I started with a RTF, because I wanted a plane i basically knew would fly without much that I could do wrong. Now, Im deciding on getting a ARF or kit 4* 60 (In the future, not done with my trainer yet.) So, I looked at 2 4* 60 build threads and it seems to much for me. What do you all think. Could really anyone build on of these if they take their time? Or should I just go slow and maybe use a ARF now, so I can learn to set up this plane and of course buy quality electronics and engine. Then for the my third plane go Kit. THanks

Lots of people do, every day. The 4 Star is an easy build, all straight lines, "box" fuselage, simple design, and they fly great. If you have something to fly while you're working on this, go for it. It will mean a lot more to you when you finish it.

I would definitely recommend the kit version. My first airplane was a kit, and it was the most valuable experience I've ever given myself. A good quality kit like that is easy to build since it comes with detailed building instructions and has most pieces precut. After you build a kit repairs don't seem daunting anymore. A few kits will give you enough confidence to scratch build, then your modeling has no boundaries. ARFs are very good, but going ARF after ARF really limits what you fly, how it looks, and how much you feel comfortable repairing.

The only negative is that the first few kits probably won't look quite as nice as an ARF finish wise, but should fly just as well if you take your time.

First kits can be scary but it is well worth it when you see it lift off the ground the first time.
I have not built the 4 Star but I am putting the final touches on a Sig Hog Bipe.
I found the the wood cutting and parts fit to be excellent. The kit is well designed and the pieces self align pretty well. The instruction book was well written and pretty complete. The plans and the parts matched each other pretty good too.
Making the huge assumption that the two kits are similar in the above mentioned categories I think you will be able to build the 4 Star as a first kit and have a rewarding experience.
There are several build threads on the 4 Star and there should be a lot of good support on the group if you need to ask questions.
Since this is your first kit build don't get carried away with making to many modifications, build it per print and it will fly great.

One thing that scares me, is when I was reading a build thread, in each the person always has a few problems. They range and Im afraid ill get a little problem that I wont be able to fix.

That's where other club members or even RCU members come to the rescue!

very true.

I know no one can answer this for sure, but an estimate would be nice. How long does it take to build this kit, if its a first kit? I just want a estimate, like just under a year. Something like that. If I get it like at the end of the summer, and I build after school and on weekends, could I have it done by the next summer, or midsummer, so I could get another month on my trainer? For those of you who did build this kit as their first, please just tell me how long it took you. Thanks

A kit can be built in as little as a week, or take several years. I have a boat that took 17 years to finish! [X(] It depends on how much time you devote to it, whether you take any long breaks (like I did with the boat), how well you follow directions, how fussy you are, etc. If you're out of school now, and not working, you could definitely have it done this summer.

the 4* 60 can be built by an experienced builder in a week. For a first build it will all depend on how slowly or quickly you take it. That will depend on your ability to follow directions and understand what you have read. If assume that you are an average person with average intelligence, then I would say that working on it in the evenings and on weekends (and assuming you have all the extras, engine, covering, etc. etc. etc.) then you should be able to take it from box to air in a months time.

As for how hard is it to build, like all planes, you need to read the instruction book fully before glueing stick number one. this help to ensure that in your minds eye you will know why tab A goes in to slot A before hand. The 4 * is built directly over the plans, so lay up all pieces directly over the line drawings and make sure everything looks 100% before doing any gluing when your happy with the way it all looks grab the CA. If its your first build then simply follow all directions, dont try any kit bashing, just go step 1, step 2... It goes together very quickly and it is for the most part all interlocking parts so unless you start changing things around it really is as easy as tab A to slot A .

The box of wood might seem over whelming at first glance but just read the book first, then just follow it step by step and before you know it you will be flying one of the most popular sport models out there and you will have sole bragging rights for a job well done.

From what I have seen and heard about the 4* it is a very simple build - great for a first timer!. I have built several planes, the basic ones (like the 4*) will take me about 25 - 35 hours of work time from box to flight line, you could add another 5 hours to that for a first time builder. I have a F4AU that was about 60 hours and a giant scale Chipmunk that will have at least 150 hours into it once it is done.

As the father of a couple of young kids, getting the time to build is the problem, not so much the building time.

I will tell you that there is a special excitement when the plane that you have built flys for the first time, and it never really leaves, it is just great to see your creation go up into the air! Building will also help you learn how to make repairs to your plane, you have to remember that advantage as well.

I am thinking about building a 4* 60 as one of my winter projects (along with finishing the Chipmunk - just needs to be fiberglassed and painted - and a nice 60 size Norseman float plane). If you ever want tips this is a great place to come. Take photos and post them on the site, people will give you lots and lots of help!

Good Luck!

I built my 4* .40 in about a week , but it was my 4 th build. The 4* builds easy, but a first time build well always take a longer. Highly recommend you try your hand at a kit . The knowlege you gain well be priceless and will do nothing but make your a better RCer.
The 4* is awesome , you wont`t go wrong with one.

if you work several hours a day or every other you can have it close in about a month. working on it 4 hours a day I would say about a week maybe 10 days. I am retired and can build a 4* 60 in about a week maybe less, I have been building airplanes boats cars for over 30 years or so.dont let problems that arise worry you most of them can be fixed really easy. wood is very easy to work with. just make sure that when you start your build you have a good flat surface to build on and things you aren’t sure of or have questions about ,just post them here these fellas quibble at times but they all are a good bunch.

Sorry, im a newbie... Which plane is "4* 60" exactly? So i can look it up and see wth u guys are yippin about.

sig four star .60

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...=++&search3=Go

I built the 4* as a third build and it was a sinch. The hardest part for me was the covering due to the crazy scheem I went with. If you decide to got with it, best of luck! I found some great mods here on RCU and all helped. For the first time however, build it stock. It will help to avoid comlecations. Maby consider the landing gear mod (changing out the stock aluminum gear for Du-Bro nylon gear).

Here is a pic of mine.

a kit like the 4* is a great start, one thing to keep in mind is to pace your self.
2-3hours a day or every other day is a good pace,read through the instructions and become familiar with the order of assembly and pick goals for each building session and plan acordingly.
your not going to build your plane in a day so think small steps and before you know it you will have a plane constructed.
one thing I like to do is use a high lighter pen,the yellow type, to mark sections of the instructions that look like they might give me problems or that I feel need extra attention when I am reading through them before I start a new section.
then as each step is finished I mark the section, or Box next to each step, as I complete that step,it helps to keep track of my progress.
when I am kind of burnt out on building I look at all the yellow marks and remind myself how much work I have done and where I stand in the building process.
another thing to remember there is a ton of information on building,and plenty of people willing to help if you become stuck on a step.