R/C Parkzone Spitfire
R/C Parkzone Spitfire
Author
Discussion

Jon Brown

Original Poster:

680 posts

208 months

Thursday 16th August 2012
quotequote all
Anyone had any experience with these, im looking for either a spitfire or mustang P-51.

Just get confused with what bits you need to buy and how much the total costs are

defblade

7,980 posts

237 months

Thursday 16th August 2012
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I've looked into RC planes before and the general advice was NOT to start (and as you're asking, I'm guessing you're starting) with fighter planes. They are apparently fairly unstable to fly (thus making them good for the dogfighting manouvers they were designed for...) and likely to end in heartache and little tiny bits....

russy01

4,823 posts

205 months

Thursday 16th August 2012
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My first RC plane was a PZ p51 - which is still in my loft. As a beginner it's hardwork and I have replaced most bits on it trying to learn to fly! Which I'm still hardly capable.

If you have no experience with planes, do not start with this. You'll want something like a cub or Cessna, it will be slower and more forgiving.

I have been looking at these small Kyosho planes to help me learn, but just not ready to put the cash down.

HoHoHo

15,379 posts

274 months

Thursday 16th August 2012
quotequote all
I've flown RC fixed and rotary for 20 years and would agree with the above advice.

They are very, very easy to fly once you've got the basics. They are incredibly tough but won't forgive a big mistake and end up as a kit quick than you can say which way do I push that stick! Stick with a high wing trainer and you'll save money and have just as much fun.

Also worth looking up your local club, talking to like minded people who be able to help you learn to fly in a controlled environment, joining the BMFA to give you insurance - that is unless like me you have a 20 acre field next door and the owner doesn't mind you flying out of harms way biggrin

I also fly smaller RC aircraft and medium sized Heli's in my garden, but even with over an acre you'd be surprised how quickly a tree gets in the way of your aircraft!

Zaxxon

4,057 posts

184 months

Thursday 16th August 2012
quotequote all
Excellent model, flys really well with no tip stall or handling issues.

But definately a third model, it is no trainer model.

Jon Brown

Original Poster:

680 posts

208 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
Lots of fields my way, so that shouldnt be a problem. Maybe a cessna is the way forward as a starter.

thanks for the advice chaps

Jon Brown

Original Poster:

680 posts

208 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
Hobbyzone Super Cub is £80 RTF, would this be a sensible trainer plane?

HoHoHo

15,379 posts

274 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
Certainly an easier plane to fly.

High wing (held on with bands which is good) and no doubt stable in the air. Remember you'll need next to f-all wind to fly this otherwise it will prove very difficult to fly unless you know what you're doing (as with any RTF foam aircraft).

I learnt to fly on something similar albeit a kit with an IC engine. This type of aircraft are easy to fly when you know how but as I've already suggested try and find someone who can fly as they'll be a invaluable when it goes wrong (you can learn with a buddy box to help in the early stages) - they'll also be able to explain what's what re take off, landing and cruising around.

Flying around is the easiest part as long as you have spacial awareness and can 'see' which way the plane is facing and travelling - these things can become a dark silhouette very quickly and sometimes you don't know if it's going in what direction. Take off is pretty easy, bit of rudder and airspeed and up it will go. Landing is more tricky as everything is back to front as the aircraft approaches you and you have to get to a stage where it becomes second nature and you react accordingly, particularly if there's a slight breeze as this type of aircraft will be all over the place.

That said, bks to it - go and find a safe place (remember these are toys but can however hurt people), have a throw on full throttle (that would be the best option to start with) and see if you have the ability to fly. Worst case scenario is you need some spares or you spunk £80 down the drain!

Roop

6,018 posts

308 months

Friday 17th August 2012
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Zaxxon said:
Excellent model, flys really well with no tip stall or handling issues.

But definately a third model, it is no trainer model.
Can't speak for the Spit, but my PZ P-51 tip stalled like a bd. It was one of the very early ones though with NiMH battery and a brushed 400. Maybe the newer ones have improved.

Agree with the advice here. Get a high wing trainer for starters or if you want some scale then a Cessna 182 lookalike. Loads available...

paul_y3k

618 posts

232 months

Friday 17th August 2012
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I've been thinking about doing similar too, but before I go out in the open - is it worth buying one ofthe RC sim's that seem popular now ? Been looking at Real Flight ?

HoHoHo

15,379 posts

274 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
Roop said:
Zaxxon said:
Excellent model, flys really well with no tip stall or handling issues.

But definately a third model, it is no trainer model.
Can't speak for the Spit, but my PZ P-51 tip stalled like a bd. It was one of the very early ones though with NiMH battery and a brushed 400. Maybe the newer ones have improved.

Agree with the advice here. Get a high wing trainer for starters or if you want some scale then a Cessna 182 lookalike. Loads available...
My Spit also has a tendency to have a very nasty stall and needs to be landed quite fast. The P51 was docile and really good. I also have two ducted fans - an F15 and an Albatross both of which are quite docile and fast! However as I don't have a 'runway' I have to throw them and as easy as the albatross is to launch, the F15 is a right pig!

The size and position of the battery is crucial for these foam models as I suspect the c of g is critical.

Jon Brown

Original Poster:

680 posts

208 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
thanks, think ill order that super cub with a couple of batteries


Zaxxon

4,057 posts

184 months

Friday 17th August 2012
quotequote all
No tip stall on mine, a very smooth flying model, it impressed a lot of club mates. However it needed gentle control to fly 'airshow manoevers' as if it was displaying at Duxford.

my only issue was that the paint scheme was very prone to hanger rash, so it looked rather second hand after 2 mths, or perhaps there was a ghost BF109 chasing it smile
It met it's demise 3weeks ago when I got a bit close to a barn at the flying field........Ginger bought it frown