Hello everybody! let me explain my situation and see if you can help at all. although you have probably answered these ?'s scores of times , I'm not have any luck with the search window.
I went and purchased a used prebuilt never flown or fueled hobbystar superstar trainer with an O.S. 40 LA engine. as I read the manual I noticed that it's NOT ready to fly. it needs engine break-in & probably balancing. I've read where most of you balance with your finger tips,(seems a little challenging) is there anything I can slap together with household items? I seen the C.G. machine by greatplanes but was not available at my LHS. (speaking of the guy at the LHS he really wasn't interested in my ?'s -I dont know anything I just work here type) also should a beginner be balancing his or her own Plane? or should it be left to a professional. If I do try to balance C.G. do I use a level on the plane itself? or just what my eye's are seeing? The nice man at the LHS sold me lead weights made for wooden car models and told me glue them wherever needed on outside of plane, is this correct? Here is another kicker and please don't laugh, the person I bought the plane from included a CHICKEN STICK, will I get laughed out of the club if I show up with this thing? I'm currently trying to track down a local flying club and someone willing to train me. question is what would an instructor expect me to bring? do I bring a buddy cord for a futaba and hope that someone is compatible, should I have to purchase and bring along the whole 9 yards, elec starter, fuel pump, and all that other good stuff. all I have right now is a chicken stick a glow starter, and nitro fuel. I understand that I will need a field box for the long haul, but some people suggest that you don't invest in all that because they say that this sport may not be for you afterall. i.e crashes and frustration.