Liquid Fuel Newbie
- Thread starter Andrew C.
- Start date
There are several liquid types of fuel - Methanol/oil/nitro is the mot common, 2-stroke petrol/gas(oline)/oil, Diesel (Ether/kerosene/oil), and kero (jet) are the most common.
The Engines are different 2 stroke glow, 4 stroke glow, 2 stoke gas, 4 stroke gas, 2 stroke diesel 4 stroke diesel, wankel Engine, turbines are probably most common types.
You need - a pump or a fuel bottle with a pipe to put fuel in your tank.
You will probably need a glow igniter.
And some luck - or "band aid".
The Engines are different 2 stroke glow, 4 stroke glow, 2 stoke gas, 4 stroke gas, 2 stroke diesel 4 stroke diesel, wankel Engine, turbines are probably most common types.
You need - a pump or a fuel bottle with a pipe to put fuel in your tank.
You will probably need a glow igniter.
And some luck - or "band aid".
roversgonemad
Member
A nice simple 2 stroke glow engine is a great engine to start with. I recommend an OS engine for your first glow engine. The OS engines seem to be much less finicky than some of the less expensive brands. I have an old 2 stroke FP 40 that is a great runner. It starts great, runs reliably, and doesn't need much adjustment. The basics are just what Pgerts said, fuel, fuel pump, and an igniter. I would check the local want ads and see if you can find a complete set up. There are frequently planes for sale here with everything a person would need to fly. I had a neighbor give me the whole shooting match, so it's definitely out there. The local craigslist almost always has a glow plane or two for sale. Something like the Hobbistar MkII, .60 size is a great first glow plane. I personally think a nice glow plane flies better than your average electric foam plane. My old Hobbico Avistar is one of my absolute favorite planes.
Let's start by getting a bit more info from you.
What skill level are you at? Are you new to everything or a skilled electric pilot?
What type of plane are you looking at? Trainer? Warbird? 3D?
What type of engine are you thinking about?
What type of budget are you thinking about? This will pretty much determine your type of engine and other recommendations I'll make.
If you are already skilled at flying and just looking at switching to fuel, that will change my recommendations. If you have a large budget and can already fly then the sky is the limit.
The big thing besides the engine itself is the support electronics. There are some things to know there, again different by the type of engine you want.
What skill level are you at? Are you new to everything or a skilled electric pilot?
What type of plane are you looking at? Trainer? Warbird? 3D?
What type of engine are you thinking about?
What type of budget are you thinking about? This will pretty much determine your type of engine and other recommendations I'll make.
If you are already skilled at flying and just looking at switching to fuel, that will change my recommendations. If you have a large budget and can already fly then the sky is the limit.
The big thing besides the engine itself is the support electronics. There are some things to know there, again different by the type of engine you want.
Gas is cheaper in the long run if you fly a lot simply due to the cost of fuel. However, the initial cost is quite a bit more and they are more complex. Nitro is definitely the cheapest initially and I would recommend going fuel first to see if you like it, then move into gas.
My favorite plane for starting nitro is the Sig Kadet LT-40. It's a high wing trainer but it's plenty aerobatic and I still enjoy flying my brothers even though I'm advanced well past it's limits. It's just a fantastic plane. Sig offer very high quality kits and they include all the hardware so you aren't hunting for things after the fact. They also offer ARF's (almost ready to fly) and combos. If you get their engine (also good quality) then it's very inexpensive. If you are buying your own engine you can never go wrong with an O.S. engine. Their .46 is a perfect match for that plane. Magnum engines are cheaper and also very good.
This plane floats in the air so well that my brother has had some engine failures (old old old engine) and was always able to glide back to the strip and land safely. It seems to just hang in the air. Also flies inverted very well. Basic aerobatics are great with it.
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/IndexAircraftF.html?E+Sig
You can hand start models, but it's a pain and you need to have it warm and tuned first. I highly recommend getting a starter.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...ucts_id/37899/n/Hangar-9-PowerPro-12V-Starter
You'll need a fuel pump, I'd go with hand crank. At first you can just stick the hose in the jug and after a while you'll probably add fittings to the top so it's not so messy.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...ucts_id/207400/n/Hobbico-Hand-Crank-Fuel-Pump
Fittings for the jug cap
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product..._id/29357/n/Du-Bro-Kwik-Fill-Fuel-Can-Fitting
I highly recommend running an inline fuel filter
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...roducts_id/74652/n/Du-Bro-In-Line-Fuel-Filter
You'll need a glow driver. Here's where you can go cheap and regret it or buy a nice one once. I went the cheap route twice and after doing a lot of research I bought a nice one and will never go back. Even the nice ones are pretty cheap. The big difference is whether or not it uses regular batteries or is rechargeable and the attachment type. I prefer the twist lock. I've had the least amount of trouble with twist lock. Most of us heli guys use twist lock because our glow plugs always mount on the side but after trying it with my planes I love it. Again I'll never go back.
Here's my groups favorite. As in we all use the same one after trying a bunch of others.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...d/14477/n/Hobbico-Super-Hot-Shot-5000mAh-NiCD
As for fuel, you'll have to run whatever your local shop uses. I have run Wildcat fuel and currently run Byrons (based only on availability), both with great results. I run a YS20 blend. The YS is for YS engines, they originally came up with the spec. The 20 is 20%nitro and 20% oil. It runs great in everything we fly. All our planes and helis use the same fuel with good results. My brothers entire club flies on YS20 blend fuel for all their models except some of the higher performance helis use 30% nitro heli blend.
You'll notice that I link AmainHobbies a lot. I love Amain, they've been fantastic to deal with, always ship quickly and almost always have free shipping. They also have a huge inventory and great customer service. I mean great customer service. They have an inventory comparable to Tower Hobbies but Amain has better shipping and more brands.
If you have a local shop I'd recommend going there and building a relationship with them because they'll really be the ones you turn to......if they're any good of course. Like I always recommend, find a local club field and if they have good people find a mentor or two. Nothing beats experience when learning, especially tuning engines.
If that's something you're interested in, the AMA website has a club locator.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
That should get you started, I'll post a couple other good planes to start with later.
If you have any more questions please let us know here or message me.
My favorite plane for starting nitro is the Sig Kadet LT-40. It's a high wing trainer but it's plenty aerobatic and I still enjoy flying my brothers even though I'm advanced well past it's limits. It's just a fantastic plane. Sig offer very high quality kits and they include all the hardware so you aren't hunting for things after the fact. They also offer ARF's (almost ready to fly) and combos. If you get their engine (also good quality) then it's very inexpensive. If you are buying your own engine you can never go wrong with an O.S. engine. Their .46 is a perfect match for that plane. Magnum engines are cheaper and also very good.
This plane floats in the air so well that my brother has had some engine failures (old old old engine) and was always able to glide back to the strip and land safely. It seems to just hang in the air. Also flies inverted very well. Basic aerobatics are great with it.
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/IndexAircraftF.html?E+Sig
You can hand start models, but it's a pain and you need to have it warm and tuned first. I highly recommend getting a starter.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...ucts_id/37899/n/Hangar-9-PowerPro-12V-Starter
You'll need a fuel pump, I'd go with hand crank. At first you can just stick the hose in the jug and after a while you'll probably add fittings to the top so it's not so messy.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...ucts_id/207400/n/Hobbico-Hand-Crank-Fuel-Pump
Fittings for the jug cap
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product..._id/29357/n/Du-Bro-Kwik-Fill-Fuel-Can-Fitting
I highly recommend running an inline fuel filter
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...roducts_id/74652/n/Du-Bro-In-Line-Fuel-Filter
You'll need a glow driver. Here's where you can go cheap and regret it or buy a nice one once. I went the cheap route twice and after doing a lot of research I bought a nice one and will never go back. Even the nice ones are pretty cheap. The big difference is whether or not it uses regular batteries or is rechargeable and the attachment type. I prefer the twist lock. I've had the least amount of trouble with twist lock. Most of us heli guys use twist lock because our glow plugs always mount on the side but after trying it with my planes I love it. Again I'll never go back.
Here's my groups favorite. As in we all use the same one after trying a bunch of others.
http://www.amainhobbies.com/product...d/14477/n/Hobbico-Super-Hot-Shot-5000mAh-NiCD
As for fuel, you'll have to run whatever your local shop uses. I have run Wildcat fuel and currently run Byrons (based only on availability), both with great results. I run a YS20 blend. The YS is for YS engines, they originally came up with the spec. The 20 is 20%nitro and 20% oil. It runs great in everything we fly. All our planes and helis use the same fuel with good results. My brothers entire club flies on YS20 blend fuel for all their models except some of the higher performance helis use 30% nitro heli blend.
You'll notice that I link AmainHobbies a lot. I love Amain, they've been fantastic to deal with, always ship quickly and almost always have free shipping. They also have a huge inventory and great customer service. I mean great customer service. They have an inventory comparable to Tower Hobbies but Amain has better shipping and more brands.
If you have a local shop I'd recommend going there and building a relationship with them because they'll really be the ones you turn to......if they're any good of course. Like I always recommend, find a local club field and if they have good people find a mentor or two. Nothing beats experience when learning, especially tuning engines.
If that's something you're interested in, the AMA website has a club locator.
http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx
That should get you started, I'll post a couple other good planes to start with later.
If you have any more questions please let us know here or message me.
Here's another good plane to start with.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/alpha-40-arf-trainer-HAN2460
Revolution engine are also pretty nice and very inexpensive. In fact in completion kit 3 they have a couple engines including their power package complete with prop, all designed for noobs.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/evolution-trainer-power-system-a-EVOE100
If you are more into building it yourself there's a million different kits, I'd still recommend the Sig Kadet in kit form though. It's really that good. If you want something more sporty Sig also has the fourstar. I have the fourstar 60 and it's a fantastic plane as well but definitely for pilots who have some skills. Intermediate at least.
Anyway, does that help any?
Oh and if you don't want a tricycle gear, you can build the Kadet as a tail dragger.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/alpha-40-arf-trainer-HAN2460
Revolution engine are also pretty nice and very inexpensive. In fact in completion kit 3 they have a couple engines including their power package complete with prop, all designed for noobs.
http://www.horizonhobby.com/products/evolution-trainer-power-system-a-EVOE100
If you are more into building it yourself there's a million different kits, I'd still recommend the Sig Kadet in kit form though. It's really that good. If you want something more sporty Sig also has the fourstar. I have the fourstar 60 and it's a fantastic plane as well but definitely for pilots who have some skills. Intermediate at least.
Anyway, does that help any?
Oh and if you don't want a tricycle gear, you can build the Kadet as a tail dragger.
What size electric do you fly?
Are you going into the bigger stuff?
I am fond of smaller planes that i can fly without a lot of fuzzing. I normally get 2 flights before most other friends has goten their planes assembled.
1/12 scale WW2 combat are nice and easy to tear up the sky with ;-)
The fuel cost with a .15 engine is no big deal.
IMPORTANT
A reliable engine lika an OS 15 LA or the cheaper ASP .15
A really good glow igniter - not the handheld with one NiMh-cell.
You will - as always - multiply the fun if you are more planes in the air at the same time ;-)
I have multiple sizes my biggest is a FMS P-38 Lightning Silver http://www.motionrc.com/fms-p-38-lightning-silver-1450mm-57-wingspan-pnp/ and then I had a Super Cub from horizonhobby and a mini vapor from horizon. i haven't flown the p-38 yet for fear of absolute destruction but that will hopefully come by this summer.
they are all made of foam except for the mini vapor.
they are all made of foam except for the mini vapor.
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Going off that, I stay with the kadet. It's right in your skill range. I'd actually recommend getting good with it before flying your p38.
I like warbirds and all but they were performance machines meant for top quality pilots. They're generally not the best for learning. Since this is your first nitro plane, I'd go with a nicer flying airplane and then go for performance after you're comfortable with engines. Especially since you've already got a warbird.
I'm not that familiar with .15 engines, I feel that when I'm flying fuel powered I want something at least a forty size but as I said before you can't go wrong with O.S. but they aren't the cheapest. For your first engine I'd go with O.S. because they're going to be the most reliable out of the box plus they're everywhere so parts.and plugs are easy plus just about err everyone has had one so experience is everywhere.
I like warbirds and all but they were performance machines meant for top quality pilots. They're generally not the best for learning. Since this is your first nitro plane, I'd go with a nicer flying airplane and then go for performance after you're comfortable with engines. Especially since you've already got a warbird.
I'm not that familiar with .15 engines, I feel that when I'm flying fuel powered I want something at least a forty size but as I said before you can't go wrong with O.S. but they aren't the cheapest. For your first engine I'd go with O.S. because they're going to be the most reliable out of the box plus they're everywhere so parts.and plugs are easy plus just about err everyone has had one so experience is everywhere.
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After flying a Super Cub and a Vapor i totally agree with AK.
Any 40-trainer is really good for getting into the glow flying.
SIG are really fine models but if you like HobbyKing there are some like
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...alsa_Hi_Wing_Trainer_Glow_EP_1620mm_ARF_.html
The Discovery is a really simple plane to fly.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...Low_Wing_Balsa_1550mm_ARF_USA_Warehouse_.html
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/...el_Balsa_EP_IC_1440mm_ARF_USA_warehouse_.html
The low wing planes you will find in the US warehouse are a little closer to next step but with some help they will be good first glow planes as you know how to fly the CUB.
The important when starting is to get to learn your engine. How to prime it to get it to start "on the first flip" after you have connected the igniter.
That's a good point. If you are hand starting you definitely want to learn to prime your engine, figure out what it likes. I always use a starter so It's a non issue but something I should also get down. Once I got mine tuned right though, even cold they fire up in just a few revolutions. It's pretty cool to hand start them, I started doing that this last summer, just to see if I could. I have my starter all set up for my helicopter so I'd have to change it all back over to use on my plane and hand starting was pretty darn easy. It was almost impossible though when I had my old glow igniter. Once I got my good hot shot starter everything starts
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