General RC questions from a beginner

[modelman]

Hi Doug-the good news is that you have come to the right place for good info. The bad news is that you may not be ready for something like what you have chosen. You may need to do a lot of research and find out all you can about RC modeling before you dive into a build. I don't mean to be negative and everyone has to start somewhere but it sounds like you need to learn a lot about radios, batteries, servos, hydraulics and tons of stuff. The model you have chosen seems like a great build but will be VERY TECHNICAL and VERY EXPENSIVE!! The boom is operated by hydraulics and that alone could cost you $1000. Suppose you buy a 4-5-or-6-channel radio with servos. All you have to do is plug it all into the receiver and it all works by moving the controls on the transmitter. This part is simple but there is a lot more involved in making a model work. Pehaps you should start out with a simple build like a RC car or truck and learn how everything works. People on here will be glad to help and there are a lot of very good builders on this forum but you have to have a basic working knowledge of what you are doing. Hope this helps. Good Luck