RC Warbirds

[DoraNine]

JU-87,
Here are a few picks of one of my Flying Styro Kits (BF-109G, "Rita")

Man -- you're right about the details, but I wouldn't recommend one of these kits for someone new to the hobby (just my 2 cents) -- or basically anybody for that matter. There's a reason mine is still in a box -- just feels like if I look at it the wrong way, it might dent or crack. The foam itself is very similar to the stuff McDonalds used to use to package burgers in -- like egg carton foam. Another downside is their all-up weight -- which is super, super light -- it just doesn't handle any kind of wind at all. They used to be hands down the best scale looking models -- but companies like Alfa (you should see their new 109F) and even Parkzone (with their new 109G model) are making planes that really capture the scale appearance now -- and that are alot more durable (again, my 2 cents worth). Lastly, they are a pain in the keester to assemble -- compared to everything else out there. They do, however, make great looking scale models... The kits themselves run about $125-$150, then by the time you've added the Lipo Pack, Receiver, BL Motor, ESC, and Radio -- you're looking at another $250-$300, depending on how serious you want to get. I've been flying awhile -- and I've never seen one being flown by anyone else. It sure is a mean looking bird.

If you must have one, though, I do know once they are properly balanced they can be good flyers (on very calm days). I've only assembled and flown one FSK model (tip stalled on the maiden, a real bummer) -- which was the 109E, which was tiny compared to just about everything in its class.

Who knows -- you may be able to fly one like Hans Rudel

Again -- this is only my two cents worth, and we all know what 2 cents is worth these days... I don't want to discourage anyone from getting into the warbirds -- I just don't want to see anyone spend their money, then get frustrated.

[mattmanB182]

Well I am used to being frustrated, i have been trying to get my old Traxas T-Maxx into driving condition, with new fuel tank and fuel lines, but the steering is messed up. It turns tight to the left but not to the right hardly at all. I installed a new servo and still did not correct the problem. I am 23 and I have had it about ten years.

I am thinking about selling that and my Nitro 4-Tec to try to get money for a plane.

Thanks for all the info guys! I am just a bit short on money right not after buying a firing Mauser K98k from WW2.

I will keep looking for the proper kit for me, but yea I would hate to spend all that money on my dream plane only to crash on the first flight.

But even Erich himself was not known for being nice to his planes.

[mdbuehler]

The Ultra Micros are $99 each without the controller, and $129 with one. Great deal! They also come with a battery or two, the charger, the box which doubles as a carry case. They fly for about 8 minutes on a charge, then recharge in 20. The batteries are just a few bucks a piece, so get 5 and you never have to stop

I also have the Su-26 Sukhoi (ultra micro sport plane) and the Blade Mcx and the Blade Msr (the ultra micro helicopters). They are all crazy amounts of fun, and almost indestructable!

They have a 3d ultra micro on the way, and hint at more warbirds, but won't say which just yet

Lucky dog, I was drooling over that 109 at Hobbytown a few days ago! Its HUGE and looks GREAT! The big fields are so far from my house I've been selling off all my big planes and going micro, so sadly I can't pick one up

If you want real frustration, pick up a heli. Most stressful thing I've ever flown! Hit the ground even hard and its $$$ along with a week of trying to make it flight normal again The fact it can remove small limbs and dent cars with its spinning carbon fiber death blades adds to the 'experience'...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2foQWmj1ceE

How do you like the K98? I've got a PU Scoped 91/30 and an M44. Liked the Mausers, but the Mosins were practically given away as door prizes around here so went the cheaper route instead

[mattmanB182]

How do you like the K98? I've got a PU Scoped 91/30 and an M44. Liked the Mausers, but the Mosins were practically given away as door prizes around here so went the cheaper route instead [/QUOTE]

Well I have not actually fired the K98 just yet. I need to clean it and oil it up. Also need to get some ammo. I cant wait to shoot it!! Still has all markings intact.

[imnotgeoff]

does anyone know any good tutorial videos for learnn to fly RC planes.since playin il-2 i wana get one now an get good enough so i can the parkzone BF 109

[DoraNine]

imnotgeoff,
Best way to learn how to fly is with an RC Flight Simulator. Here's alink to one: http://www.realflight.com/

Its a lot less expensive than buying and crashing planes as a learning process -- and not nearly as frustrating. You crash in a simulator, and you just laugh and hit the reset button. You crash one for real (and I've crashed many) and it ruins your whole week. It also lets you fly several different types of planes. I've got an older one than the version I've in the link above. I don't know where you live -- but alot of hobby shops will usually have a flight simulator in their store that you can try for free.

Naturally -- these are my opinions only.

[Benrizz]

Originally Posted by DoraNine

imnotgeoff,

Naturally -- these are my opinions only.

And that's a good one.

Rc are expensive and it so easy to crash. You have to try on sim at least to get used of the controls and how it works. And how to handle reverse control (when the plane is coming towards you) - that's not very natural

You can connect your controler via USB

Once your plane is up in the air (which is not very difficult to acheive), that you have made some 8 and slow turn, remenber that you have to land.

And that's the big part lol

[King Jareth]

Nah landings not hard, unless you planning on being able to take off again then it gets trickier .

*looks at his heli* I'll keep my mouth shut.

[fuzzychickens]

Originally Posted by DoraNine

imnotgeoff,
Best way to learn how to fly is with an RC Flight Simulator. Here's alink to one: http://www.realflight.com/

Its a lot less expensive than buying and crashing planes as a learning process -- and not nearly as frustrating. You crash in a simulator, and you just laugh and hit the reset button. You crash one for real (and I've crashed many) and it ruins your whole week. It also lets you fly several different types of planes. I've got an older one than the version I've in the link above. I don't know where you live -- but alot of hobby shops will usually have a flight simulator in their store that you can try for free.

Naturally -- these are my opinions only.

Good advice, esp after playing BOP where controls are swapped. I don't think anyone should ever invest in an rc plane BEFORE buying something like real flight and getting some virtual hours racked up.

I'd say by the time you learn how to hover a virtual 3d plane from all angles, you have a solid understanding and muscle memory to fly your first RC plane - you can probably even start with a low wing model coming from the RC sims.

I put in a solid week (probably 3 to 4 hours a day) of Realflight, got to the point where I could land, take off, and do all the 3d stuff with the 3D planes before I picked up my first RC plane (Precision Aerobatics addiction - awesome plane if you like to show off). My first 10 flights went off with no problems, my only wrecks have been due to pushing limits (all easily repaired too)- not due to any control confusion on my part.

I credit that with the time I put in with Realflight. These rc flight sims are awesome tools that the old school RC guys probably wish they had when they got into the sport.

[mdbuehler]

Another vote for the free RC sim. They make a great one for helicopters too (also free) called Heli X. These will save you a BUNDLE in the long run.

There's even a simulator on Xbox live Arcade you can download that is good for a start. A little arcadey, but it will teach you the most important part, which is orientation and control when flying AT you (gets most new pilots, myself included!).

I've got an 8 yo son who played around in my simulator, and we can now fly out in the front yard. He has a two channel, moving up to a three as he has it well in hand. Lots of fun!

Be sure to check out RC dogfighting too! I have the 'Sonic Combat' modules from parkzone. You get on another planes tail, pull the trigger on your controller and if you hit him, his motor turns off for a few seconds sending him doooooownn.... Loads of fun! I believe it works with all the new warbirds they have too. Just waiting for them to port it over to the micros. Also have a bomb dropper, onboard camera... The fun never ends with this stuff!