I'm getting back into this after a 15-year hiatus, and I'm going to do it like I was starting from scratch. The rig I'm looking at is Hobbico's 60 RTF Select package.

RTF because I'm don't want to build a kit. Putting my old PT-40 together taught me that I'm far more interested in flying than building. I don't mind fixing it when it breaks, but I don't want to build any more.

The 60 looks like a decent size. Transportation and cost aren't an issue. I like the extra visibility and alleged stability. The kit comes with an OS .65 engine, and from what I remember and read here it looks like that was and still is a good brand.

The radio that comes with it is a 6-channel Futaba 6YG. It looks like a really nice piece of kit. I can't believe the prices -- I spent more than $400 on a mid-grade Futaba before. The whole kit now including radio costs less than $400 at Tower. The whole buddy system thing blows me away. It is ingenious, extremely simple and would have saved me some monokote rash last time around.

Is there any glaring reason I shouldn't go with this setup?

I've found a field that's 10 minutes from my house, have joined the associated club, re-joined AMA, and am going to the monthly meeting next week to see if I can hook up with an instructor.

I think it is a good combination. I like the 60 size trainers.

I had the 40 and it was super easy to fly. Dont do this, but it was so stable, I taught myself and didn't crash on the first day at the field soloing! Again, I am not recommending this but just using this example so say I really like the setup.

No worries. I'm a firm believer in the instructor system. I fly full-scale, but it's a lot easier to do when you're sitting in the cockpit than watching from the sidelines.

Speaking of which, the sim's now are truly incredible. I bought a very early version of RealFlight. Comparing it to the the new version I just saw at the hobby shop is like comparing Star Wars to Lost in Space (the 60's version, not the Heather Graham one). I have *got* to get me one of those.

That's a great setup there. I can't see any reasons why you shouldn't do it. Combined with an instructor and you'll be back up and flying in no time.

Keep us posted on your progress!! And welcome back to the hobby.

Ken

[sm=thumbup.gif] Good choices. Welcome back to the hobby and RCU. Let us know if we can help.

What part of TX are you in?

Just a thought, take it or leave it. I also recently got back into the hobby late this summer after taking about the same amount of time off. You've picked a good plane and radio package and I'm sure you'll be content with it but depending on what kind of experience level you were at when you quit, you might not be as rusty as you think. When I was considering getting back into RC I spent a little time on a Real Flight simulator and found that I really didn't forget that much. I purchased an ARF kit, Ultra Stick .60. I know you said you didn't want anything to do with building, but what you have to do with this kit is fairly minor. I did put a little more money into it with a Saito 100 four stroke and a 6 channel radio. This plane was ideal for me as a retrainer and still has capabilities to progress into. I flew again for the first time in years solo and by the end of the day I was doing laps around the pattern inverted. My point is, if you were even an experienced beginner before, maybe you don't need to go back to square one. Instead of a semi symmetrical wing with dihedral, maybe go with a high wing but symmetrical and straight. Especially if you're going to get you feet wet again and use an instructor. It depends how comfortable you are and how much you think you retained. Welcome back and enjoy flying again.

Thanks. I'm in Allen.

Thanks for the thought. I wasn't all that good before, not good enough to fly that stick yet. It does look like a great plane. My hope is that with my background and some decent training time I'll be able to progress on the fast side of the curve to a more capable second plane. A flight sim program is definitely in my very near future. Unfortunately I've been reading the sim forum. Apparently they all either suck or shine, depending on who you talk to. It looks like deciding on one of those may be a good bit harder than picking a trainer.