Swampworks

OK, I'm just getting started and am in no rush, but I happen to be the kind of guy who loves building stuff......So, I'd like some suggestions for "trainer kits". I read the latest Backyard Flyer with their trainer recommendations. They suggest the Hobby Lobby "Miss Stick". I like that one and also checked out the Mini Telemaster on their site as well. Any opinions on either of those?

I'm also looking for other suggestions........I'd like to chose from more than just two and I know there's got to be others out there.

Thanks for the help.

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Swampworks,
There are a few good trainer kits available out there. Sig LT-40, Tower Trainer 40, Goldberg Eagle II, Sig LT-25, Sig Kadet all make great trainers and are all great kits to build.

Hope this helps

Ken

somegeek

My Feedback: (2)

Another vote for the LT-40. Was a great first build and great trainer.

somegeek

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

If you want to see how the LT-40 goes together you can check out the build thread that I did on one.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm]Pay It Forward build thread!! LT-40 build.[/link]

Ken

CVN-71

My vote goes to the Carl Goldberg EAGLE II. Just finished it up, was a very nice build for my first ever kit airplane.

Kelsey_B

The Eagle II is a great trainer. Its the only one I had, but there are things about it I didn't like. I didn't know about RC-56 back then and I got CA everywhere glueing the windshield. The elevator and rudder rods are weak. On some of my last flights I was getting flutter somewhere in the tail group. Some kits also give you the option of using a bolt on wing rather than rubber bands. I got tired of messing with those.

I'd be curious to see if RCKen agrees.

Keith

D-LOCO

My first plane was an LT-40 ARF. It survived getting me trained and still flies great. I've heard the kit version is very good.

Although there's not much money to be saved (if any) building a kit, its tons of fun (for me anyway).

The LT-25 kit goes together nicely and flies well. It has a GMS 32 engine and the plane is somewhat overpowered. I pulled it through a loop the other day at about 1/3 throttle.
Level flight can be maintained just above idle. Should have gone with a 25 engine.

I also built (and have yet to maiden) a 4*60. I've seen this plane refered to as a "low wing trainer"

So, I'm partial to SIG I guess but I'm sure the other recommendations made here are excellent as well.

My $.02

Dave
AMA 847123

Mitty

I would go with .60 size trainer
Better visibility -can fly higher then two mistakes high.More stable.

My vote for PT 60. I built the kit and it took some time because i am perfectionist.But i love the way it went together and finaly product looks nice.By the time i finished it though i already knew how to fly and lost interest in flat bottom wing.

The fastest ,cheapest and most durable trainer is debonair.
Go to the www.spadtothebone.com and select"free plans" then select "rainers" and select"debonair" Thats what i learned to fly on.

Missileman

It depends on how much work you want it to be. You said you like to build things? The SIG Kadet Senior, aside from being a large airplane with 78" wingspan, has a built up fuselage vs balsa sheet sides like most trainers and the nose starts out as solid balsa blocks that have to be cut and shaped. It is alot more work than most trainers but when finished it is a beautiful and easy flying airplane. (the kit is 3 channel, I modified the wing on mine and added strip ailerons)
Here is a picture of my Kadet:

RCKen

My Feedback: (9)

Missleman,
Great looking plane!!

Ken

Missileman

Thanks

carrellh

To see a decent selection, go to this page
http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-cat-a.html

Click the links for:
R/C Airplane Kits - Trainers .0-.19
R/C Airplane Kits - Trainers .20-.50
R/C Airplane Kits - Trainers .51 & Up

Pretty much any of them would be good. Like one of the others who replied, I have built the Great Planes PT-60. It's a straight forward build. The manual is really good and you can download and study it before buying anything.

Fastsky

Bad thing about the Kaet Senior is the fuselage made of little sticks. instead of lit ply. Dork it in and you are looking at hours and hours of rebuild time. Thats why I wouldn't suggest iut as a trainer. It is a great flyer though![8D]

Swampworks

Thanks to all who have replied!!! You have helped me narrow it down to all of them! There are certainly a lot of nice looking kits out there.

carrellh

The bad thing about having a lot of choices....... too many choices

The good thing about making this choice...... whichever one you choose will be good.

Fastsky

Any 40 size trainer from one of the better manufacturers will work well. By better man. I suggest Sig, Hangar9, Midwest, or Hobbico. [8D]

TNRabbit

Whichever you decide on, go to the kitbuilding forum and look for others who have built your plane; they can offer advice on any problems they had in building or after completion that can save you time/$$$/frustration! Good luck!