Outfitting your Field Box for Model Aircraft

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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.

Basic Items Required at the Field

Qty. Part No. Description
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

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.

Click the hyperlinked part number for more information on the specific product. Prices for all of these products can be found in our Catalog Listing for Field Accessories, listed by part number.



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.

The Essentials of a good Field Box!

Qty. Part No. Description
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

Plus your choice of one of the following to put it all in:
1 HAN130 Flight Pack Field Box
1 HOBTOTEA UltraTote Built Field Box
1 SIGBX001 Field Boss Flight Box

The table at the left shows our recommendations for the essential equipment to complete a field box

Click the hyperlinked part number for more information on the specific product. Prices for all of these products can be found in our Catalog Listing for Field Accessories, listed by part number.



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. Click on the image or title to learn more.

Hangar 9 Expanded Scale VoltmeterExpanded Scale Voltmeter
An expanded Scale Voltmeter can tell you the condition of your batteries and may save an airplane.

Hangar 9 Digital TachometerDigital 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.

Prather After Run Engine OilAfter Run Engine Oil
After Run Engine Oil is your best insurance from internal engine rust due to fuel ingredients and moisture.

Fox Prop ReamerProp Reamer
Fox Prop Reamers can enlarge the center hole in your propellers perfectly. Works much better than a drill.

Hobbico Digital VoltmeterDigital Voltmeter
This Hobbico Digital Voltmeter not only works well as an Expanded Scale Voltmeter to keep check on your batteries, it also can be used for general voltage measurements up to 19.99 Volts.

Hobbico Quick Field ChargerQuick Field Charger
This Hobbico Quick Field Charger lets you recharge your radio's NiCds right at the field from any 12V source.

Prather Aircraft Prop BalancerProp Balancer
Now you can ensure any prop you have to replace in the field is properly balanced.

Hobbico Saftey Starting StickSafety Starting Stick
A Safety Starting Stick (Chicken Stick) helps you start your engine safely without hurting your fingers with the prop!


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