RE: LHS Rant!
[quote]ORIGINAL: kork I never would have gotten into this hobby if it wasnt for kits, I love building. Agood friend of mine never would have gotten int this hobby if it wasnt for arfs. either we are both hooked. he flys only big stuff, so money is comming in to these companys to make bigger and better. the only thing that will help the local hobby shops is when internet sales will be taxed. Its comming very soon. [/quote] Internet sales are taxed - by shipping and handling charges.
Posted on: 8/18/2012 7:05 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11198255

Avistar Elite
How does this compare to the current Avistar?
Posted on: 8/8/2012 7:44 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186353

RE: Futaba 4YF Charging Way Too Long
Should take no more than 24 hours. How old are the NiCads in it?
Posted on: 7/27/2012 5:40 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11171728

RE: 60 size ARF
Hobbico Hobbistar 60
Posted on: 7/27/2012 5:39 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11171726

RE: 72 mhz still ok?
[/quote] The last I heard from the AMA was they are considering withdrawing their support of the 72mhz frequencies with the FCC. It will still be available for a long time but will be slowly compromised. This was discussed at the large electric festival held at the Phoenix Arena a few years ago. It was planned to drop the support when the sales of 2.4 equipment exceeded the sales of 72 equipment. That has happened a long time ago. I have not heard anything about since that time. [/quote] Read the November, 2011 edition of Model Aviation page 161 - "Spatial issues pertaining to the use of 2.4 GHz radios" by Greg Hahn
Posted on: 7/22/2012 10:31 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164523

RE: 72 mhz still ok?
[quote]ORIGINAL: BuschBarber [quote]ORIGINAL: ramboy [quote]ORIGINAL: BuschBarber [quote]ORIGINAL: ramboy [quote] 2.4 has one advantage. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR BUDDY SHOOTING YOU DOWN. [/quote] Tell that to the 2 beginners at my field who each lost a Hanger 9 Alpha 40 trainer with the Spectrum 2.4 transmitter. The receiver lost the link to the transmitter in both cases
Posted on: 7/22/2012 7:16 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11164369

RE: 72 mhz still ok?
[quote]ORIGINAL: BuschBarber [quote]ORIGINAL: ramboy [quote] 2.4 has one advantage. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR BUDDY SHOOTING YOU DOWN. [/quote] Tell that to the 2 beginners at my field who each lost a Hanger 9 Alpha 40 trainer with the Spectrum 2.4 transmitter. The receiver lost the link to the transmitter in both cases. A certified flight instructor was at the controls during both
Posted on: 7/21/2012 5:13 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163874

RE: 72 mhz still ok?
[quote] 2.4 has one advantage. YOU DON'T HAVE TO WORRY ABOUT YOUR BUDDY SHOOTING YOU DOWN. [/quote] Tell that to the 2 beginners at my field who each lost a Hanger 9 Alpha 40 trainer with the Spectrum 2.4 transmitter. The receiver lost the link to the transmitter in both cases. A certified flight instructor was at the controls during both instances.
Posted on: 7/21/2012 3:39 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11163824

RE: Pactra Solar Film
Hobby Lobby used to sell Solar Film. I think Advantage Hobby sells it now.
Posted on: 7/19/2012 2:10 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Questions and Answers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11161533

RE: Big jump in kit prices at Tower
[quote]ORIGINAL: AmishWarlord Oh, and engines Super Tigre G-2300 engine 2002 Tower price $199.99 2012 Tower price $169.99 [/quote] 2002 - made in Italy 2012 - made in China
Posted on: 7/7/2012 5:49 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11146968

RE: Big jump in kit prices at Tower
[quote]ORIGINAL: OliverJacob Just compare the prices on their products. A 60 size stick plane for $199, tricycle landing gear Value Hobbies sells a very similar one for $88, tail dragger I have this plane and it is of very good quality, flies great. Tower has a good quality, no doubt. And there are many people buying nothing but their products. They are a good source for odd spare parts, hope they'll survive for some time. [/quote] Have you had good luck with your orders from Value Hobbies?
Posted on: 7/6/2012 8:01 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11145235

RE: Big jump in kit prices at Tower
Back in 1999, a Tower Trainer ARF with shelf paper covering and plastic wingtips was $139. Today, that same ARF with iron-on covering is $109. Remember 2 years ago when Horizon increased the price of the RTF Hanger 9 Alpha trainer with 2.4 radio from $299 to $399. Then several months later the price dropped back down to $299. These kind of price swings are not due to just balsa prices.
Posted on: 7/6/2012 4:25 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11144980

RE: Super monokote - not so super anymore
What about Solarfilm?
Posted on: 6/9/2012 2:34 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11112560

RE: Super monokote - not so super anymore
You might as well use Towercote. Much cheaper and similar quality to the "new" monokote.
Posted on: 6/7/2012 12:55 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11110311

Futaba FASST vs FHSS
Futaba has come out with some new transmitters that are FHSS, but not the FASST versions. What is the difference? I noticed the newer FHSS radios do not have the short antenna like the FASST radios.
Posted on: 6/2/2012 6:47 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11104181

RE: Recovering Tower Trainer 40 ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: ratshooter [quote]Is the Superstar really Monokote covered? I read here on RCU that some Hobbico/Great Planes ARFs advertised as being covered in Monokote really do not have Monokote covering. [/quote] Ramboy if its advertised as have MK I bet that thats what its covered with. I have noticed the ones that are not MK are normally described as having ''heat shrinkable PVC
Posted on: 5/11/2012 8:07 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11077612

RE: Recovering Tower Trainer 40 ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: ratshooter I checked the price of the Tower Trainer. Its now listed at $99.98. If you want a monokote covered flat bottomed wing trainer the Hobbico Superstar is a much better choice at $119.99. [/quote] Is the Superstar really Monokote covered? I read here on RCU that some Hobbico/Great Planes ARFs advertised as being covered in Monokote really do not have Monokote covering.
Posted on: 5/10/2012 7:07 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11076433

RE: Recovering Tower Trainer 40 ARF
[quote]ORIGINAL: ratshooter I checked the price of the Tower Trainer. Its now listed at $99.98. If you want a monokote covered flat bottomed wing trainer the Hobbico Superstar is a much better choice at $119.99. [/quote] Are not both of these planes the same possibly with just different covering?
Posted on: 5/9/2012 5:17 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11075052

RE: Robbe dealer state side by any chance?
Hobby Lobby used to be a Robbe distributor. I don't know if they still are.
Posted on: 4/28/2012 2:32 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Radios, Transmitters, Receivers, Servos, gyros"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11060415

RE: Model Airplane News, then and now.
There is a British RC magazine that still has build plans in it. I forgot the name, but I am sure someone on this forum knows which magazine I am referring to.
Posted on: 3/11/2012 9:04 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10995375

RE: KIT vs RTF Cost Analysis
[quote]ORIGINAL: 747pilot <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: center;''><span style=''font-size: larger;''>KIT vs RTF <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>I'm sure this has been done before.  However, I'd like to share my quick and dirty analysis of kit building vs RTF.  I was shocked at the small difference in actual price. I hope that RTF fliers give kit building a go and that kit builders use this post to persuade others to give kit building a chance. <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>I used Tower Hobbies as the purchase store since it was easy to compile all the parts and get a final price list. I used the current tower hobby discount codes and tried to lay it out so you maximize the discounts available with seperate orders.  Since all orders are over $150 shipping is free.  Let's start with the kit side.   <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>Order #1 Super Savers Club – $9.99 <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>Order #2 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXSFY3&P=0''>LXSFY3 - Futaba 6EX w/ 4 S3004 Servos - $259.98 Sub-Total - $259.98 010N5 – Tower $35 Discount Total – $224.98 <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>Order #3 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXKF97&P=0''>LXKF97 -TT .46 BB Pro - $109.98 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJ557&P=0''>LXJ557 - Great Planes PT40 Kit - $74.98 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHV22&P=ML''>LXHV39 – Top Flite Monokote Blue - $12.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHY24&P=C''>LXHY24 – Top Flite 10x6 Prop – $2.49 Sub Total- $200.44 010N4 - Tower $30 Discount Total - $170.44 <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>Order #4 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFU50&P=8''>LXFU50 – Sullivan 8oz Tank - $4.39 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK129&P=8''>LXK129 – Silicon Fuel Tubing - $2.59 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK214&P=8''>LXK214 – GP Spinner White 2 ¼ - $5.29 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK197&P=8''>LXK197 – GP Wing Tape 1/8� - $1.79 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL430&P=8''>LXL430 – Hobbico Latex Rubber – $3.39 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHV22&P=ML''>LXHV22 – Top Flite Monokote White - $12.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK190&P=8''>LXK190 – Wheel collars 5/32 - $1.79 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK192&P=8''>LXK192 – Wheel collars 3/16 – $1.79 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPT39&P=ML''>LXPT39 – Tower CA med 2oz - $5.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXJC82&P=M''>LXJC82 – Tower Xacto Blade #11 - $1.49 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK361&P=M''>LXK361 – Epoxy brushes - $1.39 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPT46&P=M''>LXPT46 – Tower 30 min Epoxy - $8.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPT44&P=M''>LXPT44 - Tower 6 min Epoxy - $8.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD790&P=6''>LXD790 – Dubro Wheels 2 ¼ - $5.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXD792&P=6''>LXD792 - Dubro Wheels 2 ¾ - $6.49 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXM406&P=M''>LXM406 – Alignment Jig - $1.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPT42&P=0''>LXPT42 – Tower CA accelerator - $3.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXK134&P=ML''>LXK134 – GP Fuel Filter - $3.29 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL419&P=ML''>LXL419 – Hobbico Field Box Combo - $129.99 (1) GPMP4155 FILLING STATION CAN FITTING SET (1) HCAP0200 12V CHARGER FOR THE 12V 7A BATTERY (1) HCAP0302 DELUXE POWER PANEL II (1) HCAP0800 TORQMASTER 12V 7A BATTERY (1) HCAP2200 5' RECOIL FUEL TUBING (1) HCAP2502 PANEL READY LOCKING GLOW PLUG CLIP (1) HCAP3107 PANEL READY TOP FUELER 6/12VOLT (1) HCAP3205 PANEL READY TORQMASTER 90 12V STARTER (1) HCAP5020 ULTRATOTE FIELD BOX Sub-Total - $212.61 010N4 – Tower $30 discount Total - $182.61 <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''> KIT SUMMARY Order #1 $9.99 Order #2 $249.98 (Saved $35) Order #3 $170.44 (Saved $30) Order #4 $182.61 (Saved $30) <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>Total cost- $ 613.02 Of course it's impossible to list everything a kit builder would normally have in his/her workshop. For example, Dremel, mitre box & saws, sanding t-bars, various grades of sandpaper, pins, pliers, screwdrivers, ball drivers, etc... But the list above is pretty comprehensive when it comes to what is required. <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''>__________________________________________________________________________ Now Let's look at an RTF. Here's an option below.  I was shocked at the little difference in price. Super Savers Club – $9.99 <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEXK2**''>LXEXK2 – Hobbico Nextstar .46 Select RTF - $429 ** <a target=''_blank'' href=''http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXL419&P=ML''>LXL419 – Hobbico Field Box Combo - $129.99 Sub-Total - $559.98 010N5 – Tower $50 discount Total cost -  $519.97 <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''> **You are only getting a simple 4ch radio with the RTF setup versus a kick arse 6 ch in the kit setup. In addition the radio with this RTF is an FM radio and not a 2.4 system.  Pretty crappy for $429. <p style=''margin-bottom: 0in''> Kit building    –     $610 RTF ''building'' -   $520 Satisfaction of kit building -<span style=''font-size: large;''> PRICELESS Latest TH discount codes. Jan 2012. $100.00 - $124.99 $15.00 010N1 $125.00 - $149.99 $20.00 010N2 $150.00 - $199.99 $25.00 010N3 $200.00 - $224.99 $30.00 010N4 $225.00 - $249.99 $35.00 010N5 $250.00 - $299.99 $40.00 010N6 $300.00 or more $50.00 010N7 [/quote] I know many who bought the Hanger 9 Alpha trainer with the 2.4 GHz radio for $299.
Posted on: 1/25/2012 5:25 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10927774

RE: K&B sportster 28
I bought a new Sportster .28 at the Toledo RC show 4-5 years ago from Mecoa.
Posted on: 12/23/2011 3:45 AM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Glow Engines"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10872631

RE: What do the ARF guys do in winter?
[quote]ORIGINAL: captinjohn To anyone...... What do the ARF guys do in winter?    If you like in Michigan you go to Florida and FLY airplanes.  I hope??? [/quote] I stay in Michigan and shop for more ARFs.
Posted on: 10/28/2011 7:32 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10787424

RE: Everything's out of stock..... Why??
[quote]ORIGINAL: David Eichstedt The China wood airplane business is just hard. For reasons I hope you understand I can't go into specific details, but there's a lot happening that makes it very hard to have a consistent business. Costs are on the rise - material costs, labor costs, shipping costs - and they're impacting everybody right now. The labor market is getting tighter in China as more workers are staying home in the countryside instead of working in the cities, so many factories are now capacity-constrained. Even if you place the orders it's taking longer for the factories to build them because they just can't crank out the airplanes like they used to. Since the crisis hit in 2008, many factories have lost employees and have been unable to hire replacements. I wish I could explain more, but for now this should give you some of the picture. [/quote] Why don't you do what the US auto industry does - keep shifting production to the lowest cost country? First it was Japan, then Mexico, now China.
Posted on: 10/22/2011 1:05 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "RC Warbirds and Warplanes"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10777669

RE: tower hobbies prices
[quote]ORIGINAL: Oberst I save about 10% having my LHS order things from Tower. Once in a blue moon I might get a free shipping coupon from Tower. Only then will I order from them direct. Pete [/quote] Tower offers free shipping every other week on their website on purchases of $99 or more.
Posted on: 9/3/2011 3:31 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "ARF or RTF"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10699978

RE: Towercote Cub Yellow
The Towercote internet price is $7.99.
Posted on: 7/22/2011 5:43 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10634173

RE: New TX/RX NiCads
They are Ni-Cd.
Posted on: 5/26/2011 5:36 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10542339

New TX/RX NiCads
I bought a new set. If I am not going to use these immediately, is it better to store them as is or put a full charge on them?
Posted on: 5/25/2011 6:35 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10540596

RE: Solartex Needed
Advantage Hobby.
Posted on: 2/18/2011 6:19 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Kit Building"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10346734

RE: Hobbico Trainers
[quote]ORIGINAL: Jim_Purcha If you are going to get the Tower Trainer, might as will get the Superstar. These airplanes look almost identical, except for the cheap covering on the Tower Trainer. Rather an the Tower Trainer how about the Horizon Alpha 40. Flat wing, assemblies easier and ultracote covered. I have flown both the Tower Trainer and Avistar. If it wasn't for my dumb thumb I would still have the avistar. The avistar didn't balloon too much  against the wind. Flew nice on slow speeds. Jim [quote]ORIGINAL: dakoris73 Just my 2 cents, but another trainer to consider for the cost is the Tower Trainer 40. It is also a good, solid trainer that would last for quite sometime and is adventerous enough to keep the student entertained and yet stable enough to be comfortable with even learning to fly in some windy conditions. With a 46 size engine, this would be slow enough to learn the basics, yet when cranked up to full throttle, be sporty enough to learn some basic aerobatics with. Here's the link for the tower trainer to consider, and also with a magnum 46 on it, quite an affordable combo to learn with. Tower trainer: $80.49 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXCAS2&P=ML Magnum 46 engine: $79.99 http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXBUX6&P=ML But thats just my 2 cents worth on trainers. But to each their own...... [/quote] [/quote] Are you sure the Alpha 40 still has Ultracote covering? The Horizon Hobby website does not list this.
Posted on: 2/2/2011 4:26 PM by Author "ramboy" in the forum "Beginners"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10307953