I have always loved anything RC, Well, I want to start messing with RC airplanes. I dont really want to spend 400+ dollars on a package and I would love to build an airplane. I was curious if anyone has any websites that can "guide" me through building a simple rc airplane. I think once I get started it will pretty much be simple.

Welcome to the insanity....

Building a flyable airplane isn't very difficult. Get something like a Sig LT40 or a Goldberg Eagle 2 (Both are available in kit and ARF formats) and you'll find the manuals and instructions are aimed at the beginners.

As for web sites on how to build, I can't help you, but the forums here have a wealth of information. One suggestion I have would be to contact a local club and ask if there is anyone who can help you out.

I found I learned a lot more by "holding the flashlight" than I did by reading books etc... so perhaps you could ask if there is anyone building anything at the moment and if you could "assist" them. An extra set of hands are always useful!

You might be able to borrow the instructions for a trainer airplane and have a read through them. Once you've done that, you'll see it's not that hard as long as you're patient and read the directions two steps ahead twice (at least)!

Edit;Correct spelling mistrake

Yeah that brings up a new question.... What does ARF stand for?

And!

So a kit is basically instructions and balsa wood you need to build an airplane?

arf means almost ready to fly and a kit is a box 'o' stix with plans .Welcome to the addiction I'm 2 months in and already own 3 planes and thinking about number 4

lol thanks, just curious how cheap or how expensive can a single plane run? I understand im probably going to end up spedning a few hundred bucks, but im only 18 and I do work full time, but of course we all have bills to pay, SOOoo, Just curious how this is going to effect my wallet?

simply put your wallet will scream for mercy [&:]

Here is an example of kit, ARC and ARF.
http://www.camodel.com.ar/imagenes_/...silon90ing.htm

The plane is not beginner stuff but the page should illustrate the "kit, ARC and ARF" distinctions. In this case the, the wing, stab and rudder are sheeted foam. In lots of kits, the wing etc. look more like the fuselage parts here.

Definitely join a club. You will get a plenty of advice and help.

Small electric planes are also an option if space for building and storage is tight. Large electrics are still pretty expensive.

If your budget is a few hundred bucks, your best options are electrics, careful selection and shopping can get you a decent setup, or to buy a second hand glow trainer setup. It's quite common for someone to try flying and decide they don't like it. Some people sell their stuff immediately, others hold on to it for a year or two and then sell it. Quite often they contact the person who trained them to get help selling it. If you get in touch with the local club and let them know you are interested, but have a limited budget, they may be able to help you find something.

to save money on repairs and damage join a club and have some one help you learn to fly and check over your assembly jobs. its cheaper then the repairs and less frustrating

i agree with all the above plus spend hours upon hours reading in this forum,you will be amazed with the wealth of information everybody gives,it has helped me out tremendously,good luck

i agree with all the above plus spend hours upon hours reading in this forum,you will be amazed with the wealth of information everybody gives,it has helped me out tremendously,good luck

Read this thread, it will walk you through the assembling of a Sig LT-40 so you can get an idea of what it take to assemble a kit. Keep in mind that RCKen is doing a meticulous job and you wouldn't need to be quite as good but it is something to aspire to.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm

You also asked how much a single plane COULD cost. Well, not counting engine and radio, it can range from about $60.00 up into the THOUSANDS!!! Of course, one would hope to get a lot of plane for that money.
You also asked what an ARF was and was given an answer. There are also RTF or "Ready To Fly" which require virtually no assembly at all. Add fuel and charge batteries - ready to go. Choices/options are very limited in this type.
With ARF's you can select your engine and radio.

I've been buying planes on RCUniverse...go there, folks are selling RTF trainer setups for $250.00 (I guess they out grew them[8D]). That gives you everything except your field equipment!
I've been flying since the summer, going to pick up my 3rd plane Saturday!
Cheers!
Mazer

Gotta disagree with ya on this one Chuck. I don't believe ther is an electric Trainer out there that will fly have as well as the Tower RTF
for $259 minus their usual discounts. Especially an electric of that size.



http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXCXF4**&P=0


That will fly circles around this one!



http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...I=LXJKU3**&P=0


$10 dollar price difference, & huge performance difference!!

Four word answer:
[link=http://spadtothebone.com]Spad to the Bone[/link]

Build a Debonair. You'll be flying for under $200 (depending on your scrounging skills). You'll end up with a very durable, well flying trainer. They don't get much simpler than Simple Plastic Airplane Design (SPAD).

Brad

There are less expensive choices than the Tower RTF packages. Besides, neither of the options you listed includes anything in the way of field equipment or tools to assemble. Those things will easily push the total above $300.

Yea, But he said he didn't wanna spend $400+.[sm=greedy.gif]

400$ is about the basic price for any glow setup plane 300$ flight line 100$ basic field equip. if you add a elec. starter, field box. fuel pump, battery for starter ,glow driver,and plug wrench,extra glow plugs, thats the basics, you can add a few more tools and lets not forget the fuel its the hidden cost that adds up over time at 15$ a gallon not that I am complaining .

shoot I am spending way to much on this hobby

Yes, he said a few hundred. The examples you showed are both going to end up well over $300, and the glow pushing $400 by the time he adds all the extra stuff.

Actually Chuck I did find this little ARF right here in the Marketplace, & at this price he would still have enough money left for the electrics to put it in the air. The best part is it looks to be of a Trainer type nature.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=173490


There are a number of 4 to 6 channel radios to choose from starting at about $99

Interesting.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/market/item.cfm?itemId=171681

Here's another complete set up with everything you need RTF for $199, This RTF electric is allready set up brushless, as in it will actually fly! Allthough you will need some help from an Instructor or it will probably only fly once, & that will be a very short flight indeed!

I was looking at buying this one
http://h1069487.hobbyshopnow.com/pro...p?prod=HAN2825

It comes RTF and also includes a remote control.... I figure once I have all the parts for it, once it crahses or something and if I ever want to build another I could probably reuse most of them right?

It seems to have decent equipment that can be reused.

The NACA droops are supposed to tame that bird. I have not heard much about it, except for a couple of reviews that say it should work. Definitely get somebody experienced to help you with it.

A lot of people are using these now with success. Yes, the radios and engine are reusable in future planes also. I have instructed one student on this plane and he did well. Definitely need an instructor though.

I think everyone thought you wanted to stay well below this price, based upon your original post.