| T.R | Title | User | Personal
Name | Date | Lines |
|---|
| 1445.1 | My $.02 | HANNAH::REITH | Jim HANNAH:: Reith DSG1/2E6 235-8039 | Fri Aug 07 1992 17:01 | 11 |
| I did that to my son (14 at the time) and it was difficult to get him into the
shop to complete the project. The prebuilt ARFs work well (I prefer the all wood
ones for repairability) in those cases since you still get to do all the
installation of equipment but the time investment in 10s instead of 100 hours.
10 years old isn't too young if there's interest. Might talk to the local clubs
to find out instructor preferences and recommendations before plunking down hard
currency.
Many young children make the comment, "Crash it again, Dad". These are not the
ones you want to hand the box to. 8^)
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| 1445.2 | Visit a Club Flying Field | LEDS::WATT | | Tue Aug 11 1992 08:47 | 11 |
| It takes a serious interest level to build and learn to fly a plane.
Many young kids are not interested enough to stick with it, others do
and learn quickly. I would introduce him to a flying field and try to
measure his real interest level before jumping in and spending $300
plus on a new hobby. Then get good advice from this file or from
experienced modelers before selecting a model. You want to start with
the right kind of trainer. You can build one or you can buy one mostly
completed (ARF).
Charlie
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| 1445.3 | Crawl before flying | STOKES::RDISCHLER | | Tue Aug 11 1992 11:21 | 3 |
| Another option is to start with cheap cars or boats and then work up to a
simple .049 cheap plane. The cars and boats work in 2 dimensions (x,y) and
help teach the art of steering while the craft is coming toward you.
|
| 1445.4 | Spend Wisely - Cheap Won't Do It | LEDS::WATT | | Tue Aug 11 1992 16:42 | 18 |
| Don't bother with the .049 "cheap" plane. They are impossible to fly
and you will definately kill any interest in RC flying. A good trainer
should be at least 40 sized - large enough to see and slow enough to
give you a chance to think. Most of those .049 Foam COX planes never
fly or fly once before they are ready for the trash can.
Cars or boats are easier to learn to control than planes for a
youngster. Cars are very popular but far from cheap. You need a
battery charger, spare batteries, a 2 channel radio and a car. Cars
run around in the dirt and need constant cleaning. Drivetrain parts
wear out fast. (tires, bearings)
In summary, it requires a real investment to get into RC. If you
do it right it's a very rewarding hobby be it cars, boats, or planes.
Organized clubs are the way to go for a beginner. They provide
instruction and free advice that can save you grief and $$$$. However,
as in this file not all of the free advice is good advice.
Charlie
|
| 1445.5 | | SUBURB::MCDONALDA | Shockwave Rider | Wed Aug 12 1992 05:46 | 14 |
| I have an article, in a British RC mag, which describes how a father
designed and built an aircraft specifically for his -> 3 <- year old
daughter. I think you can buy the plans. I'll hunt up the article as I
reckon I might build one for my son, when he reaches 3.
The design considerations were, from memory, for a tough stable ship
with gentle characteristics. Although he had to get the bird into the
air and, of course, bring it back down again, he found that his
daughter loved flying the beast. About the only thing she couldn't
quite handle, on the first flight out, was rolls! All in all, it proved
to be a great success and showed a child as little as three could
handle RC flying.
Angus
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| 1445.6 | 12 seems to work! | BAHTAT::EATON_N | Nigel Eaton | Thu Aug 13 1992 08:58 | 14 |
|
I've just been browsing through the Summer '92 copy of "Model Pilot", the news
magazine for the Model Pilots Association in the UK. There is an article
describing a lad of twelve who got himself on a week's residential course in
building and flying. He did very well, in both areas !
This proves nothing of course, since it's all down to individual interest and
ability!
Just a thought, but would an RC glider not be a cheap(er) way to try out the
hobby?
Nigel.
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| 1445.7 | | HANNAH::REITH | Jim HANNAH:: Reith DSG1/2E6 235-8039 | Thu Aug 13 1992 09:14 | 3 |
| Gliders worked for my son. Building was boring but flying held his interest.
Repairs are a necessary evil and will help hone those building skills 8^)
Glider or power really depends on what type of instructors are available.
|
| 1445.8 | Planes vs Glider? | ICS::JAKOBSCHE | | Tue Aug 18 1992 13:47 | 7 |
| When I asked for advice on RC "planes" I didn't (and still don't) know
the difference between a plane, glider, powered glider, etc. An
electric powered craft appeals to me for its simplicity and silence.
Tell me more...
-George
|
| 1445.9 | Beginners advice | KAY::FISHER | The higher, the fewer | Tue Aug 18 1992 15:26 | 34 |
| > When I asked for advice on RC "planes" I didn't (and still don't) know
> the difference between a plane, glider, powered glider, etc. An
> electric powered craft appeals to me for its simplicity and silence.
> Tell me more...
George, this is a deep question.
My advice is to read more notes and to go to some local RC fields
and see what is flying and learn what your really interested in.
As far as a first RC plane there is mixed feelings wither it should
be a fuel powered, an electric glider or a simple glider. Although I
spend more time with gliders my feeling is that you can learn more
on a fuel powered trainer.
The problem with gliders is you only get a couple of minutes of flight
time and with an instructor doing the launches - this leaves little
stick time for the student.
The problem with electric gliders is they tend to break on landing
because of the extra weight they are carrying.
Tell us where you are located and where you work and we can direct
you to the nearest RC field.
Bye --+--
Kay R. Fisher |
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| 1445.10 | Just do it! | DPD07::CAVANAUGHC | | Tue Aug 18 1992 16:15 | 24 |
| I'm basically a read-only noter, but, I can share my experience....
First, I agree with many in this file - limit your investment until you
can gauge your son's interest.
My dad got involved in RC in a BIG way back in the early 70's. He got
me hooked on it too. I spent a lot of time observing him and watching
him get started. My dad got me started by building some inexpensive
Hand-launch gliders, once I mastered that - I moved on to U-control and
then RC.
The hobby is a great way to build a father/son relationship. I also
learned a lot about following-through on something and experiencing the
rewards of seeing something that you've built fly!
Neither of us have the time for the hobby that we once did, but those
were some of the most enjoyable and rewarding years in my life. By
all means, give it a shot! You don't have to invest a bundle in RC
gear immediately to begin to reap the rewards of a father/son
involvement in the hobby.
Regards,
Chris
|
| 1445.11 | Nearby clubs? | ICS::JAKOBSCHE | | Wed Aug 19 1992 13:08 | 5 |
| I live in Carlisle and work in PKO. What clubs are nearby? Any
comments on any of the clubs' "personalities"?
-George
|
| 1445.12 | | KAY::FISHER | The higher, the fewer | Thu Aug 20 1992 12:27 | 37 |
| > <<< Note 1445.11 by ICS::JAKOBSCHE >>>
> -< Nearby clubs? >-
>
> I live in Carlisle and work in PKO. What clubs are nearby? Any
> comments on any of the clubs' "personalities"?
>
> -George
I would guess the closest club is the one that flys out of the Billerica
House of Correction. It is on Treble Cove Road off route 3. This
is where I had my first RC plane test flown by one of the club members.
I don't remember his name but he was an older black guy and I'll never
forget - his hands shook something awful. As he is taking my plane off
I was beginning to think that I made a mistake trusting this stranger
with the shaky hands to my brand new first RC plane. But he did a super
job and soon after I was flying on my own.
But I don't remember the name of the club.
But I know where you can find out - assuming that
Treble Cove road is not too far for your RC activities.
Go to or call Toms Hobby Korner in Chelmsford. Tom will
know the name of the club and who you can contact.
Toms phone is (508)251-4576.
If anybody knows of a more convenient RC club - please jump in.
Bye --+--
Kay R. Fisher |
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| 1445.13 | Bought a 'copter | ICS::JAKOBSCHE | | Mon Sep 21 1992 13:57 | 30 |
| Well, after read many notes and talking with several very good pilots
of both fixed wing and helicopters, I decided to try a helicopter. I
found a guy who was selling out his never used equipment (Shuttle ZX,
Futaba heli radio and gyro, starter, field box w/ battery, etc.) for
$650. An experienced helicopter pilot tuned up the copter, and I made
some training gear (big X with a circle of plastic tubing around it).
I've "flown" it twice (on the two days between when I got the copter
back and today :-). My son's flown it once, and we're both very
excited.
I chose a helicopter mostly because it is more accessible: If I have
20 minutes, I can fly for 15 of them in my front yard. I couldn't get
to the field in that time to fly a fixed wing plane. So, I'll have
more opportunity to practice.
In addition, I could make the copter almost crash-proof for my first
flights with the training gear. If I don't climb to more than two
feet, I'll probably not crash. I should be able to learn to hover in
two feet.
A helicopter is more complicated mechanically, and that makes it more
interesting to me. I think I can teach my son more about physics with
a helicopter than a fixed wing plane, but that remains to be seen.
Now it's just practice, practice, practice. Thanks for your comments
and suggestions, both in my base note and all the other notes here.
Regards,
George
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