guys, whats the best starting to build book a beginner could get to read that explains everything or close to everything on how to build wood kits? theres got to be some out there..... starting on 2 royal corsairs and a d&b glass corsair this winter please help. thanks

Check out Model Airplane New's store. At rcstore.com There are some great books. While you are at it you might wanna get a subscription with Model Airplane News at modelairplanenews.com

P-47 D Pilot
Under your aviatar it says that you are a Senior Member. I guess you already know about M.A.N.

P-47D,
I'm confused as well. Your avitar says "Senior Member", but you're asking for help on building models? First of all, my suggestion would be to NOT build a Corsair if you've never built a model before. However, most models do come with very good instructions these days (Great Planes, Hangar 9, Top Flite, etc.) and there is very little left to the imagination. I've never read a "How to Build" book, and basically learned from doing it (and the occasional magazine/forum tips, etc). Sig and several other manufacturers sell "kits" with plans and wood only (no laser-cut parts), which can be a bit confusing from time to time... but they're usually well identified as "professional" level kits. I know this probably didn't answer your question... just pondering what seems to be an anomaly to me.

--CKC

Just a hunch but doesnt one get the tag Senior member once he / she has posted at least 100 threads? I think that is how it works not sure though.

ZK

The "senior" tag is just how much you've posted, it has no meaning when it comes to knowledge about any particular subject.

Corsairs are freqently a real challenge to build, even the best kits can be hard, as it's not easy to check things like wing warps and alignments. And the fuse being rather big and round can make for some headaches as well.

That said, as others have mentioned, many kits have well cut parts, are designed to almost "lock" together and ensure proper alignment and have great directions. Others are a lot less "helpful" as you go along.

I'd suggest trying your hand a building a simplier kit for your first try, even if you just sell it afterwards.

Like other folks, I learned by doing it. Though I have to admit, my first kit was well and truely over my head, and it never did fly right. But I learned a lot from it, and haven't had any problems since then.

In support of 13yroldpilot, there are a few books listed on this specific page that'll do the trick:

http://www.rcstore.com/rs/general/li...id=8&catego=BO

(scroll down about 1/2 way)

I've recently entered the world of RC Airplanes and found the "Getting Started In Radio Control Airplanes" book to be a great overview of all aspects of RC Airplane modeling (can probably be found at your LHS). It specifically has sections on building kits and covering (as only a small part of great overviews of ALL aspects - from buying to building to flying - sections on radio gear and engines, too!). Great book to get 80% of what you'll need to know. There are other books listed on the same page that will give you information on the finer points of finishing a model.

Also, I do suggest trying out a simple kit or an ARF first to get your feet wet. It will build confidence before taking on a big project like the Corsairs you mention.

Cheers!