can any one reccomend a 4ch RTF plane for around £100 ($190) ??

thanks
chudd

I assume that you are looking to get into this hobby and want to know what a good 40 size standard trainer would be in your price range?? Please bear in mind that a RTF airplane is not going to fly itself and without an experienced pilot helping you the plane will have a very short life. As to your question, are you referring to the planes that also include the engine and radio set up?? If thats the case the cheapest I have seen is the Hobbico SuperStar Select MKII . The price on these is $280.00 from Tower Hobbies. If you are just looking for a pre built plane, there are more choices in the almost RTF planes called ARF (almost ready to fly). You can get a decent trainer of this type for $70.00. The Tower Hobbies Tower Trainer 40 MKII ARF .40-.46,62" is one example. Then there are the small electric park flyer type planes but these are underpowered, expensive for what you get and fragile. I wouldn't bother with these. [8D]

i would like to stay electric not IC
any reccomendations?

i have looked at the AT Cessna 4ch 182 at http://rc-expert.com/product.php?pid=78 , but it is on 27mhz and am not sure if it is actually on 4ch? have a look and see what you think- http://rc-expert.com/product.php?pid=78

cheers

chudd

Anyone?

I don't think you will be very successful finding new equipment that is any good for that price. You may be able to buy a used system from someone in an RC club. Maybe check with the hobby stores to find out where the RC clubs are and go from there. [8D]

You probably should post your question in one of the electric forums. Many of the people here think the only acceptable platform on which to learn is a .40 size ARF.

Mistake number one Assuming


chudd, take a look at the gws line of planes especially the slow stick and tigermoth. They cost a little more then 190 about 225-250 depending on batteries and charger but the fly great. Even if they are electrics

Re: "fly great. Even if they are electrics" <<< Matter of opinion!!!

I would personally stay away from the GWS line. I have had them and they are built of egg shell foam material. Pull hard or lift them wrong or crash and they are toast.

You would be best to find a good used deal from rcu market or ebay. You could find others too. Find a club close and ask for help. they may have other ideas.

I just got an extreme RC Yak, and although set the way I have it, a beginner couldn't fly it, but you could set it up to learn on it with help. Its not cheap though, I have over $600 in it just to get going. Electric new is expensive. Just got a great planes sukhoi and motor for $225. Still need batteries and radio for it.

You can go with the really cheap birds, but they are not good.

You can learn on some of the newer electrics. They have come a long way. Best bet, find someone close and ask for help. they may have someone who is getting out of the hobby that can save you a bunch. New, your not going to get good stuff for your price and you will be throwing your money away.

Just my 2 cents.

OK, let's define RTF:

Plane is already built
All electroncis are installed by the factory
Final assembly is 1 hour or less
Includes motor/engine
Includes radio
If electric, includes a charger
If electric, includes 1 or more batteries

The most you have to add would be batteries for the transmitter, if it uses disposable batteries.

That's RTF.

The ONLY 4 channel RTF I have seen in the electric space is the Begin-Air

Begin-Air/Wing Dragon Sportster - RTF - $180
Have not seen one fly in person but it looks interesting
Both sites have video - Video at second links is MUCH Better!
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/begin-air.html
Photos and video (slow download)
http://art-tech.cn/english/ArticleShow.asp?ArticleID=88

I can not tell you if it is a good product as I have never flown one or seen one flown.


Now, why 4 channel? Most of the electic world RTFs are 3 channel. They fly well and you can have a wonderful time with them. Then you have a wide selection.

Below I list electric planes, parkflyers and e-gliders for beginners. Some
come ready to fly, some are almost ready to fly (add your own radio gear) and
some are kits. All of them are electric. Whether you are finding your first
plane or looking for that more advanced electric, you should find something
here to peak your interest.

I don't recommend two channel R/T electrics, so you won't find any on the
list. They can be very easy to fly and can be a lot of fun, but they can also
be very easy to lose. A three channel R/E/T is a better choice as a first
plane, in my opinion.

If you are totally new to RC Flying, these articles may be helpful in
understanding how these planes fly

RC Planes Are not like RC Cars
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=17

Stall
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31

Launch into the wind
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=43

Parts of the plane and how they work
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=54

The RC Pilots Cockpit
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=59

Flying the Plane
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=64


READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I love it and recommend it highly I have
almost 250 flights on mine. It is a ready to fly package which includes the
radio, charger, batteries, and all. $150
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=HBZ3500
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621


Slow-V from Parkzone
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze
Can also be flown indoors in a gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_20...tm.htm#2089493


T-Hawk - RTF
http://www.toytx.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk


Easy Star - RTF
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Discussion Thread on Easy Star
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=258656

MORE ADVANCED PLANES

After you master a starter plane, you can move on to one of these more
aerobatic and 3D flying electrics. Here are a few planes that would be lots
of fun and would represent a real challenge. Most have videos associated with
their links.


3Channel Aerobatic Planes

F27-Stryker - RTF
http://horizon.hobbyshopnow.com/prod...p?prod=PKZ1200
Video
http://rc-galaxy.com/Video/F-27_Stry...ris_7-9-04.wmv
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=392

Sky Scooter RTF - Also available ARF - 3 Channel
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_scooter_pro_2.html
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_s...o_2_vid_1.html
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/sky_s...o_2_vid_2.html

Multiplex Space Scooter - RTF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV5&P=7
ARF
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXGZV4&P=7

Multiplex Microjet - ARF
http://www.multiplexusa.com/product_fs.htm

Viper Twin - ARF
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/viper.html
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/trailervid.html
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/smoothvid.html

Zagi XS - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=1

Zagi XT - ARF
http://zagi.com/index.php?main_page=...&products_id=5


Planes that can be 3 channel beginner planes or 4 channel aileron trainers.

Magpie - Easy to build Foam kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/magpie.php
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/Magpie.wmv

SmoothE - Easy to build Balsa and foam
http://www.mountainmodels.com/smoothe.php
Funny video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/SmoothEsmall.WMV

IFO - Easy to build kit
Demo at the 2000 Tournament of Champions
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/toc2000.mpg
Flying Combat in a gym
http://www.wildrc.com/htmlpages/movies/mk3combat.mpg


4 Channel Aileron Trainers - ARF and Kits

GWS E-starter 400 - Simple Foam Kit
http://www.servohut.com/estarter.htm

GWS Tiger Moth 400 - Simple Foam Kit
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=GWS1020
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=345
http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazi...345/TM400m.wmv


GWS Funny Park - Simple Foam Kit
http://www.hobbytron.net/Funny-Park-...81&PID=1396103
http://www.wildhobbies.com/news/?cmd...articleid=1151


Mountain Models Dandy Sport - Balsa kit
http://www.mountainmodels.com/dandysport.php
Video
http://www.mountainmodels.com/ds1.wmv

Wow, finally an informed post! Great job aeajr!

When I started, and when I started posting here I got a lot of "stuff" but it was the posts with information that were most helpful. So over the past 18 months I have built up about 60 "standard resposnes" that I know will be helpful for new flyers. I know what I wanted and that seems to be what they want too.

The New Flyer's Handbook
by Ed Anderson - AEAJR on the Forums

If you are new to RC Flying, this series of articles may be helpful in your
training. Consider them part of a beginners handbook. They are written with
the new flyer in mind.

If you are going to be successful in flying an RC plane, understanding the
content of these articles will help you.


How RC Planes Differ from RC Cars
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=17

Stall
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=31

Take Off and Land into the Wind
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=43

Parts of the Plane
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=54

The Radio - The Pilots Cockpit
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=59

Why Join a Club
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=64

Lost Model Locators
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=67

Radio Systems Part 1 - Standard Radios
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=44

Radio Systems Part 2 - Computer Radios - A Better Investment
http://www.rcezine.com/cms/article.php?cat=&id=65


BTW, here is a nice little short form that Hobby-Lobby provides. The above
artilcles go into detail. This hits the high points.
http://www.hobby-lobby.com/howto.htm

Good luck new pilot and welcome to RC flying!

wow! thanks everyone
thanks for all your advice, i didnt realise there was so much out there. i have been looking around and saw this- http://www.rc-expert.com/product.php?pid=78

what do you think.
thanks in advance

chudd

Very interesting. Never saw this one before.

would you reccomend it?

No way to know if it is good or trash.

I would not recommend it for a new flyer trying to learn on their own. It might be good if you are working with an instructor or for an accomplished pilot moving on to his second plane.

For self training, or minimal assistance I strongly recommend high wing three channel electric R/E planes in all cases. ARFs or RTFs are my preference for someone working alone, but if you are into kits, that is fine too.

Chudd-

I saw your post over in the electric forum (good choice) and read the thread on the 182 that they directed you to. Based on that thread, I would recommend against the 182, particularly if you are a new pilot, which I assume you are. If you are trying to teach yourself and have a $190 budget, I would consider one of the 3-channel rtfs, such as the Aerobird or the Parkzone Slo-V. You may want to make a more general post over in the parkflyer forum for some other suggestions. I think you would find the 182 very frustrating and disappointing as a first plane.

-Scott

I would recommend the Hobbico EP Superstar if you are going to go Electric.

You can start with it out of box in about 3-4 hours (ARF) or if you get the RTF in about 1 hour and go to the flying field.

I've trained two people this past year using this plane and it really does the job. One of them has graduated to flying Quarter Scale and up planes in the past 7 months. The other is not so avid, but when he does go to fly his original plane is ready and waiting.

After you've mastered the Basics, with the help of an instructor, it can be upgraded to be a pretty hot ship.

Mine has evolved from the Basic trainer it was to a really fun plane to fly.

Flying it now with an AXI 282012 Brushless motor, Kokam 2000 HC Li-Po batteries, Rudder, Ailerons, Throttle and Elevator. (Full House) Dressed it up a little with wheel pants and an Aluminum Landing gear. Has about 100 flights since July 2004 and still a great plane for just sport flying.

The upgrades I did Gradually over the past 7 months as funds became available.

The Li-Po conversion was first and the plane went from 6-8 minutes flight time to 10-15 minutes. Drastic reduction in weight and increased MAH

Second and Most expensive was the Brushless conversion. But well worth the cost in improved performance and Flight times. Now can fly, with good throttle maintenance in the range of 20 minutes.

Ailerons Next - two servos, some wood and a few hours modifying the wing.

Chudd, What you should get is a pusher-plane. That way no matter how many times u smack the ground, you will never bust up ur shaft and gears. Also, i was in the same postion as you were before, so i sorta know what your looking for. Neighbor down the street has baught 2 of the Wing-Dragons by art-tech, GREAT PLANES! AND CHEAP!!!! Now they are called the TIGER_WING!!. I actually decieded to buy one of those for my self to dink around with. Very fun, extremely easy to fl, and VERY VERY durable!! ANything breaks,packing tape and hot glue will fix them, belive me, i've done it. So there is one option right there. Another option is getting the Vortex Extreme( my first plane). Its a bit more expensive, but then its performance is a little bit better. Its also known as the T-Hawk (basically its the same plane). I flew my vortex into everthing, building, the ground, trees, and what not.... you can find those at rctoys.com or just hit ebay up, thats were i got mine. I'm still not sure why you are looking for a 4ch plane and one thats not on the 27 mhz.....You will not find a RTF plane thats on something other than the 27 mhz range, you then have to buy a ARF plane and look into buying your own radio equipment. If you really want a 4ch plane then go with the Begin-Air ( wing- dragon sportster). I have not flown this plane, but i've read that it handles like the Wing-Dragon, just more aerobatic. Those sell for about $90-$129.....my neighbor was lucky and got one on ebay for $85...soo just thought i'd drop a post to help ya out! Good luck flyin'



-Duber, [8D] Flyin' High

Sorry, if i may have got some of you wondering. What i meant to say is that the Wing-Dragon(Tiger-WIng) sells for about $90-$129. And the Begin-Air (Wing - Dragon Sportster) sells for around $130+. ANother thing i would like to add is that you should stick with a plane that had a T tail instead of the V. I started out with a friends plane that had a V and i wrecked it tons of times. THen when i baught my own, i decided to go with a T and there was a big diffrence. All it was, was that it was just easier to fly for beginners. Go with a V when you've got some flying time in![sm=wink.gif]

-Duber [8D] Flyin' High

Interesting comment. What kind of plane had the V tail? What kind of plane had the T tail? I am very interested in your analysis of the two tail designs and how they impacted your learning.

Interesting comment. What kind of plane had the V tail? What kind of plane had the T tail? I am very interested in your analysis of the two tail designs and how they impacted your learning.



Believe it or not Aeajr, it did! My friend had a AeroBIrd Challenger. I baught a Vortex Extreme, VERY similar to the challenger, just that it had a T tail on it not the V. For some reason i felt like i had more control over the plane, and it seemed much more easy to fly. Another buddy of mine had the same thing to say!


-Duber [8D] Flyin' High