How to Buy a Trainer Model Airplane
Radio-controlled (R/C) scale-model airplanes bring the thrill of flying to your fingertips. Just like beginning pilots, most R/C fliers begin with trainer aircraft - but in scale, of course.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- R/C Modeling Construction & Operating Publications
- Internet Access
- R/C Model Engines - EHobby Inventory
- EHobbies Top Flite Cessna 182 Airplane Kits
- How-to Video On R/C Airplanes
- model engine supplies and accessories - radio system, glow plugs, servos, batteries, fuel
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1
Enjoy your enthusiasm for your new hobby, but realize you must work to improve your skills in achievable short steps to avoid becoming discouraged.
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2
Join an R/C modelers club.
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Attend a club flying session and watch the performance of various replicas.
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4
Develop friendships with knowledgeable hobbyists within the club. Ask for recommendations on purchasing a scale-model trainer.
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5
Visit local hobby shops. Get to know the store owners and clerks.
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Ask for literature.
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Subscribe to hobby publications.
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Do research on the Internet.
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Join a modelers e-mail discussion list or read submissions to hobbyists electronic bulletin boards.
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10
Check your budget.
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11
Remember that there will be expenses other than for the trainer replica. You'll also need to buy a radio-control transmitter and may need to buy an engine.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Trainer scale models, like their full-size brothers, are designed to be slow, smooth, stable and forgiving of pilot errors.
Training to fly a radio-controlled model airplane can teach a youngster hand-eye coordination, mechanical skills and the laws of aerodynamics.
Scale-model engine fuel is volatile. Handle with care.
Propellers spinning at high speeds can cause serious injury. Watch your fingers.
Youngsters operating radio-controlled aircraft should have adult supervision.
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Comments
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Mar 28, 2006
With model airplanes, you get what you pay for, in all meanings of the phrase. There's a reason the built-up balsa planes cost more than the balsa-covered foam ones. If you're looking for a trainer, don't spend less than $300 for a RTF package. .60-size ARFs should be in the $200-350 range, give or take. Any less than that, and you're taking a serious gamble. Also, only buy from reputable companies. Hangar 9, Great Planes, Kangke, SIG, and Seagull, to name a few. Buying from cheap and unknown sellers often means you're stuck with a lemon. Even if it looks good on the outside, the cheapos often have weak construction, sub-structural damage, and are made of the wrong materials. Bottom line, spend a little more and you get a model you can trust. The same applies to engines and radios. While the prices of the good ones can be a bit steep, the cheap ones often don't work outright or break within days of use. -
Nov 22, 2005
Here are some guidelines on motor speed: 100 speed motor = slow 200 speed motor = slow 250 speed motor = not bad 300 speed motor = fast 440 speed motor = real fast 500 speed motor = very fast 600 speed motor = incredible speed 700 speed motor = like the real plane
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Nov 22, 2005
Here are some guidelines on motor speed: 100 speed motor = slow 200 speed motor = slow 250 speed motor = not bad 300 speed motor = fast 440 speed motor = real fast 500 speed motor = very fast 600 speed motor = incredible speed 700 speed motor = like the real plane
