Beginner FAQ's

How do I get started?
What do I need to buy?
What's it all going to cost me?
What does all this stuff look like?
Where is the best place to buy all this?
I want to fly a Spitfire
Can I learn to fly helicopters instead of fixed wing?
I suppose it takes months to build my trainer?
What exactly is this "Radio Gear"?
Can you give me any advice on building and installing the radio gear?

How do I get started?
 
There are a number of ways to start model flying, however most of them are somewhat expensive and can be very frustrating. It is very easy these days to walk into a model shop or even a toy shop and walk out with a plane that is almost ready to fly, but this is where the problems start. In other words, the plane may be almost ready to fly, but are you?
 
Before you part with your hard earned cash, visit a club and talk to the guys flying. Most clubs members will be more than happy to show you what it’s all about and give you lots of free advice. Some will even allow a trial flight with you taking control of the plane, albeit linked to a ‘buddy lead’ so that an instructor can take over if you get into difficulties. It is usually a good idea to arrange this in advance of any visit. If you decide that you would like to take up the hobby, it’s a good idea to join a model flying club because they can provide a structured training programme which will ensure that you don’t wreck your plane every time that you attempt to fly it. The club can also provide insurance through their membership scheme. Safe flying is vital, and most clubs have experienced instructors who will teach these safety aspects of flying, as well as the skills required to control the model. This hobby will give you years of fun and enjoyment, and as you progress, you can work towards the British Model Flying Association’s (BMFA) proficiency scheme.

 

What do I need to buy?

Probably the best way to start is with a trainer. This will have an IC (internal combustion) engine around about .40 cu inches in size.
A transmitter is needed to control the plane and inside the aircraft will need to be a receiver and servos to operate the control surfaces (elevator ailerons etc)  These usually come as a package, but can be bought separately. Of course there are  quite a few makes and you need to choose one that suits your bank balance and is sufficient to take you past the learner stage.
In the UK we fly most models on 35MHz, so the transmitter must match this specification. Within this frequency range a specific channel needs to be chosen. This range runs between channels 55 and 90. Most people fly Mode 2 (Throttle on the left) so ensure yours is the same.
 Of course, there are other items that will need to be purchased; these include fuel, a starter, a glow stick and some method of getting fuel into the plane. Again talk to club members who are more than willing to help you out.
Many items can be purchased second hand from club members, Free ads, eBay etc. with considerable savings.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

An OS max 40LA 2-stroke engine

 

 

 

 

 

Glow plug driver and charger

 

12 volt 7 AH Gel battery

 

And you will need a Gel battery charger, similar to this.
Don't use a car battery charger   (The current is usually too high)

 

Where is the best place to buy all this?

You can visit the on-line shops on my Links page, or use the Local Model Shops

 

I want to fly a Spitfire

There is nothing nicer than seeing a scale Spitfire in flight. However it is not an easy plane to learn on due to its design. The high wing trainer with its flat bottom wing and dihedral is designed to fly almost "hands off". In other words, if you let go all the "sticks" it will automatically seek to fly a level flight pattern. Also the Trainer is more forgiving if the landing is less than perfect

Can I learn to fly helicopters instead of fixed wing?

Of course. Many  have started on helis. It will cost you a little more to get started.
 For example, a Raptor30 heli starter deal with heli, TT39 engine, JR X2610 Radio c/w 5 Servos or RD6000 Radio and gyro will set you back around £550.

 
 

I suppose it takes months to build my trainer?

 

No, actually, most trainers are supplied in ARTF form (almost ready to fly) In other words the box comes with the fuselage, wings, and tail already built and covered. All you have to do is join the two wing halves together, glue the tail on, screw the undercarriage on, and add the engine and Radio gear.

 

 

It consists of the receiver, aerial, battery, on/off switch, aileron servo, throttle servo, elevator servo, rudder servo, as shown below.

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