RC4me:

Why post to a new thread, keep everything here in this thread.

Papa, I would do the research individually on each item. Research and decide on a plane, then your engine, and your radio. They dont need to be in that order because most of the trainers are about the same on the engine requirements.


Anyway, as for specifics my suggestion for a first plane would be the Superstar .40, Sig LT40 or 60, or of course the Avistar.

You cannot go wrong with any of those planes and I think they all have a particular version that is an ARF and comes with monokote.
The Tower trainer suggested in the thread above does not come with monokote but rather with contact paper as far as I know.
This means that when you tear the covering (You will) that you wont be able to patch it easily. Most people at my field that have contact paper use clear packing tape to cover the bruises. Momokote is the way to go, I keep a roll around and when I have to patch something up, I just cut me a piece and apply some heat with my covering iron.

As for the engine:
I suggest the O.S .46FX, you will be more than pleased with this engine and it will last a very long time. Its more than enough power for any of the above .40 size planes. The .40LA which I think is cheaper has a bushing on the shaft instead of a bearing. THis means that the .40 would have a shorter life in comaprison to the the .46FX which has a bearing.

Radio:

Some will say to grab a 4 channel cheap radio. I have to suggest that you go for at least an entry level computer radio. It will last you for a while and will do just about anything you need right now.
I run a Futaba 6XAS, it is an awesome radio but I am already looking at the better radios..Futaba of course. It will be a little while but I will step up. The 6xas is plenty though for my superstar and will work great for my second plane the SIG 4* 60 (Under Construction).
Keep in mind that Im not pushing brands just offering my choices.


JR is a very popular radio as well as Hitec. In particular I like the Hitec because of the Spectra module. It allows you to dial in different frequencies on your transmitter considering you have bought the rcvr crystals. While you may not need all the channels, its certainly something to look at if your club is rather large and busy.

anyhow, once you decide on what you want (took me about 3 to 4 months to put it together) Start shopping. You might be able to find it in a package deal but I doubt it.
I feel like the package deals leave a lot to be desired. They have to get a reasonable price somehow and I feel they throw in cheapos to do it. Most package deals I have looked at are..Hey everything is great except for...


I suggest you start doing searches on this forum and reading as much as you can. I hate it that I dont have a laptop, cant take the desktop into the bathroom to read...lol
And of course fire off as many questions as you can think of here, you will find that there are some very intelligent people on here that are happy to help out.

MinnFLyer and MikeL are two that I always see on the board and always seem to have a good attitude and good answers. So thanks to them for being so helpful.
Thanks to all the others as well.

Just mine

Dbow