Hi everyone,

Myself and my father are looking to buy our first RC plane or glider. I've flown RC Helicopters before (Raptor 30) so it's not all completely new. We'd like something that's basically.... bullet proof for us to learn with but decent quality as we don't *intend* to crash.

We have a 4 acre field to fly around in which is rough and on an incline which is sometimes used for grazing sheep. There's a few flattish areas that we could land on but none are huge. Largest landing area is probably 10ft wide by 100ft long and a little bumpy. :P

Budget is around £400 for everything. Hope this is an acceptable amount for something decent. We might stretch if there's a real need.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

1. welcome to the addiction.
2. find a local club (if possible. I don't know how things work over there across the pond.)
3. if you find one, talk things over with them.
4. take a look at the sticky at the top of the forums (trainers, whats available.) RCKen has done a wonderful job with it.


There are several suggestions that can be made. Do you want to build it from the wood up (20hrs)? Would you rather only put together the premade pieces (4-5) and install all the goodies? Or would you rather buy everything you need in one box (minus fuel) and put it together and go fly?

If you don't mind building, there are several great kits. Top 'o my list is the Sig Kadet line and the LT(PT? brain fart, sorry)-40.

If you want it pre assembled (mostly), then there are many arfs available. The H9 Arrow and the Alpha are both quite good.

For an engine, you will get many different recommendations. The OS LA 40 series is good, but they will be a bit limiting if you want to move up later. The OS 46 fx is a wonderful engine and gives you many possible options for a second plane.

For a radio.. you will again get many different opinions. The new Spektrum DX7 is an interesting option, just keep in mind that it is new technology. Both JR and Futaba make wonderful radios. I would Highly recommend a computer radio, 6 channels preferably. If you don't mind spending a bit more, you can go up to a 7ch which should be plenty for any plane you fly in the next few years.


400lbs should be fine. Expect to pay around $300 for a top 'o the line 7ch computer radio and the extra gear you might need, $60-150 for the plane depending on kit or ARF, $100-150 for the engine, and another $100 or so for little this 'n thats that will be needed.

I think that about sums it up.

Well, MOST gliders don't require engines. You can install an electric motor for some, but that just adds weight (motor + battery). For a first time, and you really want a glider, I'd stick with something simple like a Great Planes Spirit, Sig Riser or even maybe a Tower Hobbies Vista. You can hand launch a few times to get the hang of it, then I would get a launcher of some kind like [link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/WTI0001P?&I=LXE638&P=V]this one[/link]. Or, you can either install an electric motor or get a power pod and mount a little Cox .049 motor on it. You'll need a standard 4 channel radio, or if you have an extra heli radio, that will work too (since it only uses 2 channels). if you get an ARF, you can plan on spending maybe $250 USD depending on the radio.

If you are looking for plane or glider your can have both, if you are wanting a kit instead of an RTF or ATF. The Dynaflite Butterfly. I am currently building one but have not flown one yet but have heard good things about there slow speed and ease of flight.