I definately like the kits, because if i'm not building a kit i;m thinking of what plane to buy next

This thread was dead for almost 2 years when BloomAce re-opened it with a non-relevant (IMO) post. Doubt anyone is following it.

I've just finished my second kit. I really enjoy the building aspect of this hobby. Seems to me, the first kit will always be more expensive than an ARF because of all the equipment that must be purchased to properly complete the plane (there are some good lists of required materials earlier in this thread). My first kit was a BTE Venture 60. The price of just the kit was $150 (plans, wood, some hardware, etc.). I have no idea how much I spent to complete the plane, but after all the specialty equipment/tools required to do the job right, it was a nice chunk of change. However, my second plane (Sig Wonder) went much easier and cheaper. It was a $40 kit and I already had all the tools I needed. I had left over glue, blades and covering from my previous build. So it was probably equal to the cost of an equivalent ARF if not a little cheaper.

Plus, there is no price that can be put on the excitement of seeing these plane take off for the first time.

I only scratch build from my own plans; satisfaction is great. Can't build 60 size or down cheaper than ARF, but I think I can build cheaper than the large sizes (80 inches and up or 60 inch bipes).

I love to Build and to Fly. I have built many kits and am about to start on a 10' wingspan Don Smith F4U-1D Corsair off plans. I think building is just as much fun for me as flying. I only build Giant Scale WWII Fighters. I live in Wisconsin so I take a Summer Break from July through October sometime and then fly my pants off with my kit built planes and with a couple 3D ARF's. I can fly the ARF's without the same feeling as I would have if I crashed one of my pride and joy kit built planes. It allows me to fly to the end of my present envelope with the ARF's.

Gibbs

I'm just curious about what you mean by building off of plans . A guy told me he builds off of plans, then he told me some one laser cut all of the pieces for him to match the size of the plans when he reduced it from a .40 to a small size electric. Am I hitting home with this explanation ?



CAP

You use the plans to tell you show you the shapes that need to be cut out. There are a couple of methods to do that. Then when you've got all the parts cut out, you lay the plans out on the building board. You can then start building the structures by placing the parts directly over the plans. Some people pin the parts to the plans.

Some guys use two sets of plans. One that is used for pattern making for the cutout parts. One that is used to build on.

There are a couple of places that will cut out parts for you. You send them the plans. They scan 'em into their laser cutter and then burn out some parts for you.

I started out building a Midwest AreoStar Trainer plane. It took me about 2 1/2 months to complete. I still have it.
After that ARF's became popular. I have bought a few ARF's and have had some crashes. I have noticed the glue that they use is very poor quality and they cut corners on making a strong and depending planes.

I am trying to learn to build from plans. It may take some time. I have a good master builder helping me to learn.
I don't want to depend on these ARF's anymore.