Is this a good starter combo?
 

Hello,

I've been doing tons of research regarding my next plane purchase and I still havent made up my mind but I would like to see what others have to say. First off I started last year with a HobbyZone Outlaw and then moved on to an AeroBird Challenger which I have kinda outgrown. So, i've enjoyed electrics quite a bit but they seem to have a very high investment cost to get a power system equivalent to a 40 size IC engine. While Speed 400 motors can be cheap they are designed for lighter planes with smaller wingspan than their gas counterparts, plus I feel like im just buying another expensive AeroBird since it has a 400 anyways. What im looking at getting is a Tower Hobbies 40 Trainer with a OS 46 LA engine. I've found this setup to be relatively cheap at about $175 with accessories and shipping, compared to the $175 i'll probably pay for a large Brushless motor with an ESC. I got a good deal on a new Futaba 4VF Radio with everything included, like the 127DF receiver and 4 3003 Standard Servo's....these will be useless in an electric plane because they are too heavy. So I feel gas would be a better alternative even though i've heard stories of the dreaded mess with fuel as well as pumping the fuel into the tank, starting the engine, etc.... Also note I wont be joining a club, but I do intend on joining the MAAC, for insurance purposes. I will most likely have some experienced pilots with me on my first flights though.
If anyone has any suggestions or words of advice please....fire away!

Thanks for your time,

Ron

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

The package that you speak of would be a good one. But let it be clear, you need an experienced pilot to help you out (I know you already mentioned this). A trainer, although docile, is certainly no Aerobird. As for the fueling and cleanup... It's all part of the fun. Besides, during cleanup is when you discover any loose whatevers.

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

Spend a lot of time reading on what to expect.

I moved from the three channel fighterbird to the Alpha 40 trainer and ended up spending around $350.00 for everything
RTF plane (included radio)
Field Box
Electric starter
Fuel
etc...

Remember the hidden costs and when you go flying TRY to have someone experienced take the plane off for you and land for you until you get the feel of the plane. Throwing the stickes form one side to the other line the electric ones causes tons of problems in glow planes.

Lefty

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

I have a tower 40 and am very happy with it, very tough plane. There is no need to have $350.00 trainer plane and motor. Alot of people bad talk the La motor but there are a couple where I fly and thay all seem to run very well. Good luck and have fun! Tower has the tower 40 on sale for $69.00, you can't beat that.

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

Souds good. Go for it but keep those guys closeduring the first few flights at least.

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

A .40 LA is a good engine. And a four channel is a good radio.

To give you a personal account, I started with an OS .46 fx and a Futaba 6ch. I wanted some ability to take the next step after the trainer. The .46 fx has a good bit more power than the 40 LA. Both engines are very easy to use and very reliable.

I now have a Mustang with retractable landing gear and it's nice to have a 6 channel radio to handle it.

If I were to do it all over, I would get a Futaba 7C and an OS .46ax.

Your combination will be totally fine. But when you get a more sporty model with retracts or flaps, it's nice to have a few extra channels and a little more power.

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

Yeah im probably going to get that combo I listed above, im just scoping out area's I can fly locally and finding someone who can teach me the first few runs, that way I can crash it on my own later ;) Better to make sure I have somewhere to fly before I dive into this investment....although im running out of patience and want to start! hehe

Thanks again,

Ron :D

RE: Is this a good starter combo?
 

Ron,
First off, welcome to RCU! Great place and you'll get plenty of good info.

I think you'll do okay with the Tower Trainer. (Just have someone to get it in the air and trim it.) There are a couple of things that I don't like about it, primarily the "stick on" covering, but that's a minor point. The extras, like glow igniter with charger, fuel and fuel pump, 12 volt battery charger and starter for the engine all add up. You should figure about $100 to $150 US for these "extras".

The mess of a glow engine can be annoying, but if you keep a box of Baby Wipes in the car, they'll handle clean up pretty easily. I've flown electrics too, but there's no way you can match glow power with electrics without mortgaging the house.

Good luck, and have FUN!
Dennis-