Recommended spares for the RC field box

[toto]

First of all, I hope I have this in the right forum category.

 

I'm interested to get some ideas into the kind of spares 5o carry in my fi3le box ( once I have one ).

 

The kind of items that can prevent you from participating from the sidelines.

 

I am currently only really planning to go electric flight, however, never say never to petrol and some stage in the medium to long term.

 

I can hazard a guess on some of the obvious big hitters...... spare batteries, charger, battery tester/ servo tester, maybe a spare servos or two etc etc. 

 

However, I bet that there are many not quite as obvious items that people have learned from bitter experience. I'd appreciate anyones input as to the small but potentially essential life savers that I can make a point of starting to amasse.

 

Many thanks for your input.

 

Toto

[kc]

It really depends on how far your club members have to walk to the flightline!    If you walk a long way you take very few spares to the flightline...... if you fly from the car you take everything you have in the car boot.

I fly electric and take just one screwdriver ( for wing bolts) or spare rubber bands plus Tx and 3 or 4 spare fully charged Lipo batteries ( in a tin ) and a Battery Checker to the flightline in a toolbox.     IC engines need more items for starting of course.

 

One handy thing though is a 'Pearl Catcher'  or 'PIck up tool' to insert small screws ( servo screws etc )

[steve too]

Props, plugs (glow and spark) and various machine screws. 

 

I don't believe in field repairs. I usually take three models.

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

9 minutes ago, steve too said:

Props, plugs (glow and spark) and various machine screws. 

 

I don't believe in field repairs. I usually take three models.

So you only manage three flights ?. ( another wasted stupid remark )😅

 

You won't need much for electrics, props and a charger, if you have an EPP 'thing' a 12v hot glue gun won't go a miss.

Edited March 18, 2023 by Paul De Tourtoulon

[toto]

Thanks chaps,

 

I wouldn't intend to carry all my stuff to the point of flight but if the model passes its pre flight checks etc and you are unlucky enough to get a curved ball heading for you, any major failures would be done from stock from the dar boot if feasible. 

 

I think if my allotted take off slot came up and their was a failure of some sort ( beyond anything picked up at a pre- flight check ). I'd gracefully retire to the car in order to free up the slot. 

 

Multiple models to enable a reserve is a great place to be in and could be a future possibility but whilst in " training " mode, I'd loath to be buying more than one model which would be purely for training purposes. In saying that, the version I have bought has enough appeal, yo me anyway, to survive beyond the training stage.

 

Great input though .... cheers

 

Toto

 

 

[steve too]

8 minutes ago, toto said:

whilst in " training " mode, I'd loath to be buying more than one model which would be purely for training purposes. In saying that, the version I have bought has enough appeal, yo me anyway, to survive beyond the training stage.

 

If you are training, I would recommend having two models. You don't want to waste a trip to the field.

[toto]

I'd agree but there is only so much expense that you can go to.

 

I'd rather risk some inactive sessions if unlucky enough and save the budget for further down the road , otherwise ........ am I trying to sell 2 trainers. 

 

There is nothing wrong even if you spend your entire flying / hobby career flying your trainer but I'm sure that most aspire to more advanced models. Not necessarily because they are more advanced as such, but because they open up the options to fly more " realistic " models. 

 

So .... for me ..... I'll start with one trainer and if I need to buy another, fair play, but I would not be sitting with a spare ..... just in case. The idea of multiple models would be after the training is over. ..... just my take of course.

 

Toto

[Graham Bowers]

My take on this is if a model needs more than a minor intervention like tightening a fastener of changing a glowplug or propeller, it's a job for home. I prefer to rely on making sure things are as they should be before leaving home. I'd be concerned about a field repair being done in a pressureised situation and prefer the calm of the workshop. My clubs are 10 mins and 30 mins from home; if I was travelling further maybe field repairs would be less of an unattractive proposition.

Edited March 18, 2023 by Graham Bowers
clarity improved

[leccyflyer]

2 hours ago, toto said:

First of all, I hope I have this in the right forum category.

 

I'm interested to get some ideas into the kind of spares 5o carry in my fi3le box ( once I have one ).

 

The kind of items that can prevent you from participating from the sidelines.

 

I am currently only really planning to go electric flight, however, never say never to petrol and some stage in the medium to long term.

 

I can hazard a guess on some of the obvious big hitters...... spare batteries, charger, battery tester/ servo tester, maybe a spare servos or two etc etc. 

 

However, I bet that there are many not quite as obvious items that people have learned from bitter experience. I'd appreciate anyones input as to the small but potentially essential life savers that I can make a point of starting to amasse.

 

Many thanks for your input.

 

Toto

Historically I always took a full flight box to the field, every trip, with a selection of tools, spares, adhesives, tape etc. That was due to the fact that it was at least a 30 minute trip to the field and something like a broken control horn or wing bolt could spoil your whole day. However I've never changed a servo at the field, or taken one along as a spare. I do take plenty of batteries with me.

 

The sort of things that can bring a halt to the days flying, which are useful spares include

wing bolts

collets and wheel retainers

control horns

clevises

propellors

engine bolts

ballast - tyre balance weights are useful

velcro and velcro straps

repair tape - Blenderm, Fibre tape. Hinge tape

servo extension leads

super glue

five minute epoxy

Uhu Por if you fly foamies

Wing bands

Some small bits of scrap balsa, ply and foam

 

Tools - basic screwdrivers, spanners, allen keys, pliers, prop reamer, tweezers, retractable knife

 

However, with that said, I now do not make any field repairs - they are definitely best saved for the workshop - I just take multiple models. If I have an issue with one at the field, I put it aside and fly a different model. If I go to a fly-in, I might go back to taking the flight box.

[toto]

Hi Leccyflyer,

 

Thanks for that. There are many items on there that I would not have even considered. Ballast, velcro, and some of the lotions and potions. Most are just simple everyday items that would probably be items used on the original build that you would not suspect of failing or being needed again for any one model ..... velcro for instance.

 

Engine blts ... or motor bolts in my case. I didn't think that these type of items actually failed. Excuse my naivety. Servo extension leads, you'd think that if functioning properly at the time of initial installation ..... would not bother you as they are not really subjected to physical movement but I suppose deterioration of electrical connections can happen regardless. 

 

For a newbie, as much as some of these questions ( and therefore replies ) may be repetitive to more seasoned members, are invaluable to the inexperienced.

 

Many thanks for your response.

 

Toto

[leccyflyer]

Ballast is an obvious one - you may balance the model in the workshop at the recommended CG position, but until you've flown it you don't really know is the model is balanced correctly. If you've ruin out of options with battery placement then sometimes you do need to add lead. Once the model is sorted you shouldn't need it again - though someone else might. 🙂

 

Engine bolts, or motor fixing screws can vibrate loose and be lost in flight and you don't want a loose motor. Extension leads can certainly go bad and if troubleshooting a control issue reveals a dodgy lead it's useful to have a spare. Likewise an extra velcro strap, or small piece of velcro can be a life saver if you feel the need to shift the battery location on a new model.

 

Like I said I tend not to take spares and other kit to the field for a normal flying session - I take multiple models instead.

 

Here's a picture of what I used to take to the field -and do so whenever I go to a fly-in. I draw the line at hot glue guns and portable soldering irons. I would also take my prop box, which has a wide selection of propellors, prop adaptors, prop reamer, prop balancer etc. These two boxes sit in readiness on the bench and sit behind the front seat of the car on the way to the field. I learned the lesson about not carrying your flight box in with the models a long time ago. 😄

 

Flight case - modified from a fishing tackle box.

Top Box

Field chargers, charge leads, balance boards, clamp meter, spanners for prop changes, battery check meter.

 

First drawer - tools - pliers, side cutters, tweezers, pin vise with small drill bits, mini retractable knife, plug wrench, screwdrivers, small sockets and spanners, allen drivers and  keys, clevis tools, probes and picks,

Second drawer - electric flight drawer - ESC programming cards, Wattsmeter, tachometer, various adaptors and gender benders, bind plugs, battery charge indicators and safety doobers, various electric flight extension and test leads, servo extension leads

Third draw - fittings - wing bolts, nuts, bolts, washers, screws, control horns, servo horns, clevises, ball links, cable ties, wheel fittings, collets etc a

Bottom drawer  - glues, insulating tape, velcro, wing bands, hinge tape, Blenderm tape, wing seating tape, lead ballast, few bits of balsa, ply and foam, sandpaper, knife - everything needed for simple field repairs.

 

[Richard Wills 2]

basic tools, blenderm tape,  and a glow plug. Thats it for me.  Anything else its take it home time.

[toto]

It must have taken some time to accumulate that lot. I think trying to cover the reasonable basics whilst fostering good relationships with fellow flyers may be the initial way ahead whilst you start building up your armoury. 

 

I have accumulated a small fortune in tools over the years both from various hobby involvement and the fact that I am a time served electrician..... I should really say " was " a time served electrician as I have been a Quantity Surveyor for the last 23 years or so.

 

However, no matter what has been accumulated over the years, when you look to start in something as specialist as this hobby, much of the equipment etc needs to be bought specific to your new venture. 

 

Thanks for taking the ti e for your very informative response. It is a great starting point for me to consider.

 

Cheers

 

Toto

[john stones 1 - Moderator]

Flask and some petrol.

Welcome to the forum Toto.

[leccyflyer]

As others have also pointed out, and as I practice now, for the average trip to the field there is a lot to be said for the minimalist approach, but definitely worth having more than one model with you, once you've gone beyond the stage of just flying your trainer.

[Nigel R]

Don't really take very many spares. A plug and prop. Minimum tools. Enough to put the wing on and change a prop.  Anything remotely serious goes wrong i take the model home. Travel light, etc. 

 

Take a spare airframe. Fly it anyway. 

[Nigel Heather]

I just take my planes, batteries and transmitter.

 

I don’t think I would want to do physical repairs at the field, I’d prefer to do those slowly and more thoroughly at home.

 

What has sometimes caught me out is having the tools to do adjustments, though I have always been able to borrow stuff.

 

So I would say having all the tools that you need to assemble/disassemble your plane - for example, spanner for prop nut, screwdriver for spinner, pliers for clevises.  Maybe stuff need to trim your plane, like lead/metal for weights and something to attach, a saw/snips to  adjust the size of weights.

 

Other than that, I like to travel light.

 

Of course if you can drive your car right to the flight line (I can at my club) you could argue just throwing your whole tool box in the back of the car but I prefer not to have heavy items in with my planes as they may move around while driving and do damage to the models.

 

Cheers,

 

Nigel

[Paul De Tourtoulon]

OMG leccy, you have more in your field box than my garage,🤪 if it needs repairing take it home and do it properly, even a nose over can

leave an invisible crack that can be a disaster in the air,.

[leccyflyer]

Yeah - that's what I just said, multiple times. The flight box sits on the bench and is in daily use, it used to go to the field every time. It rarely makes the trip now.

 

The exception is if I go to a fly-in, which I used to do a lot of. Mind you, my collection of bits paled into insignificance compared to my pal Kev's travelling workshop. Many a fellow flyer's day was saved by a visit to Kev's mobile bench. That came about from actively taking part in model car racing, where all manner of field repairs and strip downs were required. If someone asked if anyone had a spare, whatever ot was, Kev's stock reply would be "What colour?". I still miss Kev.

 

Most unlikely tool that proved vital and saved the day? A dentists long hook pick, which was the only thing, slender enough and, taped to a long screwdriver, with the ability to grab and extract a wet wipe FOD from the EDF unit of my pal Peter's scratch built Vampire. Picture courtesy of Tim Hooper, Greenacres Fly-in, 2004. Happy days. 🙂

[GrumpyGnome]

I thought I was minimalist as well:

 

• A small toolkit that contains small screwdrivers, pliers, cutters, few sockets (only ever use one of the small screwdrivers for engine tuning purposes...)
• Cross head screwdriver for spinner screws, wing bolts
• Flat head screwdriver for wing bolts
• Allen keys for spinner nuts, undercarriage stuff (spats, legs...), control arm connectors (all my short allen keys live in a small box so I take them all
• Spanners for prop nuts
• Spare glow plugs & spark plugs
• Spare servo lead connector clips
• Fuel
• Glow starts (2)
• Fuel pumps (hand driven)
• Baby/wet wipes
• Electric starter
• Spare battery for electric starter
• Foam pad to lean on 
• Plane retention thingy
• A Tachometer lives in the bottom of my toolbox (I've never used it...)
• A LiPo checker lives in the bottom of my toolbox (I've never used it at the field..)
• Planes and transmitter of course 🙂
• Field stand so I don't have to roll around assembling planes
• Plastic mat to put stuff on in case the grass is damp.

More than I thought - probably explains what's becoming a longer and longer time to get ready to go to the field!

 

I don't do field repairs, or even take spare propellers etc., as if I've manged to break a propeller, I probably need a proper inspection back in the workshop.  

 

I rarely take less than 4 planes.

 

On the odd occasion I'm just flying electric, I take:

 

• planes
• a screwdriver for the wing bolts (a single cross head)
• Lipos
• Tx
• Adapters for the different connectors
• Plastic mat

 

I don't do field charging of my electric models, but take 6 packs for each plane.

 

Edited March 19, 2023 by GrumpyGnome

[leccyflyer]

Funny that you should mention the Lipo checker which isn't used. Mine lives in my battery bag and is used after every single flight to check the individual cell voltage.

 

Different strokes. 😄

[GrumpyGnome]

Yeah, I'm a bit of a heathen when it comes to LiPos tbh.  Rarely check, never discharge/put in storage mode....... as I say though, I only have small cheap packs.

 

My club mates are more like you and check the capacity remaining after each flight and delight in the readings (or otherwise...).

[leccyflyer]

In one of those Interconnectedness Of All Things moment, it was interesting that this should pop up this morning. A nice discussion from a chap on how he abandoned his field boxes and now fits everything in a backpack. I have a similar similar photographer's backpack for my drone - courtesy of the charity shop- which carries everything necessary to take the device out into the field.

 

 

[Simon Burch 1]

I don't know if this has been mentioned, but I'd recommend a small first aid kit too - especially if you're some distance from immediate help eg slope soaring sites.  Props are an obvious danger, but there are plenty of other ways to sustain a minor injury.

[toto]

The first aid kit is a good call. 

 

I'd never have initially thought of that.

 

Toto