Training Gear.

[tdswan]

I see a lot of people out there confused about training gear. I have posted my set of training gear for my T-Rex and a pic of a rotopod for my Raptor back when I was learning. I still use the training gear for the T-Rex on occasion if I've changed something in the config. I also loan it out to people I'm teaching around here. It's made of 2 CF rods from the wing spar of an Aerobird extreme (my first fixed wing from a few years back) and glued some cutouts from a fun noodle to each end. I attach it to the skids with 4 rubber bands. It works great.

The pic of the rotopod is a little grainy because it was almost nighttime.

http://webpages.charter.net/tdswan/01-09-05.jpg
http://webpages.charter.net/tdswan/07-16-04.jpg

[kiwipilot]

For a larger sized heli or where you will be using this on grass, wiffle balls (or at least round objects that can roll) are going to be beneficial, as they wont have any sharp edges to get caught up on.

[tdswan]

Yes, the balls on the rotopod swiveled nicely for training. The extra spring was nice for panic landings, too.

As far as the T-rex gear, for just starting, I'd recommend some sort of balls on that as well. Mine are just a failsafe when testing new settings or electronics. Otherwise I don't use them. They slide nice if you're practicing on pavement.