Suggestions for newbie

[pck77]

Hi everybody!

I got into RC about 10 years ago, but shelved everything after frustration due to crashes. I came upon FMS recently, and built the PIC cable for my Futaba "Conquest FM" radio.

I have a "duraplane 20", and I'm wondering what the best model to learn on would be. I've been using the silkywind model as it does not have ailerons like the duraplane.

Any suggestions on which models to use to best simulate the actual "duraplane"? How realistic is FMS? If I get proficient at flying the various models within the simulator, is it possible that I can actually fly a REAL RC plane?

Thanks!

[FreeFlier]

Hi. pck77

I don't think you'll find a model that flys like your Duraplane in the model file that's included with FMS. I watched a flyer at our field fly one recently, and it was unique, to say the least. Since my experience with RC has been electric only, I wouldn't guess at which model would fly like yours, however, there are literally hundreds of model for FMS available, unfortunately they are scattered about and require some effort to find; this effort can actually be fun to some degree.

Try for access to a large number of models for FMS. This site links to most of the models available for FMS, and you may come across one like the Duraplane. Also, check the "links" on the FMS home page for other models.

Neither FMS, nor any other simulator will teach you to fly, nor will it stop crashes, it will however get you to move the sticks in the right way to control the model when coming toward you, and when moving away from you. That learned response has been the most valuable part of the simulator as a learning tool, in my opinion, and has taken me from raw beginner to far better, in a relatively short time.

Hope this will be of some help. Good luck.

Thermals,

Stew

[pck77]

Thanks for the reply! I was beginning to think that no one reads these forums!

I did end up finding something that SEEMS to fly like the Duraplane (from what I remember, not that I ever got much flight time with it). The model is called "YoungThunder" and I got it from:



I've been getting better. The reverse controls thing is starting to set it, and I'm getting really good at landings. I fear that effects of wind and imblanaces in the model may make things really tricky. Hopefully if this weekend is nice, I'll report my findings on the real thing!

Thanks for the news and updates.

PS: What did you mean that the duraplane was interesting in flight? Would you say that its a bad choice as a starter?

[FreeFlier]

No, not a bad choice at all, in fact, a rather good choice according to the owner. He was very happy with the strength and repairability of the Duraplane, since he had numerous crashes while learning to fly. And, although the model looked like it had "lived a hard life", it did fly well.

My impression was that the speed, noise, and obvious power of the IC engine was far and away a major, and startling difference from the electrics I was flying. Although I had built and flown free flight and control line models for fifty years, I had not been close to large IC engine powered models. After seeing this model fly a few times, I would say that it's an excellent choice for a beginner, or for someone whose earlier efforts were less than successful.

Glad you were able to find a simulator model that is close to your Duraplane. The web has lots to offer in terms of models for FMS, and although some are highly detailed and others very basic, the choices make looking and trying more interesting.

Yes, the wind, turbulence, and other unpredictable elements, like "dumb thumbs", make flying a challenge, but the time spent using simulators helps to eliminate some of the fear factor, and the learned responses lessen the need to think about the basics; this then leaves the "surprises" as the only completely unknown to be reckoned with.

Good luck, and of course, thermals.

Stew