help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

i wanted to buy a cheap plane from walmart (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...i_sku=10200361)
I'm not sure if it'll fly in san francisco weather where there is usually a light breeze or something like that. My first plane was a megatech cosmic flyer and i just couldn't even get it up into the air without it being blown away............. I got mad and destroyed that plane with my friends. Now i want to buy this one but i'm not sure if it'll be able to fly in san francisco weather. Can someone reccomend a rc plane or helicopter that is around 15 mph speed and for about 50 bucks. Thanks.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Take a look at RCKen's guide to beginner's airplanes.

Some of the larger trainers will do fine in 15 MPH winds...

However at 50 to 90 dollars you are looking at purchasing what around here is considered "toys" versus the more serious "RC" toys we all fly.

Expect to spend around $299.00 for a suitable entry level package with everything except ignitor, fuel and starter included.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Check this site out:

http://www.gettingairborne.com/

It has tons of good info for the beginner

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

nbajrich...If you're on a tight budget I'd say save your money and get a nice trainer...but before you even buy a nice trainer style airplane..you're going to need someone to teach you to fly...can you get to a RC field with your plane for lessons?
Go to your local RC field see what they recommend....get to know some of the folks...you know maybe you can find someone that wants to sell a trainer....
If you can't get to a field then perhaps a park flyer electric would be more what you like.....but you still need to learn to fly

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

The cheapest complete plane I can think of is the Hobby Zone stuff. The Super Cub is about $150 or less used. The Aerobird is around $100.

Both are a little better than toys. The Super Cub is actually a decent trainer IMO

I wouldn't recommend something from Walmart. It's really a toy that'll likely turn you off from the hobby. It's really money wasted for anything but a kid. The little helicopters are kinda cool for playing with in your living room, but they don't really transfer anything to flying the real model. They're just neat toys.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Hey man get this plane, its $99 bucks but it will get you going. [link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKLV7&P=ML]SKY FLY[/link] This is the first plane that I got and it fly's good. It fly's really good in 5 mph or less wind but I have flown it in around 15 mph but it wasn't the easiest thing to do. I'd say practice with it on light wind days and maybe you'll get better and be able to handle it in higher wind speeds. It has enough power to take off from the ground, but if the wind is to much for it you can always hand launch it. And the best thing about this plane is its strong and parts are cheap. You can get a whole new wing for 10 bucks. When I was first starting off I didnt have anyone to teach you so I crashed alot and you'll be suprised how tough this thing is. You'll have a blast flying this thing compared to the walmart toys. You can get this on pretty high, about 150 ft or so. Save up and get it, you won't be sorry. Also do a search for videos of it on youtube and you'll see its a good flying plane.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

In the genre that spiral 72 said, there are a group of planes from several manufactures that somewhat bridge the gap from the big box store products (airhogs et al found at WalMart, Target, KMart, etc) and a good hobby quality trainer as discussed on the link above. I've seen them from $60 to $150, includes radio and plane in one box so they are 'RTF' Ready To Fly, and while twitchy and challenging in a moderate breeze, they are flyable.

If all you are looking for is something to 'mess around with' that can fly in less than calm conditions, the RTF planes are probably what you are looking for. However, if you want to really have a nice plane that will last you more than the summer, then the initial recommendation to invest $300-$400 in a nice starter trainer and radio that can take you further and have years of enjoyment is a much better investment.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

That Estes L-39 RC plane at Walmart.com might actually be a really good choice for flying in slightly breezy conditions. It looks like it's a electric ducted fan (EDF) design so it should be pretty fast and slippery through the wind. The problem is that these same flying characteristics will make it harder to learn to fly it well.

Considering the limited number of choices for ready-to-fly (RTF) airplanes $50 or less that can fly in 15 mph winds, this might be as good of a choice as is out there.

Good luck and good shopping!

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Sounds like the OP just wants a toy to go and break. To actually fly RC requires a minimum $400 investment (that's if you are a good shopper) and a rather long training period (as compared to other hobbies) before the fun starts. Toys will get up in the air and might even land a few times without breaking, but they won't do much else.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Yeah, I'm a big believer in the power of the introductory flight. 5 minutes on a buddy box with a flight instructor and an Avistar and all doubt about this hobby left my mind! Anybody thinking about trying this hobby who actually got to fly a decent glow trainer would either be hooked or would know this hobby isn't for them.

I just hope my wife never stops to add up just how much that "free" introductory flight cost me! :p

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

I think that is misleading. I wouldn't recommend buying a plane from Walmart either.

But... I don't quite understand so many people are so quick to tell a beginner the have to drop 3-4 hundred dollars to fly a decent plane.

To fly a decent Nitro trainer, perhaps...

But there are more and more decent electric beginner planes on the market all the time. Many for well under $200 that comd with absolutely everying including a charger.

Should you seek help with an electric plane? Of course.

But it is misleading, and sometimes a turn off to someone on a tight budget, to tell them they can't get into this hobby for under 3 or 4 hundrud bucks.

That statement is only true if you are speaking of a nitro trainer. I have nothing against nitro planes. I have several. But parkflyer type electrics are a cheaper alternative for someone interested in getting their feet wet.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

I am about sick of these posts.. I can prove that you can be into the hobby with RTF plane, and basic starting package for under $350.

Sorry for sounding off, but every time someone makes a post like this three more would be RC'ers leave the hobby because "its too expensive"

Heres a link that proves it:
http://www.hobbyzone.com/rc-planes-h...rainer-rtf.htm
Add $20 for a gallon of fuel, and $35 for the glow igniter, rubber bands and chicken stick. Thats $344, I get fuel for $19 right now, and the other things can be had for less than $35 so my estimate is actually high.

This took me 5 minutes to set up, I spent longer typing the post! In addition, a frugal shopper could cut it down even more. So, why dont we all stop saying how expensive this hobby is and start being a bit more constructive..

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

This one is cheaper still, and recommended by many here at RCU:
http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=LXCXF4**&P=ML

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Best value for the dollar in a glow trainer is the Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40T Super Combo from www.thundertiger4u.com

http://www.thundertiger4u.com/thunde...de-p-7284.html

Not only do you get the Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40 airframe, Hitec Laser 4 radio system, and the Thunder Tiger GP-42 glow engine, the package also comes with Thunder Tiger's Side Kick accessory package. This includes fuel pump, fuel cap kit and fuel line, glow ignitor and charger, 4-way prop/glow plug wrench, starting stick, and even a carrying caddy for all of your flight line accessories.

The $265.99 price even includes UPS Ground shipping within the 48 contiguous United States. The folks at www.thundertiger4u.com offer free shipping on all orders of $150 or more. Add a gallon of your favorite glow fuel and you've got everything you need.

You can read a very thorough review of the Easy Trainer 40 Super Combo at the AMA's Sport Aviator website:

http://www.masportaviator.com/va.asp...leName=Thunder Tiger Easy Trainer 40 Plus

If there is a better deal anywhere for a complete, ready-to-fly glow trainer package with all of the required accessories, I've never seen it. The quality of Thunder Tiger airframes and engines only sweetens this deal.

As for a quality ready-to-fly electric starter plane, I think too many folks look past the Parkzone Slo-V. Our local hobby stores sell the Slo-V for $94.99. It's well made and stable, and spare parts are readily available in case of mishap. I think the fact that it is not only a good park flyer when winds aren't blowing to strongly, but it can also be flown indoors in a gymnasium enhances it's appeal. With an almost four-foot wingspan, it's big and easy to see.

There are a fair number of very good electric RTFs in the $100 to $175 price range that fly better. I just can't think of any RTF electrics that compare to the quality and value of the Slo-V that are $99.99 or less. Maybe the Hobbico Flyzone Mini Ventura ($85), the Hobbyzone Firebird Phantom ($60), or the Hobbyzone Firebird Commander 2($85). None of those planes would fare much better in windy conditions outdoors than the Slo-V would, however, and none of them would slow down enough to fly in a gymnasium.

In the sub-$100 electric market, the Slo-V is a really, really strong offering.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Some say to-maah-to, others to-ma-toe.

I've seen many newbies come here complaining that anything over $50.00 is "too expensive" as well.

The bottom line is that at least a $300-400.00 investment is needed to get started "correctly" in the hopes of doing well, getting the right NEW equipment and not ending up with something you will later regret.

That $300.00 figure will seem excessive and "too expensive" to the person complaining about $50.00.

So yes relative to the $50.00 expendature, it may seem expensive.

It is better to get them to realize that they must set the spending limits higher though. Not doing so is a disservice to them, and is certainly NOT contructive.

Now please explain to me how a fully configured King Cat is NOT expensive, so that I can tell that to my significant other? :D

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

If you want to spend the rest of your life building your airplane collection and plan to spend thousands over time anyways, by all means, listen to the advice in this thread and just save up the $400 for a good nitro powered plane. But I'm guessing since the OP is looking at walmart planes, he's just looking for something fun and uncomplicated. While serious flight training requires a more serious plane, there are plenty out there that can be flown with little or no skill on a tight budget. Many foam park fliers can be flown by complete beginners. Sure, they'll be crashed a few times. But that's the beauty of foam. You can completely bust the things in half in a nasty crash and be back in the air in 5 minutes using some clear packing tape and a little thick (foam safe) CA. And if you shatter a wing, it's $20 to buy a complete replacement wing with no building required. Don't rule out parkzone and hobbyzone products simply because they're not great for training at the local club. The things are designed to be beginner friendly and anyone who is really determined can learn to fly on them. Check [link=http://secure.hobbyzone.com/catalog/HZ/index/index_park_flyers_rtf/]THIS[/link] out for some examples. Most are under $150 with some around $100. Electric park fliers can be a lot of fun, and shouldn't be forgotten!

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

I guess it depends on what your definition is of "correctly".


Learning to fly with a nitro trainer I suppose is the only correct way to learn in your opinion.


I'm telling you from experience that you can get your foot in the door for a lot less.

I started in this hobby with an Aerobird for less than $200 bucks. I learned to fly it on my own. Went through a few wings. And than I got addicted to RC!:D

Without getting all "touchy feely", lol, [&:] I guess you could say that Aerobird changed my life. It got me addicted to RC and then I saved for a nitro trainer and joined a club.


But if someone told me up front, you can't get into this hobby for under 3 or 4 hundred bucks I would have said no thank you.


Try to be a little open minded here. This wonderful hobby is full of tons and tons of possibilities which are expanding everyday due to advancements in technology.

There is more than one way to skin a cat! And it doesn't always have to be dropping 400 bucks to get started.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

No thanks!

I teach newbies all the time.

I don't want them showing up with their $50.00 "specials" that the believe are the "right" choice because of an opinion given by someone who doesn't do this...

Nope it doesn't, but I WISH someone had convinced me otherwise when I started!
It would have saved me a bundle on endless upgrades of inferior TX's, etc.

I'm not about to pass the same problem onto someone else.

-

And no I also recommend good EP trainers too though I would not suggest the Aerobird due to the lack of ailerons... and poor wind handling.... nor the Parkzone Supercub... seen far too many die horrible deaths in the hands of newbies...

You CAN get in the door for less than $300.00 ( maybe around $180.00 or so ) even with EP, but you REALLY need the help of someone experienced to go this route.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

I think the point of the parkzone and hobbyzone planes is that they are more toy-like. I don't think they're really made to be flown at sanctioned fields by club members being trained by certified flight instructors. They're park fliers built for people who are doing it the other way. I did it, and it was a lot of fun. Sure, I decided to get more serious and built a nitro powered plane and got an instructor to help me learn to fly it properly eventually. But I got started with a $150 super cub which I flew solo at a park. And it was a BLAST! In fact, if it hadn't been for that experience, I never would have even considered clubs or nitro powered planes. Like it or not, some people are not sure if flying is for them. And some just don't want it to get that serious. That's what the 3 channel park fliers are for. Many people fly them and will never make an appearance at the local club, and many of those pilots have probably never even heard of the RCU forums. I guess the difference is... Some people are looking for a serious hobby, and some are looking for a fun toy to mess with in the back yard. It's not fair to assume that everyone is working their way up to pattern planes or jets. Some just want to have a little fun, and we shouldn't try to discourage them by saying they need to go spend hundreds of dollars and join several organizations (don't forget ama and club fees when explaining the cost of flying "properly").

So I guess what I'm trying to say is... Not everyone's goal is the same when it comes to RC, and any interest in flight is a good thing and should be encouraged. Even if they just want to screw around in the back yard by themselves.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

I, too, started out with a Super Cub, in January of this year. After about a month, I found an instructor, and he put together my first nitro trainer. By the time he had the trainer ready, I was able to solo it on the first day....and I credit that to the stick time I spent on the Cub. I now own 10 planes (H-9 Cub, GP Reactor, H9 Frenzy, GP Giant Super Sportster, Nitromodels AT-6 Texan 160, H-9 Hellcat, H-9 Fokker DVII, Sig P-51, GP Matt Chapman Cap 580, and a Top Flite Cessna 310) and I am able to fly them all. My point is, the Super Cub is not such a bad plane to start out with.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Models come and go. If you know how to build. You can make a park flyer for around $10-$20 of material.

You're better off saving up money for a decent radio system , Micro RX and servos, Motor, speed cotrol, battery packs, charger.
This way you can transfer the equipments from model to model

If you crash those RTR...you're bascailly stuck with whatever electronics that's in those models

You can't have it both ways or all the ways.
Your asking for a small model that will cut through 15 mph wind. Heck sometime that's even too much for a .40 size model.
Heck..I pack a stunt kite just incase...If i drive out to the flying field...I'm flying one or the other....even in extreem windy conditions:)

If you live in SF...nitro are moslty not permitted in the city.

Yet you're on a buget. That's like asking if A Kia will perform like a dragster.

Maybe look into slope or glider modles.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

hmmmmm seems to me when you add the cost of the cheapie for less than 200 bucks areobird, to the next glow trainer..350 or so you spent 550...why not just skip the cheap stuff and go get the 350 to 400 buck trainer and save money...just a thought

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

You know what they say about opinions and poop chutes, everybody has one. I found that working with an instructor on a glow trainer and buddy box was far more productive for me than trying to throw around my Aerobird Challenger at the park. Once I learned how to fly my Nexstar, I found that I also could fly my Aerobird much better.

The simple fact is I've talked to dozens of great pilots who entered the hobby from the opposite end. They taught themselves to fly electrics and only wandered into the glow plane/club flying scene after the desire to try something different or new hit them.

Some folks don't have the time, the money, the flying room, or the storage space required for glow planes. Other folks simply may not have an interest in glow planes and they are attracted to small electrics for less tangible reasons. They're not wrong, and glow pilots are doing a disservice to the hobby when they try to tell these folks about the "right way" to learn to fly.

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Well, everyone has thier opinion. Reckon this is mine. I was given a PZ Super Cub this past Christmas. Been working in aviation for 31+ years and always wanted to try RC. Took the cub every place I went. Every time I saw an empty lot, or some field on the side of the road, I'd get it out and try to fly it. Crashed it 3 times......all by myself! Better than that, it made me want it even more.

I joined a club in March and started flying with an instructor in April. Solo flight shortly afterwards. Ya know, if it wasn't for that cub that my wife got me (everything you need to fly in one box for $160), I'd probably still be sitting in my office wondering what it might be like to fly RC. Now I can leave the office and go do it instead.

Don't rule out the 'cheap' planes. My wife could have gotten a WalMart jobber instead, but more than likely it would have produced the same result. What you fly isn't nearly as important as enjoying the flying. Don't loose sight of that. If I had read all these posts before I started, I probably wouldn't have.

You guys can have your opinion, that's gonna happen anyway and sure you're always welcome to voice that opinion, but at least give someone trying to break into this a chance. If you look closely, you'll notice that the OP never replied to any of the posts that followed his/hers. Oops there goes another one.................and by the way, the OP was asking about a recommendation on a plane to fly in 15 mph winds for about 50 bucks. Perhaps if you couldn't have, you shouldn't have. IMHO.

Paul

RE: help??? Second Plane from walmart??
 

Actually, the old Alpha 40 is discontinued and the new Alpha 40 costs around $399.