What's a good second plane build kit?
02-27-2005 | 01:15 AM
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From: Partridge, KS
What's a good second plane build kit?
Yeah, I'm probably jumping the gun on this one, but I'm already thinking about my second plane. Ever since I first became interested in RC flight I've wanted to build my own plane from a kit. What I'd like to do is get a pretty simple kit for a good second, more aerobatic, and maybe slightly 3D capable plane, and start building. My idea is that if I start building it now, by the time it's finished, and I have the money for the electronics and stuff (I can put another plane on my JR radio) I will be ready to upgrade to another plane. I don't have much money, especially since I just bought my trainer for $300 about 3 weeks ago. So, I'm gonna have to keep the costs down, but at the same time, I'd like to get a pretty good plane for my next toy. I'd just like to get something to work on now. So...........fire away, what kits do you advise? If it's a .40 size, I could probably pull my Evo. .40 and JR 537 servos from my trainer and put them in the new plane when I'm done with the trainer. I'm not too scared of building a fairly complex machine because I'd be building it at my friend's shop, and they've got all sorts of tools that we could use. Steven might be helping me build it as well. Steven, Matt. and I would sometime like to work together and build a really good plane once we are all good and ready to fly the biguns. (BTW Matt is another 15 YO friend who Steven and I are getting started flying.)
Sorry, little bunny trail there. What should I build as my second plane, and why should I build that plane? Thanks! You guys are great!
Sorry, little bunny trail there. What should I build as my second plane, and why should I build that plane? Thanks! You guys are great!
02-27-2005 | 02:50 AM
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From: Birmingham, UNITED KINGDOM
RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
Hello...
There are many choices which would be good for you, and there are many posts on RCU discussing these choices...
Obviously the two main things you need to consider are...
1. Can you build it (so it fly’s)
2. Can you fly it...
Basically you want an easy building kit with good second Airplane flying characteristics...
Currently I am doing the exact same thing you want to do... Building a second Airplane while learning to fly my Trainer...
I went for the Sig 4 star 60 kit which is credited with both being an easy build and also a good second Airplane...
It also comes in a 40 and 120 size kit... Your .40 size motor would probably be O.K. for the 40 size 4 Star, but I would suggest something larger... At least a .46… I have a Super Tigre G-90 going into the 4 star 60…
The kit is laser cut so the parts just pop out and glue up, you could build a wing in an evening if you tried... and the Airplane in a week... no problem... There are plenty of other choices which I am sure others will point out...
Don't go too complex though, I have a Great Planes RV-4 kit which I put off... Most people suggested it was too much for a first build second Airplane, so I'm saving it for later...
Have fun...
Matt
There are many choices which would be good for you, and there are many posts on RCU discussing these choices...
Obviously the two main things you need to consider are...
1. Can you build it (so it fly’s)
2. Can you fly it...
Basically you want an easy building kit with good second Airplane flying characteristics...
Currently I am doing the exact same thing you want to do... Building a second Airplane while learning to fly my Trainer...
I went for the Sig 4 star 60 kit which is credited with both being an easy build and also a good second Airplane...
It also comes in a 40 and 120 size kit... Your .40 size motor would probably be O.K. for the 40 size 4 Star, but I would suggest something larger... At least a .46… I have a Super Tigre G-90 going into the 4 star 60…
The kit is laser cut so the parts just pop out and glue up, you could build a wing in an evening if you tried... and the Airplane in a week... no problem... There are plenty of other choices which I am sure others will point out...
Don't go too complex though, I have a Great Planes RV-4 kit which I put off... Most people suggested it was too much for a first build second Airplane, so I'm saving it for later...
Have fun...
Matt
02-27-2005 | 08:22 AM
#3
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RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
ORIGINAL: Grant-KS
Yeah, I'm probably jumping the gun on this one, but I'm already thinking about my second plane. Ever since I first became interested in RC flight I've wanted to build my own plane from a kit. What I'd like to do is get a pretty simple kit for a good second, more aerobatic, and maybe slightly 3D capable plane, and start building. My idea is that if I start building it now, by the time it's finished, and I have the money for the electronics and stuff (I can put another plane on my JR radio) I will be ready to upgrade to another plane. I don't have much money, especially since I just bought my trainer for $300 about 3 weeks ago. So, I'm gonna have to keep the costs down, but at the same time, I'd like to get a pretty good plane for my next toy. I'd just like to get something to work on now. So...........fire away, what kits do you advise? If it's a .40 size, I could probably pull my Evo. .40 and JR 537 servos from my trainer and put them in the new plane when I'm done with the trainer. I'm not too scared of building a fairly complex machine because I'd be building it at my friend's shop, and they've got all sorts of tools that we could use. Steven might be helping me build it as well. Steven, Matt. and I would sometime like to work together and build a really good plane once we are all good and ready to fly the biguns. (BTW Matt is another 15 YO friend who Steven and I are getting started flying.)
Sorry, little bunny trail there. What should I build as my second plane, and why should I build that plane? Thanks! You guys are great!
Yeah, I'm probably jumping the gun on this one, but I'm already thinking about my second plane. Ever since I first became interested in RC flight I've wanted to build my own plane from a kit. What I'd like to do is get a pretty simple kit for a good second, more aerobatic, and maybe slightly 3D capable plane, and start building. My idea is that if I start building it now, by the time it's finished, and I have the money for the electronics and stuff (I can put another plane on my JR radio) I will be ready to upgrade to another plane. I don't have much money, especially since I just bought my trainer for $300 about 3 weeks ago. So, I'm gonna have to keep the costs down, but at the same time, I'd like to get a pretty good plane for my next toy. I'd just like to get something to work on now. So...........fire away, what kits do you advise? If it's a .40 size, I could probably pull my Evo. .40 and JR 537 servos from my trainer and put them in the new plane when I'm done with the trainer. I'm not too scared of building a fairly complex machine because I'd be building it at my friend's shop, and they've got all sorts of tools that we could use. Steven might be helping me build it as well. Steven, Matt. and I would sometime like to work together and build a really good plane once we are all good and ready to fly the biguns. (BTW Matt is another 15 YO friend who Steven and I are getting started flying.)
Sorry, little bunny trail there. What should I build as my second plane, and why should I build that plane? Thanks! You guys are great!
Grant I agree with any of the 4 star series, take your pick. Another good and highly aerobatic plane is the SIG Somethin Extra. Most will say that this is too much but the ones that have it or have had it will tell you that with the rates turned down it flies as well as any plane out there and lands as slow as any trainer out there.
Both of these can be had as a kit or an ARF. Personally I have only built 2 SIG Somethin Extra's but it's my understanding that the Four Stars build just as easily. The best way I can put it is on any SIG kit you open the box, throw in a botlle of CA, close the box and shake vigorously, open the box and you have a completed airframe. Yep they are that easy.
EDITED for another suggestion.
Although not a kit, is the Hangar 9 Twist. Same recommendations as the Somethin Extra and is an ARF for 90 bucks. It was the third plane I bought, the Four Star (4*) was the second, but I did the maiden on the Twist first and flew it the rest of the day, then did the maiden on the 4*
02-27-2005 | 10:31 AM
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From: Davis,
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RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
I decided on the 4 Star 120 for my second. Bought it yesterday, and plan to start on it this coming week. I've got a ways to go yet before I'm ready for it, so I plan on taking my time and making it perfect. Planning on a Saito 150 right now, but that may change. Colors are already decided on, though; Air Tractor yellow with blue stripe. Hey, I'm an ex crop duster, and this thing really resembles an Air Tractor for the most part!
02-27-2005 | 10:51 AM
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From: Ofallon ,
MO
RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
Goldberg Tiger 60 any of the Sig 4 stars, Sig Astro Hog and Although not a Kit but I bet the Sig Rascal 40 would make a great second plane as well. The Tiger and the Hog can be built with trike gear if you don't want to step up to a tail dragger. You won't find a plane that flies better than the Hog but the parts are not laser cutter and the would be a bit more work than with the other kits. INMO the Sig SE although a good kit to build (and fly) is probably a bit much for your second airplane. Its large control surfaces and mid wing design just make it less forgiving than most low wing airplanes.
02-27-2005 | 04:27 PM
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From: Davis,
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RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
I saw one of the Tiger kits yesterday that had retracts with it. Didnt know they made that particular plane with retracts.
02-27-2005 | 04:46 PM
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From: Chesapeake,
VA
RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
That would be the 60D(dexluxe) with retracts....i was thinking about it as a second plane too...i know my second radio will probably be at least 7 channels...so i like the little extras...and retracts to me add alot to the experience...
02-27-2005 | 05:15 PM
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RE: What's a good second plane build kit?
I suggest skipping retracts on the second plane.
Reason: Retracts are a PAIN in the BUTT!!!!
Your second plane is the one that you will be doing the most learning with. Sure, your trainer taught you the basics, but now you're going to learn how to really tear up the sky. Your second plane will be a vast learning experience, adding retracts will vastly increase that learning curve! I say avoid them until you are a proficient flier - even to the point where you are starting to get bored. Because retracts will take up 90% of your preflight/postflight time (at least at first until you have the hang of them, then they will only take up 50% of the time).
Reason: Retracts are a PAIN in the BUTT!!!!
Your second plane is the one that you will be doing the most learning with. Sure, your trainer taught you the basics, but now you're going to learn how to really tear up the sky. Your second plane will be a vast learning experience, adding retracts will vastly increase that learning curve! I say avoid them until you are a proficient flier - even to the point where you are starting to get bored. Because retracts will take up 90% of your preflight/postflight time (at least at first until you have the hang of them, then they will only take up 50% of the time).
