I am looking to purchase an RC plane made for a .61 size engine. I DO NOT want an ARF or RTR kit, i want to build it myself. I am looking to buy a relativly complex plane to build but easy to fly. The plane must be suited require a .61 size engine. Preferably made out of balsa wood. My price range would be about $50-200. I already have a radio, servos, and a .61 engine. Does anyone have suggestions for what model aiplane i should buy? What vendor? Thanks.


Peter

Goldberg Protege, Great Planes PT-60. Both are at Tower Hobbies http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings.html

Also, Hobbico Superstar 60 & Tower Trainer 60

The 60 size trainers mentioned are good and have lots of parts to keep you busy for a while. Its great that you want a kit for your first plane instead of an ARF. When its finished you will know how its built, whats under the covering, and how to adjust the linkages. The knowledge gained makes it far easier when you go on to other planes. 2nd type sport plane kits or ARFs often don't have a lot of instructions because it is assumed that you learned basic building skills from building your trainer. The new guys that start out with arfs usually need help when they buy a sport kit after they solo. [8D]

There is a Sig 4 star .60 kit, it is a little harder to fly then a trainer.

As a matter of preference, I suggest newbies get an ARF for their FIRST plane.

Since the majority of newbies do not have any building skills, it is fairly easy for them to build a warp in or some other building fiasco they would not be aware of. Then when their "pride and joy" crashes they become disenchanted and leave the hobby. With an ARF for a first plane those problems are out of the picture and once they realize that they can actually fly a plane, they become more enthused about the hobby.

Now if they build a kit for their second plane and it doesn't fly properly and/or crashes, the newbie knows it wasn't their flying ability (in most cases ), it had to be something they did when building. In the mean time, while they are repairing/fixing the plane, they still have their ARF to fly.

Sig Kadet SR, my plane of choice for my new students who want a large plane to learn on. Excellent flying plane, not too hard to build. It is an old school kit i.e. lots of sticks. LOL, compared to a Goldberg, or Great Planes Product. Also a Senior Telemaster,along the same lines as the Kadet, both awesome! Good Luck. www.hobby-lobby.net www.sigmfg.com

The kadet SR is a great trainer, but I wouldn't put a 61 two stroke on it--way too much engine.

i wont recommend a plane but will give you a big pat on the back because you want to build one!!!!!!!! ARF' and RTF have there place but not in my hanger

ARF's definitely have their place in my hanger. Don't get me wrong, I've built two kits already, and have one at my Dad's that he's gonna build most of, but I'll probably help some. The reason I like ARF's is that this hobby takes so much time as it is--just maintaining and flying your planes. I don't need to spend even more time away from my family building planes. It's a matter of time for me--more time for the family, which means they're more willing to give up some time so I can go flying.

I'd also recommend the goldberg Tiger 60. i think it comes as a kit, and is a great flying plane. With a good instructor, you could easily learn on it.

A 60 is just fine for the Kadet SR, we have several here and they fly just fine with .60's and even some with .72-.91 Four Cycles, plenty of power if you need it, you can always throttle back

Kadet SR Specs:

Wingspan: 78 in.
Wing Area: 1150 sq. in.
Weight: 6 lbs.
Length: 62 in.
Wing Loading: 12 oz./sq. ft.

Goldberg Protege 60 Specs:

Wingspan: 71.5 "
Wing Area: 860 sq in
Weight: 7.0 - 7.75 lb


Great Planes PT-60 Trainer Specs:
Wingspan: 71"
Wing area: 888 sq. in.
Length: 53.25"
Wing loading: 18-21 oz/sq ft
Weight: 7-8lbs.


Clearly the Kadet SR is best suited for the .60 size engine class, look at the Wing Area, and light loading. Good Luck, Good to see a new guy wanting to build! Go for it!!! Have a blast.

Reading the above posts I would have to throw my vote in for the Sig 4 star .60 kit. Its not hard to build, it has a good size wing which makes it easy to see, it flys well, floats like a trainer and also lands like one. It is faster with the throttle opened up and responds quicker but keep the throttle low and I don't see why you can't learn on one with a budddy box. It also handles the wind a bit better. [8D]

I have to chime in and say that my dad had a Saito 72 on his Kadet Sr and it was way overpowered. These planes are built up and so light that you could literally fly the thing apart if you overpower it too much. Just be careful. Throttle management isn't something most beginners have in them.. ya know... "zoom ZOOM zoom"

Throttle Management, IS something you teach a student and he/she should learn or master before solo, landing, ROG ,etc, etc. Also what is your altitude there, I would not guess much over 1000 feet? I fly at close to 4000 feet above, so for me a saito .72 is not too much power for a kadet, or at any alt for that matter. A kadet has a very strong airframe and is not weak by any means, maybe not the ARF, or a poor build. Back to the Topic. Good Luck with your choice Peter, any of the above mentioned kits would be great for you. Have Fun Building!

I never said that it wasn't something that they're taught, I said it's something they usually don't practice. I remember when I was a beginner (not too long ago at that) and I loved burrying the throttle. But, that's just my experience, I guess I shouldn't speak for others.

If you like, hang a Saito 100 on the front of that kadet and see if she'll hover!

The kadet airframe is weak, comparibly. It is stick built, which makes it inherently weaker than sheeted planes. It's designed light for smaller engines. It is listed as a 40 sized plane for a reason. I don't have any problem overpowering models--I do it myself. However, I've heard lots of overpowered kadets that flutter like there is no tomorrow. Not a good thing! I'm glad you like them, so do I. They have a place and a purpose--hanging a big engine on the front and flying 65 plus MPH is not their place or purpose. I'm just trying to save the guy some grief. He can make his own decision independent upon what I or others (including yourself) think.

Peter Good Luck with whatever kit you pick. It is just great to see a new guy wanting to build and enjoy that part of the hobby. What a great hobby, huh guys? There will be more kit choices to come, as more people post. Have a blast building/flying!!!!!!