This page is intended to offer guidance and help to anyone in the Banbury area who would like to take up aeromodelling – a fascinating and exciting sport / hobby which gives pleasure to many thousands of enthusiasts throughout the United Kingdom. As with any new hobby there are basic requirements necessary to enable you to participate and Radio Control Model Flying is no exception to this rule. You must be prepared to invest in equipment and time in order to get the most out of it. These notes will guide you along a proven route ensuring that you go about things in the right way from the outset.
Choice of Model
Hopefully you have NOT purchased that delightful Spitfire or Hurricane which first attracted you to the idea of radio control, but have instead opted to buy a High Wing Trainer as your first radio control model aircraft. It might not look as exciting as a Spitfire but take it as fact that when you are learning to fly you will need a docile model. Looks come a very poor second to reliable performance! Any experienced modeller will confirm the wisdom of this advice. It is advice which you would be well advised to follow. No-one likes to see a model in bits. Get a safe, practical and time proven High Wing Trainer for your first venture. Without a High Wing Trainer you will be lucky to find a club or instructor!
Engine
Your first engine needs to be a relatively small 40 or 45 size glow plug motor. It should be pretty reliable and we would recommend the first time buyer to opt for one of the inexpensive Japanese engines as time has proven them to be rugged, reliable and reasonably powerful. They operate reliably for many years.
Radio Control Equipment
You will need a Radio Control Transmitter & Receiver. These normally come complete with a Battery (Ni-Cad) charger and a few servos. The servos are small geared motors which you remotely control via the transmitter when you wish to change the behaviour of your model. The absolute minimum requirement is for a 4 Channel Transmitter and Receiver (Tx/Rx), but if you wish to progress you will soon need to upgrade to 6 Channels. Of course it is much easier to upgrade from a 6 Channel Transmitter to 8 or more Channels than from a 4 Channel Transmitter as there is a far broader market for second-hand 6 Channel gear . Why more channels? Well, when you need a retractable undercarriage, air brakes, flaps (bombs?) the need for channels soon exceeds what is available on even an 8 or 9 Channel Transmitter / Receiver combination. We are legally required to fly on a specific fixed range of frequencies within the 35MHz band which is signified by an orange ribbon on the transmitter.
Starters / Field Boxes etc
More necessary bits and pieces are required to get yourself up and running, but perhaps you would be best advised to talk with an experienced modeller before purchasing any extra equipment. There is a fair amount of personal preference involved, but anyone will assist you at the field so apart from fuel, radio and your model, help will always be freely extended by other modellers who will be just as keen and interested as you are to get your model safely up and flying. Your first visit with your model will probably be spent checking it over thoroughly and ensuring that all controls operate freely. Do not fill the fuel tank up before you arrive, as it is necessary to check that the CofG (Centre of Gravity) is within the predetermined limits for your particular model before fuel is added. Details of the recommended CofG points will be found in the instruction leaflet which accompanied the model.
Before you leave home fully charge your transmitter and receiver Ni-Cads!! Ni-Cads require at least 14 hours on a typical charger to reach full charge status!
Club members must have current BMFA (British Model Flying Association) insurance cover, but prospective members may operate a model under the direct supervision of an approved instructor for the first two or three flights totally free of charge, through the instructors insurance. The idea of this “fly before you buy” system is to encourage you to try the sport before you have to commit yourself to paying the necessary insurance and club membership fees. We issue all new members with a personal First Aid Kit and Safety Sheet when joining the club.
Don’t be shy. If you want to know more or would just like to talk to another modeller for general advice, please contact any of the Committee members.
Whatever you decide to do, please contact the club BEFORE you purchase any modelling equipment as there are discounts available to club members. In terms of purchasing radio gear, a trainer and an engine, by heeding this advice your savings will be significant!