ive just started training on my trainer and im sure once i get cleared to solo, in a month or two, ill want something bigger, my questions is should i go ahead buy the plane and all the equip, build it, and put it off to the side or should i just buy it and put it off untill later, or not buy it at all, my biggest concern is that ima build it then be tempt to take it up before im ready (SIG 4* 60)...any suggestion for my sistuation?

I would say wait until your actually ready for a second plane cause you could change your mind on specific things and then your stuck with what you have... i know it will be hard but i would bite my tougne and wait.

Two answers... Blue-pill, Red-pill.

Answer A: Wait. When you are confident on your trainer, you will have a better idea of where you want the hobby to take yu (3D, Pattern, Scale, Warbirds, maybe heli, etc....) and you will make a purchasing decision based on bettter info... also, you will have changed the CG on the trainer, upped the control throws, and you will be having a blast with the trainer. Your second plane should be a kit because half the fun of RC is building (and the silly instant-gratification people out there nowadays are missing the fun that a patient builder has ... ;-) Everyong has to build at least one kit before they are a true model enthusiast....

Answer B: Go ahead and get something that exceeds your expectations of your abilities .... you will assemble the ARF, and it will be itching your palms to fly it. I would venture an 80% chance that you will successfully fly it, and you will actually rapidly "ramp" up the learning curve, and will move on to your second plane without a hitch.

There is merit to either approach. "A" is more conservative, but more importantly, the patience requiref for "A" will reward you with novel aspects of the hobby that you would not otherwise appreciate. Answer :B: is exciting, and more risky. I personally went for the "B" route (trainer to a Great Planes UltraSport+). I crashed on it;s maiden... but then I got to go route "A" because it took me 2 months to rebuild the UltraSport, and in that time I got to really master the trainer.

So, there is no right answer. I really do recommend that you build a kit. It is hugely satisfying flying something that was once flat-packed in a box.

Anyways... i is late and I ramble.

gus

I started off by building a 4 * 40. I was very tempted to fly it as my first plane, but wisely choose to buy and fly an arf trainer. I flew the trainer for a little over a month and now have moved on to the four star. I'm glad that I chose the .40 size. This allowed me to use the same engine in my trainer, getting better value from the cost of the engine.

There are a lot of people on RCU that agree that the 4 *s makes a great second or third plane. I have met several people at the local field that have had many planes, and still prefer flying their 4 *. So far, I am in agreement.

When built stock, they are gentle on landings and capable fliers. They can be modified in several ways to change or extend their capabilities. Wings can be shortened, rudder increased in size, engine cowl can be enclosed and engine power increased. Some have even used it as a starting point for doing some semi scale projects. I plan on eventually adding weight to the plane and using it as a trainer for warbirds.

Whether you fly a trainer first, or start a build now, chances are that you are going to enjoy your 4 *. If I were starting today, I would probably get the trainer now, and the 4 * later. Only because this would allow me to take advantage of the flying weather while it lasts.

Scott

thanks everyone, are there any other tools/glues besides what is used in building a ARF that you need to build a kit plane?

Essential tools:
"razor saw"
Large work area. I find I use almost all of the 3'x12' workbench I have. I have heard from others though that building planes consumes all the space you have available...
At least 2'x4' "very very flat" building surface to frame up the critical parts like the wing and fuse in a perfectly straight fashion.
At least 3 sizes of sanding blocks - I have a 1"x5"x1/4" oak (hardwood) block, a 4"x16"x3/4" MDF block, and a 1.5" x 36" x 3/4" oak (hardwood) block. I have 120grit sandpaper glued to one side, and 220 to the other (you will have to do a lot of sanding when building a kit. You should *never* do any sanding by just holding the paper- all sanding should be done using a block...) I use 3M 77 - an aerosol can of contact glue to bond the paper to the blocks.
A pack of wooden clothes pegs - really useful as clamps....
At least one (premium quality) square. You want to get the middle of the price range tool. Should be about 6" - 10" on the longer side.
"T" pins - only really available at hobby shops.

Highly Recommended tools:
covering iron (a regular household iron *will* work, but is cumbersome and irritates the rest of the family)
Single edge razor blades (good for covering and lots of other things).
Stainless steel cork backed ruler - I can't tell you how often I use mine for the planes.
very fine needle nosed pliers - I have a pair with about 4" nose - invaluable.....

Very useful tools.
"Dremmel".
Surgical forceps. Man, the "clamping" type forceps are sooo useful....

Things you should already have for arf assembly:
30 minute epoxy.
thin + medium CA
screwdrivers, etc.

gus

To add to gus list a pack of # 64 rubber bands
are usefull for holding the fuse formers togeather
for glueing.(I use quick Grips) But they are pretty
pricey.

If you are building a kit start asap! If you are an ARF flyer, they don't really build them, then wait. Depending on how well you do learning to fly you'll figure out if your plane you built is your second or third. I don't like the looks of the 4-60 myself, how about a King Kobra or a Super Sporters 60? Those are much nicer looking. If you need an intermediate after your trainer grab an Avistar or Arrow before stepping up to your built plane.

i was actaully thinking of maybe a great planes venus 40, but figured it is prolly not a good 2nd plane