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Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

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Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Old 04-13-2009, 09:55 AM
  #776  
jedorme
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

I just found this thread - I'm a beginning RC flyer looking to build my first kit airplane. I've assembled and flown 2 RTF's, a Hobby Zone Super Cub, which I can fly on my own, and a Hangar 9 Alpha 60, which I am flying with my club instructor (about 15 dual flights so far, no solo). The Alpha flies fast most of the time, unless I slow it to the point of worrying about stalling. So I would like to get more building experience (I took the Alpha completely apart - removed everything I could and reinforced or reinstalled with more bracing, foam packing, lock tite on screws, etc.) and also end up with more of a basic trainer type of A/C. I've selected the Sig Kadet LT-25 due to its' laser cut parts and slower flying trainer capabilities, so this thread has become invaluable to me. My only fear now is the covering part, because I haven't really done anything like that - just used an iron frequently to remove wrinkles or patch some small holes or tears in the Alpha skin (the original engine, an Evolution 60 wouldn't transition between low and high speed idles without stumbling or stalling, and my instructor had to dead stick it about 10 times, with some minor injuries when unable to get back to our runway, so I replaced it with an OS 60 FX and all is well).

I see where others have been looking to get this thread in a PDF or Word file. What is the status of that and can anybody tell me if it can be downloaded without my having to do it myself on a page by page basis? Any other thoughts or suggestions about the LT-25 would also be appreciated. But I just want to express my profound thanks to RCKen and all others who either created or participated in this amazing thread. What a find for a new guy (actually an old retired guy at this point) like me. I fly in the CA desert in the wintertime, and we travel in an RV during the summer, so I am running out of building time (not much room in a coach for anything other than my Cub I'm afraid). Thanks again to you all for this information and guidance.
Old 05-24-2009, 11:00 AM
  #777  
mmn
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Hi

This build seems to stop at page 31 with the last thing being covering the bottom of the horizontal stab. Does it continue somewhere else with the rest of the fuse or am I missing something?

I'm just getting ready to cover the fuse and the thing I was looking for was whether he made air escape holes in the stab ribs as in the wing ribs?

Regards
Michael
Old 07-13-2009, 12:30 AM
  #778  
Ghia
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

here is the condensed version of this thread.

LT-40 3 view drawing
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3681543

Minnflyer's how to cover posts
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3723145

Wing start
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439708
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439731
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439752
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439771
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439794
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439815
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3439836
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3444607
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3444630
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3455324
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3456803
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3459127
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3459895
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3463503
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3464514
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3464590
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3465654
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3465673
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3468944
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3469588
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471177
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471207
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471216
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471221
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471228
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471234
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3471244
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483823
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483832
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483844
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483854
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483865
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3483877
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3484311
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3484841
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3484961
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3506247
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3507149
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3510647
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3525052
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3525298
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3525442
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3527542
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3527629
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3527877
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3527972
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3528124
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3528913
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3529027
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531186
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531201
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531216
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531226
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531236
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531260
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3531275
Wing finished
Old 07-13-2009, 12:31 AM
  #779  
Ghia
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Fuselage start
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3548104
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3548326
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3548492
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3588193
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3589163
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3591980
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3593438
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3593538
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3593553
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3642571
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3645369
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3645506
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3645759
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3645870
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3646593
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649254
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649261
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649386
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649400
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649411
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649427
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3649443
Fuselage finished
Old 07-13-2009, 12:34 AM
  #780  
Ghia
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Horizontal fin start
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3685534
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3685535
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3685546
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3685547
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3685558
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3739979
Horiz fin end

Vert fin start
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3746215
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3746219
Vert fin finish
Old 07-13-2009, 12:35 AM
  #781  
Ghia
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Finishing touches
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3816720
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3822654
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3825609
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3843487
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3843494
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3848216
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3904936
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3955082
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3955097
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3961263
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3962511
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3962962
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3963228
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3963736
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3965351
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=3965418
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4055580
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4057805
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4088269
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4127306
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4133782
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4142193
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4142204
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4144845
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4144862
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4165259
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4165870
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4165878
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4165881
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4180893
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4180937
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4180947
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4180956
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4188514
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4188522
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4217739
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4217745
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4217758
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4217764
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4218529
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4218588
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4218598
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4397991
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4398208
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4398215
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4398325
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4398329
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4398408
Ready for covering material
Old 07-13-2009, 12:37 AM
  #782  
Ghia
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Covering start
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5396475
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5396487
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5396493
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5398504
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5399213
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5403774
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5405784
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5405820
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5407166
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5407342
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5412603
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5412613
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430435
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430439
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430447
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430450
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430457
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430471
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430474
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5430483
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5471907
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5472085
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5472245
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5506265
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5506270
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5506283
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589227
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589232
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589251
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589261
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589266
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5589276
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599621
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599637
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599642
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599646
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599654
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=5599663
Covering End
Old 07-13-2009, 10:51 PM
  #783  
ro347
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

What program are you guys using to do these mock up covering schemes? Where can I get it?


ORIGINAL: bubbagates

Ok Folks,

RCKen has told me he expects to be at the covering stage for this build sometime over the Thanksgiving weekend if all goes as he expects.

It's time to get in any other covering schemes that you may have. Remeber the prize is either a Hangar 9 Twist or $80.00.

Ken, please let us all know when you are ready for covering. We will go 3 more days beyond that and then SeeBee1 and his daughters will need to make a decision. They are the judges and thier decision will be final.

Currently here are the schemes we have going from left to right. I had to go back through this thread to find them so if I missed yours, speak up.

1.) Submitted by brocja01
2.) Submitted by kerrydel but using butterflies
3.) Submitted by kerrydel but using butterflies
4.) Submitted by kerrydel but using butterflies
5.) Submitted by Minnflyer
6.) Created by Minnflyer for elanasgrumpy
7.) Submitted by tigerdude
8.) Submitted by kerrydel
9.) Submitted by kerrydel
10.) Submitted by kerrydel

Old 07-14-2009, 08:02 AM
  #784  
RCKen
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

I use Photoshop for all my graphics work

Ken
Old 08-05-2009, 09:23 PM
  #785  
dcwhitehead
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Where did you get the grid and what clear covering are you using on your steel building board?
Old 08-05-2009, 09:28 PM
  #786  
RCKen
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

The grid was drawn on with Sharpie markies. I clearcoated it with plain old wax!!!

Ken
Old 08-26-2010, 12:44 PM
  #787  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Hello Ken, I have one of these LT-40 kits sitting on my my front porch, After WAr-Birds over the Rockies I am going to start the build going with this tread, I am looking forward to it. Once i am done with the plane I will be turning it into my first float plane. That said is there anything I should do diffrent to the plane because it will be a float plane? I have the float kit already built. Thank you in advance!






My girlfriend told me if I gave up RC planes I would have more time for other things, WHAT OTHER THINGS?
Old 09-29-2010, 04:05 PM
  #788  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Heven't read all of this thread yet but intent to do so as I go about my build.  I have read the SIG instructions thouroughly and plan to do so again before I start but is it worth reading all the way through this thread also before I begin or should I just read a step or two ahead as I go?  Cheers!

PS - This will be my first build in ten years (and only my second ever)!
Old 09-30-2010, 07:33 AM
  #789  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Did you talk about how you fuel proofed the engine compartment?  I would like to know how you do it and how you get it to be black.  Thanks.
Old 09-30-2010, 08:22 AM
  #790  
RCKen
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

If I remember correctly I do explain how I fuelproofed the engine compartment. It is done by thinning epoxy with heat and brushing it over the area to fuelproof. The black was done by simply painting the area with flat black spray paint before applying the epoxy.

Ken
Old 10-09-2010, 02:50 PM
  #791  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Hi, Ken,

Newbie here (to the forum and the hobby). I've been hunting around for a trainer kit for a short while now and had all but decided on the LT-40. Needless to say, this build thread will likely nail the decision for me. Talk about timing!

I'm planning on installing electric power so I also have been looking around for info on the conversion. I just came across your build thread today and have only begun reading it. I was wondering if there were any discussions along the way about powering the plane with an electric motor?

I corresponded with SIG. They recommend a Maxx Products Combo 40 kit for this application, which includes a 500 watt motor, and suggest providing a few openings in the firewall to cool the battery and ESC, and of course access for charging and changing the batteries. Another builder suggested to lighten the plane by replacing some of the ply doublers with balsa.

I'm wondering if you or anyone else has attempted this build with an electric conversion and whether you/they might have any advice to offer.

Thanks in advance,
Stephen


Old 10-09-2010, 03:20 PM
  #792  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

I'd be real careful about replacing Plywood with balsa. Done incorrectly you can remove the strength (durability) you will need as a beginner when landing harder than you intended.
Old 10-09-2010, 05:39 PM
  #793  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build


ORIGINAL: Stephen up North

Hi, Ken,

Newbie here (to the forum and the hobby). I've been hunting around for a trainer kit for a short while now and had all but decided on the LT-40......I'm planning on installing electric power so I also have been looking around for info on the conversion.
Just my .02, but if you are new to the hobby you might do better to start with an air frame designed for electric if that's the way you want to go. 3D Hobby shop offers a real nice high wing trainer designed for electric. It's a tail dragger, but that only makes it easier than a trike gear config to manuver and fly off unimproved strips. The 3DHS trainer also uses the same electric and servo setup as (I think) their 44" aerobatic and 3D's so if you decided to go that route after you get bored with the trainer, just transfer everything over to the new air frame.

Here's a link to the 3DHS trainers
http://www.3dhobbyshop.com/Trainers_c_259.html
Old 10-10-2010, 11:56 AM
  #794  
Stephen up North
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Ah, lots to think about. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. Much better to sort these things out at the planning stage. My criteria for a trainer is kit form, electric power, ailerons and an easy flyer. My preferance is for a taildragger but I'd be okay with a trike. Will reconsider that before I purchase.

Stephen
Old 10-10-2010, 01:27 PM
  #795  
RCKen
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

With the power options of electric components there is no reason in the world you can't electrify a LT-40. In fact, I think it would be a great combo. The HUGE wing on this trainer will give you ample lift to get the battery in the air. Converting the mount to an electric motor should not present  any problems either. The only downside I can think of will the initial expense of the batteries and a charger. If you want to get a decent amount of flights in on a training session you will need a minimum of 2 battery packs and a good charger that can use 12V DC power so you can recharge at the field. But even this will be a bit limiting as each battery pack is going to take an hour to charge. 3 packs and a charger would be what I would go with if it were me.

Ken
Old 10-11-2010, 06:51 AM
  #796  
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

It was not the lack of options in power which led me to suggest an air frame designed for electric as a better beginner outfit for one wanting to fly electric rather than converting a nitro aircraft. I tend to the KISS principal when a beginner asks me for advice on how to get started, and converting a nitro to electric assumes some skill in both woodwork and aeronautical principals, as well as an understanding of how to navigate a sea of electric components with no industry standard to serve as a guide. Based on several years behind a hobby shop counter helping people new to all manner of r/c hobbies, I have found simple is always better for a beginner, and following the included instructions is always quicker, easier, and less expensive when it comes to getting off the bench and into the game. I've seen more than one newbie discouraged out of the gate because they made their first choice of r/c model too complicated. Keep it simple and concentrate on learning to fly to start with. Kit bashing and electric to nitro conversions will come in time, but all the bench work in the world is wasted effort if you can't get your project off the ground and back down without tearing it up.
If a high wing taildragger trainer kit with ailerons is what you want to start with, before you make your final decision take a look at the Telemaster line from Hobby Lobby. They are light for their size which means less up front expense in motor, ESC, and batteries, and they also come with recommended setups and build instructions for both electric and glow. Another choice, and IMO the hands down best trainer kit available today is the SQuiRT from Stevens AeroModel. It's available in two sizes and is designed from the ground up for electric power AND the abuse a beginners first aircraft is bound to take. It's an excellent first choice if you want to build. Everything about this plane is beginner friendly, from the landing gear design to the low cost power system, it is the easiest, most economical beginner friendly electric kit currently available. Granted, it doesn't have ailerons, but a wing kit with ailerons is available for both sizes if you wanted to start that way, or you could start with the elevator/rudder and add additional control after you get a handle on the whole take off and landing thing.
Speaking of available, I have not shopped a SIG kit lately, but the last time I did they were like hen's teeth. That said, when you do make your decision, if it turns out to be an LT40 I have a kit still in the shrink wrap if you wind up having trouble locating one.
Old 10-11-2010, 12:13 PM
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

For fuel proofing polyurathane also works well and comes in colors as well as clear.
I like that color that looks just like grease and grass and dead bugs and dirt, then it always looks new[X(]
Old 10-11-2010, 04:15 PM
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build


ORIGINAL: RCKen

With the power options of electric components there is no reason in the world you can't electrify a LT-40. In fact, I think it would be a great combo. The HUGE wing on this trainer will give you ample lift to get the battery in the air. Converting the mount to an electric motor should not present any problems either. The only downside I can think of will the initial expense of the batteries and a charger. If you want to get a decent amount of flights in on a training session you will need a minimum of 2 battery packs and a good charger that can use 12V DC power so you can recharge at the field. But even this will be a bit limiting as each battery pack is going to take an hour to charge. 3 packs and a charger would be whatI would go with if it were me.

Ken
I haven't ventured into electric (yet). Most of the guys at the field who do fly green need to set their timers to maybe 7 minutes to make sure that they have something left for landing. I can take my LT-40 with an OS46 FXand fly for 30 minutes and use 3/4 tank (12 oz or whatever is recommended by SIG). Does this "characteristic" of electric power effect your choice on power? Is 7 minutes enough for trainer flying?

Old 10-11-2010, 05:52 PM
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build


ORIGINAL: SeamusG


ORIGINAL: RCKen

With the power options of electric components there is no reason in the world you can't electrify a LT-40. In fact, I think it would be a great combo. The HUGE wing on this trainer will give you ample lift to get the battery in the air. Converting the mount to an electric motor should not present any problems either. The only downside I can think of will the initial expense of the batteries and a charger. If you want to get a decent amount of flights in on a training session you will need a minimum of 2 battery packs and a good charger that can use 12V DC power so you can recharge at the field. But even this will be a bit limiting as each battery pack is going to take an hour to charge. 3 packs and a charger would be whatI would go with if it were me.

Ken
I haven't ventured into electric (yet). Most of the guys at the field who do fly green need to set their timers to maybe 7 minutes to make sure that they have something left for landing. I can take my LT-40 with an OS46 FXand fly for 30 minutes and use 3/4 tank (12 oz or whatever is recommended by SIG). Does this "characteristic" of electric power effect your choice on power? Is 7 minutes enough for trainer flying?

This is what Iwas hinting at in my post above. Iguess I was tired when Ityped it out as Ishould have expanded on what Isaid. Yes, a plane can be converted to electric. But as Isaid above, the cost can get prohibitive to newer pilots. In order to get equal flight times they will need bigger batteries, and bigger batteries are more expensive. Also, to get more than just one or two flights per day they will need to buy multiple battery packs.

For flight times for beginners Ihave found that 10 minutes is pretty much the target Ishoot for. Any longer and students start getting tired and making mistakes. They may tell you they are fine, but Ican see them starting to make mistakes in longer flights. So Iwill usually tell students it's time to land at 10 minutes. This isn't an out of reach goal for electric power by any means.

Now with all this said, Imyself still prefer glow powered trainers for many reasons when teaching students. But I was simply answering the question posted here about doing an LT-40 with electric power.


Ken
Old 10-12-2010, 12:50 PM
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Stephen up North
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Default RE: Pay It Forward Build Thread!! Sig LT-40 build

Wow! Thank you everyone for your replies. Lots to think about. As I said earlier, better to work these things out at the planning stage so the more knowledge I can gather now,the better.

Had a quick look at the Telemaster line at lunch time. Seems to have everything I want.I'll have to take a closer look when time permits.

I'm not necessarily set on the SIG plane, although I have to admit the illustrated build thread was a big bonus.I do want a plane that satisfiesthe following criteria:well-proven trainer, kit form, electric powered, ailerons, tail dragger. I'm still open to suggestions and will be looking into the planes suggested so far.

Thanks again,
Stephen

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