I always thought it would be cool to own an R/C helicopter, and now I have the chance to buy one. There are tons of them on Ebay, and I have some questions about it should anyone here happen to have this hobby.
First of all, I like building models and I like working on machines, but I have no desire to build my own to start out (the margin of error is too high with complicated parts and I don’t want to waste money.) I want to begin on one which is pre-built and doesn’t require building from scratch. (Minor assembly and maintenance, obviously, I don’t care about.)
I want one that’s relatively easy to fly.
I don’t want to spend more than 300 dollars.
Any advice?
I’m not an expert but how does $50 sound for a starter heli?
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You will need flying lessons.
Yes, really - RC helos take skill.
Inquire at local hobby shops selling such items. Among other things, you can buy a flight simulator for your PC that does a good job replicating the experience of flying an RC helo, including using the same sort of control set up as the real thing. This will save you a lot of money by letting you crash virtual helos instead of the real thing.
It would also be a good idea to hook up with other RC helo guys for help and advice.
I would second Broomstick’s advice. A friend of a friend did the RC helicopter thing, and it didn’t turn out well. RC helicopters are expensive, hard to fly, and easy to break.
That’s because 80% (IIRC) of people who buy R/C Helicopters never learn to fly them. I bought a 2nd hand one - it was only after having to rebuild it (R/C helo Vs shrub, shrub wins) I found the previous owner had put it together wrong!- take Broomstick’s advice, get a simulator before spending big bucks
a freeware one - has model helos like the ThreeDee
No shit!