Ken,

thanks for the encouragement. I think I might eventually build my own plane some day. it sure sounds like a good idea to know about the planes innards - one might have to repair or reinforce them - but I am simply too scared to have to write off money without actually getting to fly. I feel pretty confident about doing the wiring and electronics, having developed some basic PCBs and programs for embedded computing myself, but the wood-works are probably over my limit right now.

I do not even have the tools required to repair a wooden chair. I have enough screwdrivers, pliers and multimeters to fill a whole garage, but getting only the basic saws, clamps etc. will probably require a year or two, since I always opt for quality equipment. I had a cheap set of screwdrivers and pliers once, which were a birthday present, only to have them break and detoriate over a few months of use. Since then, I buy my tools one at a time (no sets ever) and only those I really need.

None of these tools has ever let me down, so I am gonna stick with that, should I decide to "upgrade" for woodwork. Good tools do make a difference - and as an expert, you will probably agree on that.

Well, I am gonna get in touch with the club in the next days and try to figure out where to look for models. The shop where I once got my only "RC Car" has since closed down, unfortunately.

And kudos to you for building a plane for someone who needs support.

Cheers
Sebastian Schneider
(My FDs Website: http://www.feuerwehr.kreuztal.de )