Well, I just maidened my Kadet LT-40 at lunch today. Man oh man what a nice flying plane!!!! She's an ARF that took me about 20 hours to build. Partly because I did some things that weren't required, and partly because I would get working on something, and then find out I needed some stuff from the hobby store ([:@]).

Things I did different:

I used 1/16th piano wire for the pushrods, instead of the plastic one provided in the kit.

Additional things:

I used thinned epoxy and painted the engine compartment, and fuel tank area.

The piano wire push rods were fun to build because I've never soldered anything before, but they're worth every extra minute.

Other than that, I put it together per the instructions. I'm using a TT pro 46 for power. No pics yet, but I'll get some on here soon.
This probably doesn't make sense, because I'm typing all excited, but I just had to share. I just can't believe how much I like this plane!!!!

- Paul

Yes they are great flying and building planes,I have built 3 of them with different mods on each.I'll likley build another,I have aLT25 waiting to get airborne.

Congratulations on your maiden flight. Is this your first plane? Sig has a great aircraft there.

The kadet was My 1st plane and I loved it. I built 3 more for my friends and they love it too. I can feel your excitement thats how I feel before going to the field and after a great flying day.

Oops, forgot to clairify that detail. This is not my first plane. I've been flying for about 18 years (well, I did have a 9 year laps, so I guess it's 9 years), but I've been flying mostly warbirds lately. I have a World Models P-51, and a PT-19 in the hangar as well, but I didn't really have anything for just lazy days. I've seen a lot of Kadets in action, and just always wanted one (kind of a reverse since the Kadet guys usually want my Mustang ). It's just nice to have something that can be more of a "work horse" to get my by between the next project. I already want to build the kit version, so I can bash it into more of a cesna 185 look.

Did I mention that I love this hobby?


- Paul

No problem. Everyone should keep a trainer in their fleet IMO.

Paul, like you I put together two LT40's. A fellow modeler, when he found out I was putting the first one together said: Why are you building a LT40. I said, because I want one! Not only do I have one but two. BTW I have 46 flying planes from 10 inches to 14 feet.

I put the first one on floats using a Tower 75, picture attached. The second one has a Tower 75 and only 1/2 inch of total dihedral. It is fun to take this one to the field and show the non believers what a trainer can do. Take off and immediately roll inverted and fly the pattern, land and take off in 10 feet and go straight up to altitude. The LT40 is great at a slip to a landing also.

Wow.. just bought my 15 year old son a LT40 and will power it with a OS .46FX. We purchased the JR 6102 FM radio to control this bird. This is his first plane (mine too). I hope to make this a family affair as we do with our golf.

We have an instructor lined up, joined a flying club and the AMA.

Any other suggestions??

Thanks,
Steve

Yeah, have a great time and Welcome to the hobby and RCU. Looks like you are doing it the right way.

Thanks Bruce... another question; I was just informed that the LT40 is backordered for a few weeks. I was offered to replace it with a Hobbico Avistar 40 II. Would you just wait on the LT40 or would the Avistar be an option.

Reading between the lines if the LT is sold out, it must be a good starter plane.

Tower Hobbbies has the LT-40 in stock and personally I'd rather see your son flying it. A bit more docile for training.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFG19&P=7

By docile, I don't mean that it is a dog either. It will be good for both of you to learn on.

Patience......patience....patience...

Don't consider your first plane as a life investment especially with two new pilots. If the two of you learn on one LT40 and it is still flying after that, great.

Stick with the LT40 for training. The Avistar 40 is a great airplane, I have had 2, for a second plane. After you graduate to the Avistar email and I'll give you a mod you will then be ready for.

Yes it is possible to learn on an Avistar. I taught a fellow one summer with one but will never again. If it had been an LT40, with him, it would have taken 1/2 the time.

Thank you for the advice... I thought since it was sold out it must be a very good trainer. I mean it is sold out by the distributor that supplies our local hobby shop. I may just order the plane online but I really like shopping with our local stores. They will match the online prices and get all the great local support.

BTW: I did fly years ago (like 30) when I was a kid too. Kraft radios, Super Tiger motors, and a nice flying ugly stick which I see is still make today. I do consider myself a newby since it's been 25 years...Thanks again!

Steve

I first flew 40 years ago as a 13 year old. Sterling Minnie Mambo, Cox .049 Babe Bee, single channel (an unbranded Asian 27 MHtz set) and rubber powered escapement. Covered it with blue & yellow silk then clear dope.

My son (also now 13) and I soloed in our LT-40 last fall. I documented it with some photos.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_34...tm.htm#3509385