Can anyone recommend a good R/C plane for beginners?

[bigredguy]

I would really like to get into this as a hobby but i'm not sure where to start. Anyone know anything about this? Have any advice on where to start or what kind of plane to get?

I was thinking something along the lines of This but i'm not really sure? Is gas or electric better?

Thanks

 

[NutBucket]

I would buy an electric for a first plane. http://www.hobbypeople.net have some deals this weekend.

 

[bigredguy]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I would buy an electric for a first plane. http://www.hobbypeople.net have some deals this weekend.

Why electric?

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: bigredguy

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I would buy an electric for a first plane. http://www.hobbypeople.net have some deals this weekend.

Why electric?

Do you have experience with gas engines? Electric planes are cheaper and will allow you to learn how to fly first Mind you, this is just my opinion. I base the gas/electric bit from working on cars.

 

[saxophonoia]

I'm thinking about getting into this too. My grandfather does this and has a club he's in and I've flown some of his planes a few times finding it a lot of fun. I think i'll check out that site too.

 

[MikeMike]

by far, the single best online hobby shop is http://www.towerhobbies.com

just realize that the planes are NOT cheap, are NOT easy to fly, and break EASILY

MIKE

 

[NutBucket]

Bigredguy, aren't you located in SD? If so, go visit hobby people. I'm pretty sure they have stores in that area.

 

[bigredguy]

Originally posted by: NutBucket

Originally posted by: bigredguy

Originally posted by: NutBucket
I would buy an electric for a first plane. http://www.hobbypeople.net have some deals this weekend.

Why electric?

Do you have experience with gas engines? Electric planes are cheaper and will allow you to learn how to fly first Mind you, this is just my opinion. I base the gas/electric bit from working on cars.

Yeah, i do have some experience with small gas engines. I know the electrics are a little cheaper but i was thinking that i would rather be able to refuel right away then having to recharge the batteries.

 

[hamburglar]

this sounds interesting

 

[bigredguy]

Originally posted by: NutBucket
Bigredguy, aren't you located in SD? If so, go visit hobby people. I'm pretty sure they have stores in that area.

You mean go outside? In the SUN? Madness Man, PURE MADNESS!

Ok i might, looking up local flying clubs right now.

 

[StageLeft]

do it right the first time and get a 200+ mph scaled down model of a jet fighter. They're sweeter than sugar, and you're bound to crash it immediately

 

[NutBucket]

Originally posted by: Skoorb
do it right the first time and get a 200+ mph scaled down model of a jet fighter. They're sweeter than sugar, and you're bound to crash it immediately

It'd cost him more to repair that then it would his Rodeo

 

[alm99]

Go with a GWS Slowstick for a plane. Its a great all around beginner/Aerial Photography plane. Its cost $35.


Great forums: RCGroups

 

[bigredguy]

I have narrowed it down between 2 planes.

If i decide to go electric then the Wing Dragon

If i decide to go glow power then the Hobbico Nexstar

The bid difference is whether i want to spend $120 + s&h or $450 + s&h

I am just not sure how much i want to invest initially into this hobby... but i do have a higher limit on my CC now...:evil:

I think i will wait a while.

 

[WannaFly]

If you go gas, DO get some sort of instructor, you WILL crash it otherwise. I flew R/C planes for a few years, and things happen. I'd suggets gas over electric, for me they were much MUCH more fun.

 

[alm99]

If you are really srious about the hobby invest in a good transmitter/radio. Otherwise buy a cheaper one like the GWS Dreamstarter. There is a guy on ebay who usually sells GWS Slowstick ready to fly kits for around $125. I am telling you its the better way to go if you are even somewhat serious about this hobby.

 

[bigredguy]

Originally posted by: WannaFly
If you go gas, DO get some sort of instructor, you WILL crash it otherwise. I flew R/C planes for a few years, and things happen. I'd suggets gas over electric, for me they were much MUCH more fun.

If i go with the electric i think it will be slow and stable enough that i could teach myself.

And I am pretty sure that with the onboard software and attachable hardware and the flight sim i should be able to teach myself fairly quick if i get the Nexstar. The Nexstar is designed so that a newb pilot can learn by themselves.

 

[WannaFly]

bigred, power to you with the gas, they are awesome. Electric like I said is just too boring to me. The speed differences between the two are amazing. With the gas, sometimes its just a pain to get the engine started - be aware of all the ectra parts and supplies you'll need for gas motor: starter, glow plug, glow plug warmer(dont remember real name), etc, etc.

 

gas will be much more fun, but being a beginner at those small gas engines can really suck

go electric to try the hobby out, find out where people are flying - go there first...even before you buy
make some pals, they'll help you out

 

[Yossarian]

the hardest part for me was banking the right way when the plane was coming towards me. I took lessons from this homeless dude that did nothing but hang out at the rc field all day, he sure stank but he was a kickass rc plane pilot

 

[Shockwave]

Originally posted by: PipBoy
the hardest part for me was banking the right way when the plane was coming towards me. I took lessons from this homeless dude that did nothing but hang out at the rc field all day, he sure stank but he was a kickass rc plane pilot

Thats funny. I had sex ed from this homeless chic that hung out at the park. She stunk (In more places then one!) but man she was sure good at what she did!