RC Electric aeroplanes

[300bhp/ton]

I used to fly years ago but haven't done since crashing my last model. Someone mentioned that the electric models are quite good these days and a cost affective way to get back into flying.

Anyone else got any thoughts on it, or able to point me at a suitable website?

Thanks.

[dr_gn]

300bhp/ton said:

I used to fly years ago but haven't done since crashing my last model. Someone mentioned that the electric models are quite good these days and a cost affective way to get back into flying.

Anyone else got any thoughts on it, or able to point me at a suitable website?

Thanks.

I flew gliders for about 18 years before trying power. I built a depron 'profile' model and shoved a bell motor in it and a LiPo battery - great. After that I got an Ultrafly Extra 300S with a geared brushless motor in it (only £50 excluding battery and speed controller), again with LiPo batteries. Fantastic. I get about 8 minutes per battery, and I have 5 batteries: more than enough for an evenings flying.

Someone gave me a Wot-4 model with a 2-stroke engine. I've never flown it, but the hassle, mess and expense of just getting the engine running was such a PITA that I never really wanted to try flying it.

I sometimes call in at a club field near work, the guys flying ic power spend most of their time farting about getting the engines started and trying to tune them, while the electric guys just plug a battery in and fly. For most models, the difference in performance isn't massive.

In summary, IMHO ic power is messy, expensive and a shed load of hassle - electric is the future of mainstream powered models.

Just go to any online model shop and see what you fancy, then go to rcgroups.com and there will no doubt be revews of any model you'll find. You pays your money...

[M-J-B]

I also used to fly many years ago - aside from Sunday mucking about, for Balsacraft (SLEC as was known) and others at shows such as Sandown and Cosford etc.

I stopped due to a life change (divorce.....) and recently thought I'd dig out the fixed wing and helicopters I've still got in the garage. However I didn't bother and bought 2 Electric helicopters. A Blade 400 and something else I can't remember the name of! I have two batteries for each, they are fully 3D ready (way above my league for someone of my age!) and I get 8-10 minutes from each battery flying around enjoying myself. Hovering gives me 12 minutes+ which is very acceptable. The down side is a 30/45 minute+ charge but I can live with that. Didn't cost the earth, under £300 ready to go including a good computer transmitter (and they are 2.4gh so no problems with being shot down!)

I also have a couple of small fixed wing which fly for 6/7 minutes on a battery the size of a blackjack! I am lucky enough to have an acre of garden so on calm evenings I go out and have a play.

In the last 10 years to say the hobby has moved in leaps and bounds would be an understatement.

[dr_gn]

M-J-B said:

I also used to fly many years ago - aside from Sunday mucking about, for Balsacraft (SLEC as was known) and others at shows such as Sandown and Cosford etc.

I stopped due to a life change (divorce.....) and recently thought I'd dig out the fixed wing and helicopters I've still got in the garage. However I didn't bother and bought 2 Electric helicopters. A Blade 400 and something else I can't remember the name of! I have two batteries for each, they are fully 3D ready (way above my league for someone of my age!) and I get 8-10 minutes from each battery flying around enjoying myself. Hovering gives me 12 minutes+ which is very acceptable. The down side is a 30/45 minute+ charge but I can live with that. Didn't cost the earth, under £300 ready to go including a good computer transmitter (and they are 2.4gh so no problems with being shot down!)

I also have a couple of small fixed wing which fly for 6/7 minutes on a battery the size of a blackjack! I am lucky enough to have an acre of garden so on calm evenings I go out and have a play.

In the last 10 years to say the hobby has moved in leaps and bounds would be an understatement.

Same here: about 3 years ago I bought a PicooZ heli, followed very closely by an ESky Lama and Walkera 55 coaxials. These simple heli models are what really opened my eyes to the potential of LiPo batteries and electric flying. After a bit of practice on the Realflight simulator (on fixed wing electric models) I took the plunge and bought the cheapo depron model. Never looked back, alhough I still love flying slope gliders.

[Emsman]

300.

Drop me a mail- I'm just outside of mk.
I have a shedful of electric planes- most likely some unused radio gear too.
Would gladly sort something out for an ph'er- I make my own profile planes from depron or epp these days- great model shop nearby and one in Newport pagnell for a kit.
Offer stands if you need anything, just drop me a line.

Edited as too much bombardier seems to have affected my co ordination with a keyboard

Edited by Emsman on Sunday 16th May 21:26