Hi Guys and gals,
I'm after a present for someone along the lines of a remote controlled plane/helicopter/boat. The only slight difference is I want one that you have to build first to keep him occupied for a while.
As far as I know he has never flown a plane or helicopter before, so something relatively idiot proof would be good. Also only looking to spend around £100-£150 if at all possible.
I know there are a few of you out there into this sort of thing so what do you recommend?
In that sort of price range most rc gear whether heli or plane comes almost ready to fly (ARTF) with very little assembly required. While this is convenient you don't get the fun of building (which also means you understand how to rebuild when you crash) and the radio gear is usually rubbish and will need to be replaced very soon.
Cheap ARTF helis and planes are fine but can be quickly outgrown leaving you with nothing reusable for the next model.
One option that avoids this and comes in kit form and is recommended a lot as a first RC plane is the GWS Slow Stick. This was my first plane and it is an easy but enjoyable build, takes a huge amount of abuse and is extremely easy to fly. it has dihedral in the wing meening it self corrects to level flying out of turns. It is a good size but can be flown in parks no problem. it also flys really slowly for leaning or at a good pace.
http://www.elitemodelsonline.co.uk/Products/Aircraft/Indoor+and+Park+Flyers/item457
the kit is cheap £20-£25 but your buget will be used to finish it.
The kit comes with the plane (obviously) and includes the motor. You can get one with a starter pack including the rest of the electronics you need (two servos and an electronic speed control and a battery.) You also then have the choice of which transmitter.
I would highly recommend the Spektrum DX6i - full range, very future proof and if your mate staying in the hobby great for helis and planes of all sizes and almost all levels of complexity.
http://www.modelshopleeds.co.uk/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=2061
That costs £97. That leaves you enough for the rest: two servos, cheap ESC (GWS one will be fine), cheap battery and charger. (If you decide to go for this let me know and I will spec you but otherwise I wont bother posting all the links.)
I really would recommend this over a cheap heli as at least £100 worth of the spend will be reusable or resellable and much more long term progress can be made with a single model. This plane will loop nicely.
