I have no experince with planes at all and am considering getting into them. I have 2 gas powered RC cars, so I know about Nitro. So my question is, what is a good plane for me too start with. Also do any of them come with engines and radio already. I have only looked a little bit on towerhobbies, and it seemed that they didn't come with radio or engine. ARe they all like that? Can I get one with an engine? And if not how hard is it to set them up to fly? My last question is, how much am I gonna have to pay to start flying?

OK, I'll try and hit your questions in order.

There are several trainer/engine/radio combos out there. Some are better than others. I would stick with either a Hobbico Nextstar, preferably one without the AFS, or a Hanger 9 Alpha. Stick with a .40 sized plane, it's large enough to see fine, and less expensive than the .60 sizes. Both of those planes are very much almost ready to fly, radio and engine are already installed, fuel tank in, etc. All you'll have to do to finish the plane off is join the wings together, attach the tail feathers with (usually) bolts and nuts, connect and adjust the control linkages (sounds intimidating but it's very easy) and some other minor stuff. If you take your time and very carefully read and re-read the directions it might take you all of three hours to be ready to fly. You'll have to check the plane's balance, but the Nextstar has the marking already on the bottom of the wing for you, you just need your fingertips. You'll also check control throws and adjust them as necessary, but if you have experience with servos and control linkages it will be child's play for you.

Both the planes I mentioned should be less than $400.00, figure another $50.00 or so for ground support gear, most of which I would guess you already have, and a gallon of 10% fuel.

AMA membership, required at nearly every club field and a very good idea in any case, is $19.99 for a three month trial, or $58 for the whole year.

Not every plane comes with engine/radio installed, but it's very hard to save any money buying the components seperatly and installing them yourself.

You can always show up at your local club field and ask questions, you'll have no trouble getting opinions on what trainer to buy, and you might even find someone selling a used trainer/engine/radio combo a lot cheaper than new.


Andy

Go spend $25.00 and get a copy of Model Airplane News, R/C Modler, and a copy of R/C Report, You will find at least 3-4 in the ads alone, and you will get the feel for what things are going to cost.


Good luck

heres one for ya...http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=7 it is a good flying plane that you can fly for a wile...it with everything but fuel and glow starter...been a car guy you already have the glow starter...

john

I've only been flying rc for about 2 months now, so I know what you think you are up against.

The first person I met at our flying club offered to buddy box with me on his trainer. Maybe you can find someone like that too. You will certainly find good advice and help. There are a number of trainer ARFs on the market with varying options. Used trainers are a great source for getting started. I'm close to being done with my trainer and I will probably fix everything on it and see if someone needs it one day. I may loan it out if needed. Mine is a second hand Xtra Easy 2.

BTW, all trainers take beatings. Don't expect your trainer to always look brand new. They are trainers, and that means a certain amount of punishment from us new guys as we learn.


Good luck.

a65l , thanks for all the advice. You mentioned I would need 10% fuel. I have 20%, will that work?

I use 15% fuel...

The most important bit of info here is finding someone to help you. Search out your local club, these fellows are great and love to help. They consider helping as part of the hobby. It keeps them interested.

I just soled this spring. My son is currently learning. My Avistar would be in a million pieces without the guy that taught me.

20% should work fine, but make sure you have the correct oil content. I don't know how much different car and airplane fuels are, but I do know that my car (an HPI on road) runs lousy with 10% airplane fuel. (.12 size engine) Runs great with "car" fuel, but I don't know if its due to the different nitro content or something else.
You'll probablly want to invest in a different fueling rig for the airplane, a siphon bulb will work but it's a lot neater and quicker using a small hand pump and a modified fuel cap.


Andy

Re: fuel; do not use car fuel for airplane engines! The mixture is all wrong for airplane engines and 20% nitro will have the engine running too hot! I would strongly suggest you find a nearby RC club and get out there. 2 hours at the field will teach you more than 6 months reading about it on the puter box. [8D]