Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
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Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
I am just getting started. So far I own an aerobird. I now want to move up to my first gas trainer. I want an ARF kit with a good radio that I will be able to use in the future with other airplanes. I am seeking advice. I want to buy it this week
Thanks
Thanks
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Cool nothing like moving up to bigger and better! You didn't mention your budget though.
ARF kit: Your first trainer should be a Simulator on a PC. If no simulator then look for a 4 channel, flat bottom wing, 40 size, with some dihedral, and preferably with a rubber band attached wing. That’s as easy to fly as it gets. Now if you decide to put in some sim time and want to start with a plane that has a semi symmetrical wing and less of a dihedral that’s totally up to you. Look for planes that don’t require lots of assembly time. I’m not going to tell you what plane to buy because if you shop around yourself you’ll learn about the planes thus increasing your overall knowledge of the hobby.
Engine: Whatever you want (I’d suggest 40-50 size to start but that’s just me)
Radio: Computer radio! 4 channel minimum... Spend as much as you can afford to spend on the TX.
Field equipment and tools: Kinda like the radio here, spend as much as possible. Yes there are tools you absolutely should have (CG machine, deflection meter, incidence meter, etc etc). Then field equipment, starter and fuel pump and glow starter and all that is required as well.
Remember to find a local flying club to save you the headache of not having someone experienced to check out your setup.
P.S. A decent trainer (airplane) costs approximately 20% of the overall cost of everything that’s required. Beware of some package deals that offer “everything†and look closely at what you’re getting. Also spend the few extra dollars at your local hobby shop, if you don’t already know why you’ll figure it out…
Hope all that helps!
ARF kit: Your first trainer should be a Simulator on a PC. If no simulator then look for a 4 channel, flat bottom wing, 40 size, with some dihedral, and preferably with a rubber band attached wing. That’s as easy to fly as it gets. Now if you decide to put in some sim time and want to start with a plane that has a semi symmetrical wing and less of a dihedral that’s totally up to you. Look for planes that don’t require lots of assembly time. I’m not going to tell you what plane to buy because if you shop around yourself you’ll learn about the planes thus increasing your overall knowledge of the hobby.
Engine: Whatever you want (I’d suggest 40-50 size to start but that’s just me)
Radio: Computer radio! 4 channel minimum... Spend as much as you can afford to spend on the TX.
Field equipment and tools: Kinda like the radio here, spend as much as possible. Yes there are tools you absolutely should have (CG machine, deflection meter, incidence meter, etc etc). Then field equipment, starter and fuel pump and glow starter and all that is required as well.
Remember to find a local flying club to save you the headache of not having someone experienced to check out your setup.
P.S. A decent trainer (airplane) costs approximately 20% of the overall cost of everything that’s required. Beware of some package deals that offer “everything†and look closely at what you’re getting. Also spend the few extra dollars at your local hobby shop, if you don’t already know why you’ll figure it out…
Hope all that helps!
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Thanks for the info. I am looking to spend about $400. I have been using real flight g2 for about a year.
I appreciate your advice about going to the local hobby shop...it sure is tempting to want to order in online.
I appreciate your advice about going to the local hobby shop...it sure is tempting to want to order in online.
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
ORIGINAL: somegeek
These are absolute must have items?
- CG machine
- deflection meter
- incidence meter
somegeek
These are absolute must have items?
- CG machine
- deflection meter
- incidence meter
somegeek
A CG machine will allow you to find and adjust your planes center of gravity easily and with higher accuracy than without. A proper CG is essential.
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Don't worry about CG meters and incidence indicators and all that fancy stuff. You won't need a lot of that.
I'd recommend one of the Hobbico trainers, an OS, Super Tigre, or TT Pro engine, and a Hitec radio.
Dr.1
I'd recommend one of the Hobbico trainers, an OS, Super Tigre, or TT Pro engine, and a Hitec radio.
Dr.1
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
agreed...you do not need that stuff.... later maybe...but keep it simple now.... fingers work just fine to check CG, a ruler for throws, and good eyes for incidence (heck you could build most trainers darn near sideways and they would still fly[)
if you stick with it, maybe then get those things, but not now....
IMHO... get an LT-40 and an OS .46ax and an instructor and have fun
find your local club and see wht the instructors use... I started with a Futaba 4 channel and quickly went to a computer radio..
but JR and Futaba are both...just fine
also, these are Glow planes... not Gas.. Gas planes are usually the Giant scale planes that run on larger gasoline engines, the smaller ones run on glow fuel... just an FYI
if you stick with it, maybe then get those things, but not now....
IMHO... get an LT-40 and an OS .46ax and an instructor and have fun
find your local club and see wht the instructors use... I started with a Futaba 4 channel and quickly went to a computer radio..
but JR and Futaba are both...just fine
also, these are Glow planes... not Gas.. Gas planes are usually the Giant scale planes that run on larger gasoline engines, the smaller ones run on glow fuel... just an FYI
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
ORIGINAL: DJCEMT
Thanks for the info. I am looking to spend about $400. I have been using real flight g2 for about a year.
I appreciate your advice about going to the local hobby shop...it sure is tempting to want to order in online.
Thanks for the info. I am looking to spend about $400. I have been using real flight g2 for about a year.
I appreciate your advice about going to the local hobby shop...it sure is tempting to want to order in online.
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
I am looking forward to my step toward glow flight ! I will stay away from gas that is too big of a step up.....
How should I decide on a radio that will be good to grow with that I won't have to replace right away.
How should I decide on a radio that will be good to grow with that I won't have to replace right away.
#11
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
If I had a $400 budget that I didn't want to go over . Here is how I would go.
Tower Trainer MKII .40 ARF ($65)
Thunder Tiger Pro .46 2 stroke engine ($75) This will also move up into your next Plane
Futaba 6EXA Radio with 3004 Servos and reciever ($180) http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0
or a comparable JR Radio if your instructor is insistant
Chicken Stick ( $5)
2 Gallon Cool Power 15% Fuel ($30)
Remote Glow Ignitor ($15)
3 11x5 APC Sport Props ($9)
6 ft of Fuel Line ($3)
Hand Crank Fueler ($15)
Small Crescent Wrench out of your tools
Standard and Metric Small Allen Wrench Sets
Set of Small Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Your ready to go flying!
Tower Trainer MKII .40 ARF ($65)
Thunder Tiger Pro .46 2 stroke engine ($75) This will also move up into your next Plane
Futaba 6EXA Radio with 3004 Servos and reciever ($180) http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0
or a comparable JR Radio if your instructor is insistant
Chicken Stick ( $5)
2 Gallon Cool Power 15% Fuel ($30)
Remote Glow Ignitor ($15)
3 11x5 APC Sport Props ($9)
6 ft of Fuel Line ($3)
Hand Crank Fueler ($15)
Small Crescent Wrench out of your tools
Standard and Metric Small Allen Wrench Sets
Set of Small Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Your ready to go flying!
#13
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
My 2 cents would be for any of the Sig's Kadet line. I'm partial to the LT-40 but any of them would be good. I'd reccomend getting one with ailerons. Also make sure you take some time and work on a unique covering design for either the top or bottom (not both) of the wing. This will help you keep orientation in flight. I put a red fan pattern on the top of my white wing and it's hard not to tell which way the plane is going.
For radios I'd reccomend one of the 4 channel computer radios. It might cost a little more, but it will give you more flexibility as you keep getting deeper into the hobbie. I have a JR 421ex and I love it. It has a two model memory and is accually a 5 channel radio (you can have retractable gear, etc if you want).
For an engine for the LT-40 I'd reccomend any of the .46 size. I have an OS 40LA in mine and it's starting to be too small an engine for me, so I'd go with a little bigger engine to start.
For radios I'd reccomend one of the 4 channel computer radios. It might cost a little more, but it will give you more flexibility as you keep getting deeper into the hobbie. I have a JR 421ex and I love it. It has a two model memory and is accually a 5 channel radio (you can have retractable gear, etc if you want).
For an engine for the LT-40 I'd reccomend any of the .46 size. I have an OS 40LA in mine and it's starting to be too small an engine for me, so I'd go with a little bigger engine to start.
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
ORIGINAL: ckangaroo70
If I had a $400 budget that I didn't want to go over . Here is how I would go.
Tower Trainer MKII .40 ARF ($65)
Thunder Tiger Pro .46 2 stroke engine ($75) This will also move up into your next Plane
Futaba 6EXA Radio with 3004 Servos and reciever ($180) http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0
or a comparable JR Radio if your instructor is insistant
Chicken Stick ( $5)
2 Gallon Cool Power 15% Fuel ($30)
Remote Glow Ignitor ($15)
3 11x5 APC Sport Props ($9)
6 ft of Fuel Line ($3)
Hand Crank Fueler ($15)
Small Crescent Wrench out of your tools
Standard and Metric Small Allen Wrench Sets
Set of Small Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Your ready to go flying!
If I had a $400 budget that I didn't want to go over . Here is how I would go.
Tower Trainer MKII .40 ARF ($65)
Thunder Tiger Pro .46 2 stroke engine ($75) This will also move up into your next Plane
Futaba 6EXA Radio with 3004 Servos and reciever ($180) http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXHYK7**&P=0
or a comparable JR Radio if your instructor is insistant
Chicken Stick ( $5)
2 Gallon Cool Power 15% Fuel ($30)
Remote Glow Ignitor ($15)
3 11x5 APC Sport Props ($9)
6 ft of Fuel Line ($3)
Hand Crank Fueler ($15)
Small Crescent Wrench out of your tools
Standard and Metric Small Allen Wrench Sets
Set of Small Phillips and Standard Screwdrivers
Your ready to go flying!
I might go with the Hitec Optic 6 radio rather than the Fuitaba if the ultimate goal is to move to more advanced planes and keep using the same radio. The Optic has more programming capabilites. It does cost $30 more though.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXGZW3**&P=0
I'll be in the minority here, but I'd get Master Airscrew props rather than APC. The MA props are more flexible than APC. On a trainer, that's likely to see a few hard landings, I like a prop that will flex a bit before breaking.
#15
RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
On the radio, either get a basic 4 channel which can last you for a couple of years or jump in and get a 6 channel puter radio. Pros on 6 channel, more options and programming available. Model memory settings available. Cons: Extra features such as dual rates can't be used with the buddy box and you probably won't need the 2 extra channels for quite a while. By then the new puter radios will be cheaper than this years models, have more features and be easier to program. Also the 2 extra channels won't be needed for a while but don't hurt and the 6 channel radios are built a bit better. The engine kangaroo suggests is fine or an OS 46AX is also an awesome engine. For fuel you are going to go through a lot of it while training so just get 10% nitro for now. Cheaper, more than enough power for a trainer, and works with most engines. Higher nitro content than 10% can cause overheating of some engines. Hope this helps. [8D]
#16
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
One reason I believe a 6 channel radio is even the best deal for the new guy is that it will hold a little value if he decides not to continue on with the hobby. You can find four channel radios new on ebay and here in the market place that they can't hardly give away. A 6 channel computer radio will either move up with you in the hobby or allow you to get some of your investment back if you decide to sell out. A 6 channel radio just plain holds a better price value, and not to mention all the great features it comes with that will be most helpfull later down the road.
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Thank you for your advice. I just purchased a Futaba 6exap. An os.45 engine. I broke my $400 limit by about $50 but that is ok.
I decided to go with the superstar 40 trainer because my lhs had a very limited selection. I was very tempted to buy the p-51 pts set up but decided to go with a setup that I could put together on my own based upon some of your suggestions. I opted to make my purchase at a shop rather than on-line to support the local business. Thanks to all. I will keep you posted. Now the fun really begins, my first glow plane! Wow, now I have to figure out how to assemble it
I would welcome any future advice or suggestions
Thank you
I decided to go with the superstar 40 trainer because my lhs had a very limited selection. I was very tempted to buy the p-51 pts set up but decided to go with a setup that I could put together on my own based upon some of your suggestions. I opted to make my purchase at a shop rather than on-line to support the local business. Thanks to all. I will keep you posted. Now the fun really begins, my first glow plane! Wow, now I have to figure out how to assemble it
I would welcome any future advice or suggestions
Thank you
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
IMHO... get an LT-40 and an OS .46ax and an instructor and have fun
find your local club and see wht the instructors use... I started with a Futaba 4 channel and quickly went to a computer radio..
but JR and Futaba are both...just fine
also, these are Glow planes... not Gas.. Gas planes are usually the Giant scale planes that run on larger gasoline engines, the smaller ones run on glow fuel... just an FYI
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________
LT 40 Balance on Wing Spar as instructions dictate.
Set throws with Ruler, as instructions dictate.
[X(]Incline should be set, if build was followed as per instructions or ARF is correct.
There, I eliminated 100bucks worth of stuff, you will need later, but not to start.
find your local club and see wht the instructors use... I started with a Futaba 4 channel and quickly went to a computer radio..
but JR and Futaba are both...just fine
also, these are Glow planes... not Gas.. Gas planes are usually the Giant scale planes that run on larger gasoline engines, the smaller ones run on glow fuel... just an FYI
__________________________________________________ __________________________________________________ _________
LT 40 Balance on Wing Spar as instructions dictate.
Set throws with Ruler, as instructions dictate.
[X(]Incline should be set, if build was followed as per instructions or ARF is correct.
There, I eliminated 100bucks worth of stuff, you will need later, but not to start.
#21
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Hobbico Superstar or...
Hobbico Avistar!
I have 120 flights on my Superstar and she is still gon=ing strong even after I abused her.
The Avistar is sweeeeeeeet also. You cannot go wrong with either.
Hobbico Avistar!
I have 120 flights on my Superstar and she is still gon=ing strong even after I abused her.
The Avistar is sweeeeeeeet also. You cannot go wrong with either.
#22
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RE: Looking for advice in choosing my first Trainer
Well, I have enjoyed several flights and I can say that I really like my superstar. I now am poised to purchase my second plane. I am going to go with a low wing trainer. I am going to get the great planes Rapture 40 kit. I am hoping to assemble it during the winter months. This will be my first kit.