Does Anyone Here Fly R/C Models?
 

I have been kicking around the idea of getting involved in R/C flying. Anyone have some advice for a novice?

I am looking into getting a relatively inexpensive "trainer" and then build something of my own. The concept of ARF doesn't really appeal to me in the long run. I would like to build something from plans in the future. Ideally, I would like an aerobatic 1/3 scale design (maybe a Pitts, or an extra, or a Sukhoi) and then just for fun maybe a twin down the line.

What am I getting myself into here? Anyone have anything they would like to sell? Any input would be helpful.

Thanks,

Pete

What's ARF? I bought a single engine electric styrofoam r/c from Sharper Image for my 6 year old son and it's a hoot. Remote controls up/down/right/left. I think it was $50.00 or $60.00. Flies for 15 minutes or so before you need to put it back on the charger. Then I bought a twin engine electric styrofoam r/c from Hong Kong on eBay for about the same price. You increase speed to go up, decrease to go down, turns by slowing one motor or the other. The other day I saw in Walmart a $50.00 r/c single engine electric styrofoam plane and a $25.00 helicopter, looks like a hovercraft. Really cheap compared to where you want to go (I want to go there too, but not ahead of my son).

I have been flying for 18 years

For a first plane I would consider the following

High Wing
Flat botton airfoil
Plenty of dihedral (v shape to the wing)
.40 size engine
55+ inch wingspan
4 channel operation
Tricycle gear

This will give you a easy slow flying airplane that is cheap to support and maintain.

Intial startup of R/C can be heafty and if you decide it is not for you then your equipment is worth pennies on the dollar. So start out as cheap as possible but get good equipment. Visit a local flying field and see what they suggest (Everyone has their preference)

I would suggest a plane that you build your self for your first plane.

ARF's (Almost Ready to Fly) tend to be more expensive and heavier than a kit built plane. The heavier a plane the higher the wing loading and the easier it is to stall and crash.

Once you have crashed (and you will) they are harder to repair as you didn't build it and they tend to use foam in the wings.

If you have any other questions let me know

I *did* until the hobby threatened to send me to the poor house.
;)

Someone makes a really cool RC flight simulator. . . nifty faux radio box that plugs in to your PC. A big help for training your control inputs. . ..like when the plane is coming towards you, and controls are reversed . . or when it leaves your sight (becomes a dot in the sky)

Then, with a decent plane, have someone who can take over controls quickly, if need be.
edit;
(read:have someone, who knows what they're doing, standing by with a control box on the same freq. . . .until you get the basic feel for controled flight. . . . unless, of course, building and rebuilding planes is the best part of the experience for you) :)

My father flies 1/4 scale to 40% scale aerobatic stuff. He spends CRAZY $$$ on this hobby--and has been known to bury more than a few planes in his time. His words:

"If you're afraid of crashing, don't fly."

Here's a pic of my Extra 300L, you can see my PT-19 behind it.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1063605904.jpg

osidak is right on w/ his advice. All I can add is to find a club near you through AMA and learn on a buddy cord. Anyone can learn fast w/out crashing airplanes that way. I have a few more in the hangar. An ARF is a great way to go for a first airplane IMO. I'm a kit builder but I always have one ARF that I can just go pound pavement w/.

Where are you located?

I would seriously consider starting with a high wing ARF place as Osidak recommended. When you crash it, and you will, you won't wanna die having spent 100 hours in the build and painting, etc...

I've crashed as many as I've flown, honestly the two ARF planes I had (the Great Planes Super Sport (?) and the Extra 300) were two of my favorites.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1063638481.jpg

I am not a real fan of ARFs for beginners (I have some ARFs in my fleet). Yes you will have a bunch of time invested in self built model and yes it will hurt when you crash.

With a self built model you can repair it easily (you built it after all) you can repair it cheap using simple tools and glue.

ARFs due their construction (Yes some are like traditional models) tend be much harder and expensive to repair. Typical wing for a 40 size trainer is $100

ARFs also tend to heavier and make it less forgiving and harder to land.

I have 15 airplanes from stunt specials to 1/4 scale to combat planes. 2 are ARFs. Every single one of them have crashed at least once. I just threw the ARFs away (Midair and other got shot down)

I would definitely say go to a club and hook up with an instructor and use the buddy system to learn (must have compatible radios).

It is a fun sport.

I've got a Goldberg Piper Cub I'll sell cheap. (New in box)
It's not an ARF (Almost Ready to Fly) type, but pretty stable (when built in the standard (unclipped) wing version. )

My plan was to build this up with floats (I live on an island) . . .too many projects though.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1063652536.jpg
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1063652555.jpg

Do you guys in CA have to have your engines smogged annually? ;)

Shhhh! CARB will hear you! :rolleyes:

Hey, I've gone 100% electric. :D

hehe, I went rubber band powered. I fly 2 meter sailplanes on a high start :D

occasionally I also get out the 4 meter Discus and launch it on a winch (really cool)

I've always wanted to get into the scale slope soaring stuff. Alas, no slopes nearby for that. Except the Canyon, and that would be ugly.

I used to do only rubber and CO2 FF. More indoor than outdoor. Then I discovered the "back yard flyer" thing with tiny electrics.

BSJ,

When you say "electric', what kind of motors do you use? 540-type? Do you use servo-switched, mechanical-speed controllers or electronic ones?

I race R/C cars and I use electronic speed controllers in my cars, usually with modified, hi-po 11-turn(ish) motors. I always thought you *had* to have a nitro-powered aircraft, but if electric works well, then I'd like to give it a try.

I flew for a little while. It was fun, I've just gotten busy so I've been trying to sell my plane. I've sold the accessories. I still have Futaba radio, O.S. .46 FX engine, and hobbico superstar trainer.
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1063759193.jpg

Thanks for the advice guys. Apparently there are a few local chapters of the AMA around here, so I should be able to get started.

Pearldrum - I am going through Louisville the weekend of the 10th (of October) for the festivities at Knob Creek. Maybe if you are around, we can strike up a deal for some of your equipment.

Island911 - how much are you looking for for the cub? I don't know what shipping would be (to OH), it may negate any savings. I am interested though, I learned how to fly a tailwheel in a cub a long time ago. I still have fond memories.

If either of you are interested, my e-mail is ftw5177@aol.

Thanks again.

Pete

Back in the day we had a "Fast Eddie" w/ a 540 direct drive in it. Electronic speed control. The thing was stupid fast. It scared the hell out of me.

I've since graduated to much slower, more sedate aircraft that won't take the head(s) off innocent passer(s)-by. Mostly some 380-powered stuff. That's all gone now...my dad was the driving force behind all this and we're 2500 miles away from each other, now.

Right now I've got a GWS Tiger Moth that I got on a whim and haven't gotten around to assembling yet. Now that it's cooling off here I may be willing to stand outside for the 10-minute flight time. :D

I was also into the RC car scene...let's see...I went from a Tamiya Hornet, to a Kyosho Optima Mid, to a Losi JRX2. There was something else in there...some 4wd shaft-driven thing I can't remember...Then I realized how much money I was spending on vehicles that were only controllable in two dimensions. :D Never did get into racing.

Ooh! I also remember we had a 380-powered MOTORCYCLE from Kyosho, I think. The damn thing actually rode on two wheels. The receiver was located inside the rider! That thing was fun.

Good times...

The cars are great fun, although I've got a friend with an R/C Helicopter. You should see what he can make it do! It's amazing.

I use Tamiya cars, TA-03R, TA-04S/R (hybrid), with 11-turn motors and geared up the wazoo. Stupid fast for electric cars, really and they'll burn a set of tires after only a couple of batteries if you want them to. Far better accelleration than a glow/nitro car, if you asked me. Certainly quicker than .15 touring cars and faster off the line than a .21 off-roader. My next car will probably be one of those .21-engined beasts with the 3-speed transmission... :cool:

I saw a boat recently with a water-cooled electronic speed controller and optional water-cooling jackets for the motors! Twin 7.2v battery setup, too! :D