Rc Airplanes

[cappisj1]

In the spirit of new topics. Any other RC builders or pilots.

I have spent way more time riding the last few years. Started this electric pylon racer A couple weeks ago.

[cappisj1]

Some others I built. Sold to buy new pistons and cylinders.

[Gliderjohn]

 
GliderJohn

[oldbike54]

 Cool 

 Dusty

[Bisbonian]

I mostly make them out of Dollar Tree foam board, because it's cheap and I can put them together pretty quickly.

Not a lot of pictures, but here's one from a few years ago. This is NOT out of Dollar Tree foam board.

[Dave Swanson]

I am into building and flying the vintage planes such as the Aeromaster, Kaos, and Kwik Fli.  I also enjoy practicing Classic Pattern maneuvers.  I have been involved with RC for 45 years or more.

I still enjoy glow engines, classic ones of course that are period correct to the airframe.

[Chuck in Indiana]

My first model airplane was two 2X4s nailed in a cross. Naturally one was the "wing."  A spark plug driven into a hole in the nose was the "motor." I was maybe three years old. I progressed to stick and tissue, (really tough) control line, free flight, and finally primitive RC single channel with a rubber band escapement for rudder only. I still remember my first successful RC flight.  It was a Shoestring (sort of) and flew beautifully..
I was flying a scale Chipmunk with 6 channel reed control when someone turned on their transmitter and it turned into a pile of rubble. At that point I thought, "why let the radio have all the fun," and started my first full scale airplane. I was 24.
I learned a *lot* about aerodynamics from RC..and..patience and perseverance. Invaluable stuff.

[sidecarnutz]

I did RC planes for a number of years before children. Then kids came along and hobbies slowed down as money had to go to support family. Then I qualified as an instructor with the local club and then had to deploy for Desert Storm and desert Shield. Came home WAY out of practice. I used to build stick and tissue and fly control line as a kid. Loved that stuff. Loved kit bashing too and modifying the heck out of trainers to make them from 3 channel to 5 or 6 channel work horses at the field. Flap, ailerons and towing hitches on a number of them! Did that to a couple of SIG Senorita's.

Built a 5 channel 1/4 scale Citabria from plans in 89. Powered it with a mod'd chain saw motor and 22" prop. Magnificent, but not much fun to fly. 11' wingspan meant time to assemble and take apart each trip. And it was kinda slow and heavy compared to my lightweight .40 and .60 powered sport birds. Can't stand on my legs long enough to build anymore. The guys I used to fly with and to the shooting range with have all passed. So just happy memories now.

[Wayne Orwig]

I did RC planes for a couple of decades. When I started out, the systems used the same frequencies as CB radios, so a nearby CB operator could crash the plane. 

I worked my way up to 4 stroke motors, and even a couple of electric motors. But here near Atlanta, flying sites disappeared. The county won't even let me fly a little electric 'schoolyard' plane in the park. So I have no idea where to fly. I have a couple of miniature helicopters that I occasionally fly indoors. I still have a nice RV3 with a 4 cycle motor on that I haven't starter in over 10 years. But nowhere to fly it.

[Tom]

Zoom Zoom (John Henry) should be along shortly.

[not-fishing]

Yep, started with rubber models back in '64.  Dad got me hooked.  Then I worked my way up to 1/2A Free flight, big rubber free flight because radios were to expensive and only single channel.  A couple of decades later I was building sailplanes that I crashed, rebuilt and re-crashed many times.  I did teach my oldest boy to build.

I learned I'm a builder and not a flyer unless it's free flight rubber.

Here in California my free flight sites are covered with homes so I haven't gotten back to building.

I figure I'll wait until I can't ride very well and go back to balsa models. 

It was a lot of fun losing a little rubber model when they caught a big thermal and just flew away.

[n3303j]

Started 65 years ago with control line glow.
Went through the various iterations of radio control glow plug engined aircraft and had a grand time with it all.
One day I wandered into a thermal duration glider contest and fell in love.
It was so quiet. Just the occasional hiss of a winch pulling a plane to release height.
Nothing beat the delight of hunting and riding an invisible thermal.



Me 20 years ago when I was young.

[j.davis]

Started on RC Helicopters and graduated to slower electrics later on and now ride more than fly.

JR Ergo 30, later converted to electric.



2 Mtr Electric glider

[s1120]

Always liked and wanted to get into them.. Had a rubber band Cub that I built as a kid. That was a fun project with all the balsa wood framing, and tissue paper.. Also had one of the COX planes. Crashed that when I fell down while flying. Interest went to cars after that, and I stepped away, but still loved watching them. I got one one given to me about 5-10 years ago. Simple plane using a bit of PVC tube. Was working on getting it flying, but after searching for a hobby shop within a hour of me that delt with planes, and then pretty much getting blown off looking for some basic advice after I found a place I pretty much gave up on it. Internet almost had way too much info, and the normal message boards saying that forget it if your not going to spend multi thousand dollars, and know a group pf trained professionals..  So I moved on. Im still interested in them, and maybe one day Ill give it a shot again.

[s1120]

Paul, there is stuff you can buy into for a little over 100 bucks these days that comes with everything you need.

For example:
https://usa.banggood.com/Eachine-Mini-Mustang-P-51D-EPP-400mm-Wingspan-2_4G-6-Axis-Gyro-RC-Airplane-Trainer-Fixed-Wing-RTF-One-Key-Return-for-Beginner-p-1576734.html?cur_warehouse=USA&ID=6276384&rmmds=search

edit 2: There is a guy at the field that has this plane and the T-28 of the same size. They're actually decent flying planes.

It is a small plane, but has a gyro for stability. Of course you can spend much more if you decide to keep going. but you don't have to spend big just to get in. You can also step up to  more capable stuff, a transmitter that can control multiple models, and larger planes for around 500 bucks. (Plane, transmitter, batteries, charger.) 

You also need to register with the FAA. 5 bucks for 3 years, and an AMA membership to fly at a sanctioned field and club dues for said field. AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) is 75 bucks a year. Club dues vary. You could of course fly at any open field, but the FAA is starting to impose airspace restrictions that govern proximity to full scale fields and such, so you kind of need to be aware of what is in your area.

John Henry

edit: If you were to buy into this, I would strongly suggest you seek help through a club. Nothing is more of a turn off than an unplanned landing on your first flight.

Interesting.  I might look into that! 

[guzziart]

Paul, there is stuff you can buy into for a little over 100 bucks these days that comes with everything you need.

For example:
https://usa.banggood.com/Eachine-Mini-Mustang-P-51D-EPP-400mm-Wingspan-2_4G-6-Axis-Gyro-RC-Airplane-Trainer-Fixed-Wing-RTF-One-Key-Return-for-Beginner-p-1576734.html?cur_warehouse=USA&ID=6276384&rmmds=search

edit 2: There is a guy at the field that has this plane and the T-28 of the same size. They're actually decent flying planes.

It is a small plane, but has a gyro for stability. Of course you can spend much more if you decide to keep going. but you don't have to spend big just to get in. You can also step up to  more capable stuff, a transmitter that can control multiple models, and larger planes for around 500 bucks. (Plane, transmitter, batteries, charger.) 

You also need to register with the FAA. 5 bucks for 3 years, and an AMA membership to fly at a sanctioned field and club dues for said field. AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) is 75 bucks a year. Club dues vary. You could of course fly at any open field, but the FAA is starting to impose airspace restrictions that govern proximity to full scale fields and such, so you kind of need to be aware of what is in your area.

John Henry

edit: If you were to buy into this, I would strongly suggest you seek help through a club. Nothing is more of a turn off than an unplanned landing on your first flight.

Yeah, just my speed!

[Dave Swanson]

As I mentioned already I like the classic planes.  The Lou Andrews Aeromaster created a sensation when it came out in 1966.  No hobby shop could keep Aeromaster kits on the shelf.  Ernie Huber was the official promo pilot.  He would take his Aeromaster to pattern meets and other model airplane events and perform flight demos.  These model airplane events back then would attract hundreds and even thousands of people.  Ernie's flying skill and the excellent flight qualities of the Aeromaster created an instant hit for AAMCO which was owned by Lou Andrews. 

Ernie's engine of choice for his demo ship was the Super Tigre ST60 - a "light case" 60 sized engine.  I am using the exact same vintage engine from my stash in my Aeromaster, and built this one from a 50 year old kit.   It still is a wonderful plane to fly!








This is my latest build.  It is called the Ultimate Kaos.   Built from a 40 year old kit. 

[bettythebear]

I have tinkered with a few cheap electric ones the last few years. Currently, I am really close to pulling the trigger on an RC sailboat.

[Bisbonian]

Always liked and wanted to get into them.. Had a rubber band Cub that I built as a kid. That was a fun project with all the balsa wood framing, and tissue paper.. Also had one of the COX planes. Crashed that when I fell down while flying. Interest went to cars after that, and I stepped away, but still loved watching them. I got one one given to me about 5-10 years ago. Simple plane using a bit of PVC tube. Was working on getting it flying, but after searching for a hobby shop within a hour of me that delt with planes, and then pretty much getting blown off looking for some basic advice after I found a place I pretty much gave up on it. Internet almost had way too much info, and the normal message boards saying that forget it if your not going to spend multi thousand dollars, and know a group pf trained professionals..  So I moved on. Im still interested in them, and maybe one day Ill give it a shot again.

John Henry is right on.
But check Flite Test as well. They have a lot of youtube videos which help you know how to do the basics.
I like Flite Test because they have designed, and sell kits, for foam board planes. I've moved on to using their free plans and buying my own foam board for about $1/sheet. By now I have a bunch of spare electric parts (motors/servos/speed controllers) so I can put together a plane out of foam board for about $2 using hot glue and a razor knife.
I bought a used DX8 radio off RCGroups when I got into this for less than $200 and I've been using it ever since. I looked into the local groups and chose one, for a reason I can't remember, and have been going on there ever since. Our group is electric only and does not allow multi-rotor craft such as drones. I'm amazed at how far electric has come over the years.

[s1120]

Dave that Aeromaster is a stunning craft!!!  You guys are really trying to draw me back in aren't you?   

[Dave Swanson]

Dave, those are nice looking ships. Does the Aeromaster not have N struts outboard on the wings?

The Aeromaster was designed with N struts but they were soon found to be unnecessary especially for the original 48" wing version.   The story goes that Lou Andrews himself showed up at the flying field one day and found that he had forgotten the N struts. He flew anyway and found that there was no problem.

Lou Andrews.





Ernie Huber.

[Tom]

Remind me to be on board the air freighter when it goes down and you guys are on board.   

 https://www.bing.com/search?q=flight+of+the+phoenix+1965&cvid=c6550e064281433ca601a7c4b7c571a8&aqs=edge.2.0l7.9518j0j4&FORM=ANAB01&PC=U531

[Chuck in Indiana]

That Super Tiger 60 picture sure brings back memories.  Nice ship, Dave.  I gave all my modeling stuff to a kid that used to work for me. He probably thought he hit the lottery..

[Gliderjohn]

Never had the mentors, money or patience as a kid to get into it. Some of my glider club members have brought R/C gilders to the airport and they look to be fun. May consider a commercial already complete one when I can no longer do the real thing. Hope it won't be long before affordable "virtual reality" cameras can be mounted and use a virtual hood so closer to the real thing.
GliderJohn

[n3303j]

<SNIP> Hope it won't be long before affordable "virtual reality" cameras can be mounted and use a virtual hood so closer to the real thing.
GliderJohn

They already do that. First person view is flown with goggles linked to an onboard servo articulated camera (and a spotter who is required to maintain visual line of sight with the aircraft at all times, safety pilot).
https://tinyurl.com/3jc8kt4b
He muffed energy management on landing but you get the idea.

[Chuck in Indiana]

Unbelievable.. <shaking head and shuffling off>

[Guzzitenn]

vietnamese writing


I’m selling this Great planes Corsair, I bought it used and a friend got it running nice. Our airfield is nicknamed The Tree Farm, haha, so I never flew it . It’s got a big Saito and Futuba transmitter. Asking $300 and it’s in Knoxville Tn
Tennmoto1@gmail.com

[kirby1923]

Always admired the way the Hawks and Ravens could soar around the sky when I was a kid great flyers.

So I started young w/ rubber powered balsa crates but the frequent wind in W TX caused many problems with their longevity as they would be caught up and blown into another county sometime.


Two of my relatives were pilots in WWII and one bought a N3N in Beeville Texas. I got my first airplane ride in the front hole of this beast and after pulling "Gs" for the first time..I was hooked. I was 15 y/o.

Looking at the world upside down was magic.


:-)

[Gliderjohn]

From Kirby1923:

Two of my relatives were pilots in WWII and one bought a N3N in Beeville Texas, and I got my first airplane ride in the front hole of this beast and after pulling "Gs" for the first time..I was hooked. I was 15 y/o.

I can understand why you got hooked. I took this picture from the front seat of a local Stearman that I got 1.2 hours of time in last August. Outside of an ultralight this was my first open cockpit flight, loved it. That is our lake off the wingtip.



GliderJohn

[kirby1923]

From Kirby1923:I can understand why you got hooked. I took this picture from the front seat of a local Stearman that I got 1.2 hours of time in last August. Outside of an ultralight this was my first open cockpit flight, loved it. That is our lake off the wingtip.



GliderJohn

According to Webster...(me too)

Yippee!


:-)