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Interesting Tidbits About Scale Warbirds And Other Remote Control Planes

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

By Elena McDowell


All RC airplanes including most scale warbirds share two basic traits. The first being that they are typically popular planes duplicated in small scale from history. The second being they are all flown with hand held devices that transmit a signal to them which controls their every movement. The controller complexity will often determine the complexity of flying a hobbyist can do.

Most RC planes come in many different shapes, sizes and difficulty levels. There are very complex ones that people spend years building and there are the more basic ones that can be purchased at most hobby shops for a small fee and are ready to fly almost out of the box. Generally the only things needed to get them going is to snap a few things in place and tighten a few screws. Than fuel them up and you are ready to begin flying.

The trainers are the basic planes most hobbyists begin flying with. They typically have the wings mounted on top to give them more stability while flying. They also range in size from a small 2 foot wingspan to a larger 10 feet span. They generally use less complex commands for flying so are easier to learn with.

Sport airplanes are somewhat more advanced, though they can also be used by people learning how to fly. They will have more complex commands and can perform more complex maneuvers while they are flying. They are often copies of military fighting airplanes, like the P52 mustang, and are available in several different shapes or sizes.

The warbird and aerobatic planes types are generally the biggest reason people start flying as a hobby. These are the sport flying nitro fueled planes that only very experienced people can fly. They have specially constructed bodies that are built for speed, aerobatics and maneuverability. Visit an air show and these will be the planes people are lining up to watch.

The vintage RC is becoming more popular as well. They are generally powered by small four stroke motors and long range three channel radio. This is almost a perfect combination for most casual enthusiasts that just want to spend a little time on the weekends flying. The vary a good deal in size and are noted for floating softly in the air.

One of the stranger types of remote controlled airplanes are the floaters. These are ones that have two pontoons under the wings which let them land and take off from water, like a lake or pond. As a general rule these are smaller model planes with wingspans in the 4 foot and down range. Not everyone likes them, though the people which have mastered flying them seem to have fun playing with them around the water.

When looking at what model plane to get, take a good look at your budget and consider the long term expenses. Scale warbirds are great fun to fly but are often much more expensive to fly and maintain than a trainer. What ever path you follow, try to find an experienced teacher to help you so you do not damage your expensive toy.




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