new to the airplane area of rc. im going to check out a couple of the local clubs for additional advice but i want to look here too. since im just starting i dont want to spend much $ at all. im looking at 2 models right now. the hobico avistar 40 for 269. of the tower hobbies model w/ the .46 engine for 259. has anyone had any expierience with either of these?? what do you suggest?? thanks

First, welcome to RCU! Great bunch of people and you'll get good advice. (You're also going to hear a million opinions on what trainers are the best!)

Truthfully, pretty much all of the 40 size glow trainers out there are fairly equal, and either of those you mentioned would be a good start. Keep in mind, there's quite a bit more to buy though, so plan on at least another $150 to $200. (AMA and club memberships alone will run about $100.) Then there's fuel and fuel pump, glow igniter and charger, 12 volt starter, battery and charger, extra prop or two, fuel line..... You get the idea.

Visit the club first. Sometimes you can buy a used trainer and maybe some used support equipment and save a $100 or so. It's also best to find out what equipment the instructors use so you can buy compatible stuff.

Good luck, and have fun!
Dennis-

Just noticed that you're from Massachusetts; where abouts? Our club has a field in Westboro, and there are at least 6 or 8 other clubs in MA. (Actually more like 15 or 20, but many of them are specific to helis or gliders.)
Dennis-

I would recommend the avistar. It is more aerobatic and will take you farther into the hobby compaired to the flat bottom trainer.

im from springfield. i know there are a bunch of clubs in ma, but none of them are close to me. the closer ones to me are in ct..

I'm glad that you've been able to locate a couple. Hopefully there's at least one within a half hour.

I belong to two clubs, and both are almost exactly a half hour drive.
Dennis-