I understand the concept of building a plane from plans but do you also receive detailed instructions with them on what needs to be done?

yes also instruction book,if it is a trainer has tons of info.
Have a goodun,John.

Are you talking true scratch from plans, or a kit? Most plan sets come as plan sets, only, with a few construction notes on the plans themselves. I don't have any Ziroli, or other "major" player plan sets, but none of the 6 sets I have include instruction/construction manuals like kits do.

I think there are big differences between different plans/w instructions. I have seen a really good write up for a plane called a Southern Eagle that includes a complete parts list. Based on that I bought the plans for a Cloud Dancer 60. The CD 60 has a much simpler basic write up ie. "first build the wing halves". The plans are pretty good but I thought that they would have at least included a parts list. Wrong! So... you better have a few kits behind you before attempting one of these!

You had me confused with the thread title. Building from scratch implies starting with a clean piece of paper and perhaps some data like pictures or sketches of a full size then building a plane. Think of how much design, calculating and just plain experience goes into a set of plans. Perhaps you are referring to building from someone's plans or from a kit.

In any case, the advice here is good and building from plans or a kit is half the fun of this fine madness even if the amount and quality of instructions vary. Thank goodness for the local hobby shop or buddy that will let you 'look inside' before buying.

cheers,
quint

ELSBP. If you tell us what you were thinking of building, we may be able to point you in the right direction.

Thanks for the responses, sorry it took so long to reply, my day got really busy, really fast.

I was referring to building from plans already in existence, not to create my own airplane. I would like to build an old war plane, from WWI or WWII. I don't really know what a kit consists of, but it sounds as if everything is pre-cut like a puzzle. I would like to try my hand at cutting and shaping the wood myself, but would need general guidance on what was needed.

If it sounds like I am way over my head for someone who is new to this hobby, let me know.

Morning ELSBP,IN THE BEGINNER SECTION I ASSUMED YOU WERE ASKING ABOUT A KIT,SO MY ANSWER IS INCORRECT. NO I WOULD NOT ADVISE STARTING FROM SCRATCH. GET A TRAINER KIT FOR THE FIRST PLANE,THEY ARE DESIGNED FOR A PERSON NEW IN THE HOBBY/SPORT .
HAVE A GOODUN,JOHN.

I actually already have a trainer (Hangar 9 Xtra Easy) and was thinking of building my second plane while I learn how to fly my trainer. It sounds like a kit is probably my best bet. I just want something that's going to occupy my time a little longer than an ARF. I am in no hurry to fly a second plane, I want to learn how to build!

It sounds as if youare on the right track. I am glad to hear someone soeak of getting building experience, most times people I know can't take the time so end up with ARF's. You are abseloutlyright. Get a good kit of your choice and take your time to build up a really good plane. That will stand you in good stead for repairing and rebuilding, which you will be doing sooner or later if you remain in this hobby very long. I am no expert but I have taken several planes that others thought were beyond repair and put them back in original condition so it could not be told where the repair took place. Building a few kits gives you this kind of ability.