In addition to your model aircraft, engine, and radio, there is field support equipment that you will require to operate your model once you get to the flying field. In this article, we will first show you the bare minimum you will require to get your model flying as well as our recommendations for completely outfitting your field box, and optional items to further enhance your enjoyment of the hobby.
As we take you through the items, we will link you to pages with more information on the products we recommend.
The Basics
The following diagram shows you the basic items you will want to take to the field with you to get your engine started and to do any on site maintenance, like tightening the prop or chaning a glowplug.
| Qty. | Part No. | Description | The table at the left shows our recommendations for the basic starting equipment required. Basically, you need fuel, a method of getting fuel from the fuel jug to the aircraft tank, a current source to heat the glowplug, a stick to flip the prop and protect your fingers, and a wrench to change your prop or glowplug. |
| 1 | DUB162 | Final Filter | |
| 1 | DUB192 | Fuel Can Cap Fittings | |
| 1 | DUB666 | Kwik Start Glow Plug Igniter | |
| 1 | HANPUMPH | Hand Crank Fuel Pump | |
| 1 | HOBRECOIL | Recoil Fuel Tubing | |
| 1 | HOBSTICK | Safety Starting Stick | |
| 2 | PRA7090 | Silicone Tubing – Large (1ft) | |
| 1 | TTT102 | 4-way Wrench | |
| 1 | XPF1070 | Sport 10% Fuel |
Prices and more information for each of these products can be found by clicking the linked part number. Or a complete list of field accessories will be generated here: Field Accessories.
Field Box Essentials
Most modelers will eventually go for a complete field box which will ensure you the most convenience in operating your model at the field. The following diagram will give you a good idea about the essential items needed to outfit a field box.
| Qty. | Part No. | Description | The table at the left shows our recommendations for the essential equipment to complete a field box |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | DUB162 | Final Filter | |
| 1 | DUB192 | Fuel Can Cap Fittings | |
| 1 | HAN12V7A | Sealed 12V 7AH Battery | |
| 1 | HANCHG12V | Charger 12V 500maH | |
| 1 | HANLOCSOC | Locking Socket Clip | |
| 1 | HANPANEL | Deluxe Power Panel | |
| 1 | HANPUMPE | Electric Fuel Pump | |
| 1 | HOBRECOIL | Recoil Fuel Tubing | |
| 1 | HANSTARTER | Electric Super Starter | |
| 2 | PRA7090 | Silicone Tubing – Large (1ft) | |
| 1 | TTT102 | 4-way Wrench | |
| 1 | XPF1070 | Sport 10% Fuel | |
| 1 | HAN130 | Flight Pack Field Box | |
| 1 | HOBTOTEA | UltraTote Built Field Box | |
| 1 | SIGBX001 | Flight Box |
Optional Items
Along with the essentials listed above, there are many items which come in very handy for working on your model, making small repairs, etc. There are even some that may save your model from a crash. The following are a selection of items that we recommend as ideal additions to your flight box.
Expanded Scale Voltmeter
An expanded Scale Voltmeter can tell you the condition of your batteries and may save an airplane.
Digital Tachometer
A tachometer is a great tool for helping you set your engine needle valve settings. It will help you get the most power from your engine and prevent a lean run.
After Run Engine Oil
After Run Engine Oil is your best insurance from internal engine rust due to fuel ingredients and moisture.
Prop Reamer
Fox Prop Reamers can enlarge the center hole in your propellers perfectly. Works much better than a drill.
Digital Voltmeter Tachometer
This Hangar 9 Digital Voltmeter Tachometer not only works well as an Expanded Scale Voltmeter to keep check on your batteries, it also can be used as a digital tachometer for checking the speed of your engine.
Quick Field Charger
This Hobbico Quick Field Charger lets you recharge your radio’s NiCds right at the field from any 12V source.
Prop Balancer
Now you can ensure any prop you have to replace in the field is properly balanced.
Safety Starting Stick
A Safety Starting Stick (Chicken Stick) helps you start your engine safely without hurting your fingers with the prop!