Mfromsc,

Regardless of what engine you're using, whether it dies or not, it's no reason for your plane to be destroyed. People safely land their planes all the time "deadstick". Your problem is definately radio related. You've either got bad batteries or you're getting radio interference from somewhere. Did you, or your instructor, range check the plane before flying it? I could go on and on because there are several things that need to be done/checked before taking a plane up. The best thing that can be done in your situation is to try to find a scanner that will check the airwaves for interference. At our field, if there is ever any question as to whether a channel is bad or not, we simply break out the scanner and test it. Your club may not have one, but I'm sure if you chech around, you'll be able to borrow one from somewhere.

Like I said before, it could be bad batteries, and there are several ways to check to see if they're good or not. As for your engine, simply buy a "new" engine, like a Thunder Tiger or O.S. LA .40. These are two of the best beginner engines on the market and they rarely aver give a person any problems. They're also cheap $.

Whatever you do, don't get discouraged! In my opinion, from the way it sounds, the people in your club could be a bit more helpful. I haven't heard you say much about the people there helping you. I don't know how many people are in your club, but someone should have been able to diagnose your problem. If you left the field with no opinions, that's not good. The fellow at the hobby shop can only go off of what you're "telling" him, he's not there to see the problem like the people in your club. Start asking for more opinions if you encounter problems again.

John