I'm considering gettiing into the hobby (where will I find the time?!? ). Anyway, some quick google reviews indicate the Super Cub LP RTF as a great beginner plane; which I'm pleasantly surprised on the price (sub $200).  You can even add floats to the sucker! Can anyone who's into the hobby advise?  I certainly will appreciate the comments.

One such review:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1068138

http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=HBZ7300

Rob

I'm sure he will reply, but Mr.Mikeman is.

I'll wait until my girls are older, it may come in handy.  Those that watch 'Modern Family' will hopefully get that one...

I'm more into the helicopters and no longer have any planes, but the one you're looking at is a fine starter.

It's one of those things you have to try, and get a feel for first - then you can decide where you want to go from there.  The sky is the limit (pun intended), when it comes to that stuff as far as spending goes, so start cheap and see how you like it.

I should mention - a local club is a good source of info and direction as well.

You may want to check out these sites too.

http://www.rccanada.ca/

http://www.maac.ca/

Good advice, thanks. BTW, what's the average range on these things anyway, before you're too far to control it?   I've found it difficult to get clear answers via google searches.

Quoted from MarkToo

I should mention - a local club is a good source of info and direction as well.

You may want to check out these sites too.

http://www.rccanada.ca/

http://www.maac.ca/

eheh, on the second link I had to do a double take; I was wondering "why is he pointing to our site?" Thanks for the links, will check them out.

Quoted from The Loafer

Good advice, thanks. BTW, what's the average range on these things anyway, before you're too far to control it?   I've found it difficult to get clear answers via google searches.

Generally the range is not a question that should ever really come up.

If it's far enough away that you no longer have control of it, you likely lost sight of it long before that.  In most all circumstances the range is dictated by your eyesight and ability (or lack thereof), to tell which way your plane is flying...

Seems like an ok beginner airplane but one thing you have to keep in mind with electric flight.  The charger they give you will take about 3 hours to charge the battery.  The battery will last MAYBE 10 mins in flight.  Lipos are expensive..  60-100$ a pack depending on the mah rating you buy.  The bigger the better but the longer it takes to charge without an expensive charger.  The startup cost is a bit higher for nitro but in the end costs about the same (because you'll end up buying more batteries and a better charger anyway).  Getting 2 X 10 mins flight in a day will not be a fun experience and will be frustrating.  Also the transmitter that comes with this trainer is kinda crap.  3 channel..  useless when you buy the next airplane.  You should get a 4-channel trainer, flying with ailerons is a must nowadays..

I prefer the gas (nitro) option becuase you can fly as much as you want, with just the receiver batteries to quick charge every 3-4 flights..

Also keep in mind that the bigger (heavier) the airplane, the more stable it'll be, especially with wind. I have http://www.horizonhobby.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=EFL2425
and it's hell to fly that in wind.  And it only flies 8-10 mins then I have to wait til the batteries cool down then charge them for 60 mins.  yuk..

The most common trainer I see at my club is: http://www.greathobbies.com/productinfo/?prod_id=HOBA17XX
A bit more money to start with but you have a GREAT engine you can use on other airplanes, a GOOD radio you can use on other airplanes, and the airplane itself has features you can adjust to make it fly "sportier" once you're comfortable with the slow trainer mode.

The airplane you're looking at is basically a disposable trainer since you won't be able to use anything for your next plane, other than maybe the battery packs if you stay electric.

My 0.02$

Mike

Quoted from MarkToo

Generally the range is not a question that should ever really come up.

If it's far enough away that you no longer have control of it, you likely lost sight of it long before that.  In most all circumstances the range is dictated by your eyesight and ability (or lack thereof), to tell which way your plane is flying...

Yep it's a common question that people ask when they've never flown.  It's funny how AFTER you've flown you're like:" ohhh I get it now"..  Those things get real small real fast in the air, especially if it's a small airplane to start with.  You'll start getting nervous well before you're out of range.

Mike

I asked the question because, well, I'm ignorant of this stuff! . My question wasn't based on "I want to fly far!", it's based more on an assumption that maybe it was super short, and I didn't want the plane to just keep flying on its own! eheh

That is a nice plane Mike but it certainly is out of my immediate budget range. Because I don't really know if I'll like it or get into it, I still find some appeal with the $200 purchase, even for 10-15 minutes flight limitations.  Its something to think about, your points are 100% correct.

BTW, I want to ease your pain with your Funtana, sell it to me cheap .

Quoted from The Loafer

I asked the question because, well, I'm ignorant of this stuff! . My question wasn't based on "I want to fly far!", it's based more on an assumption that maybe it was super short, and I didn't want the plane to just keep flying on its own! eheh

That is a nice plane Mike but it certainly is out of my immediate budget range. Because I don't really know if I'll like it or get into it, I still find some appeal with the $200 purchase, even for 10-15 minutes flight limitations.  Its something to think about, your points are 100% correct.

BTW, I want to ease your pain with your Funtana, sell it to me cheap .

Hey it's ok..  Normal question..  

The trainer/budget thing....  It's like someone saying "I want to get into pinball but can only afford 200$ right now..  So I'll buy a Zizzle to decide if I like it..." http://www.pinballnews.com/news/zizzle4.html

Not a fair comparison and not ideal to make up your mind on whether you like it or not...

Or maybe I should compare to telescopes..  like the 200$ walmart or Costco telescope..  You and I know the "quality" of those..  kind of the same thing...

Mike

If you're looking for a couple of electric park flyers, I have two for sale. Just shoot me a PM.