Im completely new to gas powered flight, i have 3 electric planes and want to get into gas. Just a few questions, i hear a lot about glow engines... and would like to know the difference (if there is one). Also besides the electronics what all do i need. I just want to make sure i know before i get into the purchasing.

Im looking at getting a trainer or some easy starter plane for the first... so relatively small and slow. what are the best engine sizes for these planes?

Thanks

a glow 40 size trainer is perfect for what you need. check the many other threads or head on over to towerhobbies and look up some arfs... also, you don't want to use the term 'gas' and glow interchangeably, gas usually is short for gasoline, which are NOT good beginner planes. (much larger and much more $$$ involved! [8D] )

OS46FX great engine, plenty of power to grow with

Ok great... im pretty sure i know what i need. Now what do i need to get it started besides fuel. i.e. fuel pump, starter... sorry i have no idea.

Also ive heard about the glow plugs, how long do they last, and any other info is appreciated

Thanks

You'll probably see many people tell you to get something in the 40 size (2 already). Your post says small and slow. Since you said you already fly electric, I'd guess you might consider those to be giant. Instead, you might look at the 25 or even 15 size range. I learned on a 15, moved up to 25, and have only owned one 45. I still find the 25 size to be my favorite. It's large enough that it can handle standard flight packs, but the planes don't take up so much room and the engines are very economical in both price and fuel.

On to the rest of your question. You will need to purchase the plane. You didn't say whether you want a kit or an ARF. Any high wing that says it is a trainer is probably a good candidate. You'll also need the engine (obvious). In addition to this, you will need miscellaneous little extras that may not come with the kit or ARF. Note, these extras vary by plane. Sites like Tower Hobbies, or your local hobby shop, are great places to get a list of these extras.

Next is a radio. If you think you will always be flying small slow, simple planes, a basic 4 channel is enough. However, if you think there's a chance you might advance beyond that, you might progress into more complicated planes, consider a 6 or 7 channel computer model.

You're going to need tools and glue for building. Again, Tower or your LHS can help you with this list.

Finally, you need field equipment to get the plane started and fix any problems that might arise. This includes a field box to hold all the stuff, an igniter for the glow plug, a battery tester to monitor the charge of your flight battery (not required, but important), fuel, fuel pump, prop & glow plug wrench, etc. You might also consider a starter and battery, but these are also not required.

i wouldnt use a 40 size engine i would personally go with an OS 46 FX i had a trainer with an mds 40 engine and i hated it it was just so slow in winds of about 8 mph it was just too under powered. Many people might disagree with saying a 40 is under powered but thats my experience with one

I have done/did the same as you. Electrics for 3 years and getting into glow. I still fly my electrics (gotta love a 120 mph sailplane!!)
because I have a private farm. This is what I did. Bought a Hangar 9 Arrow. Its a trainer/aerobatic all in one. I put in a OS .46 AX engine. Joined AMA and local club. Flew with instructor via buddy cord for 4 flights and then solo'd. I still fly it and do immelmans, inverted etc. all your general aerobatics. Going to maiden a Twist at the field tonite. So, if you can fly electric, then your transistion to
glow should be relatively easy. Its just glow is bigger and fly a little faster.

Dave...