels basics one but nowadays there is an 18 Ch. They can be 72 Mhz or 2.4. They hace crystals or telemetry. Some can even transmit info to your phone.
How about wing loads, dihedrals, throws, dual rates, expos.
You have to have 2-3 weather stations on your preferred pages in your computer because you want to know the wind speed and direction before you go to the field. You have to know how to read the wind sock so you take off and land appropietely.
So I will say give or take it will take the average Joe 2 yrs and lots of instruction to learn the basics of RC flying.
Can you say that of golf?


And some people want to self learn

_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 14

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 9:44 PM   
quiltsfly


 

Posts: 38
Score: 100
Joined: 7/10/2006
Last Login: 5/24/2013
From: San Tan Valley, AZ, USA
Status: offline 		Lopflyers, great article, started in RC in the early 90s, my son and I would ride bikes close to a RC field, stopped one day to see the planes up close, by Saturday we were working on a GP PT-40. The next plane was a .60 Piper Cub J-3 and that was history.
Over the last several there has been more building that flying so the hanger is very large from a 1/4 J-3 down to several PNP park flyers. This is the best hobby in the workd. Great Posts!!!

Keep them in the air
Quiltsfly (Barry)

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 15

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 10:56 PM   
Termites Dream



Posts: 112
Score: 100
Joined: 7/9/2008
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Carmel, IN, USA
Status: offline 		Lopflyers, great thread. I am also a doc and have been in the hobby around 4 years. Wish I had started long ago. There is a huge amount to know about so many different aspects of the hobby. Thats one of the things that makes it so interesting. I have learned a lot about things that are handy outside of the hobby- soldering, gas engines, electronics, battery technology, the list goes on. If this were all simple I would have been bored by now. Am currently contemplating building a Ziroli B 25, which will be about a 2 year project. I expect to learn a lot in that process as well.

_____________________________

"The early bird may get the worm, but the second mouse gets the cheese". David

Hide Signatures

(in reply to quiltsfly)
       Post #: 16

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 11:20 PM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online
quote:

ORIGINAL: Mike873

Lopflyers, great thread. I am also a doc and have been in the hobby around 4 years. Wish I had started long ago. There is a huge amount to know about so many different aspects of the hobby. Thats one of the things that makes it so interesting. I have learned a lot about things that are handy outside of the hobby- soldering, gas engines, electronics, battery technology, the list goes on. If this were all simple I would have been bored by now. Am currently contemplating building a Ziroli B 25, which will be about a 2 year project. I expect to learn a lot in that process as well.


Hey, good luck building. That is in my to do list. What it is I like flying them so much that I can't stay indoors building whereas I can be flying them.
I have a couple of friends, one of then I pay to build my planes and the other one is the engines czar, so I pay him to repair them when I have those needs.



_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Termites Dream)
       Post #: 17

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/21/2012 11:48 PM   
rctech2k7



Posts: 348
Score: 115
Joined: 5/27/2009
Last Login: 4/16/2013
From: Miami, FL, USA
Status: offline 		Welcome doc to this wonderful hobby which for me also is the best hobby and recreation... Glad to know a medical related person likes also this hobby, I'm a technically inclined person with engineering background... This hobby doesn't stop there, it's also part of science. It's continuously developing technology and a masterpiece of generations... Just like equipment you used in hospital, very sophisticated now a days... As a former athlete it's also my vitamins to keep my blood stream at high energy level during busy days. This hobby compose of many fields of technology, science and engineering. It's a never ending flow of experience and knowledge. This hobby connects me to many people at different walks of life and most especially to our Creator. This hobby can be related to many aspect of our transportation specially aerospace where it has a very complex application. Not just about technology but the beauty of nature, when we look to the sky and around us. The linkage between the airplane and pilot, the beauty of apperance in the sky while holding energy, pride and joy of owner, builder and designer...


_____________________________

More than just sports, hobby and recreation, it’s technology…

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 18

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 2:02 AM   
Wagon1



Posts: 137
Score: 101
Joined: 2/7/2005
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Pensacola, FL, USA
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Charlie P.


quote:

ORIGINAL: lopflyers
Im a medical doctor so I'm a little more educated than most people and still the perils of RC planes are slowing getting in my memory bank.


Ah, but the further you go in medicine, the more specialized.  Which means the less you know about everything else in the universe. 

You didn't mention building.  Every build is an adventure in bashing or altering designs.  The Zen of getting a wrinkle free Monokote covering can take years to master.



And then you use a Dremel tool to lop off a bit of extra bolt and, even though you made a cardboard shield, it bounces and lands on the wing and melts through top and out the bottom covering before your eyes.  Always learning . .  .new cuss words.


And then you use a Dremel tool to lop off a bit of extra bolt and, even though you made a cardboard shield, it bounces and lands on the wing and melts through top and out the bottom covering before your eyes. Always learning . . .new cuss words.

Too funny!!!!




_____________________________

"Leave the gun, take the cannolis"

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Charlie P.)
       Post #: 19

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 11:21 AM   
Lightspeed1551


 

Posts: 117
Score: 100
Joined: 7/8/2010
Last Login: 5/24/2013
From: Carol Stream, IL, USA
Status: offline 		There are a lot of things that make this hobby awesome. What I like is the level of participation is up to you. You can fly an RTF plane, a Spad plane made out of corrugated plastic sign, or build a 40% war bird with hand painted rivets. Yore plane can literately be what ever you want it to be.
I started out with a .40 glow Avastar trainer, now I'm putting the finish touches on a custom covered 160 U-Can-Do with a 52cc Brison gas engine.


_____________________________

Listen!!! Do you smell something?

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Wagon1)
       Post #: 20

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 12:29 PM   
KiwiKid



Posts: 162
Score: 114
Joined: 2/7/2005
Last Login: 5/18/2013
From: Hamilton, NEW ZEALAND
Status: offline 		Great sentiments. I fly all sorts of models , but get a real kick out of gliders and ridge soaring.

One wet Sunday I threw a few pics together off my hard drive and made a vid.

http://vimeo.com/37842800


_____________________________

Regards
KiwiKid

Hide Signatures

(in reply to Lightspeed1551)
       Post #: 21

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 4:18 PM   
Chucksolo69


 

Posts: 525
Score: 169
Joined: 4/6/2011
Last Login: 5/24/2013
From: , CA, USA
Status: offline 		Yes, It's intresting how different people take to this hobby in different ways. I for one like civilian type aircraft. One of my buddies is into mostly WWII warbirds, another is into pusher type planes and likes to get them up high and soar like a glider does. His personal best is soaring for 59 minutes and 10 secons on 1 battery. Another likes to fly Slow Stik type planes and helicopters and yet another is into aerobatic Yaks and the like. We have a new friend coming out this weekend who has been flying for 20 years, it will be intersting to see what he brings. All in all, the diversity and the fun, the friends, and the thrill of a great take off, flight and landing is like nothing else there is in RC.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to KiwiKid)
       Post #: 22

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 4:19 PM   
rbrown597


 

Posts: 2
Score: 100
Joined: 2/5/2011
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Visalia, CA, USA
Status: offline 		Great video, KwiKid. One day I will get to New Zealand and see it first hand. But my wife says I have to leave my planes at home.

Hide Signatures

(in reply to KiwiKid)
       Post #: 23

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 4:30 PM   
lopflyers


 

Posts: 1176
Score: 140
Joined: 6/21/2010
Last Login: 5/25/2013
From: Orlando, FL, USA
Status: online 		Wow, that's a beautiful place to fly gliders. Well attended too.
Exactly my point, lots of friends, babies and even dogs enjoying the outdoors together.
What a wonderful hobby of us


_____________________________

Keep your wings level
Club Saito Member #693

Hide Signatures

(in reply to rbrown597)
       Post #: 24

RE: Why this is the best hobby in the world - 6/22/2012 8:52 PM   
fly24-7



Posts: 264
Score: 119
Joined: 12/18/2005
Last Login: 5/21/2013
From: North Aurora, IL, USA
Status: offline 		For me, what makes it great is that in order to have a flight experience that meets with my satisfaction, I need to completely devote my full attention to the process. No thinking about the crap at work, the non-stop activities at home, or anything else for that matter. It's about working to execute a symmetrical cuban-8. A uniform and level 4-point roll. A crisp and equilateral square loop. The hobby is my escape from the aggravation of every-day life...

_____________________________

Never underestimate the importance of altitude...

Hide Signatures

(in reply to lopflyers)
       Post #: 25

Page:   [1] 2   next >   >>  
All Forums >> RC Airplanes >> Beginners >> Why this is the best hobby in the world
Page: [1] 2   next >   >>  




Jump to:


 
Google 



Search | Marketplace | Event Calendar | Local Clubs | Magazine | Product Ratings | New Products | Discussion Forums

Photo Gallery | Instructor Search | Field|Track|Marina Search

Advertisers | Hobby Vendor Resources | Rate Manufacturers | Sign In/Sign Up

SITE MAP!   : :   FORUM RULES

RC Universe is a service of Internet Brands, Inc. Copyright © 2001-2013.

Charities we support that also need your help
Yorkie Rescue | Humane Society | ASPCA | Crohn's-Colitis America


0.941RCU1