ORIGINAL: ruthiesea
I don't know if this the place for this post, but here goes. I'm a beginner at rc flying. Many years ago I went to an airshow and saw the only civilian P-61 (Black Widow) flying. My goal is to build and fly a giant scale P-61, either Ziroli or Smith. I thought that I might build a plane while I learned to fly to the point that I can fly it. I'm sure that both will take years. I've been building plastic models since Eisenhower was president (you do the math) but I have never worked with wood. I would use a full would kit from a kit cutter. QUESTION: is there any book or other literature that would assist me in learning how to build such a kit. I know that I should get together with someone who is experienced, but the nearest club is about 30 miles away and my car gets 15 MPG. Again, you do the math. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Al
Ruthiesea. First of all welcome to the wonder world of Flying and it's addictions (aka builiding kits). This is by far the best hobby in the world. I am only a year into the hobby and I would like to think that I started it off the right way. Don't get me wrong, I am a huge B-25 fan, I wanted to start flying the B-25 like yesterday however, that 25 minute drive to the Club with my 15 MPG SUV also was worth it. They helped me in sooooo many ways. I first learned how to fly while learning about the planes and all the great things that come with them. To now learning how to build my first plane. Trust me Ruthiesea...I want to buy and fly a B-25 so bad I can't stand it but I am taking baby steps if you will and getting the best knowledge I can first hand. I have friends that are willing to come over now to help with anything I would need help with on my planes. Like these guys have said build a trainer first for the experience and the knowledge of what a plane should look like. I have been flying a trainer for a year now and other planes but my first build is....yep a trainer. A Sig Kadet Mark II. I can't begin to tell you the questions it has answered already from my prior crashes that I could have fixed but have thrown away because of lack of knowledge. (just FYI... I only have 2 crashes...
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My theory to this great hobby simply is this. It is a hobby, however it can be a very frustrating hobby if you don't take your time with it. I have seen many many people already that take 2 days of training and think they can fly and tank their planes and then buy another and tank it. Then they quit. Take your time get yourself trained and get some knowledge then get ready to build the plane of your dreams. I promise it will be worth the drive. Good luck and again welcome to the best addiction in the world.