Hello Everyone!

My husband wants to get started in RC airplanes. He has a friend/co-worker who will serve as his instructor and mentor. We were going to buy his freind's old trainer, but unfortunately it got eaten by a giant oak tree before we could. (Hubby was devastated)

So I want to get him a RTF kit for Christmas as a surprise. We have a pretty modest budget. Naturally the one I had my eyeon was over $350.00, too expensive for us. i'm trying to keep everything under $200.00.

Could you kind folks make some suggestions for me for a good, easy to use, not horridly expensive RTF plane? It'll make his holiday!

Thanks in advance

Did you get the motor servos and receiver back from the tree? If so what size is the motor?

Irish, what Part on MN are you in? I can maybe find you some deals

We're in the southern twin cities. I'm not sure if hubby's friend managed to recover anything from the tree. Last time I asked, it was still up there... I was just planning on getting him everything new.

poke it with a broom until it falls down

if you can get the radio gear and motor/servos from the tree it would save you a neat part of your budget

a tower hobbies .40 trainer could be ideal, and a towerhobbies Engine, if your going leccy im not sure...

Getting everything new, will be a challange at $200. Stop by a place called Hobby Warehouse in Richfield. They are located at:

7144 Chicago Ave S.
Richfield, MN
Phone:
612-861-5587

They have the best prices anywhere in the Twin Cities.

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCXF4**&P=ML hope this helps

The link "-Extra-" provided above is a good one

My wife is supportive in this hobby, but man... I wish she'd buy me a airplane.



Peter Dowling aka Luftwaffe Oberst
AMA District II # 865404
Aero Modelers Club
Pulaski, NY

iriskmj,
What a small world. I used to live in Burnsville. I flew power out at the community college east of Apple Valley and gliders down south near Farmington and every slope within an hours drive.

If your husband was planning on buying the buddy's airplane, and you figure your budget to cover only that part of the startup deal........ Then $200 is an ok figure to cover that part of the startup.

Generally, it takes an airplane, and engine for the airplane, and radio equipment. Those are the three expense areas.

It's not really hard to make one big savings right off the bat. Go beyond the RTF and get one of the more ARF ARFs. There is a KYOSHO trainer that's called the CALMATO that sells for right at $105. All that's required to turn it into the state of most RTFs is to glue the two wing halves together and glue the tail on. At that point, it's about in the condition most RTF's are. It'll take an engine that's around $70.

But the guys at Hobby Whse will be able to help with all that. Just keep in mind that RTF isn't the only, and isn't actually the best way to get into the hobby.

Is it snowing yet? chuckle..... Dang I miss that place...... sometimes.

Also look at hanger-9.com item#HAN2065 it is the solosport, it's a great trainer sells for $79.99 I have flown this plane hard for over three years, and I'm using it to teach my wife. You can put an O.S. .46 la engine in it for another $67.99. That just leaves the radio. Buy what his friend and mentor recommends, so that he'll be able to buddy box him for training. But futaba has a basic 4 channel setup complete for $119.99 . that brings the cost up to approx. 268.00

If your husbands buddy is going to help him --- I would suggest that you talk to him and see what he can help you find, he's the one that will have to work with it and your husband. I know when I help folks it sure is nice to have had some input. ENJOY !!! RED

Reds right here.. his friend may have other friends in the club that will be glad to leave their trainer plane/ radio/ and engine behind for a good price....and the stuff thats still up in the tree other than maybe the engine is worthless if its been out in the weather for more than a week...on the other hand a Tower trainer and OS.40 shipped from Tower at $150 and another $125 for radio is about as cheap as you can get for new stuff and you cant go wrong with that either....Rog

HI IRISKMJ,

Ya know once you get your hubby started you can kiss more than that $200.00 goodby. This hobby can be an addiction, you better keep the reigns on him

Two hundred bucks is a tough number to deal with. As some others have suggested, if he can use the engine and radio gear from the wreck that would help, but beware buying any equipment that has been crashed. Dammage can occur the the engine, servos, reciever etc even if the plane was only put in a tree. Since you and he are new to the hobby and don't know what to look for in regards to dammage I would suggest you stear clear of that wrecked plane.

RTF means the plane is ready to fly but it doesnt mean you have everything you need. Additional items he will need are fuel, glow plug driver, starter, feild box, fuel pump, 12 volt battery, power pannel, misc tools, extra propellers, misc building supplys and so on. He will probably be able to borrow some of these items initialy but eventualy he's going to need his own. Also if he ends up flying at a "club sight" there will most likely be membership dues, and he will probably have to join the AMA (American Modelers Association) and pay the dues on that.

This is an expensive hobby, please understand that upfront so you know what to expect. I'm not saying you can't be frugal but it's not easy in this hobby.

Darren

There is also the TCRCC auction coming up in February. As this is my first year in the hobby I don't know directly, but have heard there are some fabulous deals there.

I also agree with Red. The folks in the club I joined were more than generous in helping me get m,y first plane. Actually my second plane too...

IriskMJ,
Check with your Local Hobby Shop to see if there are any swap meets between now and Christmas. I have picked up some really good deals for two hundred dollars and under, i.e. Goldberg Piper Cub with Saito 65 4 stroke engine and all the servos for $150.00.
This means you would still have to ahve a transmitter and receiver. However, my Local Hobby Shop, Hobby Haven sells the ARF Avistar 40 trainer with the engine and everything else installed with a transmitter for $279.00. This is the trainer I recommend to all of my students, as it has a semi-semetrical wing and flies great. Should this be too expensive, I have one further recomendation. Buy him the Great Planes G3 Flight Simulator. This hooks up to your computer and comes with a ton of different aircraft to fly. This sim runs at the $200.00 range and is a great investment. You can both learn to fly on the sim and it will greatly reduce the time it will take to learn to fly at the field. My last two students started on the sim until they were confident. They both soloed with their Avistar 40 trainers at the field after their fourth lesson. I fly my sim several times a week to stay proficient and to learn new things. There is no cost to you if you crash on the sim. You can also fly On Line with other R/C enthusiasts around the world. It's pretty cool. Inclimate weather, no problem, fly on the sim. I have been in this hobby and flying for 14 years and I am seriously addicted. Good luck, Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!

Thanks all for your helpful advice. I'm going to look at all of those options, as well as looking around for a used setup, maybe from the classifieds area of this site, to see what I can find. I may just end up getting him a gift certificate, so he can go out with his friend and get whatever he feels he needs. In the meantime, I'm definitely buying him a simulator, so he can "fly" during the middle of our brutal MN winters!

GOD bless you!

Do you have a sister? []

dang i hope my future wife buys me a simpulator and a plane if not well pffft be just wrong hope you find something

i ran across this mabey of some help http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=233292

I would suggest buying the plane Extra suggested. The Tower Trainer RTF. It's only $259.98 for everything and if you can get an ad number from tower hobbies, or ask someone on here for one. You can get $20.00 off and the shipping is free on orders of $150.00 or more. The total would only be $38.98 above your budget. I'll look tonight for an ad number and post it tomorrow if nobody else has. This is the best way to go. New is always better thsan used!

Gibbs

Thats awesome supporting the hubby in the hobby. Not many that do that out there. However, i do want to point out that while the plane is ready to fly, there is much more equipment needed to get it into the air. Starter motor and battery, fuel pump, tools, flight box, glow stick, and the list goes on. Its quite a bit more than just the airplane itself.

To put into perspective how much this hobby can put a dent into the budget.... I just finished building a 29% Extra 260... Well maybe I shouldn't say this... Hehe. Don't want to ruin it for the hubby.

Definately speak to the guy who is going to teach him and follow his advice.

If he wants a glow/gas plane there are serveral that seem to get good reviews. All are over $200 but here are some to consider.

Tower Trainer - $259
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCXF4**&P=ML

Avistar - $279
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXMU53**&P=7

Of course with gas/glow planes you need other things but these are the basic packages.


If he wants to consider Electric planes rather than glow/gas then you can easily get on under $200

Here are some examples:

READY TO FLY STARTER PLANES - Electric Parkflyers
No building - they practically fly right out of the box
These also glide well so you can thermal soar
with them under the right conditions.


Slow-V from Parkzone - $140 -
I have flown the slo-V. My RTF of choice for small spaces.
Best flown in still to under 5 mph breeze. This is the best choice for
people who only have a small space to fly or who have an indoor
place to fly, such as a large gym or similar space.
http://h1071118.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=PKZ1300
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2074785/tm.htm
Review
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426
Video
http://www.horizonhobby.com/ProdInfo...240x180_nb.wmv
Night fly module on a Slo-V
http://rc-galaxy.com/messageboard/mb...ViewMsg&num=-8

T-Hawk - RTF - Excellent Value - $150-170
This company is really putting together some outstanding
packages. I have flown the T-Hawk. Excellent first plane.
Get the Extreme value package. It comes with extra wing,
tail and battery. This palne stands up to hard landings
Can be flown on 27 MHz or 72 MHz
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawk3chrtf.html
T-Hawk - Without Radio - add your radio and receiver
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/wittran.html
T-Hawk Buddy Box 72 MHz trainer system - $279
This is really unique!
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/t72rtfpatrpa.html
T-Hawk Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...ighlight=THawk
Videos
http://www.readytoflyfun.com/thawkvideos.html

Easy Star - RTF - $180
I have flown the Easy Star - Great plane for new flyers!
Super tough foam. Comes with 72 MHz radio in the US.
Good parkflyer and a good glider
Radio in RTF package can be used to fly other planes
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240025.asp
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML
Easy Star - ARF - Add you own radio gear
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240009.asp
Build Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=350408
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=459096
Videos
http://plawner.org/video/easygo.wmv
http://plawner.org/video/easystar.wmv
Mods, upgrades and more
http://www.mpx-easystar.de/
Add Ailerons - Start at post 195
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...&page=13&pp=15
Travel Box
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...5&goto=newpost

Aerobird Challenger - RTF Electric - $110 -
I started on an Aerobird RTF. I have over 600 flights on my Aerobirds. I
also thermal and slope soar this plane. Flies well and stands up to hard
landings. Their add on fun accessories for night flying, air to air combat
and drop
module add to the fun! The combat module makes a great lost plane locator,
even if you don't plan to fly combat. Great keep in the car plane - take
off the
wing and it goes back in the box fully assembled. Most can't do that!
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_planes_h...challenger.htm
Review
http://www.hobbyzonesports.com/Disco...ID=1289#Page01
Discussion Thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147621
Video
http://www.parkflyers.com/html/aerobird_video.html
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc_videos/a...nger_loops.wmv

Hobbico Sky Fly - $100
I own one of these. About the best landing gear and ground
handling of the planes I list here. If you have a hard runway, this may be
your best choice for ROG and runway landings.
NOTE: There is no reference in the documentation as to the range of the
radio. An e-mail from Hobbico suggests 500 feet. I can say with confidence
that I have had two of these out about 1000 feet with no range problems at
all. So I would say 1000 feet is safe under most conditions and adequate to
this
size plane. Your range experience may vary.
This is the least aerobatic of the planes listed.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV7&P=ML
Video
http://video1.hobbico.com/gallery/hc...961-deluxe.mpg
Review
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=489248
Discussion thread
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...t=493271&pp=15
Recommended wing reinforcement by mdp17681
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...8&postcount=16



Hobbico Red Hawk $70
This is a very low cost 3 channel plane. It is good for low wind conditions
but lacks the strong response needed for aerobatics or flying in stron wind.
It is a good value for the price, especially when compared to the 2 channel
planes commonly seen at this price. It looks very much like the Aerobird
Challenger, listed above, but is not as responsive or aerobatic in stock
form.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXKLV8&P=ML
Reports
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/show...&postcount=131


ESSENTIAL ADD-ONS AN POINTS TO CONSIDER

When evaluating costs, add the following items to your list.

For the Aerobird, Red Hawk and the Sky Fly
1 Spare wing and tail ($15-25) and 1extra battery pack (about $20 each)

The T-Hawk comes with spare wing, tail and two battery packs,
so factor that into the price and you will see it is closer in price
than it first appears.

For the Slo-V, two extra props and 1 gearbox seem to come in handy
as this is a front motor plane and these parts really take the damage
of nose in crashes. Don't know about other parts. The others are
pushers so props are less at risk. Add that extra battery pack.

The Easy Star really does not need a spare wing or tail. The wing is
very tough and very repairable. The Easy Star is a little heavier than
the others, so add-on battery packs should be at least 7 cell 900 MAh
2/3A or 4/5A battery packs, if you are using the RTF charger. The
Aerobird 7 cell, or the Parkzone 7 cell packs will work if you don't mind
changing connectors. The Easy Star RTF stock 6 cell is OK in calmer
conditions but get 7 cell add-ons. Figure at least 1 added battery
pack at $25 each.

If you have an 8 cell charger you can go to 8 cells, 9.6V, on the Easy
Star, but no more or you will burn up the motor. Be sure to check the
balance with the different battery packs.

The Easy Star, the Slo-V and the T-Hawk use standard modular electronics.
Makes it easy to replace parts or to upgrade the motor at a future date, if
you wish. The Easy Star RTF uses a standard 72 mhz radio equipment in North
America. The T-Hawk has a 72 MHz radio option as well as a buddy box
option. Or you can buy it without the radio and reciever and use your own.
All the others are 27 MHz.

After typing all that, aeajr will be back in 6 weeks after his carpal tunnel surgery.

GO GLOW!!!, electric stinks and it will cost you much more than glow if you get anything bigger than a mosquito. Everone with electric I've seen gets one flight and then it's time to recharge. Blow the electric, GO GLOW!!!

Gibbs