I think I am ready to make a decision on purchasing my first R/C aircraft, the SIG Kadet Senior. I like the fact that it is a large aircraft and would like to build the kit. Since I have zero experience in building kits, would this put me over the edge and fustrate me into abandoning the kit???

You'll be better off with the SIg Kadet LT 40. Mainly because it is more common than most trainers out there, so you'll get loads of help (and advice!!) and I beleive it's been re-vamped recently..

.40 sized aircraft are just easier... easier & cheaper to build, transport, fix, fly, etc. Granted, the larger bird will fly slightly better, better in winds, and can bee seen easier..But what ever teh choice, you cannot go wrong with either Sig Or Great planes! especially for first time builds!

Is the LT-40 an easy build for a novice builder? Or am I better off with an ARF?

Epoxy123,

The LT-40 is well within the capabilities of a beginner kit builder. In fact, almost all of the Sig kits are. Stop using that bad word (arf) and get yourself a kit. You will get to experience a whole wonderful side to this hobby that , sadly, the arf people will not experience.

One of the benefits of the larger kits is that they have the room to put stuff and because the pieces are larger, you can use pins and clamps easier. I would go with the senior. You will enjoy it.

Either the lt-40 or the sig senior would be a fine kit. If I remember correctly, the Senior is a 3 channel plane, so my suggestion is to go with the senior if you want 3 channels or the lt-40 if you want 4. Both planes fly are easy to fly. It is possable to kit-bash the senior to have ailerons if you wish.

I believe someone else already pointed out the Kadet Senior is a 3-channel, the LT-40 is a 4-channel and will fly on a .40, which is a small, inexpensive engine. A 3-channel radio can be had with somewhat less expense, if you wish to go that way.

If you wish to build, either kit is fine. If your primary interest is flying, the LT-40 is available in ARF, which requires less building. Again, either is quite adequate as an introduction to RC flying, especially if you have a good instructor.

If your plans include building big models, start with a kit. If your interest is mainly flying, an ARF is quite adequate. Personally, I advise students to start with a flight simulator, to see the difference between 3 and 4 channels. Then, if the desire to build exceeds the desire to fly, buy a kit. If, with the simulator, you find the 4th channel desirable, start with the best computer radio you can afford, and a 4-channel plane.

Welcome aboard!
Dave Olson

As a beginner, roughly how long (hrs) do you think it would take to build the lt-40 or Senior? Any kits out there similar to the Senior that have ailerons?

With the Kadet Senior you can pretty much guaranteed that you will solo in a matter of days if not the same day. Its a very docile aircraft and floats on the landings to the point it practically lands itself. Its setup for a 3 channel rig but its easily converted to ailerons after you have mastered rudder control. The LT-40 is the typical trainer out there, it flys faster than the kadet and is less forgiving so it might take you a little longer to solo but in the long run will have more fun with this one. Most people that get K. Senior learn quick and move on to a low wing because they get bored with the slow flight while those with the LT keep the plane for a longer time.

If you want ailerons, then go for the lt-40. That is a fantastic trainer that is very easy to build. I can't say how many hours as that will depend on a number of factors.

Lt-40 seems to be the way to go, thanks for the advice. Can this airplane do some aerobatics? Is the .40 engine the max or can a .46 be added?

a 40 might be underpowered. I would recommend a 46 for the lt-40.

The lt-40 can do some basic aerobatics, but it is designed to be stable, not aerobatic. If you build it without any dihedral, you may get a little more aerobatic ability, but at the cost of stability. Another option is to build the wing with less span by removing 1 wing bay from each side. I have seen both these mods done on an lt-40 and it still flew well. However, if you have not flown before, then I would just build it stock. That way you will have an easier plane to fly.

Get the .46, you can always throttle back and on later models you will have a good power plant already.

I appreciate all the advice, thanks. I forgot about the prop, which size works best with the .46?

That is hard to say without knowing which brand of engine you plan on using. But I would probably start with an 11x6 and adjust from there if necessary.

I have, over the years, built 3 Senior Kadets. There are few, if any, trainers that are any better. The mention of ailerons vs three control is a point to be considered. The Senior will do simple aerobatics, wingovers, loops and rolls if adequately powered. Because I fly at 5000' ASL, I put .60 engines in all my Seniors. All except the last one were sold to pilots that just had to have a Senior. The last one came within one ft. of missing a tree beside the approach end of our runway. It could have been rebuilt but one of our members wanted the wreckage so he could rebuild it. Come to think of it I just might start another Senior. For just punching holes in the sky and smashing bugs on the leading edges it's the airplane to have. It's easy to build and very easy to fly as well.

I noticed the Senior ARF is a 4 channel aircraft. Is this the same a/c as the 3 channel kit but with ailerons? Is it easy to set up a camera for aerial photography?

Its easy to set up ANYTHING with all the room you have there. In my club we rigged one with a cargo bay for candy. On special ocassions we take it over an elementary school and drop the candy over a baseball field for the kids. Another guy has one with the mini video cam advertised on many websites.....we can watch the pilots view on the small black and white tv while the pilot flies around.
Room is something you never lack in a Senior.