<div></div><div>I am relatively new to the hobby. I built two planes when I was a teenager, a glider and a Sig Kadet. I just recently started to learn to fly and have two ARF planes. My first build is a GB super chipmunk. I am halfway into it. What I have learned and hopefully many of you master builders can add to this thread on pre build <a name="OLE_LINK1">techniques</a>.</div><div></div><div>I learned that just opening the box (box of sticks) and starting to build is not the best way to tackle a build. It is very easy to get ahead of yourself. So I am getting ready (research and preparations) to build a BUSA ¼ scale J-3 Cub modified to a Super Cub.</div><div></div><div>The things that I will do differently than my Chipmunk build will go as Fallows.</div><div></div>
- Read the instructions cover to cover before starting to build. (it is a good idea to be familiar with how everything will come together being this is not a mystery novel, no surprises around the corner).
- Study the plans.
- Divide all the parts in their respective categories (tail section, wing, left and right, fuselage and hardware). I will even go as far as marking individual pieces with a sharpie, left wing, and right wing. Don’t want to build two left wings.)
- Inspect all parts prior to gluing. (Sand the rough edges and tabs, dry fit crucial parts like firewall and fuselage members).
- Take the time to look ahead of the build to see what the next steep will be to make sure I am not getting ahead of myself (very susceptible to this).
<div>Limit the use of CA glues as much as possible (personal preference).</div><div>Let parts that have been clued dry completely before taking of clamps, rubber bands, and tape (learned the hard way when the wing sheathing came up on the LE when glued with 30 min epoxy, not good).</div><div>And most important, have fun.</div><div></div><div>Please add any information on pre building that you have found to be helpful. I know a lot of you more experienced builders have ingrained these techniques and habits as second nature. Furthermore, I would like to thank those that take the time to post threads on their builds, they are extremely helpful. Not all manufacturers provide explicit instructions on how to build their kits.</div><div></div><div>Thanks</div><div></div><div>TB</div><div></div><div></div><div></div>