rebuilding an X Plane
 

I am relatively new to the model airplane hobby. I dabbled a little about 20 years ago with a PT Electric. I had it in the air once and it crashed. After rebuilding it I flew again and crashed again. A few years later I had the chance to work at Great Planes Mfgin Urbana, IL and managed to save some scrap balsa which I still have in my basement. I got married 7 years ago and my mother in law saw one of these at Bed Bath and Beyond (where we were registered) and bought one for us on a half price deal (<font color="#00265e"> </font><font color="#00265e">http://www.silverlit-flyingclub.com/xplane.htm</font>). 7 years later I finally pulled it out of the box and tried to fly it. I'm not sure if the battery pack was weak after sitting for so long and being charged up a couple times but the plane refuses to lift and seems underpowered. I crashed it several times after only being in the air for a few seconds at a time. The last time I cracked the fuselage.

I know this is a pretty cheapo plane but I figured that the electronics are still useable and I am one that likes to tinker with stuff. What I want to do isdesign my own plane of similar scale utilizing the scrap balsa wood for a fuselage and salvaging any electronics from the old plane. Anyone have an idea of a good stable design replacement for a setup like this? I'm thinking of designing a little bit lighter weight plane for better overall lift and manueverability. Suggestions? Aside from this salvage idea, I'm considering building a DLG as well.

RE: rebuilding an X Plane
 

I was given a less expensive plane by one of my customers. (I work as an electrician)
It was not working due to a dead battery. I had the local Interstate Battery build a new battery pack for me.
I also had to solder a new battery connection on the circuit board.
Worth it? Not as far as the money involved. But for the sense of satisfaction that it now works and I fixed it. Priceless.
It was good practice for doing larger projects.
I hope your rebuild goes well!
[8D]