rc plane virgin
 

Hello. I'm looking to get a simple and cheap rc plane to see if I even like the hobby. I currently have a nitro buggy and use it at a disused airfield and thought I could give a plane a go. I have found a simple 2 channel twin motored thing for about £30. It has a V tail. Can anyone explain how the controls will work - I guess throttle and altitude are basically combined (faster = climb & slower = dive) and there is no roll control to speak of. Will the plane be 'self leveling'?
I think jumping straigh into 4 channel will be a bit much for my brain so this does sound appealing. I'd appreciate anyone feedback on these kinds of planes.
Also can anyone point me at good beginner rc plane web sites please.

RE: rc plane virgin
 

I get the impression you would prefer electric to glow powered.

With electric, AVOID 2 CHANNEL PLANES. You WILL BE very unhappy with it. Get a 3 channel plane (or 4 channel ) instead.

Two of the better electric planes for newcomers (newbies :D ) are:

Easy Star http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...&I=LXFXV0&P=ML

and

Slow Stick http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXHCJ2&P=7

You will need to provide the radio, receiver, battery, charger and servos for the Slow Stick

Either plane is excellent to learn on.

While MANY electric trainers do not like wind much over 3 mph, the Easy Star can handle winds that are higher than that with no problems.

RE: rc plane virgin
 

Most posts on the subject imply that most of the 2 channel planes available barely fly at all and are frustrating, at best, to learn on. I would suggest at least a three channel so that you have elevator control.
The "tone" of your post leads me to think that you intend to teach yourself to fly. I won't go the "don't do it" route, but I will suggest that you be ready for a lot of repairs and frustration.
As for beginner websites, I think you've found the best one right here. Most of the people here are willing to answer any questions you'll have, and even if they flame you a bit for your decisions, they're really trying to look out for your best interest and get you started in the right direction in this addict....err, hobby.

RE: rc plane virgin
 

I would really suggest if you want to get into the hobby, get a good 4 ch trainer and a good instructor and go for it. If you want to save money and get one of those cheap electric wanna be RC planes, save your money because you will have a bad experience, and you will hate it. they are not that much fun, most are built cheap, and most you won't get more than a flight or two. Once you do learn on them, you are limited to straight flight and turns on most, and can't do aerobatics. Some can, most can't. They get boring pretty quickly. If you just want a toy, go to walmart, if you want to fly RC, get good equipt and you will like it a lot more.

RE: rc plane virgin
 

I think all the replies were made with good will in mind. I don't think I saw this recommendation, though, so I'll mention it.

Try a flight simulator. You already have the computer, just get a flight sim, either an RC simulator, or a flight sim with "Tower View" option. Then you can fly the sim with a joystick.

The up side is, you get used to the flying things you need to get used to, without wrecking a plane. Also, when you have fancier planes, you can practice on the simulator before you try maneuvers on the real plane.

The down side is... Hm. No down side.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

RE: rc plane virgin
 

If you decide to do a sim, FMS is a free download. You will need an adapter cable though. There are schematics on the site for them, or you can get one on EBay for about $15 US. I am not sure, but I THINK, FMS can also be used with a joystick.

RE: rc plane virgin
 

Big,
First of all, welcome to RCU. It really is a terrific place for Beginners, and for all us "know-it-alls". :D

I'm kidding. When everyone seems to ignore what you're looking to do and recommends taking bigger steps, it really is because we believe it's the better choice. And I'm usually right there with them saying DON'T get a 2 channel electric plane. More often than not, they barely fly, if they fly at all.

However, I have read about a couple guys that have bought inexpensive little 2 channels and loved them, so for the price maybe it would be a good choice for you.

And yes, you've pretty much figured out how the controls will work. Those two channel usually have two motors, so climbing is performed by adding throttle. Steering is done by lower throttle on one engine than the other.

Whatever you decide to do good luck, and above all, have fun!
Dennis-

RE: rc plane virgin
 

Thanks for all your comments. I appreciate the point of view that these 2 channel things are just toys and not real planes, but for £30 they are just the thing to have a bit of fun with. If I think I might like something a bit more 'realistic' I have seen Zagi's on the internet and for around £250 I think they look pretty good fun. Probably not for the purists, but I'm just after something to amuse me and get me out of the house.

Anyway, thanks for you comments. Avoid my local park in the next few weeks or at least make sure you're wearing a crash helmet and body armour :-)

RE: rc plane virgin
 

I really wouldn't bother with a £30 plane, if anything it'll only put you off :eek: They really are terrible things [:'(]

Have a look at the GWS slow stick, can be built up for not too much money, especially if you grab a second hand Tx, in fact i think it'll take a pair of full size servos (correct me if i'm wrong) so you'll only need a speed control, Rx, Tx and a few batterys if you have a charger that'll do them :)

RE: rc plane virgin
 

I found out that FMS can be setup so you use the arrow keys to fly the plane. Its kinda crude but it may give you an idea of how easy, or hard it is to fly these things. At least it will give you a heads up of how fast things can go wrong if you are not sure of what you are doing. [8D].