connor walker Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Hi im thinking about joining this hobby and want to know what sort of plane electric or glow will be the best for me thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 That's rather a difficult question to answer without knowing what your budget, age, expectations etc. are. The best way, in most people's experience - although not the only way - is to join a club and learn with experienced fliers. If you fancy doing so then it's really best to discuss what sort of models they have found suit their field and training methods. Often, what looks like a cheap way into the hobby can result in disappointment or more expense so condider finding a local club and having a chat with them. Edited By Martin Harris on 25/11/2012 19:31:18 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator Posted November 25, 2012 Share Posted November 25, 2012 Hi Connor, well this is a very difficult question, but I'll try to make some general points to help you. First of all, the type of model you will need is a trainer - typically high-winged. A large selection of ARTF trainers are available - among the most popular being the Seagull Boomerang, the Irvine Tutor and the Arising Star. These are all primarily glow engine powered - conversion to electric would not be very difficult, but it would be more complex arranging easy battery access. For dedicated electric, there are trainers such as the e-Pioneer etc. Indeed the mag is just about to start a special series for beginners in the Jan edition based around this model - see here for details - and you would be well advised to follow that up whatever route you choose as I'm sure it will be full of good advice. Electric or glow? Well its entirely up to you. Both have advantages, neither are "unsuitable" in any way. If you do go electric keep in mind that when learning actual time in the air with an instructor is the key to sucess - so you'll need at least three batteries so you can keep flying. You will also need a specialist charger. There is no doubt that the initial outlay is probably higher with electric - but over the life of the model costs are very similar between glow and electric. One piece of advice I would give you - join a club and get proper instruction. The club membership fee will justify itself many times over in fewer broken models. It is possible to teach yourself to fly - people have done it - but there is no doubt that it is very difficult and very expensive! Without an instructor you will crash many times before you master this. Flying is great fun, truely addictive, but its not as easy as it looks! Even if you don't join a club - and as I say I would strongly urge you to consider that very carefully - you must get insurance. Flying models uninsured is seriously dumb! A club can arrange this for you - if you go it alone you will have to organise your own. This can be done through the BMFA. If you are looking for a club, the BMFA website will also help with that - see here for listings of clubs in your area. Joining a club will also help with your problem of model selection - as its likely that the club you join will certain models and trainers that they have positive experiences and views on. Finally, there are lots of resources on here for beginners. Start with the threads in this area and "follow your nose! You'll also find a special area for electric beginners here. I hope this is helpful in getting you started - any questions please feel free to ask. We were all beginners at one time! BEB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kieren MacGregor Posted December 19, 2012 Share Posted December 19, 2012 If youre going glow I would personaly do as i did and get a wot4 with a 40 or 46 size engine the once you've mastered flight you can turn up you're dual rares you will have an aerobatic model if you then want more power you can put a large 2 stroke like a 65 in the nose you will be able to exeed 100 mph Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vecchio Austriaco Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 I suggest an electric foamy glider - best with prop above the wings. This is not a super good looking or rather fast plane, but one where you could learn it and one which does take a few harder landings without broken props. They are also cheap, so even if you decide not to go ahead it is not a big hole in the budget. Just to name an example: Easy Star from Multiplex (go for a brushless version). There are several similar planes from other companies on the market which should be ok as well. VA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouncebounce crunch Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Get to a Club if not Parkzone Radian, rudder/elevator plus motor, a perfect motor glider for novice. but try find a club. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian Jones Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Posted by Biggles' Elder Brother - Moderator on 25/11/2012 19:39:03: <SNIP> First of all, the type of model you will need is a trainer - typically high-winged. A large selection of ARTF trainers are available - among the most popular being the Seagull Boomerang, the Irvine Tutor and the Arising Star. These are all primarily glow engine powered - conversion to electric would not be very difficult, but it would be more complex arranging easy battery access. <SNIP> I hope this is helpful in getting you started - any questions please feel free to ask. We were all beginners at one time! BEB The Irvine Tutor II is a modified Tutor40 and can be IC or electric with an easy access battery hatch (according to Irvine). Bear in mind also that the WOT4 has been in lots of different versions over the years so get advice first if you fancy one of those. As previously mentioned, a club is the best place. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Davis Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 My club has two electric trainers: the E-Flite Apprentice and the NT Discovery. Both are excellent. The Multiplex Mentor seems to fly nicely but I've never flown it myself. For i/c engines I tend to favour the Irvine Tutor or the Seagull Boomerang. I wouldn't recommend the WOT 4 as a first model, the WOT Trainer may well be worth considering but again I've never flown it myself so can't really comment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nev Haycox Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 Hi Connor, I have an electric powered Irvine Tutor II and can confirm that battery access through hatch is easy. Nev. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Welshboy Posted December 20, 2012 Share Posted December 20, 2012 I'd like to add another option if you go the electric club route which is the maxthrust Riot. May not be everyone's first choice but I have found it to be good value, stable on low rates and it got me through my club solo in about four months. If it survives my flying long enough then just a change of battery and propeller should allow much more power/fun. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Laughton Posted December 21, 2012 Share Posted December 21, 2012 Connor Where are you based? Jon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cymaz Posted December 27, 2012 Share Posted December 27, 2012 join a club , join a club, please say you will join a club Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sergiy Posted January 4, 2013 Share Posted January 4, 2013 Hi Connor I would recommend Wot 4 Electric Foam ARTF kit. It's really good plane not just to learn to fly, but for the future as well when you will start to learn aerobatics. Also, you can easy buy all damaged parts and replace them. So, it will be a good investment. I have this plane and very happy. However, ask somone with good experience to fly with you couple times to trim it if necessary. Have a fun! Sergiy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cuban8 Posted January 20, 2013 Share Posted January 20, 2013 Don't spend a penny on any gear until you've visted a local club for guidance. Most clubs have their own ways of doing things and models and equipment that they prefer, so take the advice of one of their instructors (avoid the club know alls though) and follow their advice. Good luck. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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