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Old 10-29-2004 | 09:32 AM
  #17  
Nebbie
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From: Winston-Salem, NC,
Default RE: Lots of newbie questions

From reading through your list, some questions come to mind:

Tower Hobbies Locking Glow Plug Clip

Hobbico 1.5V Glow Plug Battery
Just from the description, these do not sound compatible. Glow Plug clips are usually the clip and wire that run to a power panel with 12v battery.

Tower Hobbies Tower Power 10% Fuel Quart (2)
Buy your fuel locally. The fuel that we use is hazardous to ship, so it has to come by truck. That is if you buy it by the gallon. I don't know about buying by the quart. But buying by the gallon is a better idea. Your largest reoccuring expense in the hobby is fuel. Since a gallon of fuel at the LHS is between $8 and $14, and knowing how many gallons I use in a year (2-3, I only get to fly about 2 times a month), that is going to be cheaper and easier in the long run. I check my fuel level before heading to the field. If I have about 1 quart left (1/4 left in the gallon jug) I stop at the shop and pick up a gallon on my way.

I'm not sure if I need a glow plug or not (I'm not sure even what it does) or a fuel filter, but if I need it, by all means, if I need it, I'll get it.
I don't have any TT engines, so I don't know if it comes with a glow plug or not. But you will need a couple spares. They last a long time, but if you are having engine problems because of the glow plug, it is nice to have another one to switch out. You need a fuel filter also. Get an inline filter.

EDIT: Quick question, the carb seems to be on the front of the Thunder Tiger engine. Is this bad?
All of the 2 stroke engines I have seen have the carb on the front. It is not bad.

Now that I have said all of that, here is my opinion:
With the research you have done (including prices that include shipping), go to a hobby shop near you and see how they compare. Either their prices are close or way off. If way off, ask if they will try to match the pricing you got online. That is for the large $ items (plane, transmitter and engine). For the other bits and pieces, seriously consider just buying at the shop. Ask them who their resident RC expert is. Then ask him/her what you need to get started. You already have a good list started. The hard thing about buying these things online is until you get into the hobby a little bit you will not know what comes included with a certain part. Since I bought my bits and pieces at the hobby shop, I knew that the 3' of fuel line came with my fuel pump. The inline fuel filter did also.

Also, don't forget to get epoxy and CA to put your ARF trainer together.