HOWDY
 

Hello to everyone from Houston where it was 22 this morning. Now, that may not seem very cold to some of you but that's mighty cool for around here. But, it'll be near 70 in just a day or two.

I'm getting back into RC flying after an absence of 20+ years. So many things have changed and I'll need a lot of advise and information about most everything. I have built a couple of planes in the past (2 trainers and a sport model) and used Futaba radios/servos. I have tools and some woodworking skills and would like to start with a .60 size plane with good flight characteristics.

I have NO idea what radio system to buy now nor do I know anything about the advances that have come about. I am, however, more than willing to learn and have a bit of cash set aside to purchase equipment.

ANY and ALL advise will be greatly appreciated!!

Best Regards and Thanks in advance!

1 Big Skeeter<br type="_moz" />

RE: HOWDY
 

Welcome to RCU Skeeter and welcom back to the hobby!

As you said, many things have changed. For one, there are not as many kits around as there used to be. Most companies have switched to selling ARFs. The good news is, there are a lot of very good ARFs on the market. But if you prefer to build, there are still a lot of good kits available too.

The next thing is radios. The latest advancement in radios is we have recently (in the past 3 years or so) started using the 2.4GHz band. The really nice thing here is that they are less prone to interference and NO MORE FREQUENCY PIN!

Electric aricraft has also become VERY popular.

There's more to say than you can imagine, so if you have specific questions, ask away!

In the meantime, click on the Magazine tab at the top of the page and take a look at some of the new products.

RE: HOWDY
 

Welcome back, Skeeter.

To begin with, let's start with the plane. You did not say what kind of plane you wanted, just that you are looking for a 60 size plane with good flying characteristics.

I will presume from your post that you have successfully flown the trainers and sport planes, so you may be able to get away with flying a decent "low wing trainer" type sport plane. My suggestion would be for a Tiger 60 or a Four Star 60. Both are very forgiving, yet capable.. however, if possible, the first few flights on such an aircraft should be with an instructor and a buddy box so you get "the feel" back. That plane will easily handle an OS .75 AX which is a great overall engine.

As far as radio systems is concerned, well, gee, there are so many choices. We usually suggest getting one from the major manufacturers, which include Airtronics, Futaba, JR, Spektrum, and Hitec. My choice would be Spektrum or Airtronics, but that's a personal thing. I've flown with all of them so I can say that your choice would end up being a personal one because any of them will suite your purposes. But, I would definitely recommend getting into the new 2.4 GHz technology.

Personally, I own and fly with Spektrum, a DX6i and DX7 radios, six and seven channels respectively. The DX6i is slightly less capable than the DX7 is. Another great recommendation, with a good competitive price is the Airtronics RDS8000 which is 2.4 GHz technology and 8 channels.

From there, well, you can decide what you need for field equipment.

Think about it before making your choice.

Again, welcome back!!

CGr.

RE: HOWDY
 

Ah!!! a person after my own heart. I also was absent from the flying scene for many years. I guess I have my own museum as I had kept all of my old tx, rx and servos. I, like, CGRetired, fly with a DX7 and Airtronics rds8000. So welcome back to the hobby and to the greatest place for good information, RCU.

RE: HOWDY
 

If you haven't already found local flying clubs, type your zip code at http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx to see what's around. I live in Garland and drive to Greenville to fly, about 45 miles each way. It seems 'civilization' is pushing fields away.

You might get to see and handle a variety of transmitters at the local field. That can be helpful when you are deciding what to get since the 'feel' is something you'll deal with every time you pick it up.

We hit 14 around 7:00 this morning and it's only 27 now. I may be a weather weenie but I think it is very cold.

RE: HOWDY
 

14 OR 27 is cold in anyone's world... but I would bet you guys down in Texas are really feeling it.

Yeah, my point was to say that, even though I may use Spektrum and Airtronics (I do have two older A), I don't want to try to influence anyone into buying something just because someone else does. Yes, it's a good idea to talk to the folks at the local flying field and see what they use.

I started out with Airtroincs because my instructor used it and that's what I had to reference to. But, I've flown with Spektrum, Futaba, Hitec, as well as Airtronics as well as Polk, and decided that I like the Spektrum. But, that's my choice and the OP should not be influenced by someone making statements about one being better than the other because they are not, they all have their good characteristics as well as bad (well, not bad, but not as good.. but you get my meaning).

Anyway, keep warm and think Spring!! :( :D

CGr.

RE: HOWDY
 

A visit to a local field is always a good place to start. You can get a lot of information and see what the locals are using. The main thing I will suggest is that you try to decide what radio system you prefer and then stick with it. Jumping around systems, ( sometimes to save a buck ) can get ya into a lot of hassel. Welcome back and ENJOY !!! RED

RE: HOWDY
 

Many thanks to all for the "welcome back"and for all the good advise! Although all the equipment, aircraft, and fuels have undergone technological changes, the comraderie is still solid and inspiring!!

I've been reading the RCU forums for several weeks now and believe I have a handle on the type of radio, aircraft, and ground equipment I'll be purchasing. But, before I buy anything, I'll find the nearest field and spend some time with those who have the experience and knowledge to give solid advise.

I'm leaning toward the Great Planes Escapade .61, unknown which engine brand/type/size yet, and mostly likely the Spektrum DX7 radio system.

I'd really like to get this right the first time.

Again, any suggestions, criticism, and personal experience is greatly appreciated!

Best Regards

RE: HOWDY
 

Well, obviously you have been reading and getting the advantage of some great advice. The Escapade is one fine aircraft. I have a Goldberg Skylark 70 which is very similar to the Escapade and it flys like a dream. A great choice. I've not flown one, but from what I read, it is, as I said, very similar.

Given the similarities, one point that I will point out is that once you do get it flying, work with an experienced pilot to work out the minor kinks in the linkage and trim. Once you do that, you will have a plane that, once airborne and the throttle set at, say 5/8th full, and the minor trim taken care of for straight and level flight, you can take your hands off the transmitter and it will fly like it is on rails. That I guarantee you. They are fine planes.

From there, you are pretty much set up to just play around and relax or get into some interesting aerobatics. I always get airborne on my first flight of the day, set the throttle and trim, then practice orbits, left turns, right turns, figure eights, the usual trainer stuff, then do a series of touch-and-go's followed by a full stop landing, and then stop and rest for about 10 minutes while I settle down.

Then, it's refuel, take off, and begin my "playing around" doing all sorts of maneuvers. Truly a fun aircraft as I imagine the Escapade will be!!

If you want a suggestion for an engine, well, in my estimation, you just can't go wrong with an OS .75 AX for that plane. You will be amazed at how easy it is to start, tune, and how much power that engine has.

You won't regret your radio choice.. in fact, you wouldn't regret choosing any of those recommended. The are all great... but I am somewhat partial to the Spektrum because I have both the DX6i and the DX7.

Good choice!!

Good luck, good flying!!

CGr.

RE: HOWDY
 

Welcome back Skeeter, I myself am a recycle from about a 20+ year
absence, decided chasing boats was more exciting than flying, but that
soon got too expensive for the pocket. I came back in about 5-6 years ago
before the 2.4 technology was present and still fly on 72 mhz, but would
advise anyone getting in today to go 2.4.

Last I knew of there was a really nice flying field off Hwy 6 south of
Interstate 10 in the parks area off to the west side of Hwy 6, they fly
both control-line and RC there, really nice area and stop by there
whenever I get to Houston. Might check it out and see what club fly's
there.

Bill D.