I have been reading up and looking at stuff on line (including this forum). I have never touched an RC aircraft in my life. I'm itchy to go! What's the buzz on the Hobbico Nexstar ?Select? Is that a good way to start for a brand spanking newbie to go? Are electrics better? I'm just looking for some good advice to start with. From what I've seen so far you all are marvelous! Thanks much!

The Nexstar is a good way to open the door to glow fuel RC's. I ain't pitching it personally, but I have seen it in action in the hands of a newbie. It's a very stable plane, seems sturdy as well. Note: An instructor is HIGHLY recommended!

As for electrics, I'll let someone else chime in on those

Probably the best advice for a newbie is to hunt up a local club and speak to a few RC vets. First hand knowledge is golden. Lots of good ideas here on RCU as well. Use the search function to search for Nexstar, you will get an overload of info on it, both good and bad. Take it all with a "grain of salt" to be sure

Luke[8D]

Thank you Primodus! I think there are a couple of clubs nearby (Indy area) I'll probably try to check them out when it warms up here (soon I hope). Also, as I'm sure you are more than aware of, the (AMA? is it?) is based in Muncie, IN a mere hour or so up the road. I've been collecting information on the Nexstar like crazy. I am really buzzed to get one and get going! Especially the Real Flight simulator software. The idea of quasi-learning to fly the plane before ever actually using the aircraft is great! I'm having to do one heck of a sell-job on the Mrs. to manage the purchase anyway! Can't be doing "auger-jobs" with it! Thanks much!

Electrics are a good option if you have a problem with finding assistance... You can go up in a stepping stone manner keeping cost of what you damage minimized by starting with cheaper stuff.

Cox/Estes has this "Sky Rangers" series of models... $20 RTF 1 channel models. You can learn some stuff from them. (mainly right-left orientation whenthe plane is pointed at you) Its a cheap airplane that can be entertaining to fly... (I bought one and played with it just to see if they were worth anything at all.)

Then there's the 2 channel rudder and throttle models, generally near $50. More performance... and you can learn some more. and still not be rising an $100 ARF airframe and $70 engine and $100 to $400 radio system...

The problem with those... you can't move the stuff into better airplanes... (you can reuse it in home-made aircraft...)

I have seen a plane made by combining an Air Hogs air motor with a 1 channel radio similar to what comes in the Cox/Estes cheapie... it flew amazingly well. (cheap way to go because... no fuel cost.... just pump up the air chamber for 10 sec to get a 2 min flight.)

The options are endless. That's one of the reasons people stay with the hobby for 10 to 60 (or more... in a few cases...) years sometimes.

Yessir. Lot's of choices. Lot's to consider. Problem is cash... I hate to be investing buches of money into the piddly stuff... I really appreciate your input. I'll need to really to think about this more. Thank you

lionheart - Bravo!

Whether you go glow or electric, in addition to an instructor (absolutely recommended!!), a RC simulator is extremely worthwhile [sm=thumbup.gif][sm=thumbup.gif]... For about $50 you can get free FMS simulator software with a cable that will connect your transmitter to your PC. The practice the simulator gives you is invaluable at developing the reflexes you need without ruining your wallet...

Cheers!

Jim

I'd like to chime in. For one, we won't call you FNG!

Your post will generate lots of recommendations, based on different perspectives. Mine is that of one who flies larger planes. Some people on the forum like the lightweight electrics, even if they don't have full aerobatic capabilities.

If you want to get into larger planes or warbirds, your NexStar is a good intro. Also, a good flight simulator is a good purchase, for practice long after you've mastered the basics. I use mine to practice new maneuvers, for instance, four point rolls, rolling circles, inverted flight, etc. You won't want to risk your plane on those, the first time.

Another recommendation, based on the larger plane perspective : find a good instructor (by observing him teach) and get him to show you the basics, with a buddy box. Furnish the hardware (trainer cord and box), and schedule according to his availability. This should result in your first plane lasting long beyond the training period - perhaps even holding value as a used sale item.

Of course, if you prefer the little park flyers, these suggestions may be of little use to you. You're the one who knows your preferences, and you'll have to make some decisions along the way.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

Lionheart,
Welcome to RCU! There should be several clubs in your area. Go to the AMA's website (www.modelaircraft.org) and you can find a list of the clubs in your area. Contact them, and make plans to go out to the field and meet them (We love having visitors that want to talk airplane!).

Find out what the club dues are (Then can vary greatly - My club charges $25 per year with no initial cost, but i have heard of some that charge over $200 per year plus an initiation fee) Once you join the AMA and join a club (Most Clubs require AMA membership) Instruction is free. And without instruction, your chances for success are minimal (You don't want to have to tell the wife that you broke your expensive plane, right?). So get an instructor!

One final comment. If you have really caught the bug, plan a trip to Toledo next month. One of the biggest trade shows of the year is being held ther on April 2-3-4. You'll see more cool stuff than you can imagine!

first check out the clubs...watch ebay...get yourself a good/decent radio, 6 channel with a few memories, so you can fly a regular glow trainer and then switch to a parkflyer..with the one radio..someone in the club will have a trainer for sale or the club may have a trainer you can borrow/rent....watch ebay...I have seen entire newbie outfits (radio.plane,fieldbox) go for $200..in fact I bid on that one even though I had no use for it.....hope this helps,, if you are fixated on the Nexstar, I'm sure thats a good outfit too....I just happen to be a shopper....Rog

I used to sell model airplanes in a large hobby shop. We sold Glo , gliders and Large and small electrics. Ialways tell new fliers, about what you have heard in here. GET AN INSTRUCTOR! Either a friend or, better yet, at a club. Buy whatever the instructor tells you to buy. Learn to fly whatever he flies, electric or glo. By the time you solo you will know so much about all this it will amaze you! Then you will know what to get for a second plane. Can you learn without an instructor with small electrics? Yes ,kind of, but if you ever want to fly bigger planes you will need an instructor then.

Thank you all! I will be contacting a local club here and see about a visit soon. I think that is probably the best FIRST step. I believe I am leaning towards glow-powerd aircraft, however, with the ultimate goal of flying the larger faster aerobatic airframes, warbirds and ultimately a ducted fan A-10 Thunderbolt (My favorite!). If you've ever seen a pair of these bad-boys working in tandem, dropping ordinance about every 10-15 sec. and then "jinking" out, it is amazing! I love 'em!. I welcome any and all advice form you all! Thanks for welcoming me into the RCU!