Hey everyone. I've recently become very interested in your hobby, and have spent lots of time saving and researching what I should buy. I narrowed down the selection a bit. Here it is. Please give me some advice on what you think I should purchase.

Plane

Thunder Tiger - Tiger Trainer 40 ARF
Lanier - Explorer 40 Trainer ARF
Hobbico - Superstar 40 ARF with Monokote
Tower Hobbies - Tower Trainer 40 ARF
Hobbico - Avistar 40II Trainer ARF
Great Planes - PT-40 ARF Trainer
Global - RCM Trainer 40 ARF
Or other suggestions

Engine

O.S. - .46LA
O.S. - .46FX
Tower Hobbies - .46PRO
Magnum - .46XLS
Or other suggestions

Radio

Airtronics - RD6000
Airtronics - RD6000 Sport
Airtronics - RD6000 Super
JR - XF631
JR - XP662
Hitec - Eclipse 7
Futaba - 6XAPS (PCM) (How important is PCM?)

Thanks,

Mike

For my trainer, I have

OS 46 LA (Should have went for the FX as it runs much quieter when in idle due to the bearings).

Hobbico Superstar .40 ARF

Futaba T6XAS

I am extremely happy with this combination. The plane is forgiving and the engine is perfect for me to learn how to maintain glow engines. I am about to move to a Hanger 9 Ultra Stick 0.40 with OS 50 SX with a Futuba T9CAP radio

Good Luck.....I love this hobby and I wish I had started years ago but at least I have it all lying in front on me

Steven

No need to spend a whole lot of money on your first plane (trainer) stay with the .40 LA

You can purchase the Avistar combo that includes all that you need for around $300 give or take.

Randy

I agree with Blackie, you can't beat the deal you'll get by buying one of the ARF's with engine and radio included. I would suggest the Superstar though, as it is truly a trainer, and will fly slower than the Avistar. I have seen people train on both, but if your one that needs to fly slower at first to get better control, you'll be glad you got the Superstar. You can get the Computer radio also if you have the extra cash, as you'll need a buddy box, at first, till you get the hang of flying and landing. PCM, it's debatable if it's better, their is a lot of arguing every time it is brought up. Join a club, and you'll get a lot of info, and flying instruction from club members. Good Luck, and happy flying.

If you researched all of the different RC boards, posts and conversations (or arguments regarding this subject over the last couple of years, I think you would find two things...

One - you would have done a ton of reading, and

Two - the general consensus is a SIG LT-40 with a Thunder Tiger 46 Pro.

As for a radio, thats more of a personal preference. I like JR, but Futaba, Airtronics and Hitec are all qaulity systems. If you plan on doing this for a while, get a 6 channel computer radio. If your not sure, get a basic 4 channel, non-computer radio. My suggestion would be to go 6-computer. You will always be able to recover most of your investment if you take care of it.

Good luck.

Regarding planes, you'll soon discover that most flat bottom airfoil trainers fly very much alike. So if you get one of those, choose which one you asthetically like the best.

These fly differently than the Avistar which has a semi-symmetrical wing, Hobbico bills it out as an advanced trainer, but I think most beginners should have no problem learning on it, plus it'll take you into basic aerobatics a bit quicker than the other trainers. I believe that both Kangke and World Models also have their own versions of advanced trainers as well which have similar airfoils.

Regarding engines, probably the two best values for trainers are the Thunder Tiger GP 42 if your on a budget (it's a mere $50) or the Thunder Tiger Pro 46 if you're looking for more power (you can find them for $70-80). Pro level power is not necessary for smaller/lighter trainers like the Avistar, but I've seen some larger trainers (Superstar) perform terribly with OS 40 and 46 LA engines.

Regarding radios, the only one you've listed that I wouldn't recommend is the JR XF631 (and I own one). It's mixing capabilities are limited. IMHO, you're better off getting a simple 4 channel to start off with then getting a computer radio after you get your second plane. This will provide you with a spare TX if you ever need one in the future.

Don't forget your AMA!
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...light=ama+card]

F2racer is correct. The LA series has no power. I had one in the RTF SuperStar 40 and it was a VERY easy to start, good idle and transition, but just not enough power. Note: If you will be flying off a blacktop runway it may be OK. Mine just struggled getting off the grass. TT Pro .46 would be good. I just bought an OS .46 FX. It hasn't flown yet....but it was a breeze to break in and tune the transition. PLANE: do yourself a favor and whatever you select, pick one with Monokote or Ultracoat. I broke down and bought an ARF with the "stick-on shelf paper junk". It is terrible. I was even able to shrink and smooth some of it but it will never look good. When will the manufactuers realize that MOST of us out here would even pay the difference to have the "good stuff" on the airframe!! The Hobbico SuperStar with Monokote was a VERY good trainer for me. I had 3 serious crashes in my 125 flights learning and then playing!! In its "last days" it was converted to a taildragger with a steerable T/W and it flew and took off even better. RADIO: I have 2, both Futaba. (non computer). I didn't want the hassles .... I have since changed my mind. Other guys could tell you more things about radios than I.
I wish you luck.... this is a terrific hobby!!..lownslo

Bob

For a radio I think you should go with the Futaba U Super series.
http://www.futaba-rc.com/radios/futj80.html
Here is the deal. If you buy a used one from one of the fine folks on RCU you usually only have to spend $250. That includes tx, rx, module, crytal and usually a case. This radio will grow with your needs (with 8 channels). It's easy to program as well. Here is a link to a deal just like that on RCU that I just looked up.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/showthread...324&forumid=29]

with over 20 years of r.c. fun, my favorite training choice; sig lt 25 or 40, os la 40 in the 25, os la 46 in the 40,radio pcm not necessary, 4 or 6 channels, prefered with dual rates,most important a good club and instructor, have fun, john

Since you list ARF trainers I'd go with the Hobbico or Sig LT40. They are built better than the other ones listed. I have been instructor for the last 3 summers. All trainers are not the same! 2 of the ARFs you mentioned contain a lot of plastic in the fuselage instead of balsa. This is very hard to repair. Ground handlying can very from very stable with almost no bounce to bouncing up and down off the runway as you taxi. Learning to land is the final lesson that all the previous lessons are leading up to. The LT40 just has to be guided in straight and level with the engine at an idle and it practically lands itself. It also turns into a large glider if the engine leans out and quits making it easy to get back to the runway. With a good engine like the TT46 Pro you can hang on the prop at 1/2 throttle and do torque rolls. On the radio, I would just get a basic 4 channel for now. You will have enough expenses while learning without adding a radio that will add more confusion than you need. You can always use it down the road for training or another plane. Newbies think its cool to have dual rates ect. Trainer boxes only go to what ever the high rate is set for. If you have high rate set for 110% and low rate at 80% the buddy box will operate at e the 110% setting which may be too much for you and the plane! The next 2 channels after the basic 4 are for flaps and retracts. Unless you have a very smooth field the retracts may be ripped out on the first landing! Flaps are needed on larger heavier planes which means that, uless you rush things you probably won't be having a plane like that any time soon. Model memory isn't needed on 4 channel planes that are set up so the servos are all moving the same direction for the same stick movement! I have 5 planes set up this way. Just make sure that the transmitter matches the brand of buddy box at the club. That why I suggest visiting a club before you go out and buy anything! Fast!

First thing to do is join a club.There are many in the Toronto area,depends where you live.Check the MAAC website for locations.Dont even consider trying to learn on your own.Also you will need help with the little bit of building involved with an ARF,the radio and engine installation etc.....
Go to the next club meeting or to the field ,introduce yourself and ask the same questions you are asking here.If there is a preference in the club for one brand of radio,its best to go with the tide,espedially if the club uses buddy cords for training.Get at least a solid four channel,preferably an entry level 6 channel computer radio.
My favorite trainer is the SIG LT 40.See if any of the Canadian mail order places or bigger stores,like Hobby Hobby in Mississauga will sell you a package at a saving.The MAAC magazine is a good source for packages too.For the hard knocks of learning I prefer a cheap two stroke .40 or .46 name brand engine,but make sure you can get parts in the Toronto area for whatever you buy.
If you find problems with any of the above let me know and Ill find the nearest club to you and get you a contact.........
have Fun!

I'd have to disagree on the quality of Hobbico ARFs. I've now seen the inside of a wing and it's got tons of hot glue, most of it not even on the joints! Fit is also pretty bad, lots of places where you don't have wood on wood contact. I've broken the top sheeting on the wing just by carrying the plane. I also had the front fuselage separate from the firewall on my Avistar on a routine landing, and the landing gear wire bends real easily (and once it's bent it's like it's got memory, because you'll be bending it back a lot).

The Avistar is a great flyer though. It'll do things that flat bottom airfoil trainers could only dream of doing (inverted and knife edge flight are done much easier due to the less self corrective nature of the semi-symmetrical airfoil and less dihedral), yet still float in on most landings. It'll also fly in winds that would ground most trainers.

That being said, I'm disappointed that Hobbico couldn't assemble this plane better than they did. World Models on the other hand has an excellent reputation for putting together some very nice ARFs. While not as well known as Hobbico, I've seen several of their models and they seem to be among the best ARFs on the market. I'd suggest you look at the Worldstar 40. It's World Models' equivalent of the Avistar, an advanced trainer with a semi-symmetrical wing. It's also a bit larger than the Avistar (with a 67 inch wingspan opposed to the Avistar's 59) which is also helpful for beginners.

I too would skip the OS 46 LA and go with the 46 FX. You don't have to fly your trainer at full power with the FX, and you then have a decent engine for your second plane. Also, I love my Futaba 6XA. The only problem is that I wish it had more model memory, as my hangar has expanded to more than three planes.

I have a t6xaps, cool radio, easy to use and 6 model mem.

I am new and have just learned to fly. But I'm going to put my two cents in anyway. I have a LT-40 (I Built the kit not the ARF) with the OS 46LA. I will give you the same advise my club members and LHS gave me. If your going with the OS engine stick with the LA. The engine is easy to start (Even in the 30 degree weather I've been flying in so far) and it flies just perfect at half throttle. 1.2hp is just fine. Save the cash from the FX on your 2nd plane.

In case you want to see....

Fastsky,
What prop do you run on your TT46 Pro? Also how much nitro do you run? I have a Sig LT-40 that was built from a kit and I am running a TT-46 Pro with an 11-5 prop and I am running 15% Cool Power. I have never been able to get it to hang on the prop. If I dive then pull up I can get it to stay there for about 2-3 seconds at full throttle then it starts to tail slide.


Thanks

I would recommend the Hobbico Avistar package. This package will get you started and hopfully you will still have it to learn basic aerobatics. The Avistar has a semisymetrical wing which takes you to the next level after you solo.

I went thru (literally) 3 balsa planes before I started getting the hang of it. From there I went to an Enduro which is foam and coroplast and takes a beating.

If you're looking for something that will survive the beatings that a trainer normally has to endure, take a look at the new trainer being developed at Tufflight ([ur]http://www.tufflight.com/titan.html[/ur]) and while it may not be the prettiest model at the field, if it's anything like their Enduro - you can beat the hell out of it and by replacing a couple of nylon bolts, maybe a prop, maybe a spinner and you're back in the air in no time.

I have put my enduro into the dirt full power and only broke a prop. Other times I have had to replace a couple of nylon bolts. I even watched it sumersault on landing, come down on its wheels and taxied it back to the pits. You can't do that with or to a traditional wood model. They are just to delicate.

Anyway, as for the radio, I like my Hitec Flash 5. Nice little computer radio that does everything I need it to do and holds 5 models.

As for an engine, I love my little Magnum 40XL. A dual ball-bearing motor that pulls my Enduro around great.

I know that most of the flyers here are hard-core wood model belivers (just an assumption on my part) and you can spend a lot of hard earned cash on getting a pretty model. And that's all fine and dandy until it goes into the dirt and you take a 50" fuse and make it 20" in the blink of an eye. Personally, I am not interested in what is pretty or what is popular. I am interested in what will handle the punishment that I can and will put the model thru until I get bored with it. The Enduro was/is the perfect plane for me and I think the Titan will be an excellent trainer that will outlast wood models.

Just my opinion (which along with a buck will get you a cup a coffee most anywhere)

I was just looking at the Enduro and thinking that wouldn't be a bad thing to spend $70 on!

When I first started, I asked my instuctor what channels were most frequently used. He came up with a list of all the members with the corresponding radio freqs, from there I was able to select the least used channel for me. I then went out to buy my radio with that channel. This worked extremly well as I generally don't have to wait for my freq to clear, I am able to fly when I want.
Spiker

Hey Billy Hell...

My Enduro is the best money I have spent on a model.

I am extremely rough on planes and in getting the bugs worked out of this one I have put that little collection of foam and coroplast thru hell and back. To date, I have replaced about a dozen nylon bolts (get them from Lowes for $.50 a pair), 2 spinners and maybe half a dozen props. I have seen it go into the dirt from 5 feet and from 25 feet and always a full bore. I have seen it bounce, cart wheel and somersault. I have heard all the cute little comments about bringing it back in pieces, but had it back in the air within 10-20 minutes.

It is the ugliest looking model I have ever seen, but when its dialed in, it flies great. I have mine done up in yellow ultracoat top and bottom with big black stripes on the bottom. I call it the bumble-bee.

With most tail-draggers you have to keep lots of up elevator to keep it from nosing over especially on take-off. Mine is setup so that once it hits a speed that its happy with - its all automatic take-off.

What I like about it is the fact that nobody else has one where I fly. You can beat it like an ugly red-headed step-child and it will ask for more. I get all the snyde remarks about it until I ask if they can do the same thing with their wood job and still have it back in the air within 10 minutes.

I love this model! And if the new Titan is anything like the Enduro, the Titan will be the nearest thing to the perfect trainer.

Goscoop..whatever.., "listen to me now and beleive me later" Say that like Swartzenneger.
Plane: any of those .40 size trainers are good (except the Global, just because, well, because I just dont like Global)
Note : .60 size trainers fly easier (they cost a little more however)
Engine: OS is excellent choice, FX only, no LA!
Radio: If you can afford it go ahead and get a computer radio now. YOU DONT HAVE TO USE ALL THE FEATURES AT FIRST. If you can afford comp radio make sure it has dual rates.
"Youal be back!"

So what is wrong with the .46 LA series of engines? I have one in my trainer and it goes great guns! The only annoyance for me is the noise level when at idle...at the end of the day it is only a trainer and not an 3-D areobat so as long as it gets me in the air, teaches me to carry out a couple of loops and then gets me back on the ground safely (all of which my trainer can do effectively) , who cares?

My instructor was correct when he told me "no matter what, if you ask 30 people for their opinions regarding the same subject, you will get 30 completely different opinions".

There's my 2 cents for today....I was not trying to p#ss people off.