Help Me choose a park flyer
04-22-2007 | 02:59 PM
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Help Me choose a park flyer
Hey all Let me give you a quick background on my experience.
I have ONLY flown the great planes Rc flight simulator. I do have hours and hours of experience on planes similar to the ones i would like to purchase, along with faster and more fun planes.
I am going to purchase from my local Hobby People store. hobbypeople.net has a similar inventory.
I was initially looking at the yard stick park flyer: http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/701317.asp
it is inexpensive so i can crash it and replace it cheaply. but in the simulator it doesn't really fly in an interesting manner.
What i want to ask first, What would be a slight step up but not overwhelming for a first timer. I have a huge wide up area with not, trees, dogs and people for miles with a HUGE parking lot (no cars allowed) as well as a nice grass strip to practice landings. Price doesnt matter much but i dont want to spend a fortune b/c it is my FIRST real plane.
I already have a radio: Laser 6 with a rechargeable battery pack and its charger. I know i ned a reciever, servos and a batter pack for the reciever.
Do i decide which servos i want based on the type of plane to buy?
How do i know what type of motor and battery i would need for this particular motor setup?
I have a gift certificate which is about to expire and unfortunately i will have to purchase from their online store. This is why i am askingt he question in the forum instead of going to my local hobby people. I will buy the small accessories from online store and the plane from hobby people.
thanks
I have ONLY flown the great planes Rc flight simulator. I do have hours and hours of experience on planes similar to the ones i would like to purchase, along with faster and more fun planes.
I am going to purchase from my local Hobby People store. hobbypeople.net has a similar inventory.
I was initially looking at the yard stick park flyer: http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/701317.asp
it is inexpensive so i can crash it and replace it cheaply. but in the simulator it doesn't really fly in an interesting manner.
What i want to ask first, What would be a slight step up but not overwhelming for a first timer. I have a huge wide up area with not, trees, dogs and people for miles with a HUGE parking lot (no cars allowed) as well as a nice grass strip to practice landings. Price doesnt matter much but i dont want to spend a fortune b/c it is my FIRST real plane.
I already have a radio: Laser 6 with a rechargeable battery pack and its charger. I know i ned a reciever, servos and a batter pack for the reciever.
Do i decide which servos i want based on the type of plane to buy?
How do i know what type of motor and battery i would need for this particular motor setup?
I have a gift certificate which is about to expire and unfortunately i will have to purchase from their online store. This is why i am askingt he question in the forum instead of going to my local hobby people. I will buy the small accessories from online store and the plane from hobby people.
thanks
04-22-2007 | 04:28 PM
#2
RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
Take a really good look at the Easy Star receiver ready version:
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240019.asp
The motor, speed controller, and servos are already installed. You can buy a 4-channel micro receiver and fly this with your Laser 6 radio that you already have. Spare parts are readily available, so you can buy wings, props, or tail assemblies as needed.
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240019.asp
The motor, speed controller, and servos are already installed. You can buy a 4-channel micro receiver and fly this with your Laser 6 radio that you already have. Spare parts are readily available, so you can buy wings, props, or tail assemblies as needed.
04-22-2007 | 05:16 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
If hobbypeople has their line, I would go GWS Pico stick..its easy to fly, lasts well and if you decide to go lipo with it , can fly for like 45 minutes...I bought 3 or 4 battery packs with mine 170Mha I think, they would fly about 7 minutes each..at the blacktop at the schoolyard up the street...it would take off in 15-20 feet of the blacktop....Rog
04-22-2007 | 08:16 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
thank you for responding and not staying SEARCH.
This was all helpful information.
I just need to use my gift certificate on some small items and be done with it!
im tyring to buy a plane that flys similar to the larger and fast nitro planes. I would eventually like to upgrade and spend once a month at the local airfield
This was all helpful information.
I just need to use my gift certificate on some small items and be done with it!
im tyring to buy a plane that flys similar to the larger and fast nitro planes. I would eventually like to upgrade and spend once a month at the local airfield
04-22-2007 | 08:18 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
ORIGINAL: bigedmustafa
Take a really good look at the Easy Star receiver ready version:
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240019.asp
The motor, speed controller, and servos are already installed. You can buy a 4-channel micro receiver and fly this with your Laser 6 radio that you already have. Spare parts are readily available, so you can buy wings, props, or tail assemblies as needed.
Take a really good look at the Easy Star receiver ready version:
http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240019.asp
The motor, speed controller, and servos are already installed. You can buy a 4-channel micro receiver and fly this with your Laser 6 radio that you already have. Spare parts are readily available, so you can buy wings, props, or tail assemblies as needed.
04-23-2007 | 02:02 PM
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From: Chesnee,
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
I was looking at the slow stick as well. But, without ailerons I figured it'd get boring pretty quick.
I flew somerthing similar to the Edge 540 3D this weekend (and I am a first step beginner). I think the logo on the plane said Futura. It's a plane built from foam sheet. It would fly slow when you wanted it to, and fast 3D too. Actually one guy did a Harrier landing with it. It'd really float in his hands.
Anyways, that's kind of what I was looking at.
YMMV
I flew somerthing similar to the Edge 540 3D this weekend (and I am a first step beginner). I think the logo on the plane said Futura. It's a plane built from foam sheet. It would fly slow when you wanted it to, and fast 3D too. Actually one guy did a Harrier landing with it. It'd really float in his hands.
Anyways, that's kind of what I was looking at.
YMMV
04-23-2007 | 03:08 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
You really should put the first one in it's own context, ie. you want a trainer to get airborn, not to upgrade or make it try to compete with a performance plane. The planes themselves are cheap, the gear is not, I have several planes that I switch gear back and forth from depending upon my mood. Some I like to fly if there is wind to contend with, or if I'm wanting something optimized for performance, while on occassion, will take out a slow flyer for a more relaxing day at the field.
The dilema most new pilots face is they want something more then what they can really handle thinking they are going to stick to just that one plane for years to come. When you design a trainer, something has to give in it's basic principal, afterall, it's a trainer and certain attributes are necessary to make it perform in that manner so you lose certain elements, "looks included" to accomodate the new pilot. I've upgraded the first plane I learned to fly on with brushless and lipo, it turned it into a nice handful, but I opted not to leave it in since I was stressing the airframe too much. Now, you can pick up the yardstick, go flying pretty easily from day one, and pick up another at the same time to grow into as you are ready if you still have store credit enough for two systems. Later on, you can bring both to the field, I typically bring more then one plane myself, one is mainly for a change of pace, or worse case scenereo, a back up in case I wreck the first one and can't repair it on the spot. I'm nearning completion of plane 27 now and needless to say, I'm not entirely out of the norm with that many planes in my hanger, it's an addictive little hobby, and I'm sure, once you start flying, you'll see what I mean along accumulating your own collection.
The dilema most new pilots face is they want something more then what they can really handle thinking they are going to stick to just that one plane for years to come. When you design a trainer, something has to give in it's basic principal, afterall, it's a trainer and certain attributes are necessary to make it perform in that manner so you lose certain elements, "looks included" to accomodate the new pilot. I've upgraded the first plane I learned to fly on with brushless and lipo, it turned it into a nice handful, but I opted not to leave it in since I was stressing the airframe too much. Now, you can pick up the yardstick, go flying pretty easily from day one, and pick up another at the same time to grow into as you are ready if you still have store credit enough for two systems. Later on, you can bring both to the field, I typically bring more then one plane myself, one is mainly for a change of pace, or worse case scenereo, a back up in case I wreck the first one and can't repair it on the spot. I'm nearning completion of plane 27 now and needless to say, I'm not entirely out of the norm with that many planes in my hanger, it's an addictive little hobby, and I'm sure, once you start flying, you'll see what I mean along accumulating your own collection.
04-23-2007 | 06:30 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
ORIGINAL: saucerguy
You really should put the first one in it's own context, ie. you want a trainer to get airborn, not to upgrade or make it try to compete with a performance plane. The planes themselves are cheap, the gear is not, I have several planes that I switch gear back and forth from depending upon my mood. Some I like to fly if there is wind to contend with, or if I'm wanting something optimized for performance, while on occassion, will take out a slow flyer for a more relaxing day at the field.
The dilema most new pilots face is they want something more then what they can really handle thinking they are going to stick to just that one plane for years to come. When you design a trainer, something has to give in it's basic principal, afterall, it's a trainer and certain attributes are necessary to make it perform in that manner so you lose certain elements, "looks included" to accomodate the new pilot. I've upgraded the first plane I learned to fly on with brushless and lipo, it turned it into a nice handful, but I opted not to leave it in since I was stressing the airframe too much. Now, you can pick up the yardstick, go flying pretty easily from day one, and pick up another at the same time to grow into as you are ready if you still have store credit enough for two systems. Later on, you can bring both to the field, I typically bring more then one plane myself, one is mainly for a change of pace, or worse case scenereo, a back up in case I wreck the first one and can't repair it on the spot. I'm nearning completion of plane 27 now and needless to say, I'm not entirely out of the norm with that many planes in my hanger, it's an addictive little hobby, and I'm sure, once you start flying, you'll see what I mean along accumulating your own collection.
You really should put the first one in it's own context, ie. you want a trainer to get airborn, not to upgrade or make it try to compete with a performance plane. The planes themselves are cheap, the gear is not, I have several planes that I switch gear back and forth from depending upon my mood. Some I like to fly if there is wind to contend with, or if I'm wanting something optimized for performance, while on occassion, will take out a slow flyer for a more relaxing day at the field.
The dilema most new pilots face is they want something more then what they can really handle thinking they are going to stick to just that one plane for years to come. When you design a trainer, something has to give in it's basic principal, afterall, it's a trainer and certain attributes are necessary to make it perform in that manner so you lose certain elements, "looks included" to accomodate the new pilot. I've upgraded the first plane I learned to fly on with brushless and lipo, it turned it into a nice handful, but I opted not to leave it in since I was stressing the airframe too much. Now, you can pick up the yardstick, go flying pretty easily from day one, and pick up another at the same time to grow into as you are ready if you still have store credit enough for two systems. Later on, you can bring both to the field, I typically bring more then one plane myself, one is mainly for a change of pace, or worse case scenereo, a back up in case I wreck the first one and can't repair it on the spot. I'm nearning completion of plane 27 now and needless to say, I'm not entirely out of the norm with that many planes in my hanger, it's an addictive little hobby, and I'm sure, once you start flying, you'll see what I mean along accumulating your own collection.
I don't care about speed much. I DO want to be able to practice the take off anf landings so i defiantely need a plane with functional landing wheels. other than that i just need something to go up and make turns.
04-23-2007 | 08:30 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
ORIGINAL: saucerguy
Then your first choice will do the trick. Happy Landings !!!
Then your first choice will do the trick. Happy Landings !!!
04-23-2007 | 09:17 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
ORIGINAL: bigmansm
the yard stick flyer is nice but i was hoping someone suggest a plane that is a little more challenging and fun to fly. a nice trainer should not be out of my reach for a first time plane.
ORIGINAL: saucerguy
Then your first choice will do the trick. Happy Landings !!!
Then your first choice will do the trick. Happy Landings !!!
04-23-2007 | 10:45 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
I will probably get hammered for this, but if you have tons of well spent time on the GP simulator, then I would suggest the parkzone Stryker. It is fairly easy to fly on Low rates, and it has lots of good caracteristics. It will land very slow, I have never had mine tip-stall, and it is super durable. Repairing it usually only requires a bit of tape and epoxy. Remember this is not a Trainer, but I think that you could handle it.
If not, I know that the GWS slow stick is a good starter plane.
LT-40
If not, I know that the GWS slow stick is a good starter plane.
LT-40
04-23-2007 | 11:51 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
ORIGINAL: LT-40
I will probably get hammered for this, but if you have tons of well spent time on the GP simulator, then I would suggest the parkzone Stryker. It is fairly easy to fly on Low rates, and it has lots of good caracteristics. It will land very slow, I have never had mine tip-stall, and it is super durable. Repairing it usually only requires a bit of tape and epoxy. Remember this is not a Trainer, but I think that you could handle it.
If not, I know that the GWS slow stick is a good starter plane.
LT-40
I will probably get hammered for this, but if you have tons of well spent time on the GP simulator, then I would suggest the parkzone Stryker. It is fairly easy to fly on Low rates, and it has lots of good caracteristics. It will land very slow, I have never had mine tip-stall, and it is super durable. Repairing it usually only requires a bit of tape and epoxy. Remember this is not a Trainer, but I think that you could handle it.
If not, I know that the GWS slow stick is a good starter plane.
LT-40
I think i am just going to purchase the slow stick. I just hope that my radio setup will work.
04-24-2007 | 09:59 AM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
As noted above, they DID have a very good point, that I never really thought of. The planes are very cheap $30-$50. The cost of outfitting it is what costs. If you buy the motor/radio gear with growth in mind, the cost of your second plane will only be $40 plus time to switch the gear. Not too bad.
This is as much for me as for you. I think I'm gonna put the Slow stick on my wish list first.
This is as much for me as for you. I think I'm gonna put the Slow stick on my wish list first.
04-24-2007 | 01:50 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
You could even get something like this http://www.hobbypeople.net/gallery/240156.asp that has the option to upgade to ailerons later. If you have plenty of time on the sim, you probably could fly some of the more advanced planes, but the "stress factor" when you're actually at the field flying the real thing will kick in and your reflexes won't be the same as when you're at home relaxed not thinking about crashing.
If you have MASTERED basic flight on the sim and NEVER get confused which way is left,right,up,down while flying towards or away from you, then I think it would be ok to get something suitable for an intermediate pilot. Or, go to your local club and get on a buddy box w/ someone and get a feel for the real thing, then make a decision based on what you think you can realistically fly.
I am an expert pilot and I really enjoy the foamys. I have the Great Planes Yak 55 3D EP. The kit is 39 bucks if I completely crash and destroy it. My power plant/battery on the other hand ran me about $100 (rimfire w/ 1500mAh LiPos), and my reciever is PCM and I have pretty good little servos. You can really get alot of money into a foamy, but as far as crash cost, they're really cheap. Protect your battery, reciever and servos and even if you do have a DISASTEROUS crash, you'll probably only spend about $30-$50 on repairs.
Good Luck,
-Erik
P.S. My reference to the Yak 55 was not a recommendation for you....it's fast and agile. I merely mentioned it to make the point that even "expensive" foamys and park flyers are relatively inexpensive to repair.
If you have MASTERED basic flight on the sim and NEVER get confused which way is left,right,up,down while flying towards or away from you, then I think it would be ok to get something suitable for an intermediate pilot. Or, go to your local club and get on a buddy box w/ someone and get a feel for the real thing, then make a decision based on what you think you can realistically fly.
I am an expert pilot and I really enjoy the foamys. I have the Great Planes Yak 55 3D EP. The kit is 39 bucks if I completely crash and destroy it. My power plant/battery on the other hand ran me about $100 (rimfire w/ 1500mAh LiPos), and my reciever is PCM and I have pretty good little servos. You can really get alot of money into a foamy, but as far as crash cost, they're really cheap. Protect your battery, reciever and servos and even if you do have a DISASTEROUS crash, you'll probably only spend about $30-$50 on repairs.
Good Luck,
-Erik
P.S. My reference to the Yak 55 was not a recommendation for you....it's fast and agile. I merely mentioned it to make the point that even "expensive" foamys and park flyers are relatively inexpensive to repair.
04-24-2007 | 05:53 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
Well, if you do decide to take the plung to an intermediate plane and want to be able to acquire and repair it on the dirt cheap, check out this thread: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5763832
I know, alot of reading, but I've built several of those and it's a real kitten to handle for the intermediate pilot, especially since I use dual ailerons, not the single one shown in the plans. It's a pusher so you aren't going to be destroying props/motor shafts as often and you can make as many planes as it takes to learn to fly for around $4-5.00 each. Take note to my own revisions to it with the added balsa support system, I've perfected the durability factor on that particular design and have field tested it thoroughly, major crashes turned into 2 minute repairs and if you opt to spend the big bucks on EPP, would be even more durable. I also think it's not a bad idea adding the build factor to the equasion, this will give you more of a hands on feel for it all and most of all, control over the final plane specs.
I know, alot of reading, but I've built several of those and it's a real kitten to handle for the intermediate pilot, especially since I use dual ailerons, not the single one shown in the plans. It's a pusher so you aren't going to be destroying props/motor shafts as often and you can make as many planes as it takes to learn to fly for around $4-5.00 each. Take note to my own revisions to it with the added balsa support system, I've perfected the durability factor on that particular design and have field tested it thoroughly, major crashes turned into 2 minute repairs and if you opt to spend the big bucks on EPP, would be even more durable. I also think it's not a bad idea adding the build factor to the equasion, this will give you more of a hands on feel for it all and most of all, control over the final plane specs.
04-24-2007 | 07:18 PM
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RE: Help Me choose a park flyer
i bought everything else i needed today. I paid $282 with tax and that is becaus ei alreayd had a remote. the picture is a general vie wof wha ti bought.
the plane is a simple stick. it is a foam flyer with aerilons.
I am happy and need ot start working on it so i can fly it when the wind stops
