What are some good choices for ARTF and Kits? I regreted not getting a kit for my first R/C car, and I don't want to make the same mistake again. Somewhere around $400 completely built. BTW the closest flying club is well over an hour away on a good day, so I can't go find myself an instructor.

I've put together a list of planes that make good trainers. The list contains Ready To Fly (RTF), Almost Ready to Fly (ARF), as well as kits. Take a look at it and see if there is any planes there that you like.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_4537845/tm.htm] Looking for a trainer, what's available. (Updated 10-3-06) [/link]

As far as finding a club. Have you looked at the AMA's website and used their club finder?? It can be a great help in finding a club near you. You can find that here: [link]http://modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx[/link]

And lastly, Welcome to RCU. Please don't hesitate to ask any questions you might have. That's what we're here for!!

Hope this helps

Ken

Thanks, I saw that list right after I posted and made a huge "D'oh!" sound.

Anyone have any links to how to's, like how to cover wings and how to break in engine properly. I can't seem to find any.

RCU member MinnFlyer has done some great how-to articles and videos on covering. check them out as they will go a long way to getting you started.
[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=67] Minnflyer Covering how-to [/link]
[link=http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov1.wmv] Minnflyer Covering video, part 1 [/link]
[link=http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov2.wmv] Minnflyer Covering video. part 2 [/link]
[link=http://67.18.81.100/rcuvideos/magazine/reviews/352/cov3.wmv] Minnflyer Covering video, part 3 [/link]

newest covering videos
[link]http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=726[/link]

Ken

You can also find more "How-to's" in the RCU Magazine.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/index.cfm]RCU Magazine[/link]

Another great source of information about building would be [link=http://www.airfieldmodels.com]www.airfieldmodels.com[/link] . RCU member Caffeenman runs this site and has done an outstanding job puting out great information. I still go there all the time and always manage to learn something new, and I've been in the hobby for 10 years now!!!!!!!

Ken

Building a plane is much more satisfying than bolting the wings together.

I had fun with my Carl Goldberg Eaglet 50, but some people find it a little small for a trainer, especially those who don't have the best eyesight. The Sig Kadet Senior is a great large plane, and it's even better when coupled with a nice 4-stroke.