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Miamiheat · 08-02-2012, 14:23

Hello,
As I want to get started in model flyng, I am looking for advice on what to buy as my first plane, radio etc...

Waht I do know if that I'd like to go electric to begin with (cleanliness and space issues) and not too small (avoiding toy), not too big (dont have much space).

Secondly, do i break the bank and buy a very expensive radio with all the bells and whistles (that may lose value by time I am ready to use it to its full potential in a few years), or do I just get a basic kit that I can resell , and by new radio when ready to buy next model.

Finally, anybody willing to train a couple of rookies?

thank you

Bruthal · 08-02-2012, 15:12

Something like the Parkzone Radian is a good way to start.

The RTF version (ready to fly) comes with a radio and all, and has everything needed to fly. Prosperous dave is a good man to ask, he began with this one to start with 2 years ago i think it was, and so is in a better position to explain what its like for a beginner starting off, and might have some input later. He has a fleet of models now.

We have 2 of them here, great for the video camera flights.

There is the parkzone radian pro, which was a later version, but the original is better in my opinion. The one linked above is the original.

I wouldnt worry about getting a more advanced radio just yet. Its not that expensive for a radio that would be good enough for most rc pilots. But the one with the radian above is more than adequate to start with.

Another option is the Bixler, its cheaper. Im not sure what its like to fly myself. I was thinking of trying one of the ARF (almost ready to fly) versions, to try flying in the dark with lights on it.

As for training the rookies, i often did that down here in Navan. Bit of a busted up leg at the moment though, so im more or less grounded myself.

Prosperous Dave · 09-02-2012, 11:19

Hi

Like Robbie said, I started off with the Radian (his suggestion and a good one) two years ago. I was tempted to try and fly her myself but the Gods intervened and I ended up with a dead battery because I left it plugged into the plane overnight and the battery was sucked dry and ruined (thats your first tip - unplug the battery after the flight as the receiver in the plane will still be sucking juice out of it, even at rest on the ground). I came onto this forum to see what was wrong with the battery and Robbie sussed it. He then offered to give me a lesson and so we met up.

Now the Radian is a large plane, with a 2 metre wingspan but I thought she'd be a doddle to fly (she is, once you know how

). However I was very glad Robbie was on hands to take over when I did silly noobie things like stalling her, sending her into spiral dives etc. By the end of the lesson though, I was getting the hang of it and I landed her in one piece, which is the aim of flying

.

Flying model planes is a great hobby but unfortunately, starting out is the most expensive time for new flyers as you have to buy a transmitter which will cost you about €70 for a basic one like the DX5 (or buy the "ready to fly" package which includes the plane, transmitter, receiver, battery etc). I started out with the DX5 but eventually bought a DX6i as it not only lets you store up to 10 airplanes in its memory but it is a computerised radio and lets you do a lot more like set dual rates, expo, differential etc, which will mean absolutely nothing to you right now so thats why the DX5 would suffice for your first couple of planes. Once you have the transmitter bought, getting your next plane is cheaper as you can get an "almost ready to fly" plane which includes everything except the transmitter (which of course you'll have). Then later you can go even cheaper by buying a "plug and play" model where you get the plane but have to install your own receiver and of course transmitter.

Later on, we can introduce you to the wonderful Chinese emporium of "Hobbyking" where for a fraction of what you'll pay elsewhere for branded items, you can pick up planes, batteries, receivers etc.

I know Robbie is out of action at the moment but I'd be willing to give you a few pointers if you'd like. I usually fly in the Phoenix Park before work when I have it all to myself

. However I'm moving to a new job next week outside Dublin so that'll be out, unless we meet up at weekends. The one piece of advice I'd give you is to go and watch guys flying their planes, and hopefully talk to them. Flying is not easy, you WILL crash at some point, but with some lessons, you might be abale to keep the crashes to a minimum. With the modern electric foam planes, they are actually relatively easy to repair and parts are cheap.

Last thing, you will need a fairly large area in which to fly any rc plane, unless you buy a micro one which can be flown in a large sports hall. However they can't be flown outdoors unless the wind is dead calm. The area you fly in should be away from buildings, powerlines, and trees. Even a football pitch would be a tight squeeze for flying in, especially when learning. The Radian takes forever to land as she is a glider and she just keeps on gliding

. Other planes like my warbirds fly at between 40 and 60 mph and would cover the length of a football pitch is a few seconds. I have a new motorised glider, more a hotliner I suppose, called a Kinetic that can fly at 100mph on full throttle. Thats why I fly in the Phoenix Park.

Miamiheat · 20-02-2012, 22:38

Dave are you flying this weekend?
I live 5 minutes from the Phoenix park so I'd be glad to see you fly any plane. I have looked at the radian but to be honest it's size scares me a little. What is your opinion on the Bixler suggested by Robbie (140cm wingspan)?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ft_Radio_.html

Bruthal · 21-02-2012, 00:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miamiheat

Dave are you flying this weekend?
I live 5 minutes from the Phoenix park so I'd be glad to see you fly any plane. I have looked at the radian but to be honest it's size scares me a little. What is your opinion on the Bixler suggested by Robbie (140cm wingspan)?
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ft_Radio_.html

I suggested the bixler as an alternative. Not a bad one for the price of it. The radian is great though. Its not that big really. It might sound like it when you see 2 meter wingspan. But its nice and light. When i started it was with a hi-boy, some of the old fliers would remember them

A big heavy yoke it was, or maybe just under powered with the 40 engine. It flew quite well, but getting it off the ground before running out of space, and into the long grass at the phoenix park patch was interesting.

All you need is a few lessons and you would be sorted anyway.

@ dave
I flew one of our radians here with that switching unit i put together, last weekend, it was almost dark when i landed. Would need a couple more strips to make it more visible, but looked good, some flashing under the fuse i had, and others (steady on) on the bottom of wings.

Prosperous Dave · 21-02-2012, 16:36

I'm building a kit plane at the moment and so I won't have time to make it into Dublin. As I no longer work in the city, I dont have any reason to go in anymore. Sorry.

The Leinster Model Club fly in the Phoenix Park most weekends. You could go have a look but I never found them very friendly.

The Bixler has gotten good reviews but as an "all in starter package", the Radian is hard to beat. 2metre wingspan might sound big but once she's in the air, you'll be glad she's big so you can keep track of her. Small planes tend to be hard to see at height.

Robbie, are you on the mend? I'm working in Trim now so not too far away from you. Haven't found a new flying site here yet but still looking.

Bruthal · 21-02-2012, 18:04

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prosperous Dave

Robbie, are you on the mend? I'm working in Trim now so not too far away from you. Haven't found a new flying site here yet but still looking.

Im not sure if on the mend yet, more xrays next monday. I flew the 600 heli just for a few minutes last weekend, and the sons radian with lights on it. I can do it when someone is here to pick it up from the green.

Bring one or 2 of your planes up here if you like.

Are you looking for a flying spot around trim?

Miamiheat · 21-02-2012, 23:10

Allright i jumped.
ordered the Radian.
any other advice on other bits and pieces to buy?
also, would probably be interested in another plane, maybe some cessna or piper but dont want to double up on the radio. Websites are confuding I am afraid of missing pieces.

Bruthal · 21-02-2012, 23:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miamiheat

Allright i jumped.
ordered the Radian.
any other advice on other bits and pieces to buy?
also, would probably be interested in another plane, maybe some cessna or piper but dont want to double up on the radio. Websites are confuding I am afraid of missing pieces.

Which one did you order? Link?

Miamiheat · 22-02-2012, 00:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by robbie7730

Which one did you order? Link?

OH i ordered the one on the link you gave me at beginning of thread (from Sussex website) the one that comes with DX5 radio.

Bruthal · 22-02-2012, 00:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miamiheat

OH i ordered the one on the link you gave me at beginning of thread (from Sussex website) the one that comes with DX5 radio.

A good one to start with. You can always bring it down the M3 to navan if you want a few pointers, test flight etc.

Dont try flying it yourself anyway, if you have not flown before.

Miamiheat · 22-02-2012, 00:55

Thanks Robbie I will definitely take you up on your offer. driving down is not a problem.
will contact you when the beast has arrived

Bruthal · 22-02-2012, 01:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miamiheat

Thanks Robbie I will definitely take you up on your offer. driving down is not a problem.
will contact you when the beast has arrived

Ok then, wont take long to arrive anyway. Just have to hope for a nice day. Them radians are light, but they will handle strong winds. But not for learing. A nice calm day is what you want for that.

Prosperous Dave · 22-02-2012, 11:18

Count me in when you organise a flight in Navan. Be good to have a few planes in the air instead of just mine chasing the sky rats.

Hold off buying anymore planes for a while. You should become proficient with the Radian first before you move onto another plane. I have a Supercub that's a good "second" plane after you master the Rad.

Robbie
I'm looking for a flying site round Trim but no joy yet. I was spoiled having the Phoenix Park close to my old job.

Bruthal · 22-02-2012, 11:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by Prosperous Dave

Robbie
I'm looking for a flying site round Trim but no joy yet. I was spoiled having the Phoenix Park close to my old job.

It can be tricky enough finding somewhere suitable. There is a good spot close to me here. I fly from a large green in the estate somertimes, but a few hundred yards down the road is a better spot for it.

08-02-2012, 14:23	#1
Miamiheat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 180 Adverts \| Friends	Starting up Hello, As I want to get started in model flyng, I am looking for advice on what to buy as my first plane, radio etc... Waht I do know if that I'd like to go electric to begin with (cleanliness and space issues) and not too small (avoiding toy), not too big (dont have much space). Secondly, do i break the bank and buy a very expensive radio with all the bells and whistles (that may lose value by time I am ready to use it to its full potential in a few years), or do I just get a basic kit that I can resell , and by new radio when ready to buy next model. Finally, anybody willing to train a couple of rookies? thank you

09-02-2012, 11:19	#3
Prosperous Dave Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: County Kildare Posts: 3,103 Adverts \| Friends	Hi Like Robbie said, I started off with the Radian (his suggestion and a good one) two years ago. I was tempted to try and fly her myself but the Gods intervened and I ended up with a dead battery because I left it plugged into the plane overnight and the battery was sucked dry and ruined (thats your first tip - unplug the battery after the flight as the receiver in the plane will still be sucking juice out of it, even at rest on the ground). I came onto this forum to see what was wrong with the battery and Robbie sussed it. He then offered to give me a lesson and so we met up. Now the Radian is a large plane, with a 2 metre wingspan but I thought she'd be a doddle to fly (she is, once you know how). However I was very glad Robbie was on hands to take over when I did silly noobie things like stalling her, sending her into spiral dives etc. By the end of the lesson though, I was getting the hang of it and I landed her in one piece, which is the aim of flying. Flying model planes is a great hobby but unfortunately, starting out is the most expensive time for new flyers as you have to buy a transmitter which will cost you about €70 for a basic one like the DX5 (or buy the "ready to fly" package which includes the plane, transmitter, receiver, battery etc). I started out with the DX5 but eventually bought a DX6i as it not only lets you store up to 10 airplanes in its memory but it is a computerised radio and lets you do a lot more like set dual rates, expo, differential etc, which will mean absolutely nothing to you right now so thats why the DX5 would suffice for your first couple of planes. Once you have the transmitter bought, getting your next plane is cheaper as you can get an "almost ready to fly" plane which includes everything except the transmitter (which of course you'll have). Then later you can go even cheaper by buying a "plug and play" model where you get the plane but have to install your own receiver and of course transmitter. Later on, we can introduce you to the wonderful Chinese emporium of "Hobbyking" where for a fraction of what you'll pay elsewhere for branded items, you can pick up planes, batteries, receivers etc. I know Robbie is out of action at the moment but I'd be willing to give you a few pointers if you'd like. I usually fly in the Phoenix Park before work when I have it all to myself. However I'm moving to a new job next week outside Dublin so that'll be out, unless we meet up at weekends. The one piece of advice I'd give you is to go and watch guys flying their planes, and hopefully talk to them. Flying is not easy, you WILL crash at some point, but with some lessons, you might be abale to keep the crashes to a minimum. With the modern electric foam planes, they are actually relatively easy to repair and parts are cheap. Last thing, you will need a fairly large area in which to fly any rc plane, unless you buy a micro one which can be flown in a large sports hall. However they can't be flown outdoors unless the wind is dead calm. The area you fly in should be away from buildings, powerlines, and trees. Even a football pitch would be a tight squeeze for flying in, especially when learning. The Radian takes forever to land as she is a glider and she just keeps on gliding. Other planes like my warbirds fly at between 40 and 60 mph and would cover the length of a football pitch is a few seconds. I have a new motorised glider, more a hotliner I suppose, called a Kinetic that can fly at 100mph on full throttle. Thats why I fly in the Phoenix Park. Last edited by Prosperous Dave; 09-02-2012 at 11:28.

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08-02-2012, 15:12	#2
Bruthal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: The edge of insanity Posts: 9,630 Adverts \| Friends	Something like the Parkzone Radian is a good way to start. The RTF version (ready to fly) comes with a radio and all, and has everything needed to fly. Prosperous dave is a good man to ask, he began with this one to start with 2 years ago i think it was, and so is in a better position to explain what its like for a beginner starting off, and might have some input later. He has a fleet of models now. We have 2 of them here, great for the video camera flights. There is the parkzone radian pro, which was a later version, but the original is better in my opinion. The one linked above is the original. I wouldnt worry about getting a more advanced radio just yet. Its not that expensive for a radio that would be good enough for most rc pilots. But the one with the radian above is more than adequate to start with. Another option is the Bixler, its cheaper. Im not sure what its like to fly myself. I was thinking of trying one of the ARF (almost ready to fly) versions, to try flying in the dark with lights on it. As for training the rookies, i often did that down here in Navan. Bit of a busted up leg at the moment though, so im more or less grounded myself.

20-02-2012, 22:38	#4
Miamiheat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 180 Adverts \| Friends	Dave are you flying this weekend? I live 5 minutes from the Phoenix park so I'd be glad to see you fly any plane. I have looked at the radian but to be honest it's size scares me a little. What is your opinion on the Bixler suggested by Robbie (140cm wingspan)? http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s...ft_Radio_.html

21-02-2012, 16:36	#6
Prosperous Dave Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: County Kildare Posts: 3,103 Adverts \| Friends	I'm building a kit plane at the moment and so I won't have time to make it into Dublin. As I no longer work in the city, I dont have any reason to go in anymore. Sorry. The Leinster Model Club fly in the Phoenix Park most weekends. You could go have a look but I never found them very friendly. The Bixler has gotten good reviews but as an "all in starter package", the Radian is hard to beat. 2metre wingspan might sound big but once she's in the air, you'll be glad she's big so you can keep track of her. Small planes tend to be hard to see at height. Robbie, are you on the mend? I'm working in Trim now so not too far away from you. Haven't found a new flying site here yet but still looking.

21-02-2012, 23:10	#8
Miamiheat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 180 Adverts \| Friends	Allright i jumped. ordered the Radian. any other advice on other bits and pieces to buy? also, would probably be interested in another plane, maybe some cessna or piper but dont want to double up on the radio. Websites are confuding I am afraid of missing pieces.

22-02-2012, 00:55	#12
Miamiheat Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Dublin Posts: 180 Adverts \| Friends	Thanks Robbie I will definitely take you up on your offer. driving down is not a problem. will contact you when the beast has arrived

22-02-2012, 11:18	#14
Prosperous Dave Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Location: County Kildare Posts: 3,103 Adverts \| Friends	Count me in when you organise a flight in Navan. Be good to have a few planes in the air instead of just mine chasing the sky rats. Hold off buying anymore planes for a while. You should become proficient with the Radian first before you move onto another plane. I have a Supercub that's a good "second" plane after you master the Rad. Robbie I'm looking for a flying site round Trim but no joy yet. I was spoiled having the Phoenix Park close to my old job.