Just another Newbie Post....please help
08-07-2005 | 04:37 PM
#1
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From: Bluffton, OH
Just another Newbie Post....please help
Hello there,
My name is Kevin, I live in NW Ohio, and I am 15 years old. I'm very interested in flight and aviation, and I think that R/C Airplanes would be a great hobby to get into. I'm also currently studying for my Student Pilot's License (hoping to get up to my Private's License).
I need some suggestions for a great trainer for me. I almost got into the hobby last summer and bought a cheap tower hobby plane, I think it was called the Firebird or something. It had twin propellers and didn't fly at all. Then I researched gas trainer planes, and found a lot of great ones, but the one that really stood out was the Hobbico NexSTAR Select, which has a load of great features, but is really pricy, for me at least. I think it was around $450.00 for the whole kit, is this a lot for a model airplane? Here is the link for a review for the NexSTAR Select. [link=http://www.modelairplanenews.com/reviews/nexStar1.asp]NexSTAR Select Review[/link] There are a lot of reviews on the NexSTAR, so search google if you would like to know more information. I'm on a budget, so I don't want much or anything >$400.
I'm also looking for instructors, so if anyone that lives in Ohio and has been instructed, please reply with info/website.
Any help that I can get WILL be used in good manner. And just think, the more you help someone learn about a great hobby, the more the hobby can spread!
Thanks for any help!,
Kevin
P.S.- This is my first post in the forums, and I can't wait to meet all of you R/C Enthusiasts!
My name is Kevin, I live in NW Ohio, and I am 15 years old. I'm very interested in flight and aviation, and I think that R/C Airplanes would be a great hobby to get into. I'm also currently studying for my Student Pilot's License (hoping to get up to my Private's License).
I need some suggestions for a great trainer for me. I almost got into the hobby last summer and bought a cheap tower hobby plane, I think it was called the Firebird or something. It had twin propellers and didn't fly at all. Then I researched gas trainer planes, and found a lot of great ones, but the one that really stood out was the Hobbico NexSTAR Select, which has a load of great features, but is really pricy, for me at least. I think it was around $450.00 for the whole kit, is this a lot for a model airplane? Here is the link for a review for the NexSTAR Select. [link=http://www.modelairplanenews.com/reviews/nexStar1.asp]NexSTAR Select Review[/link] There are a lot of reviews on the NexSTAR, so search google if you would like to know more information. I'm on a budget, so I don't want much or anything >$400.
I'm also looking for instructors, so if anyone that lives in Ohio and has been instructed, please reply with info/website.
Any help that I can get WILL be used in good manner. And just think, the more you help someone learn about a great hobby, the more the hobby can spread!
Thanks for any help!,
Kevin
P.S.- This is my first post in the forums, and I can't wait to meet all of you R/C Enthusiasts!
08-07-2005 | 05:07 PM
#2
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From: La Vergne,
TN
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
In my PERSONAL opinion, the NexStar is a 'suitable' trainer, but I think the Eagle II or Avistar are better choices. But again, just my opinion, based on watching a few new hobbyists train on each, and having flown the Avistar briefly.
Now, I DO have a strong suggestion in the radio department. JR has recently come out with a line of radio equipment called 'JR Sport'. These are VERY capable components for you first 2-3 planes, and extremely inexpensive. A very suitable 4 channel computer radio, with 4 servos included, can be obtained for $119 MSRP. Servos are as inexpensive as $10 as well. There is also a Sport line 6 channel radio, with servos, for < $200.
While these certainly aren't 'top of the line' pieces of equipment, the servos and gear are more than suitable for your first several planes, and the radios, while they do lack some of the niftiest features of today's modern radios, should serve a new hobbyist quite well for several years.
While I can't tell you this is an inexpensive hobby ($450 is not at all unusual for getting started) I DO think the lower cost of the JR Sprt line may help you stay under your $400 budget. Example:
Tower Hobbies sells the Avistar for $100, an OS LA 40 engine for $60. The 4 channel JR Sport radio will include servos to fly it, another $120. Poof...$300 or so, you're flying.
HTH, and good luck!
Now, I DO have a strong suggestion in the radio department. JR has recently come out with a line of radio equipment called 'JR Sport'. These are VERY capable components for you first 2-3 planes, and extremely inexpensive. A very suitable 4 channel computer radio, with 4 servos included, can be obtained for $119 MSRP. Servos are as inexpensive as $10 as well. There is also a Sport line 6 channel radio, with servos, for < $200.
While these certainly aren't 'top of the line' pieces of equipment, the servos and gear are more than suitable for your first several planes, and the radios, while they do lack some of the niftiest features of today's modern radios, should serve a new hobbyist quite well for several years.
While I can't tell you this is an inexpensive hobby ($450 is not at all unusual for getting started) I DO think the lower cost of the JR Sprt line may help you stay under your $400 budget. Example:
Tower Hobbies sells the Avistar for $100, an OS LA 40 engine for $60. The 4 channel JR Sport radio will include servos to fly it, another $120. Poof...$300 or so, you're flying.
HTH, and good luck!
08-07-2005 | 05:20 PM
#3
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RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
ORIGINAL: FlightFreak12
Hello there,
My name is Kevin, I live in NW Ohio, and I am 15 years old. I'm very interested in flight and aviation, and I think that R/C Airplanes would be a great hobby to get into. I'm also currently studying for my Student Pilot's License (hoping to get up to my Private's License).
I need some suggestions for a great trainer for me. I almost got into the hobby last summer and bought a cheap tower hobby plane, I think it was called the Firebird or something. It had twin propellers and didn't fly at all. Then I researched gas trainer planes, and found a lot of great ones, but the one that really stood out was the Hobbico NexSTAR Select, which has a load of great features, but is really pricy, for me at least. I think it was around $450.00 for the whole kit, is this a lot for a model airplane? Here is the link for a review for the NexSTAR Select. [link=http://www.modelairplanenews.com/reviews/nexStar1.asp]NexSTAR Select Review[/link] There are a lot of reviews on the NexSTAR, so search google if you would like to know more information.
>First, in my opinion, and I emphisize MY OPINION, the NexStar is
>overpriced for what it is. The AFS you might as well remove as all
>it will do is teach you bad habits. There are other negatives that many
>have mentioned also. Do a search on Nexstar and form your own
>opinion.
>
I'm on a budget, so I don't want much or anything >$400.
>
>I would suggest FIRST, see if anyone at the local flying field has
>a used trainer setup for sale. Often you can get one fairly
>inexpensive.
>2nd, you definitely want an instructor. An instructor using a "Buddy
>Box" can frequently save your plane from destruction while
>learning. In addition, you will not be learning any bad habits.
>Clubs provide instructors at no charge.
>
>That said, the majority of 40 size glow trainers fly pretty much
>the same.
>
>If you need to go new, I would suggest the following:
>
>Hobbico Superstar or Avistar - about $100
>
>A USER FRIENDLY 46 engine. By user friendly I mean that 99%
>of them will run great right out of the box with little or no "fiddeling"
>required.
>
>Stay away from BUSHED BEARING 40/46 engines.
>They have only about 1/2 - 2/3 the power of a ball bearing engine
>and are rarely useable for a second plane. Many of the RTF (Ready
>To Fly) are packaged with a bushed bearing 40. If you fly from
>a grass field you will find that the power is marginal for take offs.
>
>The most user friendly 46 I am aware of are:
>OS 46AX ($110 )
>Thunder Tiger Pro 46 ($90 )
>Evolution 46NT ($90). (Already broken in and set up to run)
>
>For a radio, I suggest finding out what BRAND the majority of
>people at your flying field are using and get that brand. While
>many people only use a 4 channel radio and are very happy with
>that, I suggest spending a little more and getting a 6 channel (or
>more) COMPUTER radio. Many people want flaps and/or retracts
>by their 3rd or 4th plane. By purchasing the 6 channel radio
>initially, you will not need to get another radio for awhile. There
>are also many other features with a computer radio that you
>will find nice - such as being able to store multiple models, etc.
>
>You also want to find out what are the LEAST USED channels
>at your field and get your radio on one of those channels.
>This will minimize any waiting time for your channel to clear
>so you can fly.
>
>In the Futaba line of radios, the 6EXAS with 4 model 3004 servos
>is about $180. It is a decent 6 channel computer radio.
>
Any help that I can get WILL be used in good manner. And just think, the more you help someone learn about a great hobby, the more the hobby can spread!
Thanks for any help!,
Kevin
P.S.- This is my first post in the forums, and I can't wait to meet all of you R/C Enthusiasts!
Hello there,
My name is Kevin, I live in NW Ohio, and I am 15 years old. I'm very interested in flight and aviation, and I think that R/C Airplanes would be a great hobby to get into. I'm also currently studying for my Student Pilot's License (hoping to get up to my Private's License).
I need some suggestions for a great trainer for me. I almost got into the hobby last summer and bought a cheap tower hobby plane, I think it was called the Firebird or something. It had twin propellers and didn't fly at all. Then I researched gas trainer planes, and found a lot of great ones, but the one that really stood out was the Hobbico NexSTAR Select, which has a load of great features, but is really pricy, for me at least. I think it was around $450.00 for the whole kit, is this a lot for a model airplane? Here is the link for a review for the NexSTAR Select. [link=http://www.modelairplanenews.com/reviews/nexStar1.asp]NexSTAR Select Review[/link] There are a lot of reviews on the NexSTAR, so search google if you would like to know more information.
>First, in my opinion, and I emphisize MY OPINION, the NexStar is
>overpriced for what it is. The AFS you might as well remove as all
>it will do is teach you bad habits. There are other negatives that many
>have mentioned also. Do a search on Nexstar and form your own
>opinion.
>
I'm on a budget, so I don't want much or anything >$400.
>
>I would suggest FIRST, see if anyone at the local flying field has
>a used trainer setup for sale. Often you can get one fairly
>inexpensive.
>2nd, you definitely want an instructor. An instructor using a "Buddy
>Box" can frequently save your plane from destruction while
>learning. In addition, you will not be learning any bad habits.
>Clubs provide instructors at no charge.
>
>That said, the majority of 40 size glow trainers fly pretty much
>the same.
>
>If you need to go new, I would suggest the following:
>
>Hobbico Superstar or Avistar - about $100
>
>A USER FRIENDLY 46 engine. By user friendly I mean that 99%
>of them will run great right out of the box with little or no "fiddeling"
>required.
>
>Stay away from BUSHED BEARING 40/46 engines.
>They have only about 1/2 - 2/3 the power of a ball bearing engine
>and are rarely useable for a second plane. Many of the RTF (Ready
>To Fly) are packaged with a bushed bearing 40. If you fly from
>a grass field you will find that the power is marginal for take offs.
>
>The most user friendly 46 I am aware of are:
>OS 46AX ($110 )
>Thunder Tiger Pro 46 ($90 )
>Evolution 46NT ($90). (Already broken in and set up to run)
>
>For a radio, I suggest finding out what BRAND the majority of
>people at your flying field are using and get that brand. While
>many people only use a 4 channel radio and are very happy with
>that, I suggest spending a little more and getting a 6 channel (or
>more) COMPUTER radio. Many people want flaps and/or retracts
>by their 3rd or 4th plane. By purchasing the 6 channel radio
>initially, you will not need to get another radio for awhile. There
>are also many other features with a computer radio that you
>will find nice - such as being able to store multiple models, etc.
>
>You also want to find out what are the LEAST USED channels
>at your field and get your radio on one of those channels.
>This will minimize any waiting time for your channel to clear
>so you can fly.
>
>In the Futaba line of radios, the 6EXAS with 4 model 3004 servos
>is about $180. It is a decent 6 channel computer radio.
>
Any help that I can get WILL be used in good manner. And just think, the more you help someone learn about a great hobby, the more the hobby can spread!
Thanks for any help!,
Kevin
P.S.- This is my first post in the forums, and I can't wait to meet all of you R/C Enthusiasts!
08-08-2005 | 01:24 AM
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From: courtenay,
BC, CANADA
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
your also going to need the little things that drive you nuts like: gas, glow plugs, glow plug ignitor, electric starter or chicken stick, fuel pump, prop, spinner, you might even need a 12 volt battery, you may also want a power panel, flight box, etc
08-08-2005 | 07:42 AM
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From: Yorktown,
VA
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
Hello Kevin,
I just got started this past spring and I went the most economical route, I thought possible, while not sacraficing quality. My approach - The World Models Mach I high wing trainer, the Evolution Training System engine with three props (but beware of the "break in" claim"), while it does run well, it took several flights to get it smooth. I spent more on the radio, I went with the Futaba 7CAP for future growth, but from what I've read, I beilbe the 6 EXA??? would be a good buy. Additionally, the items you don't think of - the field gear and fuel - another $100. So, in the end, I was into the hobby around $500. Oh yea, the AMA and local club fees too. It's not a cheap hobby, but I've found every cent worth it. Good luck.
I just got started this past spring and I went the most economical route, I thought possible, while not sacraficing quality. My approach - The World Models Mach I high wing trainer, the Evolution Training System engine with three props (but beware of the "break in" claim"), while it does run well, it took several flights to get it smooth. I spent more on the radio, I went with the Futaba 7CAP for future growth, but from what I've read, I beilbe the 6 EXA??? would be a good buy. Additionally, the items you don't think of - the field gear and fuel - another $100. So, in the end, I was into the hobby around $500. Oh yea, the AMA and local club fees too. It's not a cheap hobby, but I've found every cent worth it. Good luck.
08-08-2005 | 08:39 AM
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From: La Vergne,
TN
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
Kevin,
Several above have mentioned the 'extra stuff' that'll eat you alive. A few observations from my own experiences as a new hobbyist:
1) Electric Starters. Bah. .40-.60 class 2-stroke engines simply don't need them. Sure, they're 'cool' or whatever, but there's absolutely no reason a simple 3/4" wooden dowel won't flip start a small 2-stroke with no issues. There's $30-$50 you can save for later, when your .70 4 stroke (or some such thing) requires an electric starter.
2) Power panel. Umm...why? Ok, sure, lots of bells and whistles and such, and easy 'ports' to plug stuff in. But, let's be honest...charge the plane and TX overnight before you go flying, and you're fine. If you fly several times, might want to take a simple reliable voltmeter to the field, and make sure your plane's battery has sufficient voltage (which will depend on size/type of battery). Power panels are, really, simply a convienience that can again be saved for later. there's another $20.
3) Field Box. IMO, new hobbyists (and old too) waste more money on these contraptions than any other piece of equipment. There are DOZENS of threads on the web with plans for building your own at far less than half the cost of a retail unit. Even better (imo) is the Stanley portable 'double decker' tool box. Available at Wal Mart for <$30 it holds more than any field box, is more easily transportable due to having wheels, and can be easily cut/hacked/modified/drilled/etc to mount all sorts of later goodies, like fuel pumps, power panels, plane racks, etc, should you want these items. Call this another $20 savings or so.
4) Fuel pumps. Yeah, the nice electric ones are just that...nice. but come ON, are we really so lazy as to begrudge our hobby the Herculean effort of pumping a whole 12 OUNCES of fuel with our BARE HANDS?? (Ok, sorry...a bit dramatic...but you get my point.) Simple, effective hand pumps can be had for as little as $10)
Certainly there are SOME field items you absolutely need. Glow drivers, fuel, extra gliw plugs, etc. As you fly a few times, you'll start to learn what you consider essential vs. nice to have.
The point is, learn what all of these various pieces of equipment do for you, how truly 'necessary' they are to get the plane up and flying, and then look around for alternatives. You'll find, I believe, that many of the pieces of equipment supposedly 'required' for a new hobbyist either A) have less expensive hardware/discount store alternatives or B) simply aren't "necessary".
HTH!
Several above have mentioned the 'extra stuff' that'll eat you alive. A few observations from my own experiences as a new hobbyist:
1) Electric Starters. Bah. .40-.60 class 2-stroke engines simply don't need them. Sure, they're 'cool' or whatever, but there's absolutely no reason a simple 3/4" wooden dowel won't flip start a small 2-stroke with no issues. There's $30-$50 you can save for later, when your .70 4 stroke (or some such thing) requires an electric starter.
2) Power panel. Umm...why? Ok, sure, lots of bells and whistles and such, and easy 'ports' to plug stuff in. But, let's be honest...charge the plane and TX overnight before you go flying, and you're fine. If you fly several times, might want to take a simple reliable voltmeter to the field, and make sure your plane's battery has sufficient voltage (which will depend on size/type of battery). Power panels are, really, simply a convienience that can again be saved for later. there's another $20.
3) Field Box. IMO, new hobbyists (and old too) waste more money on these contraptions than any other piece of equipment. There are DOZENS of threads on the web with plans for building your own at far less than half the cost of a retail unit. Even better (imo) is the Stanley portable 'double decker' tool box. Available at Wal Mart for <$30 it holds more than any field box, is more easily transportable due to having wheels, and can be easily cut/hacked/modified/drilled/etc to mount all sorts of later goodies, like fuel pumps, power panels, plane racks, etc, should you want these items. Call this another $20 savings or so.
4) Fuel pumps. Yeah, the nice electric ones are just that...nice. but come ON, are we really so lazy as to begrudge our hobby the Herculean effort of pumping a whole 12 OUNCES of fuel with our BARE HANDS?? (Ok, sorry...a bit dramatic...but you get my point.) Simple, effective hand pumps can be had for as little as $10)
Certainly there are SOME field items you absolutely need. Glow drivers, fuel, extra gliw plugs, etc. As you fly a few times, you'll start to learn what you consider essential vs. nice to have.
The point is, learn what all of these various pieces of equipment do for you, how truly 'necessary' they are to get the plane up and flying, and then look around for alternatives. You'll find, I believe, that many of the pieces of equipment supposedly 'required' for a new hobbyist either A) have less expensive hardware/discount store alternatives or B) simply aren't "necessary".
HTH!
08-08-2005 | 11:29 AM
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From: Green Bay,
WI
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
Kevin,
I agree with gboulton, I have only been in the hobby for a couple months, and I had to make "sacrifices" in equipment to get my wife to agree to let me start the hobby. I purchases a Hobbico Superstar, Futaba 4 channel SkySport, OS .46 LA for my plane and as for field equipment, I picked up one of those Stanley portable 'double decker' tool boxes from Walmart that I absolutly love. It has more than enough room for everything you would want to take to the field. I have a flip stick for starting and you can buy Glow plugs now that run off of reqular C or D batteries for 10 Bucks, I use a hand crank for filling up the tank, it takes about 30 to 45 seconds to fill up your tank by cranking, no effert at all. After all said and done, with my plane, field gear, and membership fees, I think I have about $400 to $450 invested. But it is well spent, and as soon as my club gets their new field in order, I'll be flying as much as possible.
I agree with gboulton, I have only been in the hobby for a couple months, and I had to make "sacrifices" in equipment to get my wife to agree to let me start the hobby. I purchases a Hobbico Superstar, Futaba 4 channel SkySport, OS .46 LA for my plane and as for field equipment, I picked up one of those Stanley portable 'double decker' tool boxes from Walmart that I absolutly love. It has more than enough room for everything you would want to take to the field. I have a flip stick for starting and you can buy Glow plugs now that run off of reqular C or D batteries for 10 Bucks, I use a hand crank for filling up the tank, it takes about 30 to 45 seconds to fill up your tank by cranking, no effert at all. After all said and done, with my plane, field gear, and membership fees, I think I have about $400 to $450 invested. But it is well spent, and as soon as my club gets their new field in order, I'll be flying as much as possible.
08-08-2005 | 11:34 AM
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From: Palm Bay,
FL
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
if you do not buy a rtf like the nextstar and buy everything seperate. i would advise against the os la engines i have heard alot of negative things. im my opinion the best motor for the $$$$ is a thunder tiger pro .46.
08-08-2005 | 12:49 PM
#10
RCU Forum Manager/Admin
My Feedback: (9)
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
ORIGINAL: brocja01
Kevin,
I agree with gboulton, I have only been in the hobby for a couple months, and I had to make "sacrifices" in equipment to get my wife to agree to let me start the hobby. I purchases a Hobbico Superstar, Futaba 4 channel SkySport, OS .46 LA for my plane and as for field equipment, I picked up one of those Stanley portable 'double decker' tool boxes from Walmart that I absolutly love. It has more than enough room for everything you would want to take to the field. I have a flip stick for starting and you can buy Glow plugs now that run off of reqular C or D batteries for 10 Bucks, I use a hand crank for filling up the tank, it takes about 30 to 45 seconds to fill up your tank by cranking, no effert at all. After all said and done, with my plane, field gear, and membership fees, I think I have about $400 to $450 invested. But it is well spent, and as soon as my club gets their new field in order, I'll be flying as much as possible.
Kevin,
I agree with gboulton, I have only been in the hobby for a couple months, and I had to make "sacrifices" in equipment to get my wife to agree to let me start the hobby. I purchases a Hobbico Superstar, Futaba 4 channel SkySport, OS .46 LA for my plane and as for field equipment, I picked up one of those Stanley portable 'double decker' tool boxes from Walmart that I absolutly love. It has more than enough room for everything you would want to take to the field. I have a flip stick for starting and you can buy Glow plugs now that run off of reqular C or D batteries for 10 Bucks, I use a hand crank for filling up the tank, it takes about 30 to 45 seconds to fill up your tank by cranking, no effert at all. After all said and done, with my plane, field gear, and membership fees, I think I have about $400 to $450 invested. But it is well spent, and as soon as my club gets their new field in order, I'll be flying as much as possible.
Now with that said, there are definitely ways to make things more affordable. It would be nice to be able to afford the most expensive field gear, but it's not always needed. There are a lot of "shortcuts" that I use, and I use them not because I can't afford it but because I don't like spending money that I don't have to. Here are some of the things I use, or have seen used:
1. Chicken stick. Cut a piece off of an old broom stick handle, wrap some electrical tape around it. When the tape gets cut up, put more on. I've been using this for 9 years. On this subject, I rarely use my electric starter. I flip start 99% of my flights, so you can live without the electric starter.
2. Glow ignitor. Any 1.5v battery will light up a glow plug. A good C or D size battery will work. Use electrical tape to hold the wire to each end of the battery, and solder on alligator clips to each wire. Clip on wire to the top of the glow plug, clip the other to a cooling fin on the motor. Make sure the wires don't get caught in prop. This isn't pretty, but it will work.
3. Fuel pump. It has been my experience that electric fuel pumps quit working after about a season of use. My choice is a hand cranked fuel pump, and it's lasted my 4 years now. We have one pilot at our field that has an even less expensive fueler. He went to the pharmacy at wal-mart and bought a bulb used on a blood pressure cuff. These have a one way valve in them so you can use them to pump up pressure. He connects his fuel can to the fill tube on his plane, and connects the bulb to the fuel can. He pumps up pressure in the fuel can which forces fuel into the plane. When fuel starts coming out of the line connected to his muffler (pressure line) the tank is full. To defuel the plane he reverses this and pumps pressure into the plane's pressure line. This one works great!!!
4. Power Panel. You can definitely live without a power panel. If you must use an electric started, you can connect it directly to the battery. And if you don't use an electric fuel pump you don't need to hook it to a power panel
5. Flight box. My choice of flight box came from a bad back, but it saved money too. Lifting a flight box is hard on my back, so I choose a box that has wheels on it so I can roll it to the flight line. I found the box at Lowe's in the tool section, and it cost $29. It's big enough for me to have a 12v lawn-mower battery and two 1-gallon gas cans (keep my glow fuel in these) in the bottom of it.
There are more ways to save money, but these give you a good idea of where to start. If you look around and think about it you can come up with ways to save money.
Hope this helps
Ken
08-08-2005 | 01:05 PM
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From: Green Bay,
WI
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
ORIGINAL: RCKen
I totally understand about being on a budget, most of us are to some extent. Take this from me, take care of your family and don't deprive your family to buy for the hobby. I've seen this happen at our field more than once, and it's not good. I hate to say this if it bursts somebody's bubble, but I do need to say this, if you can't afford the hobby then you need to wait until you can.
I totally understand about being on a budget, most of us are to some extent. Take this from me, take care of your family and don't deprive your family to buy for the hobby. I've seen this happen at our field more than once, and it's not good. I hate to say this if it bursts somebody's bubble, but I do need to say this, if you can't afford the hobby then you need to wait until you can.
The wife says I have a problem like that. Family is always first. That is why I'll never fly a jet, way too much money in those things. It is an expensive hobby, but if you watch your money, look into used, you can be out flying with a very fixed budget, you just might not be flying the best looking, fastest, loudest, or most acrobatic plane out at the field. So have fun, fly safe and enjoy being out side.
08-08-2005 | 01:11 PM
#12
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RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
ORIGINAL: brocja01
I didn't put that in about the wife to start up a conversation about depriving family, no hobby to should take their place, more of a lite hearted attempt to but the blame of me and my ability to pick expensive hobbies and then leave them by the wayside. The wife says I have a problem like that. Family is always first. That is why I'll never fly a jet, way too much money in those things. It is an expensive hobby, but if you watch your money, look into used, you can be out flying with a very fixed budget, you just might not be flying the best looking, fastest, loudest, or most acrobatic plane out at the field. So have fun, fly safe and enjoy being out side.
ORIGINAL: RCKen
I totally understand about being on a budget, most of us are to some extent. Take this from me, take care of your family and don't deprive your family to buy for the hobby. I've seen this happen at our field more than once, and it's not good. I hate to say this if it bursts somebody's bubble, but I do need to say this, if you can't afford the hobby then you need to wait until you can.
I totally understand about being on a budget, most of us are to some extent. Take this from me, take care of your family and don't deprive your family to buy for the hobby. I've seen this happen at our field more than once, and it's not good. I hate to say this if it bursts somebody's bubble, but I do need to say this, if you can't afford the hobby then you need to wait until you can.
The wife says I have a problem like that. Family is always first. That is why I'll never fly a jet, way too much money in those things. It is an expensive hobby, but if you watch your money, look into used, you can be out flying with a very fixed budget, you just might not be flying the best looking, fastest, loudest, or most acrobatic plane out at the field. So have fun, fly safe and enjoy being out side.
Ken
08-08-2005 | 09:27 PM
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From: Decatur,
IN
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
Kevin,
Welcome to RCU, I am sure you will find many interesting and useful tidbits here. Doing a search provided me with the following information:
There is a club in Findlay, and you may e mail an officer of that club at:
[email protected]
My name is also Kevin, and I am from Decatur, Indiana.
Good luck, get help (most people are very helpful to newcomers), and seek a trainer that is used by a club member. Could be a great deal for you.
Best Wishes,
Kevin
Welcome to RCU, I am sure you will find many interesting and useful tidbits here. Doing a search provided me with the following information:
There is a club in Findlay, and you may e mail an officer of that club at:
[email protected]
My name is also Kevin, and I am from Decatur, Indiana.
Good luck, get help (most people are very helpful to newcomers), and seek a trainer that is used by a club member. Could be a great deal for you.
Best Wishes,
Kevin
08-10-2005 | 10:10 AM
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From: pomeroy, OH
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
hi kevin, i live in se. oh i have a 15 year old son who just learned to fly , bouht him a hanger 9 alpha rtf took about 30 min. to have it ready to fly out of the box, evo. 46 engine already installed and jr radio, gallon of fuel , a homade glow starter and a wood dow rod to flip start and he was ready, took him 3 flites on a buddy box and then solo. plane almost flies itself. the alpha rtf.was about 300.00 and about 50.00 in the other stuff. he flies almost every day. i just got a superstar arf for myself and installed the os 40 la it lacks a little power but runs great, tuned it one time and have not had to touch it since, it has about 10 flites on it and i am very happy with it so far...if you go this route spend an extra 10.00 on the 46 it will make takeoffs alittle easier. the superstar flies great also easy to trim i had less money in the superstar, but i would recomend the alpha it is a great trainer and makes learning easier . get an instructor and have fun.
08-14-2005 | 12:20 AM
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From: Hemet,
CA
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
I started with the wrong assumption about this hobby. After 15 years in off road cars, I figured that I would pick it right up. I spent all kinds of money getting a Ultra Stick 60 and the electronics to make it do everything it was supposed to. The instructor just kind of looked at me with a "are you serious" look when I showed up with it. He rapidly informed me that it would be necessary to castrate the beast before he would consider taking it up with me. After making it as mild as possible; removing the quad flaps and running strip ailerons, setting control throws to "did that move?" and converting it to four channels, I flew my much tamer Stick. Even with all these changes it was still an unforgiving beast, all the way to kit form, it was a ARF. I have since purchased, assembled, flown, soloed and my daughter crashed a Sig Kadet Sr ARF. I, of course, had to buy a replacement for her to continue to learn on.
If I could go back to the day I purchased the first plane, I would have bought a H9 Alpha Trainer RTF for $300.00 and saved myself money and heartache. Added bonus; I could have used all that money for other 2nd and 3rd planes. H9 is distributed by Horizon and here is the page for the plane.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=HAN2475
Daddy, you need to land so I can fly...........Daddy...............whack, ow........this would not have happened if you had landed. Give me the controller if you value your other shin.
If I could go back to the day I purchased the first plane, I would have bought a H9 Alpha Trainer RTF for $300.00 and saved myself money and heartache. Added bonus; I could have used all that money for other 2nd and 3rd planes. H9 is distributed by Horizon and here is the page for the plane.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/Shop/ByC...ProdID=HAN2475
Daddy, you need to land so I can fly...........Daddy...............whack, ow........this would not have happened if you had landed. Give me the controller if you value your other shin.
08-14-2005 | 01:04 AM
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From: va beach,
VA
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
i would suggest the Alistair arf they are around 350 with radio and equipment.the nexstar has a lot of problems with it,one thing i have seen out at my field with them is the landing gear if you get one of those get an extra set they are plastic and not very good to me.ou can save a few dollars by building a trainer yourself that would offset the price of an electric starter and accessories,there is a pay it forward thing that was started here you might be able to get into the sport pretty cheap that way also if money is a problem.hope you find something suitable...happy flying
08-14-2005 | 01:14 AM
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From: College Station,
TX
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
ORIGINAL: gboulton
3) Field Box. IMO, new hobbyists (and old too) waste more money on these contraptions than any other piece of equipment. There are DOZENS of threads on the web with plans for building your own at far less than half the cost of a retail unit. Even better (imo) is the Stanley portable 'double decker' tool box. Available at Wal Mart for <$30 it holds more than any field box, is more easily transportable due to having wheels, and can be easily cut/hacked/modified/drilled/etc to mount all sorts of later goodies, like fuel pumps, power panels, plane racks, etc, should you want these items. Call this another $20 savings or so.
!
3) Field Box. IMO, new hobbyists (and old too) waste more money on these contraptions than any other piece of equipment. There are DOZENS of threads on the web with plans for building your own at far less than half the cost of a retail unit. Even better (imo) is the Stanley portable 'double decker' tool box. Available at Wal Mart for <$30 it holds more than any field box, is more easily transportable due to having wheels, and can be easily cut/hacked/modified/drilled/etc to mount all sorts of later goodies, like fuel pumps, power panels, plane racks, etc, should you want these items. Call this another $20 savings or so.
!
btw, i would recommend the hobbistar60, and a super tigre .75 before the nexstar any day of the week......shrt time ive been flying ive seen to much and heard of much more going wrong with them. Hobbistar has been a good flying bird for me so far
08-15-2005 | 01:51 PM
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From: Go Riders Go!!!!!!!, CANADA
RE: Just another Newbie Post....please help
I bought an Hangar-9 Arrow Trainer and it is supposed to be a little bit more zippy than the alpha. I was going to buy the alpha but the salesman talked me into the arrow instead. If you are going to get an instructer to teach you this plane will take you a little farther than the Alpha. Just my opnion
Geoff
Geoff
