Hi,

My son and I bought a cheep electric RC plane from Wal Mart. It was an
Estes Sky Ranger. I was actually impressed that it worked (somewhat).
It had a transmitter for the rudder only. It flew and flew! It wasn't
very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
of trees and making repairs!

Obviously, a RC plane with better control and features would be more
fun. I bought a copy of RC Modeler Magazine and saw some simple RC
planes that might get us started. There are several RC clubs in our
county, but are a long drive from us. I know that joining a club and
getting the help and training from other members is the way to go. But,
I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
hobby.

I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
electric plane. I found the following RC plane that might work for my
starter plane:

U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)

http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html

Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?

Thanks for any feedback on this.
Dave
Sacramento, CA

In article <3E6B7C7E.348A4534@pacbell.net>, Dave <catx@pacbell.net> wrote:

| It wasn't
| very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
| of trees and making repairs!

These are valuable skills in R/C plane flying, even once you get the
hang of things!

| I know that joining a club and getting the help and training from
| other members is the way to go.

Yes, absolutely.

| But, I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This
| way I won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like
| the hobby.

If `getting started' means flying the plane you're talking about by
yourself, that's a very bad idea.

Note that the plane you're talking about will cost about $400 with the
stuff you need to fly it. Joining the AMA is like $60, and many clubs
are like $50 or so. The club expenses are a good deal less than the
cost of the plane itself.

| I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
| electric plane.

Electric planes can be a lot of of fun, just as much fun as the glow
planes (perhaps more because the're often fewer hassles.) You just
didn't have a very good one at first.

| I found the following RC plane that might work for my
| starter plane:
|
| U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)
|
| http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html

That is a fine beginner plane.

However, I don't suggest flying it by yourself. You're *guaranteed*
to crash it, and it's not as rugged as you think -- the first crash
may very well destroy the plane and your engine and radio as well.

They do make some more rugged planes, but they usually fly like crap
(like the Duraplanes.) You don't want them.

Also, unlike your first plane, this plane can easily kill somebody, or
do thousands of dollars of damage to whatever it crashes into.

I *strongly* suggest getting some more experienced help, even if it's
a long drive, at least at first.

If you must do it yourself, get a better electric plane. Many park
fliers are small and slow enough not to be very dangerous, and are
easy to fly. And being slow, they're usually easier to fix when they
do crash.

Get one with at least three channels -- the two channel planes like
the Firebird XL are ok, but they're just a little better than what
you've already got.

| Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
| that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?

That's rarely a bad plan. However, you can go a long way on four
channels -- yes, having more channels for flaps, retracts, crow,
cameras etc. is nice, but it's not like you'll need all this stuff
once you go from `beginner' to `intermediate' or even `advanced'.

It all depends on how much money you want to spend. If you plan on
staying in the hobby, a better radio now isn't a bad plan.

Of course, you can get a decent 4 channel radio and servos for only a
little more than $100.


| Thanks for any feedback on this.
| Dave
| Sacramento, CA
|
|
|
|
|


--
Doug McLaren, dougmc@frenzy.com
Inside every large program is a small program struggling to get out.

Im not trying to be a smart a** but if you don't get some help and decide to
go the trial and error route, you will end up spending more money than if
you join your local club. I thought I could do it too and managed to take
off fine and fly around for a minute, but then I lost "perspective" with the
plane coming my way and desperately tried to land it. I managed a very hard
landing coming out of a nasty loop and got lucky. Only pushed my nosewheel
into the firewall. I went home that day wiping sweat from my brow and
counting my blessings. THEN I joined a club. I knew I had the knack for it
and soloed in only 5 or 6 flights with perfect landings. 3 months later, I
compete in my first IMAC contest with a .40 size Extra. My point is, there
is a good chance you will be a natural at it but at least get a lesson or
two with a buddy box to save you because based on my experience and foolish
confidence I almost crashed which would have most likely disgusted me to the
point of not sticking with a hobby I love dearly today.

by the way, my recommendation for a good glow powered trainer (I do suggest
glow) is a Sig Kadet LT40 with (very economical power) Thunder Tiger 46PRO.
I use JR radio equipment, but get what your instructor suggests or what he
uses to be compatible. All brands make nice stuff and you will find
arguments for/against all brands.

good luck

Brad



> I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
> won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
> hobby.

Bunch of sissies.

Build it.

Fly it.

xman Charlie

I recommend things in the following sequence:

1) Find someone to teach you how to fly. Or find a club near by. They
frequently have instructor-pilots and training planes.
2) Then determine which radio and plane the instructor recommends. If the
instructor isn't familiar with the gear then it can be a waste of time and
money.



"Dave" <catx@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:3E6B7C7E.348A4534@pacbell.net...
> Hi,
>
> My son and I bought a cheep electric RC plane from Wal Mart. It was an
> Estes Sky Ranger. I was actually impressed that it worked (somewhat).
> It had a transmitter for the rudder only. It flew and flew! It wasn't
> very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
> of trees and making repairs!
>
> Obviously, a RC plane with better control and features would be more
> fun. I bought a copy of RC Modeler Magazine and saw some simple RC
> planes that might get us started. There are several RC clubs in our
> county, but are a long drive from us. I know that joining a club and
> getting the help and training from other members is the way to go. But,
> I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
> won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
> hobby.
>
> I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
> electric plane. I found the following RC plane that might work for my
> starter plane:
>
> U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)
>
> http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html
>
> Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
> that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?
>
> Thanks for any feedback on this.
> Dave
> Sacramento, CA
>
>
>
>
>

If you are going to fly solo dispite what others suggest then you might want
to look at the Zagi 400x

zagi.com

allthough not the most attractive plane, you can learn a lot more on these
and also have a lot more fun then normal build up planes...

those things just bounce off whatever they hit, no damage done.

They are electric, but they are also a BLAST to fly

"Dave" <catx@pacbell.net> wrote in message
news:3E6B7C7E.348A4534@pacbell.net...
> Hi,
>
> My son and I bought a cheep electric RC plane from Wal Mart. It was an
> Estes Sky Ranger. I was actually impressed that it worked (somewhat).
> It had a transmitter for the rudder only. It flew and flew! It wasn't
> very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
> of trees and making repairs!
>
> Obviously, a RC plane with better control and features would be more
> fun. I bought a copy of RC Modeler Magazine and saw some simple RC
> planes that might get us started. There are several RC clubs in our
> county, but are a long drive from us. I know that joining a club and
> getting the help and training from other members is the way to go. But,
> I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
> won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
> hobby.
>
> I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
> electric plane. I found the following RC plane that might work for my
> starter plane:
>
> U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)
>
> http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html
>
> Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
> that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?
>
> Thanks for any feedback on this.
> Dave
> Sacramento, CA
>
>
>
>
>

Rasman wrote:

> If you are going to fly solo dispite what others suggest then you might want
> to look at the Zagi 400x
>
> zagi.com
>
> allthough not the most attractive plane, you can learn a lot more on these
> and also have a lot more fun then normal build up planes...
>
> those things just bounce off whatever they hit, no damage done.
>
> They are electric, but they are also a BLAST to fly
>


Also Picojets and sky scooters. Ther are a lot of bounceable electric
planes out there that will make a good step up for a solo flyer on his
way to a 40 trainer.


> "Dave" <catx@pacbell.net> wrote in message
> news:3E6B7C7E.348A4534@pacbell.net...
>
>>Hi,
>>
>>My son and I bought a cheep electric RC plane from Wal Mart. It was an
>>Estes Sky Ranger. I was actually impressed that it worked (somewhat).
>>It had a transmitter for the rudder only. It flew and flew! It wasn't
>>very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
>>of trees and making repairs!
>>
>>Obviously, a RC plane with better control and features would be more
>>fun. I bought a copy of RC Modeler Magazine and saw some simple RC
>>planes that might get us started. There are several RC clubs in our
>>county, but are a long drive from us. I know that joining a club and
>>getting the help and training from other members is the way to go. But,
>>I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
>>won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
>>hobby.
>>
>>I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
>>electric plane. I found the following RC plane that might work for my
>>starter plane:
>>
>>U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)
>>
>>http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html
>>
>>Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
>>that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?
>>
>>Thanks for any feedback on this.
>>Dave
>>Sacramento, CA
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>
>

#$%^ham2405@yahoo.com (David AMA40795 / KC5UH) wrote in message news:<3e6d6573.8151695@netnews.attbi.com>...
> BBBBBZZZZZZZTTTTTT. A Zagi is way too tricky to launch and get going
> to be a beginner's airplane. They're OK once up to flying speed, but
> beware of losing airspeed in tight turns - snap roll city! I've
> dropped mine in the grass or dirt several times doing that at too low
> an altitude.

If you let someone with experience fly the plane and get it trimmed
out, Zagis aren't all that bad as first planes. The launch sequence
really isn't all that difficult. Once you get it down, you wonder how
you ever launched any other way.

The nice thing is that Zagis are tough, much tougher than GWS Slow
Sticks or Tiger Moths. I've personally augered them in from all
altitudes, with minimal damage. I think the most real damage I've ever
done is break an elevon. Sure, the canopy and battery tray get
cracked, but that's only cosmetic damage.

Zagis aren't all that hard to fly, IMHO. They are "go where you point it"
planes, and they do tip stall if you get 'em too slow, but they're darn near
indestructible. I found the grab by the leading edge toss to be very
awkward, so I hook my fingers on the trailing edge and toss it motor off. I
suggest gliding it down a slope to trim before you try powered flight, as CG
is critical on all flying wings.

Morris
morris.lee@verizon.net

"David AMA40795 / KC5UH" <#$%^ham2405@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:3e6d6573.8151695@netnews.attbi.com...
> BBBBBZZZZZZZTTTTTT. A Zagi is way too tricky to launch and get going
> to be a beginner's airplane. They're OK once up to flying speed, but
> beware of losing airspeed in tight turns - snap roll city! I've
> dropped mine in the grass or dirt several times doing that at too low
> an altitude.
>
> David
>
> On Mon, 10 Mar 2003 14:04:42 +1100, "Rasman" <hmsv@webone.com.au>
> wrote:
>
> >If you are going to fly solo dispite what others suggest then you might
want
> >to look at the Zagi 400x
> >
> >zagi.com
> >
> >allthough not the most attractive plane, you can learn a lot more on
these
> >and also have a lot more fun then normal build up planes...
> >
> >those things just bounce off whatever they hit, no damage done.
> >
> >They are electric, but they are also a BLAST to fly
> >
> >"Dave" <catx@pacbell.net> wrote in message
> >news:3E6B7C7E.348A4534@pacbell.net...
> >> Hi,
> >>
> >> My son and I bought a cheep electric RC plane from Wal Mart. It was an
> >> Estes Sky Ranger. I was actually impressed that it worked (somewhat).
> >> It had a transmitter for the rudder only. It flew and flew! It wasn't
> >> very responsive and we spent most of our time retrieving the plane out
> >> of trees and making repairs!
> >>
> >> Obviously, a RC plane with better control and features would be more
> >> fun. I bought a copy of RC Modeler Magazine and saw some simple RC
> >> planes that might get us started. There are several RC clubs in our
> >> county, but are a long drive from us. I know that joining a club and
> >> getting the help and training from other members is the way to go. But,
> >> I don't mind getting started by myself (trial and error). This way I
> >> won't spend more money on an RC plane(s) until I see if I like the
> >> hobby.
> >>
> >> I think that a liquid fuel powered plane would be more fun than an
> >> electric plane. I found the following RC plane that might work for my
> >> starter plane:
> >>
> >> U.S. AirCore 40 Trainer Kit 40-50, 64" (rugged, inexpensive, high-wing)
> >>
> >> http://www.usaircore.com/airplanes/usaa2030.html
> >>
> >> Would it be better to buy a radio with more channels than required so
> >> that it can be used for future planes requiring more channels?
> >>
> >> Thanks for any feedback on this.
> >> Dave
> >> Sacramento, CA
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >
> >
>

I wish it was 'only' cosmetic damage ! The last time I smacked mine
in (was trying to get it down in 30mph winds that kicked up on a storm
front), the canopy top was broken into 3 pieces and the front of the
bottom was broken off at the step. I had to buy a new canopy kit !

David

On 11 Mar 2003 05:06:48 -0800, mkirsch1@rochester.rr.com (Mathew
Kirsch) wrote:

>#$%^ham2405@yahoo.com (David AMA40795 / KC5UH) wrote in message news:<3e6d6573.8151695@netnews.attbi.com>...
>> BBBBBZZZZZZZTTTTTT. A Zagi is way too tricky to launch and get going
>> to be a beginner's airplane. They're OK once up to flying speed, but
>> beware of losing airspeed in tight turns - snap roll city! I've
>> dropped mine in the grass or dirt several times doing that at too low
>> an altitude.
>
>If you let someone with experience fly the plane and get it trimmed
>out, Zagis aren't all that bad as first planes. The launch sequence
>really isn't all that difficult. Once you get it down, you wonder how
>you ever launched any other way.
>
>The nice thing is that Zagis are tough, much tougher than GWS Slow
>Sticks or Tiger Moths. I've personally augered them in from all
>altitudes, with minimal damage. I think the most real damage I've ever
>done is break an elevon. Sure, the canopy and battery tray get
>cracked, but that's only cosmetic damage.

Remember... I said darn *near* indestructible! :-)

Morris