Looking for plans...

[The Flying Brick]

Hey everyone, I have never built before but think due to the end of season fast approaching, that I would love to give it a shot this winter. I have no clue as to what, how, or how much building involves.

I think I would like to try a cessna or beechcraft style. what are your thoughts on this type. I would really love to try a WWII but not sure I'd be up to flying it.

Anyway does anyone have a set of plans or some advice?
Im in Hamilton Ont.

thanks everyone,
John

[mtnflyer]

Hi John

Are you interested in glow or electric?

My advice to you, for what it's worth, is to start with something simple. Something that your not likely to fail at building, and thus, bolster your confidence.

As a matter of fact, I have two set's of plans for the R/C "Electric Kitten", and only need one set.
This is a very neat, high-wing trainer type, with a 50" span. The plans call for a 400 size electric. These plans also include the drawings to build floats for this airplane, should you prefer floats over wheels. Also, this is a rather simple to build design, great for a first time build.
I should think, the cost of balsa to frame-up this plane would be around +/-$15.00. Then of course, you would need hardware, covering, motor and radio, etc., which can, for the most part, all be had for little or no money if you have the right friends and contacts.

I have a real bad habit in wanting to help young people enter into this great hobby.It will never do, to have restrictive barriers, financial or otherwise, which may prevent newcomer's from enjoying the freedom and education this hobby offer's.

Let us know more on where you would like to start. There are some here, who would be willing to help.

Guy

[The Flying Brick]

I was thinking Glow. What tools are important/manditory for framing? Give or take, how long should framing up a plane take...all things considered.

Thanks so much for your help

[Wayne_K]

If you've never built before I would recommend a kit before a plans-build project. The good thing about a kit is less cutting, less guesswork, and less experience needed for success. Also, with the kits listed below you will receive an instruction booklet that will guide you through the building and setup process as well as provide lots of good building tips.

There are many great kits on the market. Depending on what you like to fly, I would recommend any Sig kit like their Cubs (full wing or clipped wing, any size). I'm building a Sig Smith Miniplane right now, its a great little project. Or you could try a Carl Goldberg Ultimate or Extra. These things stunt well and land like a trainer. Great planes makes some decent kits as well.

Go the the Tower site and follow the kits link to something you like, then click on the manual link. You'll see what I mean.

Here is a good example:

http://manuals.hobbico.com/gpm/gpma0160-manual-v3.pdf

Hope you enjoy your build, whatever you decide, its a wonderful aspect of this hobby.

Wayne

[The Flying Brick]

To be honest, i never thought about building a kit. I figured all kits were ARF. Thanks for the solid advice.

[Mike Emilio]

I totally agree with Wayne!

Start with a wood kit. Just about everything is in the box.

A good rule of thumb is to build from plans when there is either no kit available, or it's going to be totally one of a kind.

Once, you learn how a wood kit is built/assembled, you can then move on to the real exotic stuff that usually can only be built from plans.

[Madman]

Hey Brick

A couple of questions.

Are you flying now? If so what are you flying? For how long?

If you are just getting started you should be looking at a trainer. My recomendation would be a SIG LT25. Reasonable size, flies great, and builds very quck and easy. A great confidence builder.

If you are looking for a second or third plane a great planes BiG Stik or easy sport. I just looked on the great planes web site and the kit Big Stik does not appear. SIG also make a shoulder wing plane or two.

If you have been flying for a while and are comfortable with low or shoulder wing planes there are lots of choices.

Stephen