For a small (2 ft wing span 1.7ft fuselage) balsa wood basic 1 engined high winged plane how much would it cost?
I think the radio/reciever is the most expensive part im thinking of buying a 4 channel radio although i heard they can get kinda expensive.
And are airelons that nessariary on a small plane cause that just adds to the cost of the radio.

If you get a cheap radio, you get junk. it will be with you for a long time, and fly many planes. Get a good one. You can get into the hobby for about $350 doing it right. You can really search and get into it cheaper, but might encounter a lot of problems. it is not a cheap hobby. If you don't want to get good equipt, you will end up with junk, get tired of it really quick and end up quitting. I always tell new people to do it right or don't do it. It costs a lot to get into it with even junk and then realize in a couple weeks you don't want to do it.

Like we said in the other forum, get help from your hobby shop and club in the area. They can give you great help. Don't be in a huge hurry. I was the same way as you when I started, luckily I got great help, very good equipt and have been doing it for over 25 years and have over 50 planes.

Get help, you will enjoy it more

Go to Towerhobbies.com. They have alot of cool stuff. That is where I got my first plane. The cost was about $367.00 which included the plane (Sig Kadet LT-40), a 6 channel Futaba Radio, and an O.S. .46 LA engine.

The plane isn't a small one, but from what i gather it's a good trainer. I don't think that 367 is too much for what ya get.
Hope that helps.

You can get an Avistar Select from tower for $299. An instructor, Fuel and glow igniter is all you need to fly.

PaPa,

Like others have said - This isn't the cheapest hobby to get into. However, if you make a point of purchasing quality equipment for your first plane (radio and engine), you can use it again and again in your later planes.

The most expensive parts are the radios and engines. If the receiver is properly protected from vibration and the batteries are cared for it will last for years. Even through some of the most extreme crashes (just don't get them wet). The engines are extremely tough as well. A spinner will absorb alot of the impact in a crash, helping to protect your $$$$ investment.

I find the most expensive part of this hobby is the constant desire to add to your collection of planes I have known pilots with over 100 planes in their house! Must be nice to have that much dough... If you are limited by your budget, just remember to resist the urge to buy more planes, and execise plenty of caution when trying new things with your plane. Have an expert nearby to help you learn your manouvers, rather than crashing your plane. Also, watch others and learn from their mistakes... their mistakes don't cost you a cent.

As was stated previously, the Avistar Select is available for LESS than ONE quality golf club! Yep, there are clubs that cost over $300 EACH. Consider that a "standard" set of clubs consists of 14 plus a putter, and even at $150 a club...well you get the idea, not to mention bag, balls, tees, glove, shoes. And that's just the initial investment. What about green fees...$30 - over $200, depending on the course, and then there's the cart rental to go along with it.

So you see, RC can be just as economical as golf, and just as frustrating or rewarding.

BTW, if you want to just "get your feet wet", there are park flyer setups for less than the Avistar, if you would rather try electric over glow.

thanx for ur replies,
most of u suggested buying a trainer but im more looking to build mine from a kit or stratch (i like that stuff).
as strato said u can use the engine and radio for all ur planes.
what im planing now is to get about 3 planes first my one built from a kit the other 2 built from scratch.
how many parts from my first plane will i be able to use for all three of my planes? Pain in the @$$ if i got to buy 3 radios recievers engines etc..
also anyone know a good starter/cheap kit?

Before you go out and buy a plane and radio, spend some time gettting to know the people at your local flying field and hobby shop. They can recommend a plane for you to start with and in most cases know about used planes and radios that can be purchased very inexpensively.
Since I have been a member of our club I have seen some amazingly good deals on planes and equipment, especially high wing trainers. Many new flyers sell thier trainers and radios as a package deals in short order so they can go on to other planes and computer transmitters.
This weekend my son was given a nice plane by another club member. Seems he was cleaning out the the garage and decided he needed to get rid of some planes for more room. Instead of selling them he gave the surplus planes to new club members for thier 2nd planes.
Look around before you invest into something new, good deals can be found.

C'mon everybody let's get objective for a minute, and let's help a 15 y old kid who at least has the curiosity to ask a lot and also has (so far) the drive to build something!!!! we always complain on how everybody doesn't want to build from scratch and that ARF's are king.. along comes this guy who wants to BUILD and has mention it often enough that he wants to do it and we slam him on the head and scare him with how expensive this is SHHHEEESSHH!!! :boxing: it is as expensive as we want i to be.
Also, this days going with the significant other to the movies and to eat would run $30 to $50 per outing so 4 or 5 weekends worth will buy you a a plane with radio and engines... that in my book is not expensive...

Flyboy: I wouldn't clasify a 4 channel entry level radio like a focus 5, a futaba skysport, a JR4XX or an airtronics RD4000 as JUNK!!! they serve their purpose and do it well, as mentioned in other threads the scary thing about Chip and Quique and CFLR is how good they are even with a trainer......

PAPA as mentioned before the best thing for you right now is to look for your nearest hoby shop AND RC Club and see for yourself what you're getting into. After that , I believe your choices are:

A. Buy an ARF (Trainer with a good .46 cu. in. engine and a radio) that the guys at the club use for training, and then look into building a 2nd plane from a kit... .if after you do this you succeed then you'll be ready to get into serious construction and build hte plane of your dreams (beware the dream changes constantly as you build more and more planes :bananahea)

B. Enlist the help of those at the field and buy a kit and start building it, his route is easier on the wallet, since it'll take you a couple of months at least to build the plane and hence the radio and engine can be purchased later.

C. Check the posts in the airplanes for sale forum as well as ask the members of your club, you might find a good setup (albeit used) for about $200.00, it would be better if somebody in your neck of the woods is selling it since you'll be able to check it out.

As far as size: the standard is a .40 cu in size plane since it is farily good to see and handles ok in slow winds. However, there are smaller planes that you could use for example teh Goldberg eaglet, a Li'l rascal s mentioned before , Lanier Indicator Even this, however are 45 to 55 inches wingspan.

Also, a TRAINER is a slow(er) self correcting type of aircraft that is suited for the novice, you can hace trainers both in kit or ARF form, it's just an starter's plane.
The radio (if you don't bang it hard enough while learning) can beused in later planes (hence the suggestion of buying as good equipment as you can afford $$$$).

So Papa, read the threads think which course you want to follow, most people here are well intentioned, just remember that many people come here and ask similar questions, so sometimes the answers are inyour face.

If you have specific questions let me know.
REgards,
Patrick

Swamp, noone is trying to scare him away with price and ARFs. I personally don't like arfs. Most are telling him to build a kit because he has not ever built anything and starting with a scratch project would overwelm him bigtime. I didn't mean to imply that those radios are junk. What I said was get with a local club, and figure out what he needs ot get so it can be plugged into by another radio for a buddy box. It is way easier to learn to fly. I am not against questions at all. Just trying to steer him in what I belive is the right direction, as everyone else giving him advise are doing. Most agree that a .40 power plane will teach him the right, some think electric and others gliders. Noone is wrong. The student needs to read all the advice, get an instructor, and make the choice that is right for him. Please don't take any of the comments negative. I don't think they are meant that way.

Ok.. Flyboy I see what you mean.. I've just been reading some of the other threads papa started and on almost every one there was the ol' drift of if you don't have the bucks be gone.....
REgards,
Patrick

No, I think everyone sees that he is really eager. you can get into the hobby realitively inexpensively like you know. I just hate to see people get into it with really cheap stuff, break it the first day and get turned off. Too great of a hobby for that. Its like cars, you can get one at radio shack, and loose interest fairly quickly, or get a good one and do it for a long time. (Not that theirs are junk, but you know what I mean)

SwampFlier & FLYBOY,

I have to agre with you on most points. I too started on a limited budget, and my Freedom 20 did great till I got rid of it. My first plane was actually a used, completely built, flown, and never crashed ugly stick for $25 Can ($15 US). I added a radio and engine and had someone at the club check it out. I quickly realized it was to fast and didn't even try flying it till I was ready. It became my "third " plane, even though I bought it first. I've been flying for around 12 years now, and still "keep the purse strings tight". Most of my planes (I have 7) were given to me in exchange for computer repairs I did, or by waiting for sales, or designing my own. I still only own 2 radios, and 3 engines, since I can swap them out as needed from one plane to the next. It doesn't have to be expensive, unless you keep crashing. :cry:

PaPa seems to interpret "trainer" as "pre-built". As you have pointed out, "trainer" refers to being a "beginner" style plane. Kind of like learning to ride a tricyle before a bicycle.

Cheap certainly doesn't mean junk. I still use my cheap AM radio I bought 12 years ago (gold sticker'd), and I just replaced the batteries 2 years ago. Certainly not junk. It just doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" the computer radios have. Also, it's important to remember any prices I may quote are Canadian. US prices are alot less due to different exchange rates. PaPa's information doesn't mention where he's located. Hence I offered him online ordering suggestions from around the world (US, CAN, and UK).

PaPa,

I eagerly welcome new "blood" into this sport / hobby. I just want to make sure you have no unexpected surprises. And before someone insists you join the AMA, remember that they provide insurance coverage to non-AMA students for 30 days if receiving one-on-one instruction from a pilot with a "Into-Pilot" clasification.

<Quote>"This program allows a non-AMA member to fly at a club field and be AMA insured for liability coverage provided the new flier is under the supervision of a chartered club designated Introductory Pilot." Page 21 of the AMA handbook.
http://modelaircraft.org/templates/a.../memanul02.pdf

As mentioned by others - If you're trying to see if you are truly interested in this hobby, without spending to much $$, check the local flying club and hobby shop for a used trainer style plane. If you find the right person at the club, they may even offer to teach you with a plane from the club, or their own. :thumbup:

If you are not inthe US, and need more local information, you'll have to let us know where you are... So we can provide the help you seek.

Most modelers I've met (all but 2) are eager to share their knowledge, and time helping someone new join the hobby. I hope you stick with it, and someday you'll be the experienced pilot the newcomers turn to for help.

Here's a shot of my favorite plane - my Slowpoke. That engine is the Magnum .25 I used in my trainer by the way...

Thanks for the replies espicially swamp flier thanks for the confidence
But what i think ill do is get some basic books and go to a hobby shop look around a and find a nice kit (60" wingspan high winged plane) like i said before im getting into this cause a i want to fly and BUILD the planes i get. Maybe on my second and third plane hopefully ill get there ill stratch build but right now im sticking with the kit.
Also im might have sounded like im going into this hobby cheap but im not. I was just wondering what it would cost (the less expensive of course the better) but im willing to spend like $60-70 on the kit $80 on the glow engine and at least $250 on the radio/reciever (any big parts i forgot besides servos,propeller, esc). And do those prices sound right not sure really.
basically i want to start a new hobby ive always been intersested in aerospace engineering (might wanna do that when im older). I want to start out good so i dont get discouraged but the thing im worried about the most is taking a cuople months to build the plane bring it out to the airfield and the plane can only get about 5 feet from the ground then crash. Bye Bye $$$$.
Anyways im writing alot of threads cause i want to know as much as possible about this interesting hobby. Hope im not annoying anyone with my dumb questioins but ill probably writing alot more.
Ive probably learned the most/fastest by u guys on this site so thanks alot especially guys like flyboy/minn flyer/strato911 thanks again guys.

By the way im canadian

That sounds about right for US $$. Also, don't forget building materials, like glue, a good sharp hobby knife, small clamps (cheaper at the harware store), etc. The initial startup may seem pricey, but not when you consider what you get out of it in the form of long term enjoyment, and the pride of seeing your planes fly.

Enjoy your new hobby, and welcome to this great sport of ours. :thumbup:

Welcome fellow Canuk! We are a rare breed in these forums. Probably because our flying season is cut short by winter. Oh well, it gives us more time to build

PaPa,

How much does a plane cost?

If you don't mind, I'd like to share with you "my experience."

Before I decided on which plane to buy, I looked at my options. I went to the local hobby shop and saw what they had to offer and find out a little more about it.

I don't rush right out and buy the first thing I see because I work hard for my money and I know that there will always be something better... so... my first visit to the hobby shop, I bought a few books on R/C flying and building. I also bought a magazine (Model Airplane News) that I now buy every month.

After looking at "kits"; "ARCs" (Almost Ready to Cover); "ARFs" (Almost Ready to Fly); and "RTFs" (Ready To Fly). I narrowed the choices down to two. I would either get the Hangar9 "Xtra Easy" RTF, or the Hobbico "SuperStar" or "Avistar" ARF.

After "doing the math" on various sinarios, I decided it would be "wiser" to build an ARF rather than a purchase a RTF.

I had never build or flown models before, and my choice proved to be the better choice this last weekend.

If I had gone with the "Xtra Easy" RTF, I would have gotten a good 5-channel radio, a great looking plane, but an unproven "MDS" engine.

The route I took cost a little more: I ended up buying a great 6-channel radio, a good looking plane with a better wing (semi-symmetrical), and a totally proven "OS" .46FX.

After my last flight, I'm glad I bought what I bought.

Had I gone with the RTF - it wouldn't have mattered, because a great looking plane and an "alright" radio is NOT as good as a good looking plane and a "great radio" - esspecially after it crashes. So I'm glad I went with what I did!

The radio was the first purchase, it was $250 (USD) with the servos, receiver, and battery.

The engine was the next purchase, it was $120 (USD).

The purchase(s) after that were more than I had calculated and beyond my practical sense would have allowed, had I known... but one thing leads to another, and you've gotta' have the stuff, or not do it the way you know it should be done.

There were glues (6 minute and 30 minute epoxies, and thick and thin CA's), drill bits, upgraded clevises and quick connectors, rubber bands, fuel, glo-plugs, a "field kit" which I had accounted for in the estimated pricing (the box itself, a battery, a starter, power panel, glo-plug ignitor), a quick-fill fuel filler, extra fuel tubing and alot of little "nickle and dime" items that ended up costing me WAAAY MORE than expected. But if I wanted to do it right, I had to get this stuff... I hadn't even mentioned the propellers, and then a prop balancer, and a tool to measure the throws once the plane was complete!

You can spend MORE THAN YOU THINK, BUT IT'S WORTH IT! If I had known just how much I would spend, I wouldn't have gotten into this, but it's funny, because either you'll like this hobby or you won't. And I love it. It's been more fun than most other hobbies that I have been envolved in, and as with all "good hobbies", it's expensive.

Ya' know what though? If you want it, you'll spend the money on it. And alot of it is only a one time purchase that you'll use over and over, so it takes some of the "shock value" out of it.

But like I said, "it's worth it!"

Originally, I thought I'd cap out at or near $550 (USD)... that's not the case. I've spent (overall) in the hobby so far $950 (USD), and that doesn't include the second ARF I just bought, my Goldberg "Super Decathlon" (which I'm sooo proud of).

After crashing the "Avistar" trainer I realized this... "it's better to have the best radio and engine than you can get, because the plane will NOT stay as pretty as you would like", and that was the cheapest part.

The Avistar was crashed by a low throttle (wing) "tip stall" by fault of nobody but myself. It will be fixed and flying as gloriously as it was before - just gimme' a week or so.

A few tips if I may:
• Get the best radio you can afford.
• Get the best engine you can afford.
• Balance the prop(s) at least 50% (I preffer 100%).
• And don't plan on keeping your new plane "scratch free".

Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the cost(s) of flying. Before you can "legally" go out to a flying feild where a club has a sight for you to fly at, you'll NEED TO JOIN the A.M.A. (Academy of Model Aeronautics) for insurance purposes, and then join the club after a few flights.

The AMA is only (another) $58, but club fees will vary.

Good luck with it.

He's Canadian, so joining the AMA won't do him much good. When you're 15 and on a budget, buy a basic 4-channel radio. Fuel is the best training aid ever, and the difference between a 6-channel computer radio and a basic 4 is a lot of fuel. With a trainer, you won't reap any real advantage from a more expensive radio. They're certainly not more crash-worthy, if you were trying to imply that MacAir.

I started with the kit Sig kadet 40, 6 channel futaba, and .46 FX....Best thing I could of done to get started!

BTW I still got my .46fx *working condition and that non computer Futaba radio.....the plane sorta had an unintentional landing.

It help me build my skills as a modeler IE , know how to fix things when they broke.

My .02

Luis

First question are towerhobbies prices in canadian and us?
and if ur stating a price please identify if it is canadian or american currency. thank you
ive been looking thru tower hobby and noticed that the prices come nothing close to what u all said. it came way short.
radio (i saw a nice 4 channel one with servos and reciever)=$130
engine (2 stroke)=$90
kit(sig 71")=$70
tools/fuel=$30
total=$320 all u said it would be at least that much for just the radio?
and am i forgetting anything here (anyhting big not like a knife or something)?
doesn't seem like itll cost $500-$900 like u guys said

You are missing a few things. Prices in USD
You will need:
3 rolls of iron on covering 12-13$ per roll
Several props (you will break them!) $3 each
CA glue Thin and medium 6-7$ per 2 oz bottle
9 OZ Epoxy $10
(don't mess with the syringes, you will need too many!)
Glow plug driver ( I like the dubro) $20
Fuel pump (Price varies widely, I have a hand cranker) $36


I probably missed some stuff, but just spent another $125 for you
This is leaving out luxuries like a flight box, power panel, battery and electric starter (Another 100 there)

I am a newbie, building a sig kadet mark II and $30 dollars for tools is a low ball number unless you already have it all. You need things like a good metal ruler, assortment of glues, hobby knife, dremel comes in real handy, sand paper, extra balsa if you screw up. Small linkages and such to attach control surfaces. It all adds up. Plus AMA membership and local club dues cause you will want an instructor. I would take the advice of the guys that have posted already for you. Remember they have done this before and really know whats going on in this hobby.

Those are USD. You're going to need more than just the major components you listed. Glue, tools, covering, things like fuel line, props, wheels, glowplugs, field equipment ($$), club dues, and likely the Canadian equivalent of the AMA. Then there's fuel, too.

PaPa,

Please fill-in the "Location:" spot in your "My RCU" prefs. -thank you.

The engines will vary in price, depending on which brand, model, and size. For example: an "OS .40LA" is an engine that can purchased inexpensively, however, it doesn't have bearings, and therefore will wear-out quicker, needed a replacement sooner. An "OS .40FX" has a bearing and will last quite a bit longer.

I bought the "OS .46FX" which has more power than the two listed above:
OS .40LA: 1 bhp
OS .40FX: 1.4 bhp
OS .46FX: 1.6 bhp

The radios, you can get at around $130 (USD) for a good 4-channel. Channel assignments would be: 1-Throttle; 1-Ailerons; 1-Elevators; 1-Rudder.
A nice 5-Channel (JR) radio is available with the Hangar9 "Xtra Easy" RTF, sold for $389, or the radio by itseld for $189... I went with the JR XP662 6-channel, and I'm glad I did. In my next plane(s), I'll have flaps, retracts., NAV lights, or a smoker.

The "kits" are less expensive, but because my "modeling skills" are lacking, and my need(?) for flight is so great, I wanted to get in the air as soon as I could, so building a "kit" was not a good idea for me. I wouldn't want to spend the time building it so that I could go crash it and have to start all over. Since I bought an ARF, I'll have an idea of what it's "suppose to look like" when I have to rebuild it... which by the way, I need to do.

Don't forget you'll need something to mix the stuff, and unless you want to have alot of mom or dads' jars or bowls ruined, you'll need to get "Mixing Sticks" and "Epoxy Mixing Cups" by Great Planes or somebody... (sticks are $1.79 and cups are $3.49).

Like I said, it's alot of little "nickle and dime" things that will raise the price beyond your estimated budget", but will make the experience more pleasant and enjoyable, not to mention easier.

PaPa, please list the "tools" you have on your list as needed, (and fuel?) for $30. If you build a kit, you'll probably also need "T-pins" which are only $2.59, but that would bring it up to $32.59.
And propellers don't come ballanced, so unless you have an extra $90 for another bearing(ed) engine, you better spend another $25 for that. Which would bring your $30 up to $57.59. And the list goes on... you see a better way to route a pushrod, so your may need another "servo arm", that's only $2.50... which brings your $30 up to $60.09. Oh, longer allen wrenches - it's easier to tighten those quick connectors, now it's up another $5.99 (at least).

The "kits" aren't really "kits", they're ONLY the wood needed to build the plane, you'll still need an engine mount (or two, if you blow it), you'll need replacement Power-Panel 14-gauge wire and a soldering gun (if you let the battery terminals touch, like I did.), you'll need pushrods, horns, bell cranks(?), aileron rods, clevises', CA hinges... maybe you shouldn't build a "kit", but rather an ARF, those will cost a little more, but they come with a little more.

Even RTFs will cost more, you still need a field kit and extras.

Don't forget the little inexpensive tool to make those nice little "Z-bends" needed in the pushrods. That's only another $15.95!

Okay, that's all, your done, it's in the air.

More fuel, more glo-plugs, more glues, more balsa... more more more. It's worth it though, just expect it.

MikeL.,

No, I wasn't implying that at all. And no, if you live in Canada (aye?), the AMA would be pointless.
But if in Canada you NEED insurance, then he'll have to plan on that, if not, a big open feild would do just as well - just don't hit anybody or anything, or someone will be in a lot of trouble.