Some of you may know that when I was at school, I started getting into flying radio-controlled aircraft. But when I left and went to college, I got interested in computers and the RC flying went a bit by-the-by.

I've been thinking about getting back into it, and the other day my fiancée and I were driving home from church when we decided to be a bit nosy and see what was at this place called "Goosedale" that we often go past. So we went up there only to find an RC flying club! It's only 5 mins from our house!

So I've just treated myself to a Multiplex EasyStar.

But looking around YouTube, there are some very interesting videos out there pertaining to RC aircraft:

World's largest RC plane (this thing is huge)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KmKdA6L_MWk

RC model B-25 bomber loses aileron and goes down:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T6HnDkigeo

Alternative use for a beach (this must be somewhere in the States):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vxAOxxmubEQ

Must be a bit weird watching yourself come forward to collect the plane once it's landed:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wu1Bwhuh4M&NR=1

Multiplex versus Coffee Cups:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2h4JTUZcRE...feature=related

Hey some great vid's there, specially that giant bomber LOL...I always
wanted to get into rc but money wasn't there, plus I'm all thumbs ...
tried to once in Calif, with prebuilt plane....had no instructor so u know how far that went LOL...good luck to you!!!
don

I take it the ground came up to hit it?

Yep u got that rite!!! I've been tempted lately to try one of the
RTF foam thingys, we have a big empty field right across the street....I could
never build due to lack of finger dexterity LOL...tell the truth I'm a little
scared of these new fangled "lipo" batteries...many of them explode when
being recharged....I do sometimes have some fun on the pc with
a "simulator rc program", have a "radio" hooked to seirial port,
lots of models to choose from...and "crashes" don't hurt at all !!! LOL
don

Yep, the EasyStar is a 'foamie'
If you don't want to build it, then get the RTF (Ready To Fly for the uninitiated) version:
http://www.modelmaniacsonline.co.uk/produc...828&CatID=7
All that is required is the final assembly.

If you don't know what electrics are required, then best to purchase an RTF version as you know everything will be compatible and designed for each other (motor, receiver, battery pack, ESC (Electronic Speed Controller), connectors). People do make their own modifications to make the plane perform better and faster, but worth starting with the basics.

The LiPo batteries pack a stronger punch than the older NiMH batteries, and weigh less. Both types can catch fire if charged incorrectly. Both burn hot if they do, so you don't want to be anywhere near them if they do catch fire! The EasyStar can work with either (I got NiMH batteries).

It looks like LiPos blow fast when they do go: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DcpANRFrI4...feature=related

If fast-charging NiMH batteries, be sure to use a "delta-peak" charger. LiPo batteries require a different type of charger again, so check with your model shop that you're purchasing the correct equipment.

I"ve been flying RC for many yrs, been in and out of the hobby 2-3 times. I thought I wanted to continue 'again' about a year ago but never did ... and now have these 2 4sale @
http://www.myusinventory.com/radio_control_planes_4sale.htm

Too much Golf..... not time for everything :-)

Okay I know this would not be considered PURE RC, but I purchased
this off ebay today...at least it will keep me occupiedd, and something
to scare the cats with LOL...

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/reviews...c_lama/lama.wmv

Thats pretty cool.Always was interested in that also.Ended up building model rockets.

Hmm a bit behind on this one but I just got back from the 2009 RC Expo with three new planes. I've between 25 and 30 Airplanes and 15 diferent vehicles. Needless to say while I get new when I can I don't throw away many either. The beauty is that with today's electronics you can be in the air with a nice trainer aircraft for 150$ american.

Another nice aspect is that the planes that used to be feul only can now be flown by clean, quiet electric brushless motors. I've everything from starter planes, to 3D stunt planes, Pusher prop jet models and now electric ducted Fan Jets.

My RC Plane site is currently down but www.highdesertrcracing.com is up with me and some friends having a good time.

I've got the EasyStar I mentioned earlier in this thread, but also recently purchased a Seagull Boomerang, a standard IC-powered model.

But I think electric is the way to go ultimately - much cleaner as you point out Nightshade, but also you don't have the expense of the fuel (can be up to around £20 a gallon here).

The way to do it with batteries is to have at least 2 packs: charge them both up before going to the field, and once you've used one up, recharge it from your car battery while using the other one. That way you'll always have one on charge and one ready to use. When you're getting to that point of wanting to go home, just use both battery packs up so you return with the both in a used state.

Just had my "maiden" flight with RC electric..an Avion-IO,
basic foam 2channel little biplane...it was a HOOOT....
went out at 645am local, wind had not started yet...
what a blast...I'm hooked now LOL...
baron

Yep, addictive, isn't it?

I added a Boomerang to my collection (thus making it a collection of 2 planes ) - an IC powered model. Will be setting it up over the coming few weeks as I'll need a flight box and other accessories.

In time, I'd like to build a plane from a kit (I used to do this when I was at school) and do an electric conversion. Time permitting, of course.