I want to get started in this hobby and always have, but I am one a very limited budget until I can get out of college. I have gotten the plans for the spadet and am wanting to start building. Now time for some questions.

Do I need to flash or can I use the scotch brite, mineral spirits method?
Do these methods need only done where the glue will go?
I am set on getting a 4 channel radio, but is it OK to buy a used one on ebay or something?,
I would like to be able to switch it into an electric flyer someday, if the desire hits me.
What about a used engine?
Any brands or models on the radio and engine?
I am an engineering student so the building of the spadet looks fun to me. The airplane I am pretty set on, but everything else is in the air.

Thanks for the help

You didn't ask, but I'll jump in here anyway...

Before you start buying and building, I highly recommend you think about how and where you are going to learn to fly. The traditional method (find an instructor at the local club) is not cheap. Most clubs charge dues around $50 and AMA dues (also around $50 a year) are almost always required as well.

Even with a Spadet, the chances of learning on your own are slight, and you'd need a place to fly. There are serious safety issues involved with flying glow-powered R/C planes, and you need to understand them.

Take the time first to figure out this issue. I suggest visiting a local flying field. Once this is settled, you're ready for the fun.

Hey Iceman,
Pinball is right, but you also can get an answer to your questions. As for the SPADs, you might want to ask on the SPAD section of RCU, you'd probably get more help re. actual SPAD building. I built one (tried several times on the wing to get it right...), and found that sanding the coro surface, then wiping with alcohol is the way to go to prep the surface. Then glue with medium or thick CA. You only need to do it where there are glue joints. As for radios/engines, I would be more careful on Ebay than on RCU. PArticularly with radios, you need to make sure it is still a legal radio, and some people on EBAY might not know the difference. I personally think you can get used/nearly new stuff from guys on RCU's classifieds, and save a few $. As for brands, everyone has a favorite, I use Futaba radios and OS engines, but that doesn't make them any better than other good brands. The thing to do is narrow the question down, and maybe ask it in terms of what might be bad about a certain engine or radio. If you ask what is the best, you'll just start a debate and never get a definite answer.
good luck!

Thanks for the replies,
There is an RC field and club here where I live and I have been out to the field, but am not a member yet. However, I would join before trying to fly and have a member help me get started. I just figured that would probably come after I had build a plane and had equipment.
On the equipment matter I guess what I am mainly asking is if an older radio (like for instance a conquest 4 by futaba) would be the way to go or is it better to buy new? What about AM or FM radios?
thanks

There is no definitive answer that works for everyone. You need to test the coro and glue you have, and find which works. You should not be able to separate a good glue joint except by tearing the coro.
Personally, I use a primer made for coro and CA.
No muss, no fuss.
Yes. The critical joint on most Spads is the trailing edge of the wing. Almost every where else you can get away with weaker joints.
Different people have very different tolerance and luck with eBay. Make sure you factor in the risk into the price, and talk directly with the seller. Check the Tower Hobbies prices to make sure you don't overpay.
Pay attention to the seller's rating and comments from other buyers!
To convert your Spadet to electric power and have it perform well would cost 5 or 10 times what a glow engine costs, if it can be done at all.
Even riskier than a used radio, since it's easier to abuse an engine (and not have the abuse visible) than it is to abuse a radio.
That's great! Come on over to the S.P.A.D. forum and discuss!

Iceman1,

Check your budget first the SPAD planes themselves are much less expensive to build, but the rest of the gear costs the same.

Figure about 50-100 (cost of balsa ARF Trainner)savings when taking the SPAD route.

Now most guys here feel 300-600 is about what it takes to get into this hobby. Subtract the 50 to 100 and thats what you will need. I would hate for you to run out of funds midway through your project...

Can you tell me the name? Maybe where you bought it?

my suggestion... go to the field... maybe someone their has a setup they are willing to sell cheap. esp someone that has learned to solo and has moved on in planes. you might be able to get a good trainer without any building... then you can start with spads after you get a few flights under your belt.

also you would be talking to the person selling which is a big plus (know what your getting) and you might make a few freinds.

I use Loctite 770. There is another Loctite product that is water-based (rather than heptane) which works fine as well, but I forget the number. You can get it from McMaster-Carr Supply, but their web site is currently down. You can also get it from Micro-Tools . One bottle will build half a dozen Spads.