I am new to the forums but and fairly new to flying. I have a few RTF electric planes that I have had fun flying and now I am ready to build a kit. After looking at Tower Hobbies the House of Balsa Electric P-51D Mustang Kit looks like a kit for me. The only problem is the price. It is 89.99 and the gas version is only 44.99. The only difference I can see is the size. The electric has a 46.5" wingspan and the gas has a 43". I was wondering if the gas version can easily be used for electric. Also if it can, would a 400 size engine be ok. You can probably already tell that price is an issue so if this is not going to work could you guys recommend a kit for me. I am really looking for something that looks better than some of the beginner planes I have. WWII planes are a particular interest of mine.

Thanks in advance,
Blake Lasslett

The gas kit will have bigger structure inside. It will be heavier. Bigger sticks, more sheeting. Not as much attnetion given to building it lightweight.

You can make it electric--but probably not on a 400 size engine.

Blake, look around in the Electric forums here on RCU. There are forums for just about every type and size plane you have an interest in. There is a specific forum for electric planes. Spend some time there and research some other kits. You might find something that catches your eye and is cheaper.

The search function at the bottom of each forum is a great way to gather information without asking repetative questions in the forums. Search and find what you like. Study it and then ask questions.

As Rcpilet said, the glow version (calling it gas will confuse people who use glow and gas to differentiate between the two main types of fuel used in airplanes) will be built heavier so it can handle the extra vibration of the engine. It will also have room for a fuel tank. The electric one should be lighter and have a place for the battery.

Choosing a kit such as a P-51 for your first build may not be such a good idea. Also, while I have ordered lots of stuff from Tower, they are not the best place for ordering kits. They stock what sells well, and these days ARFs and RTFs are what seems to move. You'll probably have to do as already suggested, spend some time looking around in the electric forums to get some good ideas. I know the electric crowd has done quite a few conversions of planes in the .049 sizes to electric. There are also lots of kits out there that you will never find by looking at the major retailers such as Tower, Hobby People, etc.

do a search for mountain models it'll be easier for you to start with a basic stick type model ..I can tell you from exp. you dont want to start with an HOB kit..Herr has some good ones that can be converted, Iflyherr.com I think it is...check out their mustang, dont have one myself but people say its the type of model you open the box throw in a tube of glue shake it and out comes a model....Rog

If this is your first kit I would not build the P51 Mustang, the warbirds are harder to fly.
Stick with a fun-fly sport style airplane. The best way to have fun in the hobby is to not get ahead of yourself.
Success = fun = more success. Slowly move up in airplane classes.

What kind of RTFs have you flown? (high wing, low wing, ailerons, "scale" , or just list them)

I have flown the Firebird scout and the Parkzone J-3 Cub.