The question was "what mistakes will I make?"

Here are some tips;

1. Take your time using a covering iron with a protective covering sock to go over the entire model and make sure the covering is tightened and THOROUGHLY BONDED to the wood structure underneath. Also make certain all overlapping seams are sealed. Try this link [link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=6494490[/link] It is to some information about tightening covering on another model, but may apply to many ARFs and many types of covering.

2. Follow the instructions--especially when you near the end of the manual and you are setting the C.G. (balance) and control throws--many modelers overlook these procedures.

3. Use a thin coating of 30-minute epoxy to coat any areas of exposed wood--most ARF manufacturers do a pretty good job of fuelproofing, but some still leave areas of bare wood.

4. If at all possible, join your local R/C club and listen to advice and take lessons from members who volunteer to train beginners (unless you're not a beginner anymore!).

5. You don't have to use new radio gear, and you don't have to use the most expensive radio gear, but if you have to buy a new radio, (transmitter, servos, receiver battery, etc.), don't get suckered by somebody and purchase old, junky gear. I see lots of beginners and somewhat experienced modelers alike with worn out radio gear that causes nothing but continual problems and waisted time at the field.