Beginner Choosing a Model
There are a lot of models to choose from, if you are just starting out choosing your first model is a big decision, but there are several factors that should affect your decision.
Beginners models should be trainers, these have high wings so the weight of the plane is below the wings, this makes them stable and good for learning. Aerobatic models, or scale models like old war planes take more control and are not suitable for a beginners.
Lots of models are electric these days but there is nothing like having a screaming dirty smelly engine in your model, depending on your preference this could be a key factor.
Small models are affected by the wind quite badly and its quite windy in the UK so a very small/light model will be difficult to fly.
3 or 4 Channels
Although most radio controlled planes have throttle, rudder, elevator and ailerons, it possible to fly without ailerons. Without ailerons the rudder alone turns the plane, and is referred to as a 3 channel setup.
There is no problem learning to fly 3 channels and many do but when progressing on to a 4 channel model a lot changes. Since radio gear these days has at least 4 channels usually it is expected that most beginners will start with all 4 channels, though you may make little use of the rudder initially.
You will see radio's with 6, 7 and even up to 12 channels on the spec's; the 6 channels are included for retractable landing gear and wing flaps, while the extra channels above this provide for more complex setups or additional abilities like on board lights, gyro systems, bomb doors, camera systems, etc...
Small electric models
Most of the Cheap pre-packaged kits are in this category and are around £100-200. They are made of foam and plastic and have a battery and electric motor.
If you really get into flying you will outgrow this type of model easily and few/none of the accessories will transfer to a new model, but there is fun to be had in the process.
If you want to go with cheap-ish foam electric you could look at a Multiplex EasyStar: http://www.rcmodelcentre.co.uk/Multiplex-EasyStar-Ready-to-Fly-13232/prod_903.html also you can see at this page with a very long / thorough review: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300157
Larger electric models
Recent developments in electric parts for RC models have allowed electric power systems to power even large models where prevoulsy only an engine would siffice. There are many excellent larger electric models, but only a few trainers, but they will better in a bit of wind.
One example would be: http://www.horizonhobby.co.uk/aeroonline/e2eflite/e2_efl2825_alpha_sport/e2_efl2825_alpha_sport.html
Larger engine based models
Bigger models are made of light wood and covered in coloured film. Probably powered with a small glow engine. These are easier to fly as they aren't thrown about by the wind as badly. If your serious about getting into this hobby this is definitely the way to go. All in you'll be pushing £300-400 when all is ready but if you enquire at the club you will no-doubt be able to find members with surplus kit they are glad to get rid of for usually a good discount.
In putting together a model of this sort you will need to aquire:
- The model plane/airframe its self
- A suitable engine / motor
- Radio controller and servo's
- Ground equipment, tools, engine starter and fuel
Since all beginners need the same sort of equipment there are often packages put together by model shops. See here for a good kit that has the main bits included: http://www.servoshop.co.uk/index.php?pid=ABOSC46DEAL&area=Aircraft
If you go this way and keep it up then many of the parts (radio, engine, servo's) will transfer onto his next model.
You can often find people selling up having not really got going on ebay who are selling off the full setup you would need for this type of model. Can't usually post them though, once they are built they won't go in a box.
There is an excellent page (illustrated) which discusses these topics and more in depth, here: http://www.rc-airplane-world.com/beginner-rc-airplanes.html
