Ok, I want to build an airplane from scratch. Second, I like a lot of the warplanes. My problem is, finding kits to build from scratch. Also, I would like the wingspan around 80". Any help or links would be appreciated.

Do you want to build a kit, meaning all of the parts are precut and it comes with instructions? Or do you want to build from scratch where you basically start with a set of plans or just an idea and cut all of your own wood? If you want a warbird kit, take a look at the ones from Top-Flite. You can get them at www.towerhobbies.com. Another place with warbird kits is www.skysharkrc.com. These are just a couple options, there are plenty more if you search.

Is this your first build? If so, start with something easier like a trainer plane. It will help you learn the basics; warbirds can be a little more advanced.

the Top flight Giant scale kits are a good start and they are not to expensive,as well as the accesorys ,any meister scale kits are a fairly decent size any time you get into giant scale the cost goes up quite a bit for kits,engines,retractable landing gear,etc....its the reason I haven't gone bigger than 60 size warbirds.

pre-cut with instructions. Most searches bring up ARF. I want something to work on for a while. Thank you

If you do not have a lot of experience building then follow ChuckW's advice and start with something small and simple. RCKen has a great build thread for a LT-40.

If you have built before then the TopFlite Corsair is a nice kit. It comes with precut wood, oil coolers, canopy, etc. It is not the size you are looking for but it was a nice first warbird build: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXHU80

I built one that I use for display and was happy with how it turned out. I have built other models before but it was my first large warbird. Granted, I don't fly it, but you build the same way regardless. Pictures here: http://putfile.com/rwright142

Good luck!

http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/gold-kits.html

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pre-cut with instructions. Most searches bring up ARF. I want something to work on for a while. Thank you
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In my limited experience, the ARF's are something you can work on forever.

I am just finishing up a Sig four star 60 and it would be a great "first" build. Everything is laser cut and it is a well designed kit that goes together quite fast. You will get the full experience of different glues for different parts of the build and the instruction manual gives recomendations.

I've built four planes in the last year, a true scratch build where I cut every piece of balsa, an ARF where I fixed, fixed, and then fixed some more, the Sig 4* kit, and two half and halfs (wings from the ARF and a scratch build /home designed fuselage after crashing the ARF's beyond repair). I haven't flown the Sig yet, but the Half and halfs are great flying machines. I'll find out how the 4* flys late this week.

Don

You might find some of the Balsa USA kits quite interesting:

http://www.balsausa.com/kits/kit.htp?id=55&shopperid=



This 1/4 scale Fokker D VII has an 88" top wing and can be flown with a large 4-stroke glow engine or 25cc to 35cc gas engine.

Just make sure this isn't your first rodeo before you try to cowboy up there, jkkfam89!

If you refer to something as scratch built. That means you designed and built it. Plans built is self explanitory as well as kit built. By all means build some kits, thats half the fun but lets be realistic. A .60 size top flite warbird will eat up at 200 or so hours of your time and if your not a real experienced flyer you can't fly it anyway. Average time for a quality giant scale warbird build is 2 Years and $2000-$3000 dollars. If you insist on going in the 80" range a Top Flite P47 Thunderbolt is an ideal plane but I would build a few simpler kits and working up that direction. Need to walk before you can run.

RWRIGHT- SO MANY QUESTIONS (and a few assumed answers)-
1. Why would you a)build a beautiful RC warbird for display b)and not fly it; c)not sell it to someone who would fly it; d)have enought time for any of the above????

My assumed answeres: a)because you love the hell out of the satisfaction of building; b)you have no interest in outfitting with flying gear, and/or risking crashing and destroying your beautiful work; c)you don't need the $ and again you want to permanently admire your handiwork; d) You, as all of us grown up boys, enjoy our hobby to balance the rest of life, and are at a place in life where that makes perfect sense.

I would so love to hear your response. I can apprecieate any and all of the pollsible answers above but most of all want to hear yours.

I am leaning toward the P-47D Thunderbolt 63" build kit. This is made my Top Flite and looks to be exactly what I need to stay busy. Does anyone think this is a good choice/ Bad choice? Thank you

Depends on your building and flying experience. Have you built a kit before? Have you assembled any planes? What's your flying experience.

If you've never flown, you really should start by building a trainer. While these may not be as interesting as a warbird, it's what is needed to learn to fly.

If you've never built a kit or assembled any kind of airplanes before, something simpler might be a better first choice.

Piper,

First go Red Wings, LOL

I have not built a kit or flown, but my father has trainers and has built airplanes for 30+ years. I am a hands on freak and while I am building this kit, I plan on training with him.

Thank you so much for your comments.

Where is Pittsboro in location too Asheville? I want to live in the Blue Ridge Mountain area, sooooo bad.

With help and planes from your fater, sounds like you're covered.

I live about 10 miles South of Chapel Hill, home of UNC. Asheville is about 2.5 hours West of here. The NC mountains are a special place. I've had lots of nice rides and hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway. I played at the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games for quite a few years before I took a break from the pipes.

What's a Red Wing? [sm=wink_smile.gif][sm=biggrin.gif]

jkkfam89, I would hold off and build somthing smaller as a first build. Even with good instructions and a lazer cut kit, it's easy to make a mistake that can ruin an expensive airplane. A 4 Star 60 would be a good place to start, then look at your P-47.

I myself have plans for a 68" Pitts Model 12, a 70+" Katana, and a 70+" 300S that I won't even try to build. I feel these are beyond my ability to build properly and definately to fly. I am, however building a modified Sig Kadet Jr. this plane has had all dihedral removed, ailerons added and the wings lengthened by 3" each. My plan is to learn to fly with it, then install floats, hense the longer wings