I woke up yesterday with a hankering to fly a airplane,i have no idea where it came from but i looked at some of the posts in here and i don't know now.I don't know how i'm gonna like it and putting down $500.00 for a hobby i might or might not like is too much for me.Back in the late 60's or early 70's i had this little plane i flew on wires or maybe it was string,i'm too old to remember now but i had fun with it and thought i would like to do it again.The planes have gotten a lot bigger and cost more,the plane itself doesn't cost that much but the engine and 6 channel controller is what i'm finding that is the major cost.Would somebody point me in the right direction or give me some ideas ?.
Thanks

Find a flying club in your area and they will get you started out right.

Where in Texas r u?

I think i know where there are two different clubs that fly so i'll go watch them and ask questions.I like the Tower Trainer 40 MKII ARF and it's $79.99 ,with a controller like Futaba 4YF 4-Channel FM/4 S3004 Servos for $129.99 and the engine is a O.S. .40 LA w/Muffler Natural ....$54.99
.I'm assuming this is the initial cost plus prop and other goodies.
Thanks

Take a look at Hobbico's NexStar and/or Hangar 9's Alpha 60....both good flying birds.

Jerry

PS AND WELCOME!!!!!!(to the best hobby)

hey im new and i have a history project due and i am reseaching on the history of r/c planes and i dont know where to look and by the way im somewhat new to r/c and surprisingly my first model was the fan-tastic at-6 and i sucssefully flew it

Well, that's the VERY basic essentials. But in addition to the plane, engine and radio equipment, you'll need to spend another $150 to $200.

Here's why.

1) You really need to join a club to fly glow powered RC, almost every club requires that you have an AMA membership (for the liability insurance), and AMA is $58 per year (if your over 18). Here's a link. http://www.modelair.org/
2) Club membership will be somewhere between $25 and $125 per year.
3) Other stuff you'll need: Fuel ($15 per gallon), 3 feet (minimum) fuel line ($5), Fuel Pump ($15), Glow Plug Igniter and charger ($20), if there's any way you can afford it - 12 volt starter for the engine with a 12 volt battery and charger ($65), an extra glow plug and a couple extra props ($10).
4) Then you'll need some CA Glue ($5), some 30 minute Epoxy ($5) and other stuff you may or may not have, like screwdrivers, pliers, small saw, sandpaper....

One thing this hobby is not, is cheap. []

To start with new equipment and buy everything you'll need including memberships, I usually tell folks to expect to spend $450 to $500.

Go to those clubs FIRST! They may have a club trainer that you can start with, or someone may have a used trainer package they'd be willing to sell cheap. (I've helped people get started with plane, engine, radio and a few extras for about $150 a couple times.)

I'm not trying to discourage you, but thought you should know the truth before you jump in.

Good luck, have fun, and welcome to RCU!!
Dennis-

Initial costs can be high...

They can also be low.

Go to where your local clubs fly, and hang around, meet the guys, and let them know you are interested. All clubs are different, but several that I have belonged to had a "Club Tainer" plane. We will bring it out to the field, and let "Pilot Wannabe's" fly it on a "Buddy Box" system (This is a system where we link two Transmitter together, so if you get in trouble, the instructor can take over control).

Club members can also point you in the direction of good used equipment at low prices.

Also, while there is a lot of field gear needed, a lot of clubs will have a few people who will be happy to loan you whatever field equipment you need at first until you get established. The only thing we require, is that when the time comes, YOU return the favor to other newcomers.

5_spot,

You've gotten some good advice so far..

One thing to remember while the startup can seem costly the majority of the equipment will be used for years with a varity of models

My starter was purchased in 1985 and I'm still using it
Some of my engines are even older

Also remember that most of us aquired our gear over time.

The bare essential equipment neccesary to fly your plane is less then 50.00
1. Fuel
2. Fuel Pump
3. Chicken stick
4. 1.5 volt battery
5. Glow clip
6. Assorted tools (srcewdrives allen wrenchs pliers, open end wrenchs) you probably already have these items

You can also get started with an inexpensive electric park flyer.

Generally, I think you'll be better off in the long run spending the money onr a good glow-powered setup and following the advice above.

But if you want to really cut down the costs, there are some electrics you can fly for under $200. Look at the aerobird, it has regular flight controls (elevator, rudder, throttle), and is one of the better flying "all-in-one" packages out there. The downside is that the radio etc that comes with it are not reuseable in other planes later if you decide to really get in to the hobby.

Look at ebay too and you can find deals on trainers and radios. Ask us for help picking if you need it. First go to the local field and see what radios they are using so you can hook up a buddy box with them for learning. Its a big help. You can save some, but remember, the radio and engine can last a long time. Get good stuff, not cheap junk. Stay away from those cheap combo foam planes that last a flight or two. If you get good stuff and don't like it, it has a good re-sale. If you get junk, its just junk and you can't get rid of it.

Have fun.

I live between Rockwall and Greenville on IH-30