[rbwater]

Hi,

Stevens Aeromodels out of Colorado does some nice kits (http://www.stevensaero.com). I built the Edge 540 (50"). It was very light - needed only a 15e motor to perform excellently. It took only a few evenings to build the structure it was so well designed and laser cut. It took me way longer to cover it! The only downside is that they are a bit pricey once shipped up here.

Cheers,

RB

[philipa_240sx]

Originally Posted by rbwater

The only downside is that they are a bit pricey once shipped up here.

StevensAero products are now carried by Great Hobbies here in Canada so you can save the shipping costs:

www.greathobbies.com

Agreed, they are well designed models. They have similar interlocking construction as some of the Herr and Mountain Models kits. Makes it easy to build straight and true planes.

I've built an SA Skybuggy 100. Nice micro model that uses Parkzone gear. They have quite a selection of these micro planes.

[rbwater]

Thanks for the info. Great to know that Great Hobbies has them.

RB

[J_Budd]

Thanks ALL for the input so far!

Some great photos of some beautiful finished products too!

I went to a """hobby""" store the other day and asked what kind of balsa kits they carry... Either he was inexperienced with the hobby or perhaps just reluctant to help... But the fellow said "nobody really builds kits anymore.. They just want to buy and fly..." --not much help to a guy like me wanting to get into the hobby of building and flying a model. (this is what this hobby was all about at one time, I think??)

This forum has been a fantastic help to me in getting re-started in a hobby I left years ago at the Line-Control level. It's great to be back, soon to be building, flying, crashing, and rebuilding again! LOL

Any other input is much appreciated! I am a sponge, soaking gallons and gallons of information everyday from fellow RC Hobby Enthusiasts!

Thanks again!

[philipa_240sx]

Originally Posted by J_Budd

this is what this hobby was all about at one time, I think??

Agreed, there is something to be said about building a plane from a bunch of wood and seeing it fly.

I started with foam ARF's and some scratchbuilt foam models and shunned balsa models for years thinking I would just crash and turn it into a pile of sticks. But once I built my first one (the Herr Mini-Sport), I was hooked for life!

Originally Posted by J_Budd

Some great photos of some beautiful finished products too!

Here are some more for you... for inspiration!

Left: Herr Mini-Sport with ailerons

Right: Reproduction of a 1955 Berkeley DHC-2 Beaver kit (48" WS)

[fdr]

In my opinion, both Stevens Aero and Mountain Models market excellent laser cut kits for electric flight. The 50" Edge and 55" Cap by Stevens are some of the best models I have ever built and flown. You won't be disappointed.

[CF105]

Originally Posted by fdr

In my opinion, both Stevens Aero and Mountain Models market excellent laser cut kits for electric flight. The 50" Edge and 55" Cap by Stevens are some of the best models I have ever built and flown. You won't be disappointed.

I've built a couple of their micro planes (Hummingbird & Swift 100). Love 'em! Only prior balsa experience was a Guillow's P-51 (500 series I think), and about 30 years ago I built a Guillow's Corsair. The difference is night & day! I've since picked up a couple more Steven's micro kits (for winter indoor flying)... also seriously looking at some of their bigger ones (Daddy-O looks cool!).

[philipa_240sx]

Just checked, Great Hobbies prices are the same as the StevensAero website. It would save a ton on shipping compared to ordering from SA directly.

Originally Posted by CF105

... also seriously looking at some of their bigger ones (Daddy-O looks cool!).

The Daddy-O is a nice plane. Reminds me of the Shoestring.

[Madman]

Am finishing up a Balsa USA 40 size Eindekker for electric. Not impressed with the fit of the die cut parts. Don't know about other kits by them as this is the only one I have built.

Stephen

[GrahamRees]

I have built a Sig Rascal - great kit. Then I built a Top Flite Spitfire. Great kit. Then I built a Carl Goldberg Ultimate. Great kit. I bought a Great Planes ARF - total crap and no customer support. My 2 cents worth.