New to the hobby and need some information

[Gadrmr]

Hey folks,

I'm extremely new to the hobby but have been interested for years. I have been trying to find all the information I can for beginners. I visited my local Hobbytown and they were suggesting the Supercub by Hobbyzone which I noticed most people that are experienced suggest for the beginner.

I was wondering if you could weigh the advantages and disadvantages of the Supercub vs. the EasyStar. Also the guy at the Hobbystore told me there really wasnt any need to dive into any books or reading but to just throw the plane up and fly it.

I would like to be more prepared as I plan to make this a longtime Hobby. I have 87 1/2 acres of wide open farmland to fly on so area is not a concern. Unfortunatly I live in rural southeast GA and I dont know of any clubs around me to help me. Any advice would be appreciated as well as links to info !

Thanks!
Michael B.

[Mode One]

Go to modelaircraft.org/ This is the website for the Acadamy of Model Aviation or AMA as everyone calls it. You might be surprised at how close a local club may be. I live in Northern Minnesota, within a 50 mile radius of me there are 5 other clubs, then the one I belong to.

I'm from the old school. I know nothing about flying these indoor type beginner electric airplanes. Maybe you can fly them yourself, maybe you can't. I don't think seeking someones help to be a big thing to undertake. Most R/Cers are more then willing to help and it generally leads to really good friendships that can last a lifetime. People who have been in the hobby a while are a wealth of knowledge and can help you make the right decisions. If the cub your thinking of is that easy to fly, probaly it will make you think they're all easy and this may lead to disaster and frustration. Learning to fly R/C is all about keeping the frustration level under control.

Good Luck!

[Leo L]

Hi Gadrmr,

Welcome to R/C flying!

Unfortunately this forum is not well populated. I would first suggest that you visit the following forums: Wattflyer.com and RCGroups.com. Go to the electric flying section and look up the Beginners threads and the Parkflyers threads. In the Beginner threads, check out the "sticky" threads. They contain a lot of very good information. In particular, make sure that you read and study this one: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=355208

Most people will suggest that you start with a flight simulator on your computer. There are excellent ones that you can buy and there is a free one, that you can download, called "FMS". I'm one of the few people who doesn't like simulators. I've been flying for over four years and I can fly just about any plane, but I can't get the hang of flying on a simulator. I learned on my own and with the planes that are available today, there is no reason to need a flight instructor, although if one is available, your learning curve would certainly be much easier.

The two planes that you list are absolutely the best beginner planes that you can buy. Both have a tremendous following and you won't go wrong with either one. Personally, I prefer the SuperCub for the following reasons: it has landing gear which allows you to take off from the ground and do controlled landings, while the EasyStar needs to be handlaunched and bellyflopped for landings; it looks like a real plane; spare parts are readily available at most hobby shops. Just don't use the ACT feature. It has caused more people to crash than it has saved from crashes.

Good luck and let us know what you decide to buy.

[Gadrmr]

Thank you both for your advice. I feel like you Leo, The supercub seems to be the best option for learning for its low cost as well as if you crash it, it seems you can probably fix minor damages with a little tape and most parts are at the local hobbytown.(unfortunatly thats the hobbystore i have around me). I also like the idea that you can take off and land like a real plane, that just seems like it would keep my interest as bellyflopping just seems a little boring to me?
I will be going with the supercub, and when I get it i will let you know how it goes. Thanks so much.

[Mode One]

I hesitate to suggest going to another forum, when we are here using Model Airplane New's fine forum which they have so graciously provided. However, yes, there are many other forums you can visit.

Having just started a little over 4 years ago Leo L, is closer to understanding what beginners are using now days and I can see his point. However, if you start with the Hobby Zone Super Cub all of the money you place in this airplane is stuck there. Which is fine, because until you destroy this airplane it will be usable, as is. Find out if once it has been destroyed, can you re-use the radio, motor and other things used in this airplane. If like you say, you want to make this a lifelong hobby, then I would suggest buying a better set-up; better radio, airplane, motor or engine and other ancillary items and equipment and find someone to help you! If you think your going to be happy flying all by yourself, I will tell you after a while this looses it's appeal. I know from experience, like you may be capible of, I had enough acreage and did have the local club flying field on my property for 14 years. I also flew sailplanes for many years all by myself and yes, it got BORING!

I started in R/C in 1969 and was building rubber powered models, towline gliders and hand launch gliders since the mid 1950s, so yes, I am experienced, also. I find Simulators to be a wonderful way to stay sharp and highly recommend them

[Gadrmr]

Thanks for the advice mode one. I definetly hope to get involved with a club to meet with experienced flyers. I know the friendships and experiences you can share with other would be priceless. I also know that flying by myself without having anyone to share the enjoyment with would get boring after a while. I have been considering a simulator. I have learned today that alot of the nicer remotes will allow you to plug them into simulators with a trainer feature. I found that pretty great. I have always been a fan of Futaba as I have been messing with Rc Cars for a good while. I pretty much plan on leaning towards a Futaba Remote if I decide to go your route, I have been subscribing to every magazine I can find and I have joined every forum I can find so Im definetly putting the time in. However, most everyone I have talked to rather it's someone thats been doing this for 35 years or 35 days all say to start with the SuperCub. I have had mixed reactions about the ACT feature. Other than that nothing. I would love to start off with a nitro plane and just take to the skys. I have to face the fact that that first flight is more than likely going to lead to repairs if not destroying the plane. I can't think of anything more discouraging then going to fly for 45 seconds and having to put a couple of hundred dollars into a repair or however much it may take ( Im still to new to know). So I will be sticking to my plan of my first plane being a SuperCub. When Im comfortable with 3 channels and possibly spent sometime learning the building and simulator, then I will graduate to the funner things. Thanks so much for the advice folks. I will appreciate any thing you send my way!

Michael

[Mode One]

Please don't call the transmitter a remote. If all you new guys joining the hobby change the terminology and everyone starts to call transmitters-- remotes, I'm outa here!:):teacher:


As I said, the other guy is maybe closer to understanding what beginners are using now days, so go ahead, follow his lead. It sounds as though your mind is made up, anyway. If beginners truly are finding this route the easy way to go, then have at'r!

Nobody in any of the clubs around here has started with the Super Cub. I've never seen one fly and as with everything "There are many ways to skin a cat" and there is never one best way to go!

Again, Good Luck!!

[Leo L]

Hi Michael,

Sounds like you have a very good handle on things. I'm sure that you will love the SuperCub.

One of the aspects of this hobby that I really like is that there are so many variations, that everyone can tailor the hobby to their own interests, abilities, etc. In the past six years or so the hobby has undergone tremendous changes, making it much easier for people to get into flying on their own, where as in the past it was almost a prerequiste that a person join a club before they could learn how to fly.

The three biggest mistakes that beginners make are:
1) flying too low: the natural instinct is to fly low, thinking that if there is a problem, the plane will have less distance to fall and will therefore sustain less damage. Also, flying low gives the flyer a feeling that they are more in control while lying high seems like the plane is getting away from you. Unfortunately, these feelings are completely WRONG. Think of the ground as your plane's enemy, while the open sky is its friend. As a beginner, you should never fly below 100ft., except during take-offs and landings. Before you fly, get the feel of what 100ft in the air looks like. Find a building that is 8 stories tall and get a feel for the height of its roof. That's how high you want to be flying. "Three mistakes high" is a good rule to follow.
2) flying too close to obstacles: Find the tallest obstacle in the area where you will be flying and make sure that you fly at least TWICE the height of this obstacle. Also stay FAR away from trees. Most beginners end up developing all kinds of creative ways of retrieving their planes from trees.
3) flying in too much wind: follow the instruction manual and hang a ribbon on the tip of your antenna. The ribbon will tell you the direction of the wind and its strength. DON'T fly if its too windy. Wait for a better day. Best times are the first hours after sunrise and the last hour before sunset.

[Gadrmr]

Good news!
I found a club and an instructor that can help me out as well!
Im really excited and thanks for the extra tips! Keep em coming!

[sleepwalker]

Good news!
I found a club and an instructor that can help me out as well!
Im really excited and thanks for the extra tips! Keep em coming!

Gadrmr,Why don't you build a cheaper plane than a kit or ARF,then get the Supercub after you're learned.I had a few ARFs and a Senior Telemaster kit and was afraid to fly them because if or when I crashed I might be without a plane for a while till I fixed it and probably more money on top of the cost of the plane.I know almost have a trainer plane finished that is tough and cheap to build,but is also easy to fix,even if I have to build a complete fuse or wing.They're made of coroplast sign material and a lot of plans can be found on http://www.spadtothebone.com/ I made the Spadet LC-40 .I'm waiting on a package to finish off the landing gear and get an engine and some sign vinyl to add some color.There's pics of the build in the Post Your Project Photos section.

[aeajr]

Good news!
I found a club and an instructor that can help me out as well!
Im really excited and thanks for the extra tips! Keep em coming!

How are you doing? What are you flying? Having fun?

[larrywilsonk40]

Hi!
I've been in radio control for about 6 months and am really enjoying it . I started with a bottom of the line simulator from xheli.com and a couple of guys that really helped get me started. I've got a Bellanca Decatholon 480 thats rudder and elevator, but its got a lot more "character" than it had when it was new. I can't imagine flying it without many hours on the simulator. (And I have been in more than my share of trees.
The next step was building and flying "foamies", they're really fun, responsive, and best of all easy to fix. With radio gear from hobby-city.com, you can build one for way less than $100, and now hobby city is offering pre-cut kits for around $15.

[dnkehl]

I just looked on Hobby City and couldn't find the $15.00 planes can you please give us some more info.

[larrywilsonk40]

I just looked on Hobby City and couldn't find the $15.00 planes can you please give us some more info.

Sorry, its not Hobby City but BP Hobbies. Just looked at their site and most of the foamies are out-of-stock, but the prices range from $6-$20.

[dnkehl]

Just looked at it. Thanks for the info. Have you used the "notify me" when the planes are out of stock?

[larrywilsonk40]

Just looked at it. Thanks for the info. Have you used the "notify me" when the planes are out of stock?

Yes, but I'm currently out of room for new planes, I'll have to wait til spring when crashes usually reduce my inventory:)

[dnkehl]

How many and what kind? I have 1 1/2 right now. Putting the finishing touches on a simple grasshopper look a like and I have a capricorn which is alot of fun.

[larrywilsonk40]

How many and what kind? I have 1 1/2 right now. Putting the finishing touches on a simple grasshopper look a like and I have a capricorn which is alot of fun.

I have a Bellanca 480 rudder and aileron trainer that I changed the motor to a brushless C2408 KV1400 ($5.95 from hobby-city) and a 11.1 v lipo battery. Also a homemade foamie from a pattern a friend of mine made from scratch (similar to BP Hobby AMOS), with the same motor and battery combo, it really screams at full throttle. And a BP Hobby bipe that needs a lot of repair, I've evn thought of making a new one from the pattern I made before I built it. It flies pretty good, but I built it without the landing gear and I have yet to land it without breaking something major (usually the wings break off). I'm going to put some carbon graphite rods in the wings nxt time, also the landing gear.
Then I have a Sig Kadet 40 with a .4 glow engine, but I'm just finishing the radio gear in that one, never flown glow before.

[dnkehl]

Let me know how the glow thing works out. I only have electric now also. I do have a friend that only has glow but he doesn't fly anymore. I could probably purchase a plane or two from him. All I have heard about glow is how messy it is. When I first started with U-control I had a .049 Cox and I remember that was messy. Maybe its not as bad as I remember. Does anybody have an opinion on this subject. Maybe we should start a new thread on this topic?

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[NineEagles]

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[dnkehl]

Any word on how the glow is going.