Another beginner....

[chrisnolan]

Hi all,

I've been snooping around for a week or so now, and decided to chirp up - even if it is just another of those "I'm a beginner, please answer this for the millionth time" threads.

Basically, I was round a friends a couple of weeks ago and I noticed he had a little 4 channel Heli sitting in the lounge (it turned out to be a 4#3.) He said he'd basically given up trying to fly it - which is a shame, because its pretty cool. So, for the next 2 or 3 hours (between charges) I took it on myself to practice with his model (hey, its much cheaper that way ) I managed to get the thing hovering reasonably pretty quickly and a bit of forward and backward flight.

I've now got the itch! I've ordered a 4#3B, just because they look so cool. But I'm thinking if I want to do this seriously I'm going to need something bigger. I'm kinda forgetting about the CX2, I know this is the recommended route in - but I would prefer to start with something bigger and phoenix.

So, the dilemma is the 450S or the Blade 400? I kinda like the all-in nature of the 400 (and the price!) but I've heard the 450 is a better model. If its the 450 then I can get it over 2 months - so money isn't such a problem. The other option I guess is the Raptor 30 - but I'm guessing all-in on that is significantly more?

I plan on joining a club - a quick search shows quite a few down here in Kent, so where to actually fly isn't so much of an issue. Decisions, decisions - I'm tempted to go for the 400 because its much easier to click 'Order' once (finding combo packages online for the 450 seems unreasonably difficult!)

Of course I could sell the Savage X (Nitro truck ~400-500 quid) and get something larger? Easier i.e. more stable I'm guessing and restrict myself strictly to club and instructor?

Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!
Cheers guys!

[Mike W]

Heya and welcome .. as for stupids questions we can only give stupid answers lol ... On buying an elec ... If ya go the blade route then ya have everything already installed ... But if ya go 450 route then ya get to build the heli ya self, which helps ya understand everything bout it and also ya get to pick ya own gear that goes in it ...While ya building also means ya can practice on the sim with the Tx that ya choose as well ... As for going nitro its always the user choice and not the ones on the forum ..I started with a little elec and progressed to nitro's and have to say i get more enjoyment out of my 30-60 machines than a elec heli but thats just me lol ....30 size nitros nice and stable in winds and also easier to see and not as twitchy as a small elec heli .. only real donwside is if ya dump it in ... Align parts are really cheap and also come on mainly packs of 2 so ya can crash 2 times for the same amount of money on a similiar priced elec heli ... At the end of the day the choice is yours ...If it was me .. Blade 400 and sim .... then if ya do really wanna carry on in the hobby then get a nitro one ...

[Sneeks]

Hi and welcome Chris. I decided to bypass the cheaper route and instead opted for a Raptor 30. To date I've spent over £700 and I still have club fees to pay along with some other minor items to buy. Easily set aside £1000 in order to buy everything you need.

The Blade 400 is a tempting route into this hobby and is definitely worth looking into. I think if you wish to buy a 450 then the SE V2 spec is the model to buy. I looked into this but the total cost was not far off what I've paid for my Raptor 30 so for me that made more sense. Phoenix is a worthy addition and I'd recommend you purchase that asap.

Richard

[tobeornottobe]

I went the phoenix, trex 450seV2 route early this year, and I am loving it! Almost to the point of obsession. Be prepared to drop about 800 quid for everything including batteries, charger, spares, case etc.

Phoenix is an absolute must have. Get the moves ingrained on Phoenix first, and then go for it for real. Save a lot of money this way!

Obviously the B400 is quite a lot cheaper, but I reckon I'll get much greater longevity from the Trex

I also have a coaxial Blade CX2, don't really need it, and mainly use it for persecuting the dog! Doesn't really teach you anything about flying a 'proper' heli.

[antsis]

Hi Chris

Welcome to the site. I'm also in Maidstone and am a member of Maidstone Model Flying Club. There are a group of guys who fly electric models at Cornwallis School, Hubbards Lane every Saturday evening from 6pm. There are a variety of models there and you're welcome to visit. Speak to Steve or Chris at Modelworld in Notcutts.

As for the local club, MMFC (http://www.mmfc.org.uk/) have 3 sites. Most of the heli pilots fly at one in Linton on a Saturday. The other sites are at Edgerton and Headcorn aerodrome. The club is pretty old fashioned as the majority of members are either retired or close to being so who do not like anything without wings. However, the consensus has changed a lot since I joined 6 years ago and this was further enhanced by my Jet Ranger gaining 5th place at the club concors in April. The first time in the history of the club! There are approximately 10-13 heli pilots and of these, one is Graham Ashby, the editor of RCM&E and the other is the 2008 club chairman.
The heli members are a friendly and helpful bunch. Drop me a pm if you want any more info.

[chrisnolan]

Thanks for the replies. I'm currently leaning towards the Blade 400 - mainly because it seems like one of the best ways into the hobby while saving up for something better. I have a windfall coming in September so, although I will miss the Summer, that will be enough to squirrel away until next year. Plus, the DX6i I can use with Phoenix, so I will probably pick it up and just use the sim until I feel confident enough to do the real thing.

I finish work (year placement) next month, and go back to uni in September which isn't ideal - if only it had grabbed me earlier! I've been in the money for 11 months!!!! lol. Still, I think the 400 is the way to go. Might run down to Elite Models tomorrow.

Ant, great to see a local! Don't know if you guys will be down there, but my Dad is doing a flying experience at Headcorn on Saturday so if there will be people around it seems like a good opportunity. Do you know if Model World stock the Blade? I've not been in there recently (I used to work at Notcutts - unfortunately I have to avoid the area really due to some "unpleasentness" with an ex who still works there...lol - could probably duck into modelworld without being noticed though...)

[chrisnolan]

hmmm, I've got the opportunity of getting a raptor 30, built, and flying for £350 - now, even if the equipment isn't all brilliant (Sanwa RD6000 radio?) - at only £100 more than the Blade - it seems like a bit of a bargin.

Gonna try and get more specs - but this seems to good to pass up....


Edit: Hmm a quick search on here seems to point to no, this seems awfully like the hobbystores deal that popped up a while ago. In which case, I'm going to end up changing everything and spending even more - hmmm, looks like I'll do it the old fashioned way and buy new. What the hell - the checkbook hasn't been out in a while. lol

[antsis]

Ant, great to see a local! Don't know if you guys will be down there, but my Dad is doing a flying experience at Headcorn on Saturday so if there will be people around it seems like a good opportunity. Do you know if Model World stock the Blade? I've not been in there recently (I used to work at Notcutts - unfortunately I have to avoid the area really due to some "unpleasentness" with an ex who still works there...lol - could probably duck into modelworld without being noticed though...)

Chris.
I won't be at Headcorn, but will be at the indoor flying on Saturday evening, so you're welcome to visit.

Just a word of caution. Many of the modellers who fly at Headcorn are not that keen on heli's, or ARTF's or RTF's or anything that wasn't scratch-built, so there's a chance you might get the wrong impression about the club. However, as I mentioned, there are quite a few of us flying "unconventional" models. As I also mentioned the 2008 chairman has a raptor 30 and on Sat 31st May, we'll be holding a heli only funfly at the Linton field.

Yes, Modelworld stock the Blade 400.