Are you more interested in building nice models or flying (and crashing)? I would probably start with a simple .40 trainer if you want to build something. When you build your plane make sure you balance it perfectly. If you really want to focus on learning to fly I would consider an aerobatic electric.
One thing to think about is where you plan to fly the plane. There are organized rc airports all over but in some areas it may be difficult to find an open enough area to fly gas. You don’t want to fly near anything that can catch on fire. With an electric it is much easier to run over to the nearest park and fly around for a while. Something to think about.
My older son and I have two ARF’s (almost-ready-to-fly) planes. One is a trainer that we both learned to fly on and the other is a low wing Kyosho Spitfire war bird that only my son has flown (beautifully, I might add). The old kits where you lay out a million tiny pieces of balsa wood, jigs to build the wings, monocote wing coverings etc… have kind of gone the way of the dodo bird. There are still many kits available but most model fliers have gone with the ARF’s that take 10-20 hours to build VS a kit that might take a 100 hours to build. Definately start with a trainer plane, the wing shape gives them much greater stability. I suggest you try to find a good hobby shop or better yet a local flying club. Lots of experienced modelers to give you good info and possibly let you try flying at the field with a duel control radio. Have fun.
Go to the local hobby store and they’ll point you in the direction of the local club. Easier than you might think, and a real blast. You’ll be comfortable flying in a weekend unless you’re completely uncoordinated. Then it’ll be 2 weekends…
I fly them and “help” build them. I dont have the time and total expertise to build from scratch nor design but I have put together a couple of ARFs, but for my aerobatic planes, I have someone build them since CG, weight and several other aspects are important to have correct before maiden.
What information do you need specifically. I would say first join AMA, find a good club/flying field and get a trainer, dont try to start with anything else than a trainer. If you can afford get a 60 size trainer, you will see them better than a 40 size. Lastly Real Flight simulator is great to practice some things like maneuvers, landings, inverted flight and stuff so it get inbeded in you withouth destroying your plane but, real flying at the field is the best.
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The electric park fliers are very popular and great if you have limited time or space. BUT, there’s nothing like watching a skilled flier with a high performance plane putting it through it’s paces. The sound, the power, and the smells of a nitro powered plane are addictive. The 4 stroke engines that are becoming more popular are quiet and powerful, sounding like the real thing instead of a flying chainsaw. Electrics are definately cool, but just not the same as nitro.
I should add that we also have 1/8th scale 4 wheel drive trucks, buggies, and a nitro boat. Collecting dust in the basement now, but lots of fun when the boys were growing up.
If you want something easy to fix to learn to fly. Go to you local hobbie shop and check this plane out: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/...i0001p?&I=LXE586 I also found this amazingly realistic to help learn how to fly. http://www.realflight.com/gallery/index.html
Hurry, order today and save $20.00. Place at least a $149 order through August 31st and we’ll take $20.00 off the total. All you have to do to claim your savings is click on ad number 016KM and it will be placed in your shopping cart. This special offer is not retroactive. Please, only one promotional ad number per order.