Greetings Everyone,

I have been lurking about here for a couple of weeks now. I figured that it was time to jump in.

I want to get my first plane. And I want it to be a kit. I have helped an acquaintance with an ARF about two years ago. (i forget the model)
My goal is to build Warbirds but I figured it best to build a trainer type plane first. I have many hours of practice on RF/G2. But have yet to actually fly.

I am considering a SIG Kadet LT-40 for my project and would welcome your opinions about this choice.
Also I do not have a radio as yet and am looking at a JR8103 heli. I am interested in flying helis at a later date.


Mark Hanson

Hi there,

I am currently building an LT-40 plane myself, as I am a newbie as well. It went together with hardly any trouble at all, clear directions, and easy to build as well.

Welcome!
LT-40 will make you a great trainer and good kit to start building with.
Ar far as the radio, I like JRs also, the one you mention is more than you need to start with and a bit pricey, but, I say buy all the radio you can afford, youll eventually need the features it offers anyway.

I didnt see any mention of getting assistance? You need a trainer pilot or all bets are off.
Find a club and jump in!

Valley Flyers is the Club that runs the local field. I will be contacting them for membership and instruction. I was going to try to make it to the most recent meeting, but the darn pager went off. (I was on call that week)

Mark Hanson

http://www.valleyflyers.com

Hi delizar,
Im in the same position as you i started off with a LT-40 and want to move as fast as i can to a p-51D mustang. If your looking for a .40 size warbird you might be able to get it as a third plane. First you need a trainer almost all trainers on the markets are good exept if youre building a kit and dont know much about building planes i also suggest going with the kadet for me i had no experience and i found it pretty easy to build. Everything comes precut and very little sanding is nessesary. It will be an easy plane to build, fly, and learn the basics with. Then the next step will be to get a taildragger low wing sport plane something where you can transfer from a trainer to a low wing to get ready for the warbird. There are many good planes out there but you wont half to think of that for a while. Then you can make your way to your favorite warbird.

Papa

Hi delizar,
Im in the same position as you i started off with a LT-40 and want to move as fast as i can to a p-51D mustang. If your looking for a .40 size warbird you might be able to get it as a third plane. First you need a trainer almost all trainers on the markets are good exept if youre building a kit and dont know much about building planes i also suggest going with the kadet for me i had no experience and i found it pretty easy to build. Everything comes precut and very little sanding is nessesary. It will be an easy plane to build, fly, and learn the basics with. Then the next step will be to get a taildragger low wing sport plane something where you can transfer from a trainer to a low wing to get ready for the warbird. There are many good planes out there but you wont half to think of that for a while. Then you can make your way to your favorite warbird.

Papa

Very good choices Mark. It's nice to see someone who has his ducks in a row and isn't looking for instant gratification. You are taking all the right steps. You didn't mention engine choice. Here too I would suggest getting something that will be of service to you in the future. Here are a few suggestions (in alphabetical order):

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBUX6&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXBY45&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFV71&P=0

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXKF97&P=0

Choose depending on what you can afford, and ask around at the field. You'll want to get something that the club members are familliar with in case you have problems.

Good Luck!!

Thank you for the replies and the encouragement.

Flap:
Yes, the JR8103 is a bit pricey. As you and many others have stated, "Get all the Radio you can afford". With a helicopter somewhere in my future the 8103heli seems to be the best all around choice. My only concern at this time is instruction. With buddy-box flying do both radios need to be identical? Once I contact my Local club this may influence my choice.

Papa:
You have outlined my plan rather well. The only difference is the choice of Warbirds. I daydream of a .60 FW190 and someday a P38 Lightning.

MinnFlyer:
First, my thanks for helping to bring these forums to all of us in your role as Moderator. So far conversation I have had with a coworker who has three planes has me leaning toward the OS line of engines. I will however hold off on that until I have contacted the local club. One step that I am taking now however is to get my AMA membership. I will be heading off to there site today. If it can be done online great, if not it will be in the mail tomorrow.


Mark

Mark, you should be able to join AMA via their website. And your choice of OS engines is great (It's my personal favorite, but there's nothing wrong with the others. Sort of a Ford/Chevy thing) The one thing to note about the engines I showed you is that they are all ball Bearing type engines as opposed to having a bushing up front. Whatever brand you decide upon, I strongly suggest a Ball Bearing type engine. In other words, don't buy an OS with a bushing when for just a few dollars more you can get a Thunder Tiger with Ball Bearings.

Just something else to consider is the abuse that any trainer can be subjected to - tip stalls, hard landings, cartwheels, etc. While most of the traditional trainers are made of balsa. Being made of balsa, they tend to be a bit on the delicate side and do not handle abuse very well.

If you can follow some pretty simple instructions, take a look at this SPAD . It's made out of corrigated plastic as are 99.999% of all SPAD's and they are tough as nails. The nice thing about SPAD's is the inexpensive cost of the materials.

I fly SPAD's and have retired all of my balsa planes simply because I like being able to crank out a new model each week if I so choose. I also like the fact that if I destroy one of my SPAD's, I'm only out about $20 and I can swallow that alot easier than I can $125 for a balsa ARF or months building a $70 kit.

It's just something to think about . . .

Welcome to the addiction, I mean hobby. You will love it. Good pick of planes. There are others out there too, but that one will serve you great. If you are not hooked on JR, I would suggest the Futaba 9CHP radio. It is a great radio, and a really good company. I just fried one of my expensive recievers due to a stupid move on my part, and sent it in to Futaba and they fixed it and are returning it. They never made mention of a charge. In the past, they charged me before they ship so I am assuming no charge. It is awsome service and a great radio. Enjoy the hobby. You can do almost anything with it.

Delizar:

Just a note of support. Your choice of the Sig LT-40 is a good one. The O.S. 46 FX works great and balances the plane almost spot
on.

If by chance you have not purchased your radio, the JR 3108
would also be a great choice. Yes, its alittle expensive, but in the long run its really cheap.

You might try calling Doug's Hobby Shop in Waldorf, Maryland as they are selling the JR 3108 promotional set up for about $360.00.

There number is 301-843-7774. Ask for Jim Moran. Jim is the owner. He is taking over the business from his father, Doug.

Chiefjcw