TalkingRChobbies.com

On the last blog post, I was talking about selecting your first radio controlled model airplane. I want to emphasize how it is to your advantage to find an experienced flier to help you through each step of radio controlled model flying.  By now, you may have had a chance to attend a R/C “fly-in” or at least maybe you have visited the local club’s flying field and that is one of the first things you should do. At some of these events, you can meet and talk to some of the fliers and find someone that is interested in assisting beginners. There will undoubtedly be people there that are willing to answer questions and help you select the appropriate equipment to get started with.

    If you decide that you want to build your own kit, you will need several parts and accessories that are not always included in the kit.  The manufacturer usually includes a list of things you will need in addition to what comes with the kit.  Wheels, fuel tank, fuel line, push rods hinges,and several other components will need to be purchased separately.  It will take some time to assemble all the parts of the kit, so for some OT the items, you have a little time to decide exactly what you want/need.  One word of caution at this point, some components such as push rods may need to be installed before they become inaccessible inside the model.

     Building your aircraft from a kit can be a very rewarding experience and provide for a great feeling of accomplishment.  If you are the type of person that enjoys building things and working with your hands, kit building is probably okay for you.  If that is your choice, expect to spend a lot of time working with and assembling the intricate parts.  And don’t be afraid to ask for advice and help.  

    Otherwise, you are probably more likely to choose one of the many excellent ARF or RTF models that have become so popular.  There are several manufacturers that offer combination packages that already have the radio and engine installed.  Some claim that you can have them assembled and flight ready in about 15 minutes.   Once the airplane is all assembled you are ready for the next step.  Running the engine and “breaking” it in.   And doing the radio control functional test of the throttle and control surfaces.  There will be lots more on that in the upcoming blogs.  

    Please remember that this blog site is for the purpose of educating and assisting people (of all ages) that are interested in joining the thousands of R/C modelers in a very exciting, educational and fun hobby.  It is also for anyone with knowledge and experience that would like to comment on the posts and thereby take an active part in passing along the information that will help others enjoy the hobby. I just want you to know your comments are appreciated and be sure to check this site daily for new information.

As promised yesterday, let’s get right into “getting started” in radio-controlled model airplanes. I would like to establish one thing up front so that we can all start thinking and expressing ourselves in the same context.

Safety is all important in this hobby. R/C model planes can easily reach speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour and that fact in and of itself requires that you pay close attention to detail. It is very important that your model is built or set up exactly as the manufacturer specifies. All aspects of building and setting up the aircraft is very important, therefore, we must be sure that everything is done according to the instructions. We all want to get the model into the air as quickly as possible, but in doing so, we must not sacrifice safety and risk injury to ourselves or others. Also, we do this to avoid crashes. More on the art of crashing later.

Having said that, let’s proceed. First, it is very beneficial to you (and your model aircraft) to enlist the help of an experienced radio controlled model airplane builder and flyer. This is not to say that you wouldn’t be able to accomplish getting your model in the air by yourself.  Having a competent person to help with balancing and tuning your model will save you a lot of possible frustration and will actually speed up the learning process for you.

You will have to select your model and here is where the advice of an expert flyer is really important when you’re just beginning. Maybe you have been to the flying field and seen some model rc airplanes that are really cool and beautiful. If not, go to the local R/C flying field or club (do a google search for your city and R/C model airplane club). You will find that most RC modelers are friendly and willing to help you with everything you need to get started. And this blog is here to help in anyway we can.

For your first plane you will need to pick out a model that is easy to build and fly. I keep using the word “build”, but you don’t have to select a model that is built from a kit. There are many models that are “almost ready to fly” (ARF) which only need assembly of the major components, such as the fuselage, engine, wing, and radio. No matter which way you choose to go, you should pick out a “trainer” or at least a model that has good inherent stability. When talking about inherent stability, I am referring to the ability of the model aircraft to return to straight and level flight when the flyer lets the radio’s controls return to the center or neutral position. Generally speaking, a high-wing aircraft has better inherent stability. Although, some low-wing models are quite stable and controllable.

Other considerations include whether to choose electric or fuel (nitro) powered aircraft. There are pros and cons to both choices. The battery powered models are usually smaller and easier to transport and some of them are specifically meant to be flown in small places.   Some of the electrics are very aerobatic and for their size can challenge even experienced pilots.  One down side of the electric powered planes is the need for recharging between flights.  For some people the way to go is with a nitro powered airplane. Both work well and it really is a matter of personal choice.

So far we have talked about safety and selection of the proper model. Please remember we are still talking in generalities and we will get into the specifics in the next posts. Be sure to check back every day for more information on radio controlled model airplanes.

Here are some exciting videos!

Here we are, folks, a brand new blog site specializing in radio controlled hobbies.  I have been an avid R/C hobbyist for many years, mostly  into R/C model airplanes, but willing to discuss other branches of the sport.  I believe you will enjoy your visits here and I invite comments from all readers. 

    Whether you call it rc hobbies, rc modeling, or just modeling hobbies, it all means the same thing.  Radio-controlled airplanes, boats, cars, trucks, helicopters, tanks, or motorcycles all spell fun for the entire family.  If you are an experienced and accomplished flyer or racer,or if you’re a beginner in the hobby, one thing is for sure, the fun and excitement of being able to have complete control of your model remotely is really what makes this hobby/sport so appealing.

    This blog, for the most part, will be very general within the whole spectrum of rc hobbies, but will at times be specific in each area of interest.  The current post is just an introduction of what will be coming in the weeks and months to come.  You are invited to leave comments whenever you like and from time to time, individuals will be invited to post to this blog with their own ideas. 

    The goal is to encourage and assist new people to get into the hobby and start enjoying the fun and sense of accomplishment in remotely controlling the model type of their choice.  And, to help them get started and provide answers to their questions.  Please come back and join the fun and possibly sometimes controversial information that will be found in this blog.  Next time we will begin exploring the exciting world of radio controlled airplanes, building kits, purchasing radios and other equipment, and tips for beginners.