ORIGINAL: jerzdvt
Thanks.
"Bear with me for a bit more clarification on RTF vs ARFs and then I'll give it a rest"...no need to give it a rest, I like to learn as much as possible. I will price out some ARF's.
I didn't think the tower trainer had ailerons, which is something I really want.
Tower Trainer
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/towa1110.html had ailerone.
[/quote]
Right now I was looking at buying the Hangar 9 Alpha 40 DSM2. The engine is a Evolution Trainer Power System engine. They don't say what size though. I read up on and saw a video for the .455 size, and they ran a trainer at really low speeds, then removed all the Power System components and ran a sea plane taking off from grass with ease. It comes with the Spektrum DX5E, which is a 5 channel programmable radio. All this for $299. If you think I can do better with ARF than I'm definitely willing to do so, i.e. if the Evolution .40 is too small, or the 5chDSM2 is not that much of an advantage, I can look at bigger engines with a JR sport or Futaba 4yf radio with an ARF.
[/quote]
A 2.4 system is definitely more future proof. The question is do you start with a basic FM system now and switch later, or do you spend the extra bucks up front? I can't answer that one for you, you have to decide on your budget. A basic 4 channel radio will get you through the first plane or two. Once you are past that you may want a few more channels, computer functions, etc.