What do you need to start?

About DMAC

So you're thinking about starting out in Radio Control Aircraft Modeling?

While your heart is probably set on that half size perfect scale Spitfire XIV powered by the latest super-duper charged injected whatsit, scale retractable undercarriage and all controlled by the latest frequency-hopping gizmo, this should not be your first model!

Firstly, a couple of words on behalf of your local model shop. Always buy from your local model shop!!! A model shop is far removed from your average supermarket. These guys really are interested in supplying what's best for you - you'll be back for more if you're successful. (You'll also be back if you're not because, believe us, aeromodelling is a hole in the sky to throw money into!). It's all very well saving a couple of quid - maybe - by going to some mail order organisation for your main purchases but how are you going to replace your last glow plug when it blows at 3.00 on a Saturday afternoon if the local shops are out of business?

 

By the time you have bought all that you need to start this hobby, you will have spent the best part of £400 (probably more if you go electric) and there are always things that you can buy later.

The items that come into the "must have" category are:

A training aircraft. There are several excellent trainer kits available varying from those with a high level of assembly required to those that are "Almost Ready To Fly" (A.R.T.F.). As a rule, the less assembly required in building a model, the less likely you are going to be able to repair the inevitable knocks cheaply. Several small items may need to be bought separately such as a fuel tank, fuel pipe and wheels if these are not included. Your local model shop will help you with this. Trainers (unless self coloured) are generally covered with Solarfilm which is an "iron-on" shrinking plastic film which has to be bought. Very bright is beautiful on a trainer! Fuelproofer is also needed to protect exposed balsa and ply on engine powered models. Adhesives of various types will usually be required.

Radio gear. In the U.K., this must be on the 35MHz. or 2.4GHz. frequency ranges with at least four function capability.

Typical radio gear includes a transmitter, a pair of crystals (some 35Mhz transmitter sets have synthesized modules which can be set to any channel), a receiver (some 35Mhz receiver are also synthesized), four servos, two battery packs (one each for the transmitter and receiver), a switch harness and a battery charger.

The four functions which require control are Aileron (the moving control surfaces on the wings), Elevator (the moving control surfaces on the horizontal tail plane), Rudder (the moving control surface on the vertical tail fin) and Throttle (the engine speed controller).

Also essential on the transmitter are reversible servo switches and dual rates. Without going into techno-speak, these help the set-up and flying of the model. Some radio gear is "Buddy Box" capable which means that someone can teach you to fly by plugging their transmitter into yours and only pass control to you at a safe height.

It also makes it easier for the instructor to recover from the potentially disastrous full throttle vertical dive that you somehow managed to execute!!! This could be the single biggest asset for prolonging your aircraft's life!!!

An engine or electric motor and accessories. An aircraft kit will clearly display the engine size recommended for ideal performance. Typically this will be a 40 sized two-stroke engine (from 0.40 cubic inches, 6.5cc. in new money). Electric motor sizes are strangely complicated and not standardised and the best advice is to follow the recommendations of the model manufacturer.

The engine/motor instructions will in turn recommend a suitable propeller size and fuel type or battery pack size. Engines do not normally come with a glow plug (roughly equivalent to a car spark plug) and may need to be bought separately. Spare glow plugs and propellers are definitely recommended.

You will need a field charger to top up your electric flight battery and an extra battery pack is a good idea too if you don't want to wait around too long between flights.

The above is the absolute minimum equipment required and other items may be borrowed at the flying field from fellow members.

Items which come into the category of nearly essential are an electric starter, 12V battery, power panel, battery checker and so on.

While this shopping list sounds horrendously complicated, we will be pleased to offer advice on the purchase of this gear including going to the model shop with you! We can also help you with all the known excuses for the expense of the hobby that you can then relay to your nearest and dearest!

Once everything's bought, we can assist with advice on building your aircraft and installing the radio and power unit. Before the model leaves the ground, we will check it out.

We will also test fly it for you and advise if any trimming/adjustments need to be made.

About DMAC