I have been out of RC for almost 10yrs(but have been flying Microsoft FlightSims for 7yrs) and am going to purchase a Sig Rascal electric ARF. It is powered by a MAXX Speed400 and has a 20amp Speed Control.

My RC experience is fairly extensive but, as the post says...New to Electrics.

Any advice is appreciated getting me going towards the best batteries, chargers, etc. The Rascal calls for a 7 cell pack that SIG sells for about $22(and yes, I want 2!)

If I can get a bit more flight time with a bigger pack(will the plane hold it?) I'd be interested in hearing that, too!

Just looking to get a plane thats fun and easy and I don't have to buy as much degreaser as glowfuel! Sure am tired of oily planes.

Flown a lot of SIG models and even though the Rascal has no ailerons, I learned to fly on a rudder only MkI Kadet! SIG planes really fly great.

If you're a cyber flier on FlightSim2004 and like airracing, come see PROPS Racing!

Gary Osif
PROPS Race Director
www.propsracing.com

Freebird442::Your gonna want alerons, I've been fly'in my sig Kadet sence 84 I think it was , The rascal, a good look'in plane but not the best flyer from what I've seen,( 3Ch,) Do some research on GWS, E-flite, , an the eletri-fly has built-up ARF's, Foamies are the best choice for me though I own both types and foamies are the so easy'ist to mod an cheap to replace, Hoped this helps,WELLCOME BACK! your bub, scoooper

I have been out of it for 18 years. Back when electric was first intoduced the battery was so big that the plane made spruce goose flights you know 50ft. off the ground and looked like it was carrying an A bomb. Two years ago I got back into R/C flight when electric technology caught up with the size of computers. I strongly recommend Hobbyzone Supercub, Parkzone J-3 Cub or the Super Decathlon. All these are similar in style and come RTF with everything you need. I have my turbo prop license and log about 150 hours a year flying for real. I started with a Firebird Freedom. About 159.00 out the door. It has ACT (anti crash technology) which has saved me many times. A lot of the people on this site gave me good advice when I got back into the sport. I wanted a P51 so bad, but like my friends say I would only have wrecked it and been sorry.
Now I have a slow stick and a mini slinger and even though I fly them every week little things still happen.
lockman

This Rascal is just something to get me going again.

I have a Saito FA .56 GoldenKnight that I want to put on something eventually, too. Maybe a Goldberg Cub or FourStar60.

Thanks for the tips, guys!
Gary

Have you thought about buying LiPo batteries?

A 2S 1500 mAh pack could probably fit where the 7 cell pack goes and it will be lighter and give you more air time per charge. Small LiPo specific chargers do not cost much, but the batteries themselves are more expensive than Nickel batteries.

Yeah, it looks like the LiPos are the way to go.

Just gotta learn the differences between those and NiCads so I can take advantage of the power and weight.

Thanks,
Gary

Go here:

[link=http://www.ampaviators.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=48&Itemi d=27]Care and Feeding of Lipos[/link]

Gives you the basics.

Great info and thanks for the tips!

Gary