Anyone have experience building radio-controlled planes?

[Democracy Died]

I want one, and I want to build one up from scratch. Now, I'm a novice modeler, and I would love to try doing this. My counselor strongly suggested building one from scratch. Most of the kits I've seen are 95% "complete" and I want to try to start one from scratch.

Any veteran modelers are more than welcome to input their say.

Thanks!

-DD

[mhr]

1. Try SIG Models - Lots Of Balsa Built-Up Kits To Choose From

http://www.sigmfg.com/

[tridim]

8. SIG is the best brand IMO

IMO they have the best quality wood and parts, read everything fits together nicely.

Check out the Kadet for a trainer.
http://www.sigmfg.com/cgi-bin/dpsmart.exe/MainMenuFV4.html?E+Sig

[Liberal Veteran]

2. Don't you mean "Unmanned Flying WMD Delivery Drones"?

:D

[tridim]

3. Yes

Building them and crashing them.

Once I decided to take my time building one so it would be "perfect" and thus less likely to crash. I spent about a month building the thing, and it was perfect IMO. The first day I flew it, the radio died (still don't know why) while I was in a full throttle dive. When it hit the ground the prop drilled the engine about 6 inches into the earth and the rest of the plane pretty much exploded. I haven't had the will to build another one since.

I do have my eye on one of those unbreakable "Duraplane" PVC/Aluminum models. Maybe some day I'll get one.

Edit: I've also built and crashed two sailplanes. They usually broke on launch (using surgical tubing). A powered sailplane might be a good middle ground.

[Democracy Died]

6. You're in Denver? What's your favorite hobby store to buy plane kits?

I'd like to know. I've been to Hobbytown USA in Westminister, and they have pretty nice selections.

[tridim]

9. I haven't bought one since I've been here

But Hobbytown USA (The big ones at least) are kick-ass hobby shops. I love that place. I usually ordered kits from Tower Hobbies.

[ladjf]

4. I'm not an experienced builder. But, I built a large electric powered

glider for the basic kit. Believe me, there was plenty of work to do but as long as you followed the plans things worked out. I somewhat taught myself to fly it. But, I did wreck it beyond repair. It got out of radio range and dove into a large garbage dumpster.

It was lots of fun and well worth the time and money.

[freethought]

5. Slow down son! Let me make a few suggestions.

I hate to put a damper on things but lets get a little perspective here.
The 'from scratch' kits are not cheap. You need to own, or have access to, the proper tools that are often specialized. This can be an EXPENSIVE hobby. Building these kits takes skill, patience, and cash since one also has to but engines, RC control units and servos. It can be especially upsetting when the plane crashes and YOU are the repairman.

I would reccomend you try a complete all inclusive kits to see if you genuinely like the hobby. It is easy to get excited when you see someone flying a mini copy of a WWII warbird but bear in mind alot effort and cash went into it.

Just start small and if you like it you can graduate up later.

[Democracy Died]

7. Ok. So for a starter, what kit would you recommend

Nothing too expensive, but I'd like to try gas-powered engine.

Something around the $100-$200 range.

[tridim]

10. I disagree on the ARF solution

I've certainly had some bad luck with my planes, but any trainer with a .40 engine should be fine for a beginner. Not to mention, ARF's are much more expensive that build-your-own's. You can also get by with just a monokote iron, a good exact-o knife and some epoxy and CA. That's about $40 total for tools. Not too bad.

[Democracy Died]

13. You're local to me!

Maybe you can help! :D

[Xithras]

11. Keep it simple

Start off with something simple, like a high wing flying box with an open tail. Something that you can glue back together onsite, if needed, and that can be built on a small budget. Why? Because you WILL crash it...probably a dozen or more times. You'll break your wings, your tail, props...you name it, it'll snap off when you nose it into the dirt. It takes a lot of practice to get reasonably good at flying R/C, and you don't want to start off with sinking six months into a showy plane only to watch it disintegrate after five minutes of flying.

Building the plane itself is actually relatively simple, though it is a bit time consuming and requires both dedication and patience. You just need to get some plans (some free ones can be found here: http://www.karcs.co.uk/plans.php). You'll also want a good book that goes over the basics of building your plane (placing servos and radio gear to achieve optimum balance, etc). As for tools, I've built planes with nothing other than a craft knife, a phillips screwdriver, a bottle of glue, and a heat gun. There are a lot of specialized tools and rigs that can make your life easier and slash plane construction time, but I don't recommend them. Get to know what you're doing BEFORE you start looking at the shortcuts...that way you won't find yourself stuck if you break, lose, or simply can't afford some tool.

[Xithras]

12. I almost forgot...Ebay is the beginners friend

Your radio gear and engines tend to be the most expensive parts of the plane, and I highly recommend going with used parts until you're 100% sure that you want to stick with the sport. I personally have well over a grand invested into several radios, a whole box of servos, and various other equipment, but you don't NEED to spend that kind of money to get started in RC. I recently got a friend started using an old 4-channel Futaba radio that he picked up on Ebay, along with a half dozen servos, for just over $50. There's a nice looking digital 6 channel JR with 4 servos up for bid right now for about $75.

You could easily spend hundreds of dollars on this kind of equipment to get started (and you probably will if the sport hooks you), but beginning with inexpensive second hand equipment will save you a big chunk of change.

[Democracy Died]

14. Kick for the evening crew.

More feedback would be great!