ORIGINAL: wildwobby
isn't the Alpha Trainer Glow Powerd? WHy do i need all these batterys and chargers and battery packs for a gas plane?
Yes it is Glow Powered. You do not NEED all that stuff. Most of them fall under the "nice to have" category. After a while, you will probably get them anyway.
What is needed? The following items:
1. Chicken stick. Wooden stick with rubber on one end. This is used to flip the prop to start the engine. Do not flip a prop by hand to start it. That would be like starting your lawn mower by fliping the blade by hand. Just don't do it on the small glow planes.
2. Glow igniter. There are 3 kinds that I know of: cord from power panel, rechargable, and C or D alkaline battery. My preference: rechargable, then alkaline. I have both a rechargable and an alkaline for a backup.
3. Glow fuel. Get it at the hobby shop. They should point you to the airplane fuel. Don't get helicopter or car fuel. There are different percentages of nitro methane and oil for each portion of RC.
4. Fuel pump. I use the manual Dave Brown products one that attaches to the side of the glow fuel jug with velcro strap.
5. Expanded scale voltmeter (ESV) and appropriate cords. Used to check the battery level of your receiver and transmitter. An ESV puts a small load on the battery, so it gives a more accurate reading than a regular volt meter.
Probably will need soon:
Spare props. Get the same size as what comes on your trainer. Mine came with a wood prop that broke when I was practicing taxiing. I replaced with the black Master Airscrew.
Spare glow plugs. Get the same type as what comes, unless your instructor or someone that you trust tells you differently.
4 Way wrench. This is used to tighten glow plugs and props.
Nice To Haves:
Flight box. Used to store spare props, tools, glow plugs, rubber bands, fuel jug, etc. I have a Hobbico one now, but when I started I just used a Home Depot plastic tool tray.
Electric starter. This spins the prop spinner to start the engine. Easier than flipping, especially for some engines. I have one, but rarely use it now that I have my engines broken in. Set needle valve according to directions, prime, and flip 2 - 3 times to start.
Rapid field charger. Used to recharge batteries from a 12v DC source (field box battery, car battery, etc.)
I am probably forgetting something (or more than one thing). Ask your instructor when you get to the field.