Hello,

My name is Ben and I'm 14. My only RC Plane experiece came last August when I got the RTF Firebird Commander. My dad was flying and he took it to high. We lost it over the woods.[&o]

Now I just want to tell you all what I'm looking for and you can give me some advice. I don't want to spend to much money. To be honest, I dont have much money. I'm looking to spend between $150 and $250. $250 being absolute max because I also have to join the local club. I'm mostly interested in general flight. Not all this crazy hove stuff. Also I'm not decided if I want gas or electric.

Hopefully you can give me some help!

-Ben

unfortunately you a severly limited with that amount you can spend. You dont have anywhere near enough for a decent nitro trainer setup, you need al the field equipment to go with it.

sean

Hmmm...I've seen some RTF 3-channel planes for $150. What are you talking about? Maybe you could give me some advice also.

For a decent nitro RTF, you'll have to bump up the budget a tad, especially if you factor in field equipment. The Avistar has just a little dihedral and a semi-symmetric airfoil, so it will be more fun than the Tower Trainer, but almost as easy to fly...

Avistar RTF:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=0

Tower RTF:
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0

Here's an electric that I've heard is pretty good... it's large enough to be flown in some wind...

SuperStar EP RTF (elevator & rudder only):
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXAWF5**&P=ML

SuperStar EP RTF (with ailerons):
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXJKU3**&P=ML

I'd get the one with ailerons, myself...

Ben, you are going to need to do some careful shopping to get started with your budget, but I think it's possible. Before you buy anything, talk to the local club. R/C fliers tend to be quite generous. They are especially understanding of young fliers trying to get started. It's very possible that they can help you find some second hand, but still quite usable, parts, including radio, trainer plane, and engine. Many of us even have stashes of brand new things that we intend to use some day, but would be willing to part with at a low price for a good cause. Look at the "pay it forward" thread for an example of the generousity of which I speak. So, the best first step is to get in touch with the club to see if they can help. Based on what you can learn from them, people here in RCU can help you choose other stuff you need to buy.

I agree with Piper Chuck. I've helped a couple of "kids", younger teens, get started at our club, and the members have been very generous. Got one 12 year old kid started with a trainer, ready to fly, including all the radio gear, for $150. Mind you it wasn't brand new equipment, but it was better than some of the stuff I fly.

Good luck,
Dennis-

What the others have said is very good information, especially the "Pay it Forward section".

You should also check at your local club. Often, members have a used trainer setup that can be had reasonably. Another possibility would be to check the clubs/events section for rc flea markets in your area.


Hope this is off some help.

Thany guys for your input.[8D]
I'm going to my local club meeting a week from Monday and plan on talking with some instructors to see what they reccomend.
What do you mean when you say ''feild equipment''?

-Ben

"Field equipment" can be as basic as a cardboard box with a starter battery for glow plug, hand pump and fuel. This can be none for next to nothing, from there you can go up into the hundreds as you get fancy and fill it up. Again, as a young beginner in training, you will be able to borrow a lot of this at the field for a while, until you see what you like/need/want. This will allow you to gradually add to your kit. Have someone at the field show you his "field box" and those of a couple of the other guys, you will quickly get the idea. Some just carry the basics to the field and a few could overhaul the space shuttle in about an hour out of theirs. While electric may appear to initially cheaper, I feel you will be happier if you can get into Nitro immediately. If your club has an auction, that may be a good bargain source also. Welcome to a great addiction, and legal too.

Bruce

Field equipment is all the stuff you need while you are at the field. Minimally, you need things like a glow battery and glow clip, fuel pump, chicken stick or starter with 12v battery, and battery tester. Contrary to what many will say, an electric starter and 12V batter are NOT required. You should also have some basic tools like screw drivers, allen wrenches and pliers, although when you begin, these are things your instructor will probably have with him. If you're lucky, the club might know someone getting out of the hobby who wants to sell their stuff.

Welcome Ben to R/C:

The advice for the most part has been excellent. At our club, we have a couple of club trainers that we let those who are interested in getting into R/C, fly with the buddy box. Our instructors are always anxious to help newcomers get the feel for it, determine if they would really like to fly before they invest sums of money.

We have several "old timers" who love nothing more than helping the newcomer assemble enough field equipment to get started. It does not take a whole lot of $$.

Check the "Marketplace" at RC Universe. There are usually always trainers for sale at very reasonable prices. You can pick out an item or two and then consult with someone at the club to help you determine if it is reasonable. The nice thing about RC Universe Marketplace is you can ask the seller questions.

Don't get discouraged, talk to the club members, let them counsel you. We need young people to continue the growth of our sport. That's where innovation, new ideas and concepts come from.

Good luck, Ben. You are embarking on a very exciting and fun (good clean fun) adventure that will enhance your life for years to come.

Sincerely,

ben, i bought my plane in january. It is like the tower trainer, I learned early how much money i was gonna be spending in this. So, if i were you save a little more and get something nitro and nice that u like. I have the Superstar select MKII but if i were you i would get the avistar because it will last longer because it can do some aerobatics. I walked out of the store spending 321 with everything i needed and a free gallon of fuel

Hi Ben,

I think for your budget, it's best to get an electric. I suggest a GWS Slow Stick. I believe you can get a Slow Stick and a GWS radio for less than $200. You have to find the best dealer. One up of the Slow Stick is... you don't have to spend on fuel that you would have on a gasser, and it's almost indestructible, and it's so SLOW. Perfect for the begineer. Best part is you don't need a big space to fly.

Though if you're joining a club, there'll probably be a lot of gassers over there. So, you might just want to think about gassers, since it'll you'll blend into the crowd better.

Beware! Once you start this hobby, the funds never stop going down [>:]!!!

What about a SPAD Trainer? These are inexpensive, are they not. And they look pretty damn good too. Anyone have experience in SPAD Trainers?

Good Luck

Uh oh, here we go.
Never had one, never plan to have one. They are inexpensive. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Try to get a look at one up close before deciding. As for their survivability, I was taught early on that it's more important to build a plane to fly than to survive a crash. Having said that, I'm sure one or more of the SPAD fans will provide a counter point.

It was late when I wrote that post and didnt want an essay, sorry.
Go to the local field and see what you can conjure up. Theres always someone with a trainer to sell. You may get one cheap. When I was your age I was just starting out. It can be difficult getting money, I know. One thing that helped me is my dad, he helped me pay for alotta my stuff when I was young.
other than that, follow the advice above.

Sean

Do what i did. Well actually i didnt do anything. I was donated a plane with engine and radio. All i bought for my 200 was field equip, and glues. Im 16 so my cash is relatively low. Im teling you, so far i havent received the plane but MAN, what a great feeling to be holding a jug of gas and field gear in the other hand!

Another approach is to find the club and see what they have for training. Many clubs have club trainers for use by instructors, and many other fliers may be willing to train you on their equipment. Amazing, but you might fly enough to solo with someone elses stuff. in the meantime you might win the lottery or find many others to donate used equipment or even find a spad builder to take you in tow. I have made five of them, and enjoyed them tremendously.

My dad pays for all of my airplane stuff ...so far about $3600 and growing. But he don't pay for all my RC car stuff [].

Anyway, I have a Hobbico Avistar and trained on it and loved it. LHS gave me a deal for only $259.99. Once I got done training, I made low rates on it to 100% and high rates to 140% and made it a taildragger. Flies like a dream! Also, being underage, AMA insurance only cost $1! (w/o the mag) As for field equipment, I started out with a chicken stick, a D cell glow ignitor and a fuel bottle and basic tools. It worked fine then I upgraded and now there are wires everywhere speaking for the fact that I got a foamie.

I don't think that helped much but just my opinion,

IBrakeForNobody

Keep the costs reasonable and any parent, that is able to do so, will support his son in this hobby IMHO. It will keep you off the streets and in a clean & safe environment with good (generally) role models. The only bad habit you will pick up is wanting too many planes and goodies. Just go easy on "good ol dad", put a SMALL guilt trip on him for losing the first plane but don't rub it in. There really are few better hobbies out there and it might lead to a career somewhere in aviation, anywhere from mechanic to Engineer to pilot. Or you could end up an interior designer, who knows. Just have fun at your age. We refuse to grow up, why should you?

Bruce[

Yup Yup

I know exactly how you feel. I had the $ after working my butt off all summer for it, and walked out of the LHS with an Extra EasyII Trainer and $330 less than I had before. I went new. BUT, check out airplane auctions. There are tons of trainers, and stuff at these auctions. My friend picked up a fairly small trainer with a .46 ball bearing engine with all Hitec servos, and an older Futaba PCM radio for about $140 I think. So, if you look everything over well, and you find a good plane, there are great deals to be found at auctions like these.(BTW, the plane flies great!) And, if you can find one for this sort of price, you'll have plenty left for basic field gear, and that sort of thing. You also might check with your LHS and see if they have a starter field kit. My LHS has a starter kit for $25 when bought individually, the gear would add up to $45-50. As I have learned in Archery, and it carries over into just about any sport I think (definately including model flight), make sure you find a hobby shop with good service, and keep going there. Nothing beats good customer care. Keep your eyes open at auctions and sales, and see if you can't pick up a bargain on a good trainer. Good luck! I'm 16, and can feel your pain. I just got into the hobby a little over a month ago, so I'm a newb too.

did you ever consider geting another hobby or park zone airplane? all of them are under 200.

IBrakeForNobody:

You're lucky!!! Dad spending lotsa cash for you!

I needed to win a math competition to procure 75% of the cash for my plane!

C'mon guys let'e help this kid its perfectly doable:
AMA $1.00 (under 160 so special price )

RADIO 4 Channel $89.00
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCUM2**&P=0

Engine OS 40 LA $51.99
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBY18&P=0

PLANE World Models Sky Raider I $71.90
www.Quantummodels.com
Shipping and Handling $ 30.00
TOTAL SO FAR...... US$ 243.89

Miscelaneous... $ 50.00 (plugs, ca, epoxy, etc)

With that and some help from the club/instructor our friend could be flying for less than $300.00

And all is brand nEW!!!!


Edited for spelling