kc_hhsl

I'm looking to purchase my first RC plane - no clue what to get. So any suggestions on what I should be looking for and probably more important what to avoid. There is a club in my area - and I know a couple of guys involved in it.

What is the most economical way to buy a RC plane or is it better to buy them new?

Are there any books or magazines I should pickup?
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Is this forum active? I've found three forums and one didn't look to be very active.

Thanks
KC

AllModesR/C

Welcome aboard. The most economical way is to look for used stuff on Craigslist. Just type in RC plane in your local one. You can find some amazing deals out there. Do you want to fly electric or glow powered models?

Skyhawk940

Meet with some of the club members. They will more than willing to help. Go see what they are flying. You might even get some stick time to try it. I've giving equipment to beginners to help them get started, They won't steer you wrong.. We bend over backwards to help get someone interested in this hobby. When all of us 'ol timers' are gone the hobby may die out.

Skyhawk

red head

Go to the club and find a mentor. DON'T try it alone / by yourself it will just end up costing you money and pain . ASK for help from someone that knows what they are doing . Red

AllModesR/C

Yes, definitely go to the club. A lot of hobbyists have many planes and might give you one or sell for cheap. I recently picked up a Park Zone P-51 electric from the senior instructor at the local club for twenty bucks. I fly glow therefore my support was more limited but the instructor still helped me maiden my trainer and we'd switch off.

jester_s1

I wouldn't expect free planes at the club, but there will definitely be free information which is better in many ways.
Don't buy anything until you've visited the club. If they have buddy boxes, you may need a compatible radio. And instructors are often partial to certain planes, so you might as well get what they like to teach with.