I think I have found the place to get some info!
I am going to date myself, but back in the late, late 60's and early 70's, I first got exposed to RC airplanes while in the Air Force in Southeast Asia. I worked on the U2 project, and we had a lot of extra time on our hands, so we built RC's and flew them whenever we could. The ritual was that whenever we rotated back to the states, we would fly our plane out into the harbor or delta, and "let 'r go". Then we would give the guy that was replacing me the controller, and he could build his plane, and repeat the deal. It was great at the time.
Now I have grandkids, and young nephews. They want to fly. I am excited, but i am reticent about getting back into it. A grandpa cant crash. Long story short, need a few ideas for equipment that can get me/us into it, with the idea that the receiver, controller, etc needs to be upgradeable. Any help surely appreciated.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXEXK2**&P=ML

Buy a few magazines and visit a few hobby shops. And poke around here for a week before making any decisions. MUCH has changed. I started in the late 70's and then got back into it 25 years later. The engines are the same but the electronics are three generations different.

Wait 'till you find out about digital trims and endpoints. It's like stealing.

I started building in the early 50's and migrated to R/C in 1958. In 1965 I became re-interested in control line and follow it very actively through 1972. Then I spent 25 years with rockets and stick and tissue type gliders and rubber models. 10 years ago I got back into R/C. for some reason I felt I had been out of the hobby for 25 years but I really hadn't.

The first thing to do is to start hanging around here and soak up all of the words of wisdom (Not to mention all of the BS) that the RCU members have to offer.

Welcome! You've come to the right place!

Do you plan on going gas powered or electric? And your most likely going to NEED an instructor even with your past experience. And your going to want to find a flying club in your area. That is were you'll find the best info and help.

CROSS TIMBERS R/C CLUB
56.74 miles 4399 14
JAMES SMOLA
1680 W SOUTH LOOP
STEPHENVILLE TX 76401
Phone: 254-968-3618

ABILENE RC SOCIETY
Flying Site Details
67.69 miles 602 18
JAMES JOHNSON
PO BOX 1742
ABILENE TX 79604
Phone: 325.690.1234

Welcome.
Good Lord are you gonna have fun!!!
the modern stuff is so much better than the old stuff was back in the day,, makes enjoying the hobby that much easier.
keep us posted
K.R.