ORIGINAL: zik69
I'm sure this thread has been started here many times, but I can't seem to find anything, so maybe someone can point me in the right direction or just write down few suggestions. I started in hobby last year and so far I've put together 5 ARF's, but that's all the experience I have. I like building and I want to try a kit. Any kind of plane will do, as long as it's a 40 size. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi zik69,
Welcome to the world of kit building. Be forewarned... Once you start you will become addicted. Of course getting the right start is key. Hopefully I can help here.
Overall I would suggest, as a first build, a kit that provides a manual that explains every step in the build process in good detail and with pictures. The kit should include a good selection of wood and hardware. It should also be of a model with a pretty straight forward design. Trainer, sport, and aerobatic models fit this category pretty well. The kit that conatins these elements will make for a wonderful first kit build experience.
Greatplanes has some very good kits that go together well and have very good supporting documentation (plans and manuals). I built their Giles-202 a couple years ago and found it to be a pleasurable experience. The wood and hardware included in the kit were top notch. The Giles was my first Greatplanes kit build and I wouldn't hestitate to build another. I still fly the Giles today. Greatplanes also has their manuals on-line for download. I suggest taking a look at the manual of a plane that interests you. It'll show you what the build process is like.
Goldberg and Sig also have very well put together kits. I've built the Goldberg Chipmunk and Ultimate 10-300 kits. These were sixty size models but the kits went together well. They also have good plans and manuals that take you through the building process in good detail. I've also built the Sig Kougar and Kadet MKII kits. The Kougar is pretty outdated by today's standards but the kit does build well. I don't know if the Kadet MkII is still around. It's been quite a few years since I have built a kit from either of these manufacturers so maybe someone with more recent experience with their kits will chime in. Everyone seems to love the Sig 4-star series of kits but again I have no experience with them. I find myself building more Top Flite kits these days. Top Flite offers good kits but they require quite a bit more work and detail than the other kit manufacturers mentioned. I would not reccomend them as a first build kit.
I am sure there are other manufacturers that make great first time builder kits. Hopefully someone will chime in with their experiences as well. From my experience you really can't go wrong with either Goldberg, Greatplanes, or Sig. These kit manufacturers have hit the criteria for documentation, wood selection, and hardware packages that will make the building experience a joy and have you wanting for more.
Good luck with your selection.
ZXPilot