New Plane

[moorerc]

I'm am thinking of getting an electric-powered airplane just to fart around with in my backyard. I was wondering which plane is a good one to get. I would need everything, and I would like to keep to $400 or less. Thanks

[CDNshy_guy]

$400?

The GWS flight pack (In Canada) is $130 at most hobby shops.
And you will need a radio (4CH) for $130 to $200
All the electric planes I have seen are from $45 to $120

But once you start you will be hooked and it does get expencive!

I know from experiance.

Norm

Oh and you will need a charger $50 and Crystal for the flight pack receiver $15

[cometkid]

HI,
Go for the Merlin sold by Hobby Lobby for $199. See it at http://www.hobby-lobby.com/merlin.htm
It seems to be rather complete. But, don't mistake the RC gear for the higher end stuff. If you crash it and hate the whole concept, you can give it all to a kid in the neighborhood.

If you are successful with this - assuming you are going to fly it alone with no help from an experienced modeler - then you can decide on how serious you are about the hobby.

[Wings]

The Megatech Merlin is in fact a nice model with relatively minor quirks (easy-to-bend prop shaft, easy-to-break large props). However, for $200 it's no bargain...particularly since you can't reuse anything. On the upside, the model is durable and should do just fine in a slight breeze.

You should also look at the Soarstar package from Horizon Hobby (about $250 w/radio gear package). I own and fly one, and can say that it flies with grace and ease despite my clumsy thumbs trying to upset it. :) It isn't durable by any means, but a lil' epoxy will fix it fine and the model will soon forgive you. Estimated flight speed is 10-15MPH and flight area should be no less than the size of a high school football field (larger is better!). Wind handling is rated up to 15MPH+, but beginners should fly in 0-5MPH winds.

I also like the GWS Pico Cub FD and Tigermoth ($45-55). You'll still need the pico flight pack (~$100 w/crystal), transmitter (Focus 3FM will do if costs must be conserved...say $90 or so), and charger. I don't own one, but they are said to be some of the best slow flyers a beginner could hope for. Estimated flight speed is 5-10MPH and flight area should be no smaller than a baseball diamond (perhaps the whole field while learning). Wind handling varies with building techniques and mods, but stock is no more than 10MPH I think. Beginners should fly in CALM weather. :)

One major suggestion: if you are serious about the hobby, $400 won't get you very far. Get the best transmitter and charger you can afford! You'll quickly outgrow the Focus 3 if you take the hobby seriously, and a versatile and capable charger is critical to getting the most out of your battery packs. Expect to spend $200 for a competent transmitter with computerized functions (perhaps $125-150 w/o the computer and its functions?), and $80-$150 for a charger that can "go the distance".

On the other hand, if you're just trying out the hobby, $400 is quite a lot of money. :) I usually recommend folks test their curiosity on a "RTF beginner" model (Firebird XL, E-Gull, Lightning, etc.). Spend $100 or so and see just how serious you are. If you're serious, see the previous paragraph. ;) Worst case scenarios are (1) you're not serious, and don't have to regret spending an arm and a leg, (2) you're of casual interest, and find the RTF models just right for you, or (3) you're serious, and can use the "disposable" model to keep the kids from endangering your new, arm-and-a-leg, prized set of wings. :D

That's my two cents' worth...

Wings

[Shadrack]

For backyard, pick up a tiger moth from GWS, the pack that they have with the 270 ma pack and cut the foam to fit the pack. They recommend the 150 ma but it works great with the bigger pack. This comes with servo's/receiver/speed control and is a great flying plane.

[CDNshy_guy]

I just picked up the TM tonight
I hope its everything everyone says it is.

Norm C

[Shadrack]

Let's see, I started with the Firebird XL (good basic plane, nice cheap price), then picked up a Pico Jet and crashed it a few times before destroying it. Then read all these great reviews on the TM and picked one up and got the bigger battery set for it. Carved out the battery area before building the plane and have been so pleased with the results. I live in Winnipeg and have flown the Moth in -10C weather without problems. Get some hinge tape for the bottom of the lower wing so that the seam is stronger for loops. Had mine split once.

[CDNshy_guy]

Thanks
I will do that.
I have a 6c 7.2v 270 mAh to put in it.
I hop it works out.


Norm C

[genebond]

You may want more battery than that eventually. Most guys like the 7cell 300mah NiMh battery, or a lithium-ion 830mah.

The NiCd will get you started, but the NiMh will double flight times, and the Li-Ion will double them again...

[bff]

I really liked the GWS tiger Moth. Fun little bi-plane and with a few modifications very tough. You should be able to stay well under $400. bff (build'em/fly'em/fix'em)