ORIGINAL: lablkilz699
Okay, i've been real interested in r/c planes over the past few months, and i finally got some money for my birthday and decided to go out and buy one of these ARF planes. (to make a project out of it and to keep the inital cost a little lower). I purchased the Super Sportster made by Great Planes. The guy at Hobbytown USA told me it was getting great reviews from the people buying it, and it was only about $160 plus tax. I'm not experienced in building planes at all but the guy there said it's really not that complicated so I decided to try it. He also said that FS2004 (flight sim) helps after I told him i play it frequently. Now before I go and destroy it, I was wondering what sort of engine, servos, gas, radio, etc. is reccomended. Remember, im not made of money, so cheap is my favorite phrase at the moment. I dont want garbage, but just something that a teenage kid can afford. It comes "90% pre-built." Its painted...monokote, whatever....comes with landing gear, fuel tank spinner, and all that type of stuff, im just wondering what other things i will need. The directions arnt all that simple to understand and im somewhat confused with all the numbers and stuff like that. Any tips, or help along the way would be greatly appreciated.
http://greatplanes.com/airplanes/gpma1042.html
I suggest taking the plane back to your LHS and getting your money back.
You might also tell him that the next time you do business there you would appreciate it very much if he used some Vasoline.
FWIW - MOST REPUTABLE HOBBY SHOPS will match Tower's price on major equipment purchases.
The Super Sporster IS NOT A TRAINER. You want a trainer. Being on a budget (and who isn't these days) I suggest the following equipment:
Hobbico SuperStar or Avistar
Thunder Tiger Pro 46 of Evolution 46 engine
A 4 OR 6 channel radio
The total cost for this would be about $310 for a 4 channel and about $335 with a HiTec Laser 6 channel radio. Of course you will need to add in for props (11x6 Master AirScrew suggested), fuel, starting battery, glo plugs, some epoxy and CA. This additional stuff you will need anyway.
The engines I mentioned are very user friendly (99.9% run great right out of the box ), and highly useable in future planes. The engines that come in the RTF's (Ready To Fly ) are USUALLY bushed bearing 40 engines with about 1/2 the power of a 46. They will fly the trainer, but have little, if any, reserve power for emergencies, much less be suitable for the majority of second planes.
The prices I am talking are perhaps $10 - $35 more than an RTF, but the quality of the engine is MUCH better and for the $35 difference, BOTH the engine AND radio are much better.
The equipment I mentioned is available from Tower Hobbies.
The breakdown is:
Plane (ARF ) $99
Engine $89
Radio 4 channel $130
OR
Hitec Laser 6 $145
The simulator will help, however, it will not teach you how to fly. I STRONGLY suggest going to the local flying field and finding an instructor. Clubs do not charge their members for instruction.
Hope this helps.