Hi all I'v been wanting to get into planes for a wile but I just dont know what i need. I'v flown before and then kinda got out of it because i got to bisy. What i want is a kit that wont be to hard to build and will fly well. My dad has been flying for about 15 years and my grandpa has been flying for well to long. LOL. I have built things before and I work on my trucks all the time so I'm into rc just not planes yet. I have been looking at the Pete N' Poke and the Slow Poke Sport. I have been told they both fly great but dont know if i'll be able to build them. Please thell me which one would be best and if you know of a better plane. I kinda like scale looking planes so no afficial trainers please. And im looking in the .25- .46 size. Also would a four stroke be good for a newb. Thanx.

The Pete n Poke and Slow Poke planes are nice planes, but they're definitely not for beginners. While not too difficult build I wouldn't recommend them as a first build. Not knowing your flying level I'm going to recommend a good first build project that is also a great flying trainer. I would recommend the Sig LT-40. I did a build thread on one a couple of years ago that would go a long way to helping you get started with this build. Check it out here: [link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm]Pay It Forward build thread!! LT-40 build.[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

Because of the canards the Pete n Poke would be a hard build for a first timer. And the wing struts would not work out well for a new flyer. Repairs would be high.
I prefer 4c myself , but they can be spendy. If your on a budget, a Magnum .52 4 stroke , would work well in either of these planes . If you want a no brainer , the OS .46 AX is the easiest engine I have dealt with .
If you were to get a cheap ARF trainer and throw your gear in it . Fly that while your building your kit. Then I would say , you could pick which kit you want.
Good luck on your build.

I agree with Insanemoondoggie.
You may not want a trainer type airplane but hey, sorry, you do have to learn to fly.
An ARF or even RTF trainer will get you in the air fast and get you learning while you are in the build proccess of whatever kit you want.
You can even use the engine and radio equipment in your kit build after you are done training.
As for kits, I have had a number of them from various manufacturers and I have found
SIG
http://www.sigmfg.com/
Midwest Products
http://www.midwestproducts.com/
and Top Flite
http://www.top-flite.com/airplanes/index.html
To have the best quality and most thorough instructions of any that I have had.

As mentioned above.....
The Sig LT-40 is a GREAT plane and they make Great kits.
the LT-40 with an OS .46 is a very nice combo for not too much money and the engine will be usable on MANY other planes later on.....

I started with an LT-40 with the OS .46 and now the .46 is on a 3D profile plane and the LT-40 is going to be used to train my 7 yr old!

xxxnt7,

Get a Carl Goldberg Freedom 20. It looks like a Cessna 152 or 172 and flys great. It's fast and does aerobatic manuevers well, even though it's a TRAINER. I built mine in 1983 and still dust it off once in a while and have a ball. It was my very first build and I loved building it. Very easy and doesn't take much time. Plus it's inexpensive. It takes a .25 engine and I'm on my second OS .25 This time I got the all Blue engine. Here's a picture for you to make up your mind with.

Just my selection,

Gibbs

Yeah, what they said.

Seriously though, maybe you could train on an ARF while flexing those building muscles on the kit of your choice. This would get you in the air fast and still allow you to build a plane that really appeals to you. After thoroughly flogging that trainer, you'll probably be ready fly your pride and joy.

Just my thoughts...

Erik

I did`nt mention the LT-40 , because he did`nt want to hear about trainers. RCKen let me off the hook. Tx lol Here goes.
The LT-40 is a great plane to have in your hanger . It builds fast and strong. Especially if you follow Kens build thread. It can be modded for floats, ski`s , bombbay doors. inflight video and much more. It will fly well on a .40 and I got to hover one today with a ST.61 on it. Even the Old School boys , get a kick out of that.
If you build a LT40 with your own hands, personalize it with your colours and learn to fly on it and solo, well be something , you well remember many years from now.
A lot like your first girlfriend[sm=spinnyeyes.gif]
Sry xxxnt7 , could`nt help myself . What ever you decide , let us knw how it`s going.

The PT -40 is also a easy build and awsome flying plane.

Just my 2 cents.

Del

Well my dad has his older Modletech Cub that I just did a motor tranplant in. So I have something to learn on. Thats why I wanted to get something not so trainerish. Also I love scale planes and hate planes that have no shape. No flat, Flat bad. LOL. I would like a cassena that would be nice or the Great Planes T-Craft that any good. Thanks though so far it has helped.

people what should i do

A midwest Aerostar .40 Kit is a great easy build that flys awesome! Mine is still flying 15 years later. Don't mess with a 4 stroke as a newby. A nice inexpensive .40-.46 2 stroke engine will do great in this plane. You can't go wrong with this kit.

It`s really up to you. If you want to build a trainer , The LT-40 has the best reviews and long standing history. I still have mt kit built LT-40 and it would be the last plane , I would give up.
Make your own decision.It`s your money not ours. What looks good to you?

My dad has been in to rc's for over 15 years so i think he should no some about them.

also why is the aerostar so expensive.

xxxnt7,

If you are worried about the cost of this hobby you should walk away while you still have your sanity. This hobby can be inexpensive to get into but then the addiction begins and the next thing you know you can't count the planes you have in your hanger using both your fingers and toes, and maybe someone elses also. Run while you still can or just get what you want, don't worry about the cost because you will be in poverty the rest of your flying life anyway. Have a good time and BUY, BUY, BUY, and then BUY somemore!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Good Luck,

Gibbs

It's not the knowledge neccessarily. They cost more and damage more easily. Not needed for a trainer.

Could you have meant cabanes?? No canards on a Pete n Poke.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canard_(aeronautics)

What about Sig MidStar 40, i think its easier to build then the LT-40 from what i see, the tail is not an air gaps.
with help from members in this forum

and its not a trainer, still its very easy to fly it for a kit! , can be very slow, and turns on a penny.
ALEX [X(] lower the Dual Rate!!!!

and very capable flying like it would break at that turn, but it did not.
And can have Quagmire as a dummy pilot. [8D]

on a slow approach for landing, a tree grabed my plane
but i think i'll build one more during the winter.

Ok well about the LT being so expensive why. And belive me I know the this stuff is not cheap becaus i've been in to rc for about 10 years of my 12 year life. I know alot about it. I was just wondering why at Tower the LT is like $125 for the kit and alot of other strainers and intermediat planes are cheaper. Doesn't make sence to me. Also The MidStar is pretty nice looking but I think I would like the 4Star 40 but the thing is my dad already has one that his dad biult with him when he was like my age. And I want a kit to start building a plane that is basicaly a step up from what im at now ustil im done and by the tome im done I will hopefully be able to fly my dads Cub. Lets hope. But my dad isnt shore if he'll let me build a plane we already have. THX for all the help so far. Keep it coming.

WELCOME to RC flying!

My son didn't want the BASIC TRAINER look either so here is what we did and it should be well within your skill levels but dad and gramps can still "help"

Kit bash (make some minor changes) to a LT 40. Use only about 1/2 the recommended dihedral( optional for better inverted later). Make it a tail dragger. Use plastic gear. (Tail draggers are easier to add floats or skis to) Change the tail shape to a shape you like. DO NOT CHANGE the total area of those surfaces.. a little extra rudder would be ok. Here is a pic of mine.

OH YEAH and pick a cool cover scheme!!
I also forgot to mention it has a bunch of LEDs for night flying.[8D]

THE LT 40 is about average on price but above average on quality and they can be acrobatic with the CG moved back some. Do a search here on RCU for LT40 and read up on it. The LT 40 really is a fine bird IMHO. DO drop the bucks for a good motor though.. you have some nitro car motors I gather so you already know how yucky the cheap ones are. Go for at least a 45 2cycle or comparable 4cycle. OS 45 2cycle is my recomendation...or swipe one from your Dad!

Thats pretty nice but i cinda would like a low wing but i like it.