Where to start

[Scott_Evoy]

I am just getting started in RC airplanes. My sons are old enough and I can't wait any longer to get into this hobby. I have been into RC cars and sailboats for about 30 years. I have a pretty good understanding of RC terms and how it all works but...I have a few questions. With my kids I want this to be a positive experience. What I want to do is buy a good radio (2.4ghz) so that we can grow into it. What I am struggling with is...gas or electric trainer, foam or wood. I have my eye on a SIG Kadet Seniorita EP ARF or a SIG KADET LT-40 ARF. I like these because of the construction (I like the wood models) but with kids in mind maybe foam is better. If it is foam I want it to be a model that is similar to the above models. The other question is gas or electric. I have not used glow motors at all but I can learn to use them and have access to an experienced flyer who can help me. The nice thing about gas is that when you run out you fill up and fly again. With electric of course you have to recharge. With my RC cars I would have 3 battery packs so that you could have a pack charging, one being used and the other cooling off. Is that how electric airplanes are done? How fast do the batteries charge? What type are used (Lipo, Nimh, NiCad)? I don't want to go to the field with three kids and myself and have 15 minutes of flying time and then because the batteries take so long to charge that we are done for the day. On my cars I only had to wait about 15 minutes so with three packs I could go all day. I am probably rambling but...there are many questions...my kids' ages are 9, 12, 16 (the 12 year old will be the one with the most interest)

Thanks in advance for your help.

[agshane]

I am just getting started in RC airplanes. My sons are old enough and I can't wait any longer to get into this hobby. I have been into RC cars and sailboats for about 30 years. I have a pretty good understanding of RC terms and how it all works but...I have a few questions. With my kids I want this to be a positive experience. What I want to do is buy a good radio (2.4ghz) so that we can grow into it. What I am struggling with is...gas or electric trainer, foam or wood. I have my eye on a SIG Kadet Seniorita EP ARF or a SIG KADET LT-40 ARF. I like these because of the construction (I like the wood models) but with kids in mind maybe foam is better. If it is foam I want it to be a model that is similar to the above models. The other question is gas or electric. I have not used glow motors at all but I can learn to use them and have access to an experienced flyer who can help me. The nice thing about gas is that when you run out you fill up and fly again. With electric of course you have to recharge. With my RC cars I would have 3 battery packs so that you could have a pack charging, one being used and the other cooling off. Is that how electric airplanes are done? How fast do the batteries charge? What type are used (Lipo, Nimh, NiCad)? I don't want to go to the field with three kids and myself and have 15 minutes of flying time and then because the batteries take so long to charge that we are done for the day. On my cars I only had to wait about 15 minutes so with three packs I could go all day. I am probably rambling but...there are many questions...my kids' ages are 9, 12, 16 (the 12 year old will be the one with the most interest)

Thanks in advance for your help.

Scott: Looks like you are on the right track for planes and radio's. I train all new people with glow and then if they are interested move to electric. If you choose electric, Lipo's are they way to go, however they will take an hour to charge and balance, using a good charger. The problem is with three flyers it's going to take three chargers and four batteries to keep up with the demand. Consider Using glow! A O.S. MAX AX .46 would be a good choice.

As far as foam vs balsa, no doubt balsa is a better choice. Again electric stuff is lighter weight wise and can't take the beating students give it.

Kadet's are old favorites and perfect for what you want to do. I would consider spending a little more money for your 2.4 because it's going to get a lot of use! You also might consider buying your own buddy box to ensure compatibility. As far the radio goes I prefer a JR DX7, however you might go with what ever the majority of people are using at your field (so they can help you program it).

Good Luck and Happy Landings! :wave: