Hi Harvey

The folks at Hobbytown on East St. (I'm assuming thats the one you went to) are not a good source of information. They are after profits, not helping modelers. I only go there if I need some small item quickly. Other than that, I either buy online, or drive further to find much better prices and service. (Doug's Hobby Shop is good, as is Hobby City).

There are a few fields in the area. I was a member of the Frederick Model Aircraft Club (www.frederickmodelaircraftclub.org) for a few years when we had a nice field. After we lost that one, the club pretty much went downhill. They reopened a field near Emmitsburg (at Tom's Creek), and I flew there a few times, though the drive was a bit long for the quality of the field. Recently, they have opened a field much closer to Frederick (off 340, near the Mt. Zion exit). However, when I went to see the new field in ealry June, I was extremely disappointed at the quality of the field. It was extremely small and rough, and not set-up at all. It was pretty sad. (I was afraid to taxi my planes it was so rough). Brad Davy is the president of the club now, and he frequents the forums (and in the Beginners forum too) under the screename bkdavy. (Brad, if the field is in better condition now, let me know so I can re-join; I need a place closer to home to fly at)

Lately, I've been flying at the Westminster Aeromodelers field's. They have 2 field, both large, smooth, and flat, with good facilities. The members there seem more friendly and open to everyone and all kinds of flying. A real good group of guys. Check them out at www.flywam.org. (The drives to the fields from Frederick are ~30-40 min)

There is also DCRC, probably one of the best fields/clubs in the area from what I hear. (I do not have personal experience with this club yet). This is a large club, with very good facilities, located near Germantown. www.DC-RC.org.

There are a few more that I have not been to (Pegasus, South Carrol, etc), but here is the link from the club locator from the AMA website: http://www.modelaircraft.org/ClubZip...x?z=21701&d=50


As for learning to fly, your best bet is to join the AMA, join one of these clubs, and get an instructor to teach you just about everything to need to know to get you started in flying. Instructions should be free at all these clubs. While I recommend starting with a nitro powered trainer, there are a few good electric ones out there as well. Since, I do not have personal experience with good electric trainers, I will let other people chime in here.

Hope this helps!