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RC Model Aircraft
In this section you will find ready to fly model planes for beginners, Electric and Engine Powered Trainers, Sport and Scale model planes as well as Jets, and Gliders
Open the box and fly electric helicopters for the beginner to advanced kit built engine powered models EVEN a Radio Controlled UFO
Welcome to The RC Hobby Radio Controlled Model shop Web site, RCHobby is one of the UK's most Respected Model Companies. Our Products. are all of the Highest quality and backed up with Friendly Help, Spares , Support and Advice Please ask questions
AC/DC — Describes the power source required for battery chargers and other electrical equipment. "AC" means alternating current, such as a household power outlet. Items requiring "DC," or direct current, should be powered from a 12V field battery (or auto battery).
Adjustable Travel Volume (ATV): Radios with ATV allow you to set how far a servo arm can move from its neutral position to either side. Such settings help tailor steering response and other controls to your driving style.
ARTR — Some cars and trucks are almost totally assembled at the factory. Those are indicated by the abbreviations ARTR (Almost Ready-To-Run) or RTR (Ready-To-Run, usually identical to ARRs but also including a radio system). ARR/RTR models cost a little more but spare you the time and effort of assembly. Keep in mind, however, that building a model from a kit gives you greater knowledge about how it works which makes repairs, adjustments and modifications much easier.
Ball Bearings — Most entry-level cars include bushings to reduce friction and wear at points where two surfaces move against one another. Ball bearings are even more effective friction-fighters, extending the life of the parts and increasing the vehicle's overall performance. They're often a modeler's first choice of upgrades.
Battery Eliminator Circuitry (BEC) — A circuit that lets you power your electric vehicle's receiver from the motor battery, eliminating the need for a separate receiver battery.
Blue-Anodized — Anodizing is a process that coats a metallic surface with a protective oxide. To add to a car's high-tech looks, some manufacturers offer engines with cooling heads anodized in various colors, such as blue.
Camber — Refers to the in-out inclination of the wheels as viewed from the front or rear. This is typically adjusted by changing the length of the upper suspension arm (or rod or link).
Charger — Device used to recharge batteries.
Chassis — The framework on which the components of an R/C car or truck are mounted. Chassis can be made of sturdy composites such as Kelron™, or when such factors as low weight and heat-resistance are important aluminum or graphite. The term chassis is also sometimes used to refer to an entire vehicle, excluding body, wheels and tires.
Clunk — A weighted fuel pick-up used in a fuel tank to assure that the intake line is always in fuel.
Clutch — Engages and disengages a shaft and a driving mechanism. The number of shoes in a clutch influences the car's ability to accelerate. Since 3- and 4-shoe clutches grip better than 2-shoe styles, they provide quicker, stronger acceleration.
Differential — An arrangement of gears that permits two shafts to turn at different speeds. On the rear axle of an R/C vehicle, the differential allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds for better performance on curves.
Disc Brakes — A disc brake is comprised of a metal or fiber disc that rotates (with the wheels, axles or a shaft on the transmission) between two opposed plates. When braking action is required, the opposed plates grab or squeeze the disc, causing the vehicle to slow or stop.
Dogbones — Shafts that connect the transmission to the wheels, also sometimes referred to as "halfshafts." They look a bit like a dog bone, hence the name.
Downforce — As air rushes over a moving car, it can also be manipulated by the shape of the body and wing to push downward—helping to hold the model tight to the track.
Electric Models — Electric vehicles are quiet, easy to build, speedy and yet comfortable for a beginning R/Cer to drive. They're powered with a rechargeable NiCd battery that can be charged in as little as 15-20 minutes, and offers about 6-8 minutes of run time when used with a stock motor. With a couple of batteries and a 15 minute charger, an electric car or truck is ready for hours of use.
Electric Starter — A hand-held electric motor used for starting a model engine, and usually powered by a 12-volt battery. Electric starters are generally designed for airplane engines, and require an adapter to work with car and truck engines.
Electronic Speed Control (ESC) — Electronic speed controls replace the mechanical speed control and servo usually found in "entry-level" electric R/C cars and trucks. Such an upgrade increases power efficiency and precision, and also reduces the model's weight for better, faster performance.
Engine — In the R/C car hobby, the term "engine" usually refers only to the small, internal combustion power plants used in "gas" or "nitro" models. The power plants in electric vehicles are called "motors."
Field Bag — A special box or reinforced bag used to hold and transport equipment used at the track.
Field Charger — A fast battery charger designed to be used right at the race track, powered by a portable 12-volt power source such as an auto battery.
Gas Models — Gas vehicles are powered by a small internal combustion engine burning glow fuel (not gasoline!). Many modelers enjoy the realistic sound and smell that goes along with gas-powered racing. Some gas models can reach speeds over 50 mph! The wider availability of pull-start engines and the new wave of 1/10 scale gas vehicles has made it much more affordable for the beginner to enjoy this type of racing.
Lexan® — Strong, clear plastic material used to form R/C car and truck bodies.
Manifold — An exhaust header pipe that connects a tuned pipe to the engine exhaust port.
Monster Truck — Monster trucks are gigantic! They are the king of the hill in any group of R/C vehicles. Designed for torque instead of speed, these car crushers can move up hills, down slopes and over unsuspecting cars by virtue of sheer, brute power. The gas powered monster trucks are nearly unstoppable.
Motor — In the R/C car hobby, the term "motor" usually refers only to the power plants used in electric vehicles.
Mounting Posts — Small knobs at the front and rear of an R/C vehicle's chassis. The model's body fits over the posts. Each post has a small hole for an e-clip, which prevents the body from popping off during a race.
NiCd —Nickel Cadmium battery. These rechargeable batteries are typically used as power for radio transmitters and receivers.
Nitro —Nitromethane, a fuel additive which increases a model engine's ability to idle low and improves high-speed performance. Ideal nitro content varies from engine to engine. Refer to the engine manufacturer's instructions for best results. Nitro content in fuel is indicated by the percent of the fuel.
Ni-Starter —A self-contained battery and glow plug clip, used when starting the engine. (See Glow Plug Clip.)
NORRCA —National Organization for Racing Radio Controlled Autos.
Off-Road Buggy —Off-road buggies are the most popular R/C land vehicles. Available in gas or electric, these cars feature full-travel suspensions and high ground clearance. Their knobby rubber tires give them the ability to tackle any dirt terrain. On a dirt track or at the park, they're great fun.
Oil-Filled Shocks —Shocks at the wheels of R/C vehicles keep handling smooth by absorbing the force of bumps and jolts. Oil shocks are filled with fluid and absorb bumps more effectively than shocks using only springs.
On-Road Car —On-road cars don't have the beefy suspensions that off-road cars do, but they are impressive in their authentic looks and all-out speed. Built for racing on smooth, paved surfaces, they are available in gas or electric, 1/10, 1/12 and 1/8 scale. It's easy to get involved. On-road cars are burning up the tracks of organized parking lot racing courses everywhere.
Peak Charger —A peak charger automatically shuts off when your battery is fully charged. This means longer run times for your vehicle. Peak chargers are nearly foolproof—if you forget to turn it off, the charger does it for you to prevent overcharging.
Polycarbonate —Plastic material used to form the bodies of some R/C cars and trucks.
Power Panel —12-volt distribution panel that provides correct voltage for accessories like glow plug clips, fuel pumps and electric starters. Usually mounted on a field box and connected to a 12-volt battery.
QRC —Stands for "Quick Reverse Clutch," a component found on such gas-powered Kyosho vehicles as the Snake Bite monster truck and Baja Beetle off-roader. The QRC enables drivers to shift these vehicles into forward and reverse using an ordinary 2-channel radio system.
Receiver (Rx) —The radio component that is mounted in the vehicle and receives the signals you send from your transmitter. It then relays those commands to the servos. This is somewhat similar to the radio you may have in your family automobile, except the radio in the model perceives commands from the transmitter, while the radio in your full-size auto perceives music from the radio station.
ROAR —Radio Operated Auto Racing. A national body to standardize and sanction R/C car and truck racing.
RTR —Some cars and trucks are available virtually prebuilt and will be indicated by the terms ARR (Almost-Ready-To-Run) or RTR (Ready-To-Run). The ARR/RTR vehicles cost a little more, but if you're just not interested in building your car, this is an option for you. Most vehicles, however, come in kit form and require you to do the building. This may require a few evenings, but the familiarity you gain from assembly will make repairs, adjustments and modifications easier down the road.
Servo —The electromechanical device which moves the control surfaces or throttle of the airplane according to commands from the receiver. Servos are the radio components doing the physical work inside the airplane.
Servo Reversing —This radio feature allows you to install the servos where they can give the best pushrod routing without concern about the direction of servo rotation. When your installation is complete, turn on your radio and check each channel. If a channel operates opposite of its intended direction, a simple flick of a switch corrects the problem.
Shock Towers —The vertical plate that the top of the shock absorber attaches to on the chassis.
Stadium Truck —Designed for backyard fun or all out racing, R/C stadium trucks are the masters of "bump and jump" excitement. Like full-size stadium trucks, they're built to take punishment. They have heavy-duty suspensions, oversized shocks and large tires which enable them to survive the roughest terrain. Yet, when tuned correctly, they also display speed and agility equal to off-road buggies.
Starter Box —Starter boxes are an alternative to starting your gas engine using an electric starter and adapter. The boxes include a motor and starter wheel. For power, they use either a 12V field battery or internal NiCd packs. Starter boxes are designed so that you can easily align your car's flywheel to the starter wheel—making starting a simple, "one-man" job.
Suspension/Suspension Arms —Suspension is an all-encompassing term that refers to all of the parts that "suspend" the car on the driving surface. This would include suspension arms, shocks, tie rods, etc. Suspension arms specifically refers to the arms, rods or links that attach the wheels to the chassis.
Throttle —Manipulating the throttle (controlled by the trigger on your pistol-grip radio transmitter) changes the voltage going to your car's motor or the fuel/air mix going to its engine. The result is an increase or decrease in acceleration.
Tie Rods —The rods that attach the steering servo to the front wheels, providing steering control. They "tie" the front wheels together and to the servo, hence the name.
Toe-In —The relationship of the front or rear tires to each other left-to-right when viewed from the top of the car, measured in degrees or inches. Toe-in means they point slightly inward or towards each other; toe-out means they are pointing out slightly. O-degree toe would mean the wheels are parallel.
Transmission —The system of gears that link a car's engine to its driving axle.
Transmitter (Tx) —The handheld radio controller. This is the unit that you use to send commands out to your model.
Turnbuckle —An adjustable link used as a tie rod or upper suspension link. Turnbuckles have right-hand threads on one end and left-hand threads on the other, allowing them to be adjusted without removing the link from the attaching points.
2-Wheel Drive vs. 4-Wheel Drive R/C cars, like full-scale cars, use two main drive types. In two-wheel drive (2WD), power is supplied to the two rear wheels. In four-wheel drive (4WD), motor or engine power goes to all four wheels. The 2WD vehicles are less expensive and require less overall assembly and maintenance than 4WD vehicles. The tradeoff is that 4WD vehicles offer better steering through turns3D
Term describing a type of flight pattern, which is characterised by the performance of very specialised aerobatic manoeuvres below the model's normal stall speed. Examples include torque rolls, 'walk in the park', harriers, hangers, etc.
3F
Slang abbreviation for flip flop flying. Similar to 3D, but without the finesse.
360, 540, etc.…
Number describing degrees in an arc. A 360 represents one full turn through an axis. A 360 turn, for example, is a flat turn where the aircraft does not roll its wings but rather just 'slides' through 360 degrees turning on rudder only.
ABC
Aluminum-Brass-Chrome. The components used in the production of non-ringed engines. These engines use an aluminium piston, and a chrome or nickel plated brass sleeve. The engine is harder to turn over and start due to the tight fit between the piston and cylinder. This tight fit is what makes the engine more efficient, and powerful. ABC engines must be run in for best performance.
ABL
Advanced Bimetallic Liner. Specialised form of ABN. Instead of a single-step, single-material plating, the ABL Plating process is based on a layered approach made possible by two OS-developed hard-nickel alloys. The first alloy is used as the bottom (bonding) layer, to fuse the top layer to the brass liner. The second alloy, developed for superior hardness, forms the top layer. Together, they create a barrier that protects the liner against excessive heat and wear.
ABN
Aluminum-Brass-Nickel. The components used in the production of non-ringed engines. These engines use an aluminium piston, and a nickel plated brass sleeve. The engine is harder to turn over and start due to the tight fit between the piston and cylinder. This tight fit is what makes the engine more efficient, and powerful. ABN engines must be run in for best performance.
ARF
Almost Ready to Fly. A prefabricated model.
ATV
Adjustable Travel Volume. Used on many radio transmitters to limit, or extend, maximum throw of a servo. ATV can indicate having a single adjustment which affects both ends of the servo (known as AST) or one adjustment for each end of the servo throw (known as EPA).
Aerobatics
The act of performing 'acrobatic' or stunt manoeuvres in the air such as loops, rolls, etc. For extensive information on aerobatics, consider purchasing A Look at Aerobatics (GPMZ0220), written by two-time U.S. National IMAC Aerobatic Freestyle Champion, Mike Cross.
Aft
Towards the rear. Used such as: "...with an aft centre of gravity....".
After Run Oil
A lubricant designed to displace unburned fuel in the engine after running. The fuel can accelerate corrosion on some engine parts. By using an after run oil, the fuel is displaced, and a protective coating lines sensitive engine parts. This is an inexpensive engine insurance, and promotes long engine life. There are several good after run oils on the market.
Ailerons
Control surfaces usually on the wing, often near the tips. Used to bank the aircraft. They work in opposite directions (when one goes up, the other goes down.) One aileron raising forces air to push that side of the wing down, causing the model to roll in that direction. So, to roll right the right aileron raises. They control the airplane around the roll axis.
Airfoil
The shape of the wing when looking at its profile. Usually a raindrop type shape.
Amphibian
An aircraft that can fly off of water or land. The wheels retract into the hull or floats, depending upon the type of aircraft. An amphibian can land on water and then extend the landing gear to allow it to pull up onto the shore. Many seaplane bases had ramps to allow the airplanes to pull up onto dry land parking areas.
Angle of attack
The angle that the wing penetrates the air. As the angle of attack increases so does lift, up to a point (and drag).
Area
The number of square inches (or feet) of the wing. It's the wingspan multiplied by the wing's chord. The area of a tapered wing is the wingspan multiplied by the average chord.
Aspect Ratio
The wingspan divided by the chord. Aspect ratio is important where a wing's efficiency is concerned. A short aspect ratio (short wings) is better for manoeuvring, since it allows a high roll rate. Short wings are also stronger than long wings. Gliders use high-aspect ratio wings (long, skinny wings) because they are more efficient for soaring flight. Example: 10 ft. wingspan with a 1 ft. chord has an aspect ratio of 10.
Axis
The line around which a body rotates.
Ball Link
Connection using a ball, and a link which rotates on the ball. Used to connect the servo to a control surface or lever.
Backlash
Term describing the amount of play between gears, or gear mesh. If too loose, the gear can slip, or strip the teeth. Too tight, and excessive wear is caused.
Barn Door Ailerons
Larger, built up ailerons rather than an aileron from a simple strip of solid wood like some kits have.
Base Load Antenna
A rigid, short antenna mounted to the model. Used to replace the longer receiver antenna.
Binding
What occurs when the friction at a joint is stronger than the linkage.
Blade Balancer
Usually called a 'prop balancer' for aircraft. Used to ensure that the propeller and spinner are equally balanced side-to-side to avoid vibration problems.
Boring holes in the sky
Having fun flying an R/C airplane, without any predetermined flight pattern.
"Buddy" or Trainer Box
Two similar transmitters that are wired together with a "trainer chord." This is most useful when learning to fly -- it's the same as having dual controls. The instructor can take control by using the "trainer switch" on his transmitter.
CA
Abbreviation for cyanoacrylate. An instant type glue that is available in various viscosity’s (Thin, Medium, Thick, and Gel). These glues are ideal for the assembly of wood airplanes and other materials. NOTE: Most CA glues will attack foam.
CG
Centre of Gravity. For modelling purposes, this is usually considered -- the point at which the airplane balances fore to aft. This point is critical in regards to how the airplane reacts in the air. A tail-heavy plane will be very snappy but generally very unstable and susceptible to more frequent stalls. If the airplane is nose heavy, it will tend to track better and be less sensitive to control inputs, but, will generally drop its nose when the throttle is reduced to idle. This makes the plane more difficult to land since it takes more effort to hold the nose up. A nose heavy airplane will have to come in faster to land safely.
Camber
If you draw a line through the centre of the airfoil that's exactly halfway between the top and bottom surface, you get the mean airfoil line. Depending upon the airfoil, it can be straight or curved. This curve is called the "camber" of the airfoil. If it has a lot of curve, the airfoil is said to be "highly cambered"".
Canard
The horizontal surface forward of the wing used to control pitch. It's found on very few aircraft. Also the word used to describe aircraft that have a main wing and a horizontal control surface in the nose...also called, "tail first" aircraft.
Carburettor
The part of the engine which controls the speed or throttle setting and lean/rich mixture via setting of the needle valve.
Centre of Pressure
An imaginary point on the chord of an airfoil where the total of all aerodynamic forces are assumed to act.
Centrifugal Force
The force created by a body's tendency to to follow a straight path working against a force which causes it to move in a curve, the resultant force which pulls away from a central axis of rotation.
Chandelle
A very steep climbing turn where the airplane makes a 180° change of direction.
Channel
The frequency number used by the transmitter to send signals to the receiver. If radios transmit on the same frequency, or channel, glitching will occur in the active receiver on that channel. This is due to conflicting signals sent by the two radios. Flying sites should have a frequency control system to ensure that only one radio operates on any given channel at one time. This is usually a board with some type of marker for each channel. If the marker is not available, someone else is using that channel. Do not use your radio unless you are sure you are the only one on the frequency.
Channel
The number of functions your radio can control. Ex: an 8 channel radio has 8 available servo slots used for separate control surfaces or switches. These channels can also be mixed on many radios, for such functions as collective, which increases pitch when throttle is increased.
Charge Jack
The plug receptacle of the switch harness into which the charger is plugged to charge the airborne battery. An expanded scale voltmeter (ESV) can also be plugged into it to check battery voltage between flights. It is advisable to mount the charge jack in an accessible area of the fuselage so an ESV can be used without removing the wing.
Charger
Device used to recharge batteries and usually supplied with the radio if NiCad batteries are included.
Chicken Stick
A hand-held stick used to flip start a model airplane engine.
Chord
The "depth" of the wing, its distance from leading edge to trailing edge. One of the components used to determine wing area. May vary from root to tip.
Clunk
Term used to describe the weighted end of the fuel pickup line in the fuel tank. The purpose of this is to ensure that the fuel pickup is always in the fuel supply, even when inverted
Clutch
The section of the drive train used to engage the gear when throttle is increased, and disengage while engine is at idle. This ensures that the rotor blades can remain at rest while the engine is idling.
Control Surface
Any one of the various moveable portions of the wings, tail surfaces, or canard.
Conventional Gear
The landing gear arrangement where the airplane has a main gear and a tail wheel.
Cowl
The large moulded fairing around an engine. It serves two purposes when done right: It helps the airflow go smoothly around the front of the airplane, and also provides a proper path for cooling air around the engine.
Dead Stick
A term used to describe unpowered flight (glide) when the engine quits running.
Dialled In
Slang term for the condition in which the model is set up to fly smoothly and predictably. This is the state where the mechanics and electronics work together to produce the best performance.
Dihedral
The V-shaped bend in the wing. Typically, more dihedral causes more aerodynamic stability in an airplane, and causes the rudder to control both the roll and yaw axis. This is why some trainers and sailplanes require only 3 channels of radio control i.e., having no ailerons.
Ding
Minor dent or damage to the structure. Also, a nick in a prop. Dinged props must be replaced.
Dorsal Fin
An extension of the vertical fin forward of the main part of the fin, and against the fuselage. On the top, or "dorsal" side of the aircraft.
Down thrust
Downward angle of the engine relative to the centreline of the airplane. Down thrust helps overcome the normal climbing tendency caused by the torque of the engine. Please refer to this FAQ for further information.Every single part for our ready to fly kits is available we maintain a stock of the most common parts which will be delivered to you within 14 days. We have sold many thousands of radio controlled aircraft and we have flown repeatedly (and crashed) the Radio controlled trainer you purchase from us
Stability
Some trainers are easier to fly than others. Talk to people who have different kinds of models and find out how stable their models are. A good indicator of how stable and, thus, how easy a model will be to fly is how much wing dihedral it has and how long the tail moment is. If the model has a fair amount of dihedral angle (5 or more degrees) and the tail is fairly long, it will fly more stably and smoothly, and this will make it easier to learn how to control it.
The models we recommend for your first flights are stable, slow and safe flyers. We have selected models from around the world and from a vast range of manufactures, before we sell a model we test it, we fly it, we crash it. Our staff are all experienced Radio controlled modellers (even the girls!!) because we train them to fly on the models you buy. How else could a Customer service advisor help you?
Control set-up
Before you buy a model, check its control set-up. Some trainers have controls that offer only a little control-surface deflection. Others have a more standard primary-control set-up that gives you complete rudder, throttle and elevator control. More advanced designs also have aileron control. For your first couple of models, however, rudimentary or primary control is all you'll need.
Our starter models use thrust steering, simply they have two motors and propellors pushing the control stick to the left turns on the right hand motor and steers the nose of the aircraft to the left. Pulling back on the stick initiates both motors witch makes the aircraft climb and pushing forward on the stick shuts off the motors and the model decends. This method makes the model very stable and easy to fly as the control method minimises banking
Our 2nd step models which are still suitable for beginners use movement on the flying surface. They have a single motor which is turned on and the model climbs when the stick is pulled back right and left turns are controlled by the small tabs on the rear wing of the model as you push the stick to the right the left hand tab will raise and the plane will bank to the right Still easy to control but this method allows more bank and thus more risk of loosing control early in the learning curxe
Our step 3 ready to fly models use the more traditional method of control where as the motor rudder and elevator is moved by stick inputs. These models have the radio control equipment pre installed and it can be removed and reused in other models
Accessory equipment
Finally, check to see whether the model you like comes with all the equipment you'll need to fly it. Your kit should include all the materials needed to completely assemble the model: a motor, a propeller, an ESC, a battery pack and a battery charger. Some of the more complete kits also come with a radio system that includes the transmitter, a receiver, servos and a switch harness that will turn the radio on and off. Starting out with all the equipment you'll need to assemble your model plane is the best way to get airborne.
All our ready to fly kits come with everything you need except batteries for the transmitter (usually 8 AA) You will need a selection of tools for assembly (Screwdrivers Knife etc.) although most of our first step kits come with tools included
Radio Control Cars
Here we have Ready to Go Engine Powered Cars, Buggy’s and Monster Trucks, Kits to build and a good range of battery powered toy cars
A amazing range of ready to run Kit petrol and Even a huge model battleship
A great range of ready to sail and Kit built yachts as well as some amazing scale historic sailing ships
RC Hobby Radio Controlled Models
RC Beginner AeroplanesRadio Controlled RC Plane Suitable for the total beginner Massive range with lost of advice and help
Special Radio Controlled Boats Hand Built woodCheck Out our Range of amazing RTR Battleships, Merchant Ships and Sailing Ships Here
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