Doug's Hobby Shop closing

[Jeff]

I really dug Doug.

Yep, this really stinks as I have just recently been bitten by the R/C bug and they were the closest shop around. If I have to drvie out of St. Mary's to go to a LHS then I would just as well rather buy offline. I don't like this but when flying these Helicopters you are always in need of parts and such. I am not hopping in the truck and driving 40 miles for a $3 part.

 

[Floyd2004]

Are you pretty SAVY with Building up Aligns? I have never built up a kit as yet, working with all RTFs so far. Would love to be able to buddy up with someone familiar with the Align Builds when I actually start buying and building. If things go as planned I should have several Algins in the air by spring and will have joined the Local Patuxent Aeromodelers Club as well. Really looking forward to it.

I have a couple hundred hours logged on RealFlight G4.5 already and am coming along rather nicely there.

I havent even had the slightest glitch with mine!
I built mine up from the ground. It was fairly easy but the real work comes into getting the head dead level and all the servos working right for that setup. I also have a swash leveling tool for the Align 450 helis. Cost me about 10-15 bucks but its worth its weight in gold to help setup everything right.
Right now mine is down and out because of a little crash. Not too bad. I only need about 40-50 bucks in parts. Its my first crash ever.
I also have logged a TON of hours into Realflight G3.5 Best $200 I spent on the hobby by far.
I could help you out on setup if you would like. Im in the LP area.

 

[Jeff]

I havent even had the slightest glitch with mine!
I built mine up from the ground. It was fairly easy but the real work comes into getting the head dead level and all the servos working right for that setup. I also have a swash leveling tool for the Align 450 helis. Cost me about 10-15 bucks but its worth its weight in gold to help setup everything right.
Right now mine is down and out because of a little crash. Not too bad. I only need about 40-50 bucks in parts. Its my first crash ever.
I also have logged a TON of hours into Realflight G3.5 Best $200 I spent on the hobby by far.
I could help you out on setup if you would like. Im in the LP area.

Glad you have not have any issues. It seems to be a bit more prone in the Belt Driven models as opposed to the TTs. I hope to go all Torgue Tubes here.

I have been communicating with a few folks from the PAX AERO club about instruction and such. Just am not in any big hurry to get started during the winter months.

I think my first build will be the 600. That will give me a nice big bird that I can haul up to the field and get training on without the wind effcting me as much. After that I think the 450 will be next as I think that one will be a bit more suitable for yard flying and will give me plenty of stick time. Then will come the 500 once I can get to a point I can control the 450 well enough. I should be able to at least get plenty of HOVER time and basic flight with the 500 in the Yard. I want the 250 but that is more of a want than a need so not even thinking about that one yet.

Thanks for the setup offer. I might take you up on that. The local club does not seem to be heavily into the Helis so I may have to find someoone else to bounce ideas around with.

Thanks a heap.

 

[Tomcat]

Just a thought, I've never been in the shop in Leonardtown (Train Station I think it's called) but maybe if enough of you R/C'rs would stop by and talk to the owner, he might start stocking some of the stuff you need? That way you could still shop local.

 

[Floyd2004]

Jeff: Yea I love my 450! It took about a day to complete the build and then another day or two to get the radio setup and programed right. The DX7 was very easy to setup also.
I used to be a member with Pax aero but after I lost my plane in a freak accident I stopped going and switched from planks to helis. Ive had two so far and love the 450 the best.
I still need more practice on the field but on the sim I can do 3d very well and fly inverted and all that just fine.

Practice is all it takes!
Check out Runryder.com if you havent already. Im on there as Heli-Floyd.

 

[Jeff]

Jeff: Yea I love my 450! It took about a day to complete the build and then another day or two to get the radio setup and programed right. The DX7 was very easy to setup also.
I used to be a member with Pax aero but after I lost my plane in a freak accident I stopped going and switched from planks to helis. Ive had two so far and love the 450 the best.
I still need more practice on the field but on the sim I can do 3d very well and fly inverted and all that just fine.

Practice is all it takes!
Check out Runryder.com if you havent already. Im on there as Heli-Floyd.

Havn't messed with RunRyder as yet. I am on the freak though.

 

[Floyd2004]

Havn't messed with RunRyder as yet. I am on the freak though.

Im on heli freak also haha. I rarely post on either though.

 

[dorothydot]

This is a real tragedy. DH paints miniature historical figures and wargaming figures - and Doug's was one of his primary paint sources!

Like everyone else, Doug's Hobby Shop closing is absolutely NOT what we want to see! He had models and figures on display there and everything - Doug and his friends were a real resource for us.

Now it's to the Internet or Northern VA - or Annapolis, I guess.

Dot