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Post by AllenInglis on Apr 25, 2015 8:45:34 GMT -4
Hi everyone,
I have been doing quite a bit of research on trainer airplanes, but one of the things I'm struggling with is, electric or nitro? Short of getting one of each and getting experience on both, I really don't know which way to go. Which one is best to start with or does it really matter? I realize, in the end, it is probably just a matter of personal preference. In spite of this, I'm looking for everyone 's opinion, what are the advantages/disadvantages? I guess, try to convince me, electric or nitro?
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Post by gregh on Apr 25, 2015 9:51:36 GMT -4
It's personal preference plain and simple. I have been flying for 28 years this year, and I have always been a nitro/gas guy, but have always had electrics. This year I have decided to go all electric for the simple fact that I now live in a small space and I don't want the stink. I love electric though. Instant torque, plug and play, no mess to clean up and no noise. The downside is of course charging at the field. But for this I'm investing in a nice little 1000w inverter generator to power my charger.
Like I said it's really up to you, I personally prefer electric now, but nitro and gas has it's advantages also.
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Post by coyote on Apr 25, 2015 13:07:22 GMT -4
Allen - years ago I flew nitro. When I came back to the hobby in 2006, I went electric (Multiplex FunCub). After 3-4 electric planes I went back to nitro.
Reason is that I like 40 and above sizes and they tend to be heavier than foamies and for me, at least, tend to handle NS breezes more easily. I also like the sound.
That said, there are now electrics that are 40 size and larger but batteries and motors can be expensive that size and larger.
If you're just starting out, I would recommend electric.
PS: You could always come to the field and see for yourself (when the field opens up of course)
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daver
Members
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Post by daver on Apr 25, 2015 13:52:34 GMT -4
I'd say neither. Considering that our club has 3 nitro, and soon and electric trainer, you'd be way ahead of the game to come out, and learn to fly on our aircraft. It's free, training to the MAAC wings level is included in the price of membership. Try the different aircraft, nitro 2 stroke, nitro 4 stroke, and electric, and then go from there.
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daver
Members
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Post by daver on Apr 25, 2015 13:54:10 GMT -4
oh, and don't forget gas engines. You can get a gas engine very affordable these days, gas is super cheap compared to nitro, and a whole lot cleaner. A lot of trainers avail now specifically for gas engines, and just about any .40 sized or larger trainer can take a gasser!
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Post by Ron Stuart on Apr 25, 2015 20:51:37 GMT -4
Allen: I came new to this hobby a little over a year ago and began training right away on the club's trainers. It's one of life's best bargains! My first aircraft purchase was electric - an E-flite Apprentice S 15e and I have no regrets. It affords me the opportunity of polishing my flying skills without the distractions of engine starting, mixture adjustments, fluid drips, and all that goes with an internal combustion engine. That being said, I have recently acquired a secondhand Avistar 40 nitro powered plane because I like the snarl of an engine and want to develop both competencies. I'll make my initial mistakes on this old secondhand beater before I build something nicer. Sure wish Autoport would come and get their cars!
As to electrics I can't say enough good about the E-flite Apprentice S 15e - lots of videos about it on YouTube. I had three great 15 - 20 minute flights with it in the sunshine this morning. Ron
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Post by Bill F on Apr 25, 2015 21:49:05 GMT -4
A side benefit of the relatively new (15 year) Electric side of RC Flying, and one of the reasons that it is enjoying such a rapid rise in popularity, is that flying sites can actually be setup within city limits without the hassle that noise bylaws would bring to a Club if it were to fly nitro.
The HEFA Club has been flying Electrics for seven years at Shannon Park, and fours years prior to forming a Club. People said it could not be done, we proved them wrong.
The convenience of being 15 or 20 minutes from the field, or not having to make your field trip an all day venture can be quite appealing.
We imposed a 6 pound weight limit on models at the suggestion of MAAC, and last year got MAAC to approve an amendment to allow a model weight of 8.5 pounds provided the wing loading is under 20oz/sq.ft, the pilot is qualified by at least two Directors, and the model has sole use of the field. An example would be the large Eflite Carbon Cub.
Other cities have committed land for Electric Flying RC Clubs. It may be that a task force of RC Modellers will one day soon have to pitch their case to our own Municipal Politicians.
The only advantages of Electric are that they are quieter, cleaner, less catankerous, lighter, less costly overall (foam is cheap).
The disadvantages are ......oh crap, let me see now, jeez...I can't remember any...!
Bill F. 2015 HEFA President
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Post by coyote on Apr 26, 2015 8:23:35 GMT -4
Good comments Bill.
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glen
Instructor
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Post by glen on Apr 26, 2015 10:47:58 GMT -4
Allen You're right about electric/nitro and it being a personal choice, both have pro's and con's. I have both, so I'll give you some of my observations. Electric is definitely quieter and cleaner, and if you're thinking of a small plane like an apprentice, cheaper. Flight times will be shorter than say a .40 size glow trainer, and they tend to handle the wind a little less than the glow due to their lighter weight. Glow is more expensive, especially when you start talking about fuel, start gear, etc... Also, you do need to fly it in an appropriate location.I personally like the sound, real planes have sound. The best thing you could do is come out to the field(s) and have a look at both before making your decision, as Dave has pointed out. You can come out and try both, at no cost so you can't lose.
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daver
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Post by daver on Apr 26, 2015 17:01:21 GMT -4
Then there's the whole kit or ARF, foam vs wood, etc, etc. The simple matter is, there's a type/style/power system, and club, for every type of flyer. Keep an open mind, and try it all. I started with 2 stroke nitro only. Hated 4-strokes, but never had one. Finally got one, loved it, and moved 90% of my fleet to 4-strokes. Hated gassers. Till I got one. Wow, love gas. Electrics, when I started out, were a joke. Batteries weighed a ton, and didn't last long. Foam? We tormented anyone who showed up with a foamy. But, I've got a micro Spitfire, with stabilization, and an uber small ASK-21 glider. Foam, and electric! Shudder. I'm hooked on them. Winter flying? I find foamy's get super brittle. So got a balsa kit designed for electric. I can fly my little cub in the winter on the golf course behind our yard. It's a long walk, at least 50 feet! When it's above freezing, then it's the playground for the Spit. Why limit yourself? Own them all!!! lol
As for location, please be careful, safe, and considerate. A lot of cities have outright banned RC aircraft in parks, and sports fields, due to a few morons flying recklessly, and annoying other users of the public spaces. Lots to choose from when it comes to clubs, and many flyers belong to more than one. It's a social hobby, so be sociable!
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Post by coyote on Apr 27, 2015 13:33:23 GMT -4
PS: Also typicaly, a balsa plane will last much longer than an aircraft made of foam (unless serious dollars are spent)
It is not uncomon to see a 10-15 year balsa plane. All you may need to do is give it the heat gun to bring covering back to like new
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daver
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Post by daver on Apr 27, 2015 16:29:27 GMT -4
Unless you fly like some people, then planes, no matter what they're built of, don't last too long! lol
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