Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

Talofa to everyone out there from Samoa. I'm a New Zealander who has been in Samoa (South Pacific to those not good with an atlas), for 7 years or so.

This is my first time on RCU and I would appreciate opinions, advice from you out there.

RC does not happen here but I want to change that.

I've received a lot of advice from a Auckland (NZ) club and Aloha Hobbies in Hawaii.

I've looked at the Nexstar RTF to start my adventure but am now looking at the Tower Hobbies Tower Trainer 40 RTF. Obviously, the Tower Trainer does not have all the latest gizmos and high-tech attachments, but I had the opportunity while in New Zealand at Christmas time to use a club's trainer, which happened to be a Tower Trainer.

I found it to be a comfortable unit to fly. I also had the chance to use both Mode 1 and Mode 2. I understand that Mode 2 is mostly used in the USA but down south, Mode 1 seems to be the preference. On this occasion, I found Mode 1 easier to use. Any comments?.

Anyhow, enough of me, I would like any comments from people who have started with the Tower Trainer.

Enjoy your day.
Regards,
Samoan Kiwi

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

"Most" trainers fly about the same; very stable and controllable. I've seen a bunch of different ones at the field and have talked to the instructors about them, and they say they say to buy the one that looks best to you or the one that's available for the best price.

If you search the beginner and ARF forums of RCU for Nexstar, most coment that the attachments and other gizmos end up in the trash or disabled so the extra price might be money wasted.

The 'mode' debate will rage forever. There is no mode that's better than another. Use the mode that works best for you because that's what matters. The fact that I use mode 3 has zero impact on the other club members' lives and the fact that they use mode 2 has almost zero impact on mine. If you do fly on a mode different than everyone else it will be harder to get help when you need it.

The 'different mode' impact to me is financial. I had to buy two transmitters, one mode 3 the other mode 2, so I can work with the club instructors.

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

Hi Carrellh,

Appreciate your comments.

I've since spent heaps of time viewing numerous discussions on "beginners". Namely between units like Avistar and Superstar. Boy, everyone seems to have a different opinion, don't they.

Anyhow, that's what makes this hobby so great-everyone is passionate about what they do.

I think the bottom line is that whatever model you take on, if you have a "good feel" about it at the start, any problems along the way, can be solved if you are positive about it.

The issue with me is that on an island in the South Pacific, everything has to be imported and so any serious problems can't be sorted out by just popping down to the local hobby shop. You guys who have a choice of suppliers around your doorstep should appreciate that.

Finally, I think I'll keep looking through the discussion forums on hints and general feedback but will pick one (Nexstar,Superstar,Avistar,Alpha,Extra Easy 2,Tower Trainer 40) that eventually will give me the feeling of getting a great start in this hobby.

Regards,
Samoan Kiwi

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

TALOFA and ALOHA Mr. KIWI
There's a 16 year old boy in New York City who this morning SUNDAY FEB 27 has just received the TOWER TRAINER .40 RTF. delivered in his apartment by FEDEX
The boy's handle (signature) is : SAMOLOT
You can look up his NAME and follow all the postings he has made on this beginner forum.That will give you some background on just how people start in these Forums.It is an interesting story to follow.
I suggest you locate him and either EMail or PM......he will respond to you
You will get the INFORMATION you are seeking directly from a first hand experience and maybe you can carry the exchange further and find out how it went with learning etc
Keep on posting, it is interesting to find out what goes own downunder !

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

If i were you, I would get it in the ARF version with no engine or radio, Because i would get a computer radio and a bigger engine. I have the superstar and it is cool, But if i had a os .46fx i might be able to do some more cool things with it than already..

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

Hi from the big island,

I now promise never to mention sheep (even good looking ones), rugby or cricket. Now we have that out of the way here is my two cents worth.

I have helped/taught a few people to fly over the last couple of years and have found no discernable difference between training aircraft provided they are properly assembled or built and the C of G is correct. For a first timer trimming may be exciting!!!

It is difficult and often expensive to learn on your own but not impossible. I would suggest if you have to go this route you might use a sim as much as possible before trying the "real thing". One of the more robust SPAD or similar types might save you some money. What about a foam slope soarer???

If you think this is the hobby for you it may be wise to purchase a better than entry level radio and motor that will be able to be transfered to a variety of new models as your skills increase. This hobby is addictive and can be expensive.

Check out as many applicable threads as possible. However there is a wide variety of often conflicting advice on the various forums. You need to sort the wheat from the chaff, which can be difficult for the tyros. If a moderator makes a suggestion whilst there may be argument from others, if you follow the moderator's suggestions you will steer away from trouble.

Good Luck,

Colin

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

Thanks all.
Hey, Campbec, wait till the final of the Super 12 comes. It'll be both Kiwi teams!.
As for the cricket, well, least said about that the better,me thinks.

Anyhow, guys, have really learnt alot over the last few days after plugging into all the gossip.

Certainly everyone has their preferences as far as power units, transmitters etc.

Although some prefer the Superstar and hate the Nexstar, I've got to go with what I feel will do the job for me. As I live in Samoa and there are no instructors for a thousand or two miles away, I've got no choice but to learn on my own.

I saw some people were trashing a guy from Kansas because he didn't want to travel 90 miles to the nearest club. That's his choice. He's a grown up lad and he knows the risks if something goes wrong when he decides to fly on his own. Remember the freedom of choice?.

I know the risks of training on my own but I will take all precautions. In that regard I'm tending towards the Nexstar, mainly because of the simulator. I believe that this may give me the edge.

I know too a lot of people don't like the add-ons of the Nexstar. If one simply doesn't like them, take them off. Very easy.

Anyhow, my aim is to get some airtime and limit the risks of mishaps. I feel the Nexstar will do the job for ME. Also, I feel the quality OS 46 plus Futaba only makes this package a quality one.

Thanks,
Samoan Kiwi

RE: Tower Trainer 40 RTF
 

The nexstar is VERY bluky in my opinion. It just seems different. If i were you i would go and get another more aerobatic trainer and then get areo fly pro because it is much more realistic. Real flight (espeacialy nexstar edition) just isnt that awsome.