Single Dad, 3 Children, 1 Autistic, Very Low Budget, desperately needs help!

mrstamp80

New member
Here is a link to the FT Tiny trainer video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CjGE9oyF1qo The term "Chuck" means you just throw it. in other words "chuck it in the air" I highly recommend you start with the FT Tiny trainer just because all the variations you can build it. Also your kids can use crayons and stencils to color up the foamboard. You can also d/l the plans to a flash drive and take it to staples, office max etc. and get the full size plans printed to scale usually for about $4-$8 depending on how many sheets it is. But the plans are reusable.
Your PM is under notifications to the left of your log in name, about a 1/4 way down from the top on the right.
 

rcspaceflight

creator of virtual planes
My question to you: is there a power glider design we can make from foam board? Maybe give the Simple Soarer some more stability or more surface area, then just add a applicable motor and electronics?

I admit that I didn't do that great of a job writing out the article, but I did built a simple V-Tail plane that was pretty darn close to a powered glider. I'd say that I under powered it because I had to fly it at full throttle and could barely get it to climb, but it was super easy to fly. It does require a bigger prop and motor. In the article I don't list what I used, but it was a 1300kv motor, a 3S battery (I don't remember the size and I can't tell in the video), and a 8x4 prop. Which is usually a very good set up but wasn't enough for that plane.

Later I build a small "trainer" that is a lot like the Simple V-Tail.

It would at least be worth your time for you to look at both of those planes. They are both easy to build and fly. Although it's worth mentioning that later I build another Simple V-Tail but I put too big of a battery on it (a 5000mah 3S) and the weight ended up snapping the wings. So you can't go too big with the design or too heavy. If you copy the dimensions of the one in the video in the article it should be a great plane. 60" wingspan with a 30" long fuselage. Maybe lower the wingspan to 50" or 40". But big slow planes are easier to keep track of, but harder to bring to the flying field.
 

rcspaceflight

creator of virtual planes
In the article I don't list what I used, but it was a 1300kv motor, a 3S battery (I don't remember the size and I can't tell in the video), and a 8x4 prop. Which is usually a very good set up but wasn't enough for that plane.

I lied. I don't remember what set up I used. I think it was a 1200kv or 1100kv motor. I remember it being a set up that wasn't very powerful and I decided I didn't like it so I stopped using it. The set up I'm quoting should actually be really good for it. I should also mention that I remember having to add a bunch of nose weight because of how far forward I mounted the wings. But you can't really extend the length of the fuselage because having to glue two pieces together greatly weakens the plane.
 

whiskeyjack

Senior Member
Hi Shane,
If you don't mind I'd like to offer a different point of view. Bigger is better. Bigger is easier to see and slower to react to control inputs giving little hands and minds time to adjust. When building in foam board they are only slightly more expensive, 2 or 3 sheets as opposed to1 and you can modify them as required.
One model that comes to mind that fits the bill is the "Maker Hanger Trainer" which is a design by a young man named Lucas Weekly. He put together a 15 part "How to " which is a very good resource for a new builder. If you search maker hanger trainer the web should take you straight there. Have a look and if your interested I have a couple of mods I would recommend.
The second plane, which I have built but not yet maiden, is the Storch. I built it because it is so versatile, wide flight envelope and easy to modify. It is a big plane, 60" wing span, but not that difficult to build once you master the flite test build techniques. (You can practice every technique on scrap until you are comfortable to do for real)
Just a few more thoughts from one newb to another (I have been around for a while now and still consider myself a newb) try to purchase a computer style radio with a model memory. Hobby Kings 6 ch Orange comes to mind, receivers again Orange at something like 6 bucks, not sure where the transmitter is priced these days. Without a computer style it will not be possible to have dual rates and expo which I think are need to have not nice to have.
And lastly check out the beginner series here on Flite Test. Josh and Josh take you step by step on what you need to know to get started in this wonderful hobby.
Good luck Shane, fair winds and clear skies and don't forget we're only a click away. WJ.
 

Jaxx

Posted a thousand or more times
Shane,
Welcome to the forum! I believe the trainer (recommended earlier) is an excellent option, but I would also consider the FT builds that are based around the 24g 1300kv Hextronic or Blue Wonder motor. The reason is the flexibility that it affords you. I would start off with the one of the really simple designs like the FT Flyer, Nutball or Delta. I know they're not the “coolest” looking planes, but I believe the primary focus at this point should be getting something in the air. I doubt the kids will care much about how the plane looks once it's in the air.

These planes are extremely simple and cheap to build. You can use the 24g motor on any of these models, then transfer it to the a more advanced build, like the Bloody Wonder, FT-22 and FT Viggen. I have a buddy who even flew his FT Duster with one. It was a little under-powered, but still flew well. Community designed models, like Sponz's Bloody Baron, Bloody Wonder KkIII, and Ugly Wonder will also perform well with this motor.I learned to fly with the Bloody Wonder and one of these motors. I got over 15 minutes of flight time with a 3S 1300 battery, and around 25 minutes with a 3S 2200. The links below show the build videos. All three are built using the 24g motor. The review videos are linked at the bottom of each build article.

http://flitetest.com/articles/FT_Flyer_Scratch_build
http://flitetest.com/articles/FT_Bloody_Wonder_Scratch_Build
http://flitetest.com/articles/ft-22-raptor-build
http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?15270-Bloody-Baron-Build&highlight=bloody+baron
http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?12971-Bloody-Wonder-MkIII-Build
http://forum.flitetest.com/showthread.php?13441-Ugly-Wonder-Build
 
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RichB

Senior Member
I suggest that you get three models that all take the same power pod (so either three normal swappables or three mini swappables), and get one radio and receiver.

I know that you envision your kids all flying together at once, but that's not going to be your reality at first. What's really going to happen is that you are going to have them take turns as you guide them. There is only one of you and so for now you only need one radio. And since a receiver can easily be a permanent fixture to a power pod (along with esc and motor), then you really only need one power pod as well.

As your kids graduate to the point where you feel you can step back and let one fly by himself without you, then get that one his own radio and power pod, in the meantime, you can mitigate your initial investment by having one radio, receiver, esc and motor in a power pod that you can swap into different models. I would get each kid their own battery, though, so no waiting to fly after their sibling.

Also, if you get a speed-built kit, make sure to make some spare parts using the kit as a template.
 

Lorenzo

Senior Member
I've got a simple HK transmitter and receiver I don't use anymore, I'd be happy to send it your way. I'm in Greensboro by the way, we've got a NC flyers thread in the Regions / Find Your Fellow Flite Test Fans section of the forums.
 
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Moneymakerspy

Junior Member
I've got a simple HK transmitter and receiver I don't use anymore, I'd be happy to send it your way. I'm in Greensboro by the way, we've got a NC flyers thread in the Regions / Find Your Fellow Flite Test Fans section of the forums.

Lorenzo, if you still have the transmitter I am happy to pay you for it including the shipping. I will PM you my mailing address just let me know what else you need from me to make it happen. I have a paypal account too if we need to go that route. Thank you very much for helping me to get the kids flying. I will also look into the NC flyers thread it would be great to hook up with local people or a group where we can fly/learn etc. Look for my PM soon - THANK YOU - Shane
 

Moneymakerspy

Junior Member
Great Beginner Information Here

Hi Shane,
If you don't mind I'd like to offer a different point of view. Bigger is better. Bigger is easier to see and slower to react to control inputs giving little hands and minds time to adjust. When building in foam board they are only slightly more expensive, 2 or 3 sheets as opposed to1 and you can modify them as required.
One model that comes to mind that fits the bill is the "Maker Hanger Trainer" which is a design by a young man named Lucas Weekly. He put together a 15 part "How to " which is a very good resource for a new builder. If you search maker hanger trainer the web should take you straight there. Have a look and if your interested I have a couple of mods I would recommend.
The second plane, which I have built but not yet maiden, is the Storch. I built it because it is so versatile, wide flight envelope and easy to modify. It is a big plane, 60" wing span, but not that difficult to build once you master the flite test build techniques. (You can practice every technique on scrap until you are comfortable to do for real)
Just a few more thoughts from one newb to another (I have been around for a while now and still consider myself a newb) try to purchase a computer style radio with a model memory. Hobby Kings 6 ch Orange comes to mind, receivers again Orange at something like 6 bucks, not sure where the transmitter is priced these days. Without a computer style it will not be possible to have dual rates and expo which I think are need to have not nice to have.
And lastly check out the beginner series here on Flite Test. Josh and Josh take you step by step on what you need to know to get started in this wonderful hobby.
Good luck Shane, fair winds and clear skies and don't forget we're only a click away. WJ.

Whiskey, thank you so much for your input here. So glad you shared about the radio as we were looking at them today. We are getting a used on from a member here but already planning to purchase a second one down the road and we are in agreement that a programmable radio will suit us well and ensure we have it for a long time no matter how fast we progress. I am all for conservative approach and low budget hobbying but lets be real we know how fast the kids progress and sometimes cutting corners costs you more in the end. I saw a programmable radio with 6 or 9 channels for way under $100 somewhere and I will continue to research this topic - Good luck to you and thank you for your extra efforts in helping us here. Shane
 

abieex

Member
Mentor
I have a Turnigy 9x programable that you can have if you wish. You'll have to get someone to teach you how to program it and you will need to get a receiver or two. PM me your address and I'll get it out early this coming week. Enjoy!
 

rcspaceflight

creator of virtual planes
I have two 1200kv motors and two 18amp ESCs you can have. I bought them for a twin engine that I never built and I have no real need for them. I tried to solder the ESC directly to the motors but didn't do a very good job. I can be nice and solder connectors onto them, but the wires are going to be short. I ended up cutting a lot of the wires off to make it compact and all.

The motor mounts on the motors are weird. The screw holes for the mount do not line up with the FT firewalls, but you can just make and drill out your own.
 

alan r

Junior Member
I am currently building an old Fogey for my 18 year old autistic boy. I feel it will be large and slow enough for him to see and control. After that Ill see if he can work up to my 60 inch Storch. Understand your problems and best of luck.
 

DharanFlyer

Active member
Thank you DharanFlyer! Are you building a plane as well? Please keep us updated on any new experiences, successes and failures! Appreciate your thoughts/wishes and Glad to have you here on the forums - Shane

I went with a Electrohub for my first build. I like the ability to hover and want to do some AP down the road. Had a few crashes but with a few quick zip ties she's back together! Going to do a FT Cruiser for my first FT plane when I have some time over the next few months. Hope is to have that one done by Flite Fest.
 

Moneymakerspy

Junior Member
I have a Turnigy 9x programable that you can have if you wish. You'll have to get someone to teach you how to program it and you will need to get a receiver or two. PM me your address and I'll get it out early this coming week. Enjoy!

Thank you Abieex, check your PM inbox
 

Moneymakerspy

Junior Member
Update: We finished the first Tiny Trainer today and will be learning to taxi back and forth later today. Thanks to Sponz and everyone who has helped us get this far. Great part is now I get to build 2 more, hopefuly they wont take me as long this time around. I will surely make a post of all things learned when I get to a place that allows me to do so. Thanks again to everyone...
 

FeWolf

Member
Greetings,
I am going through all my RC gear and I have extra stuff I do not use, you are welcome to them, please PM your address I am I will ship them out.
Some items I have are servos 9 gram, servo tester, and wiring , connectors.
 
Have you been able to build any planes? As for planes to build: I can't say enough about the FT Flyer. I armored the leading edges with bamboo skewers the plane is indestructible. This is the plane I learned on in the last 6 months, so I am new to this. The problem is that to a kid, the FT Flyer doesn't look like much. However, the FT Old Fogey is great. (Make the big vertical stabilizer version. If you are not sure, add a 1/2" to the height of you vertical stabilizer and it won't hurt anything.) However, so far my favorite plane is the Mini-Scout. But, as a second plane.

In my opinion, build an FT Flyer. If you smash it, it is not heartbreaking. Just make another and put your electronics on it. It is such a good first plane.

Good luck!