Complete beginner
 

I have always loved anything RC, Well, I want to start messing with RC airplanes. I dont really want to spend 400+ dollars on a package and I would love to build an airplane. I was curious if anyone has any websites that can "guide" me through building a simple rc airplane. I think once I get started it will pretty much be simple.

RE: Complete beginner
 

Welcome to the insanity....

Building a flyable airplane isn't very difficult. Get something like a Sig LT40 or a Goldberg Eagle 2 (Both are available in kit and ARF formats) and you'll find the manuals and instructions are aimed at the beginners.

As for web sites on how to build, I can't help you, but the forums here have a wealth of information. One suggestion I have would be to contact a local club and ask if there is anyone who can help you out.

I found I learned a lot more by "holding the flashlight" than I did by reading books etc... so perhaps you could ask if there is anyone building anything at the moment and if you could "assist" them. An extra set of hands are always useful!

You might be able to borrow the instructions for a trainer airplane and have a read through them. Once you've done that, you'll see it's not that hard as long as you're patient and read the directions two steps ahead twice (at least)!

Edit;Correct spelling mistrake

RE: Complete beginner
 

Yeah that brings up a new question.... What does ARF stand for?

And!

So a kit is basically instructions and balsa wood you need to build an airplane?

RE: Complete beginner
 

arf means almost ready to fly and a kit is a box 'o' stix with plans .Welcome to the addiction I'm 2 months in and already own 3 planes and thinking about number 4

RE: Complete beginner
 

lol thanks, just curious how cheap or how expensive can a single plane run? I understand im probably going to end up spedning a few hundred bucks, but im only 18 and I do work full time, but of course we all have bills to pay, SOOoo, Just curious how this is going to effect my wallet?

RE: Complete beginner
 

simply put your wallet will scream for mercy [&:]

RE: Complete beginner
 

Here is an example of kit, ARC and ARF.
http://www.camodel.com.ar/imagenes_/...silon90ing.htm

The plane is not beginner stuff but the page should illustrate the "kit, ARC and ARF" distinctions. In this case the, the wing, stab and rudder are sheeted foam. In lots of kits, the wing etc. look more like the fuselage parts here.

Definitely join a club. You will get a plenty of advice and help.

Small electric planes are also an option if space for building and storage is tight. Large electrics are still pretty expensive.

RE: Complete beginner
 

If your budget is a few hundred bucks, your best options are electrics, careful selection and shopping can get you a decent setup, or to buy a second hand glow trainer setup. It's quite common for someone to try flying and decide they don't like it. Some people sell their stuff immediately, others hold on to it for a year or two and then sell it. Quite often they contact the person who trained them to get help selling it. If you get in touch with the local club and let them know you are interested, but have a limited budget, they may be able to help you find something.

RE: Complete beginner
 

to save money on repairs and damage join a club and have some one help you learn to fly and check over your assembly jobs. its cheaper then the repairs and less frustrating

RE: Complete beginner
 

i agree with all the above plus spend hours upon hours reading in this forum,you will be amazed with the wealth of information everybody gives,it has helped me out tremendously,good luck

RE: Complete beginner
 

i agree with all the above plus spend hours upon hours reading in this forum,you will be amazed with the wealth of information everybody gives,it has helped me out tremendously,good luck

RE: Complete beginner
 

Read this thread, it will walk you through the assembling of a Sig LT-40 so you can get an idea of what it take to assemble a kit. Keep in mind that RCKen is doing a meticulous job and you wouldn't need to be quite as good but it is something to aspire to.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm

You also asked how much a single plane COULD cost. Well, not counting engine and radio, it can range from about $60.00 up into the THOUSANDS!!! Of course, one would hope to get a lot of plane for that money.
You also asked what an ARF was and was given an answer. There are also RTF or "Ready To Fly" which require virtually no assembly at all. Add fuel and charge batteries - ready to go. Choices/options are very limited in this type.
With ARF's you can select your engine and radio.

RE: Complete beginner
 

I've been buying planes on RCUniverse...go there, folks are selling RTF trainer setups for $250.00 (I guess they out grew them[8D]). That gives you everything except your field equipment!
I've been flying since the summer, going to pick up my 3rd plane Saturday!
Cheers!
Mazer

RE: Complete beginner
 

Gotta disagree with ya on this one Chuck. I don't believe ther is an electric Trainer out there that will fly have as well as the Tower RTF
for $259 minus their usual discounts. Especially an electric of that size.



http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0


That will fly circles around this one!



http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXJKU3**&P=0


$10 dollar price difference, & huge performance difference!!

RE: Complete beginner
 

Four word answer:
[link=http://spadtothebone.com]Spad to the Bone[/link]

Build a Debonair. You'll be flying for under $200 (depending on your scrounging skills). You'll end up with a very durable, well flying trainer. They don't get much simpler than Simple Plastic Airplane Design (SPAD).

Brad

RE: Complete beginner
 

There are less expensive choices than the Tower RTF packages. Besides, neither of the options you listed includes anything in the way of field equipment or tools to assemble. Those things will easily push the total above $300.

RE: Complete beginner
 

Yea, But he said he didn't wanna spend $400+.[sm=greedy.gif]

RE: Complete beginner
 

400$ is about the basic price for any glow setup plane 300$ flight line 100$ basic field equip. if you add a elec. starter, field box. fuel pump, battery for starter ,glow driver,and plug wrench,extra glow plugs, thats the basics, you can add a few more tools and lets not forget the fuel its the hidden cost that adds up over time at 15$ a gallon not that I am complaining .

shoot I am spending way to much on this hobby

RE: Complete beginner
 

Yes, he said a few hundred. The examples you showed are both going to end up well over $300, and the glow pushing $400 by the time he adds all the extra stuff.

RE: Complete beginner
 

Actually Chuck I did find this little ARF right here in the Marketplace, & at this price he would still have enough money left for the electrics to put it in the air. The best part is it looks to be of a Trainer type nature.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=173490


There are a number of 4 to 6 channel radios to choose from starting at about $99

RE: Complete beginner
 

Interesting.

RE: Complete beginner
 

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=171681

Here's another complete set up with everything you need RTF for $199, This RTF electric is allready set up brushless, as in it will actually fly! Allthough you will need some help from an Instructor or it will probably only fly once, & that will be a very short flight indeed!

RE: Complete beginner
 

I was looking at buying this one
http://h1069487.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=HAN2825

It comes RTF and also includes a remote control.... I figure once I have all the parts for it, once it crahses or something and if I ever want to build another I could probably reuse most of them right?

RE: Complete beginner
 

It seems to have decent equipment that can be reused.

The NACA droops are supposed to tame that bird. I have not heard much about it, except for a couple of reviews that say it should work. Definitely get somebody experienced to help you with it.

RE: Complete beginner
 

A lot of people are using these now with success. Yes, the radios and engine are reusable in future planes also. I have instructed one student on this plane and he did well. Definitely need an instructor though.

I think everyone thought you wanted to stay well below this price, based upon your original post.

RE: Complete beginner
 

Yea, Chuck was ready to pimp-slap me [sm=punching.gif] First post said didn't really wanna have to go $400+ then the latter post said a few hundred. Being an old Okie, a few means 3 where I come from. At any rate I still contend that you get alot more bang for your buck with glow over electric. The H9 P51 PTS while being the subject of much controversy in here when it first came out has done a pretty good turn around. More & more Instructors are changing their minds after actually trying the thing & successfully teaching their students to fly with it. Then you can strip off the training aids leaving you with a nice little warbird. Good for you, go for it!

Now keep in mind that Chuck is right, in that you're gonna go over your stated budget goals with fuel & flight line accessories, but if $$$ really is an issue, planes aren't the place to be anyway. You will want more, you will spend more, but you will have alot more fun than with any car. Been there & done that. They are fun but not even an 1/8 of the challenge planes are. Good luck, get an Instructor & AMA for insurance, fly safe, & above all else have FUN!:D

RE: Complete beginner
 

I don't know.... the title to this thread is misleading... shouldn't it be "incomplete beginner" ?

RE: Complete beginner
 

While I agree that SPADs are (usually) cheap, they certainly aren't the best fliers. They fly, to be sure, but they are generally blunt instruments as far as model airplanes go & they make crummy trainers (Debonaire included). They are good for doing dangerous stuff that you wouldn't risk a "real" model on (fun stuff) --- I like them.


BTW, models can cost many TENS of thousands, if you are so inclined & appropriately enabled.

RE: Complete beginner
 

Model aircraft tend to be expensive. It's funny, but when some one asks how much does it cost, I find that a couple items are always left out. Most places require the flyer to have AMA membership, which costs 58$ for adults. Also, a local club membership is usually required which can range from as low as $20 to several hundred per year. On top of all that you have to of course add in the cost of plane, radio, engine. etc.

Also, I would not recommend electrics to get started with. They may in some cases be the right choice for some individuals, but I would not push some one that way.