Beginner with new plane kit
12-02-2007 | 10:33 PM
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From: Columbia, MO
Beginner with new plane kit
Well, you people went and done it. Not only did my interest in RC get re-ignited after reading posts to the various forums on this board (beginner's in particular), RCKen got me interested in building my first plane. I now have a brand new box, an LT-40, still in the wrapper, sitting in my living room while my wife and I discuss where the build will take place. I have found and contacted a local RC Flying club and will start training once the weather improves. I love to build things, so I figured that building my plane was a natural extension of that. My local club informed me that no one else in the club builds, so my help would have to come from elsewhere, namely in these forums.
I have been inspired by the many successes as well as the failures I have read about. The main thing was the tenacity of the average RC'er. Even after seeing the state of some of the crashes and other problems, most brush themselves off and dig in and either rebuild or start a new one. I love that kind of group, and want to be a part of it.
So, I'll let you know when I manage to get a space cleared and start building...
Michael (madmoe) Moe
(I used to fly extensively online and my 'online' name was madmoe ... not because I got angry... well... long story some other time...[8D])
I have been inspired by the many successes as well as the failures I have read about. The main thing was the tenacity of the average RC'er. Even after seeing the state of some of the crashes and other problems, most brush themselves off and dig in and either rebuild or start a new one. I love that kind of group, and want to be a part of it.
So, I'll let you know when I manage to get a space cleared and start building...
Michael (madmoe) Moe
(I used to fly extensively online and my 'online' name was madmoe ... not because I got angry... well... long story some other time...[8D])
12-02-2007 | 10:46 PM
#2
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Welcome to RCU, RC in general and "building" in particular.
I'm sure you have already seen this but just in case:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm is a GREAT build thread.
I'm sure you have already seen this but just in case:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm is a GREAT build thread.
12-02-2007 | 11:07 PM
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RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Build it by the numbers and don't get carried away with a bunch of modifications or you will never get it finished.
The LT 40 was my first plane when I started back into R/C many years ago. I still have that plane. I think it is a great one.
Jim
The LT 40 was my first plane when I started back into R/C many years ago. I still have that plane. I think it is a great one.
Jim
12-03-2007 | 03:17 AM
#7
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
The good news, madmoe, is that you will no longer need to worry about what to do with any discretionary income that might come your way!
I also hope that your enthusiasm for the building aspect of your hobby rubs off on some fellow club members there in Columbia, MO!
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
I also hope that your enthusiasm for the building aspect of your hobby rubs off on some fellow club members there in Columbia, MO!
Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.
12-03-2007 | 06:29 AM
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From: FrederickMD
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
For a first build with no help, FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS PRECISELY! That means reading through the entire set of directions at least twice. Form a mental picture of exactly what you are going to do and when. When you've done that, read the directions again. Now you're ready to take the parts out of the box. Its very helpful to put all the parts in zip-lock bags, separated by section of the plane. Use a pencil to label EVERYTHING. Write lightly and it will sand off later.
As you progress through the build, keep track of the steps in the instruction book with a pencil mark. If the instructions don't already have a box next to the step, I make one when I read the step. Then I make an X when I complete the step. Keep every extra piece of wood in the kit. You never know when you'll need it. Even the small ends of the sticks come in handy.
Good luck. The LT-40 is a fine kit and an excellent flyer.
Brad
As you progress through the build, keep track of the steps in the instruction book with a pencil mark. If the instructions don't already have a box next to the step, I make one when I read the step. Then I make an X when I complete the step. Keep every extra piece of wood in the kit. You never know when you'll need it. Even the small ends of the sticks come in handy.
Good luck. The LT-40 is a fine kit and an excellent flyer.
Brad
12-03-2007 | 06:56 AM
#9
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
bkdavy is right on!
Read the directions several times before you start. Then read again. finish a section then read them again so you will know the entire process. I made the mistake of finishing a part (I think it was the horiz stab) and them found out I shouldn't have until it would mounted on the tail (this was for a different plane though).
Good luck!
Read the directions several times before you start. Then read again. finish a section then read them again so you will know the entire process. I made the mistake of finishing a part (I think it was the horiz stab) and them found out I shouldn't have until it would mounted on the tail (this was for a different plane though).
Good luck!
12-03-2007 | 09:42 AM
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From: Columbia, MO
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Thanks for the kind responses and encouragement! I read the entire post from RCKen on his LT-40 build and put it all into a word document, printed it and put it into a binder so I can refer to it easier during my build. I am an old A&P Mechanic (ok, I'm only 47, but it sounds better this way...), so the idea of being very careful when working with an airplane construction or repair comes a bit easier. When I picked up the box from the store, the guy at the register said "Gonna have it done by next week?", I replied "It'll be done when it's done, I'm doing this one right...". I remember the beginning of RCKen's LT-40 build he talked about reading the manual multiple times, which I think is a great idea. I was also planning on getting the plans duplicated so I have the originals for future repairs. I assume that the plans have been folded (I still haven't opened the box, don't want to until I have a place to build, don't want to possibly loose something) and not rolled, so there will be creases. I remember reading in one post that mentioned ironing the plans to remove the creases. What setting on the iron do you recommend? I am thinking the lowest heat one? Should I cover the plans with a cloth (like you would with a delicate cloth item to prevent burns)?
MadMoe
MadMoe
12-03-2007 | 10:27 AM
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From: Willimantic,
CT
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
I have built 4 of the LT's and have done it both ways ironing them and just taping them down tight and both work,but yes low heat so the ink doesn't run.Follow the plans for the first one I modded the last 2 I built,it gets habit forming.welcome aboard.
12-03-2007 | 10:43 AM
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From: FrederickMD
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Most manufacturers roll the plans rather than fold them. Take them out, roll then the opposite direction, then rub your hands on the rolled plans rapidly until you feel them getting warm. This is usually sufficient to get rid of any excess curling. Tape them to your building surface with masking tape, and cover them with Waxed Paper. Waxed paper won't adhear to most of the glues we use, and is easy to sand off it if does. Its easy to pin through, and will protect the plans. I usually don't copy the plans as its an unneeded expense, and I'm never quite sure the copy machines are truly 1:1.
Brad
Brad
12-03-2007 | 11:21 AM
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From: Lockport,
NY
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
I have a question about working with balsa. I am triing to cover my wing ribs and making curses / bends how do you shape the wood. I thought of soaking it with water but figured balsa is so dry it would absorb and swell changing the thickness. What about heat? Or just slowly let it warp itself by tiing down with rubber bands or something?
12-03-2007 | 11:26 AM
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From: FrederickMD
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Assuming you're talking about sheeting, its very easy to bend balsa. First soak it with rubbing alcohol or ammonia (windex works well for this). Let the wood sit for a few minutes. You'll feel it start to be easier to flex. Don't rush it. Make sure the grain of the wood is running span-wise. Once you can easily flex it over the surface, use masking tape to hold it in place. Now allow the wood to dry (overnight is good). When its dry, it will retain the shape of the curve, and can be easily glued in place.
Brad
Brad
12-03-2007 | 11:46 AM
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From: Woodville, WI
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: w8ye
Build it by the numbers and don't get carried away with a bunch of modifications or you will never get it finished.
The LT 40 was my first plane when I started back into R/C many years ago. I still have that plane. I think it is a great one.
Jim
Build it by the numbers and don't get carried away with a bunch of modifications or you will never get it finished.
The LT 40 was my first plane when I started back into R/C many years ago. I still have that plane. I think it is a great one.
Jim
I second this... I have a LT40 I built. Build it by the numbers. And you'll be OK.
Ken has an excellent build thread on the LT40. Read it through. If you're using the older 72 MHz radio, follow his thread and build in the antenna tube. If you're using the new 2.4GHz radio, you won't need it. But the antenna tube is easier to put in while building.
Good Luck, and welcome to a lot of fun, frustration, and balsa dust!
12-03-2007 | 12:04 PM
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RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: madmoe
RCKen got me interested in building my first plane.
RCKen got me interested in building my first plane.
Good luck Moe!
Now go down to the Local Hobby Shop and meet the man that you will be giving all of your money to from now on!
12-03-2007 | 12:21 PM
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From: Lockport,
NY
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Thanx for the reply Brad. Yes I failed to mention sheeting, but appreciate your advice and expertise. I will try the windex idea, sounds logical.
12-03-2007 | 05:19 PM
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From: GraftonNew South Wales, AUSTRALIA
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
When sheeting curved areas I wet the balsa and wrap it around a piece of 4 inch PVC pipe overnight. Once dried out the balsa takes a curve that fits well around a LE or fuse. Even if it comes out with too tight a bend a weight on top (LE) or an elastic band springs it out to the shape required.
Terry
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12-04-2007 | 11:23 AM
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From: Bowling Green,
KY
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
Just found a Ultrasport 1000 to build this winter. Haven't seen one of these in years. Been in the hobby for years and this will be my build in some time. Now if I can remember to read the instructions before I glue. Oh well I have some de-bonder. Dennis
12-04-2007 | 12:05 PM
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From: Columbia, MO
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
When I start the build and have questions, do I post here, or should I post in the "Kit Building" forum? Don't want to cause troubles...
12-04-2007 | 02:01 PM
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RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: madmoe
When I start the build and have questions, do I post here, or should I post in the "Kit Building" forum? Don't want to cause troubles...
When I start the build and have questions, do I post here, or should I post in the "Kit Building" forum? Don't want to cause troubles...
Ken
12-04-2007 | 02:02 PM
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RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: DadsToysBG
Just found a Ultrasport 1000 to build this winter. Haven't seen one of these in years. Been in the hobby for years and this will be my build in some time. Now if I can remember to read the instructions before I glue. Oh well I have some de-bonder. Dennis
Just found a Ultrasport 1000 to build this winter. Haven't seen one of these in years. Been in the hobby for years and this will be my build in some time. Now if I can remember to read the instructions before I glue. Oh well I have some de-bonder. Dennis
Ken
12-04-2007 | 03:05 PM
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From: Rowlett,
TX
RE: Beginner with new plane kit
ORIGINAL: madmoe
Well, you people went and done it. Not only did my interest in RC get re-ignited after reading posts to the various forums on this board (beginner's in particular), RCKen got me interested in building my first plane. I now have a brand new box, an LT-40, still in the wrapper, sitting in my living room while my wife and I discuss where the build will take place. I have found and contacted a local RC Flying club and will start training once the weather improves. I love to build things, so I figured that building my plane was a natural extension of that. My local club informed me that no one else in the club builds, so my help would have to come from elsewhere, namely in these forums.
I have been inspired by the many successes as well as the failures I have read about. The main thing was the tenacity of the average RC'er. Even after seeing the state of some of the crashes and other problems, most brush themselves off and dig in and either rebuild or start a new one. I love that kind of group, and want to be a part of it.
So, I'll let you know when I manage to get a space cleared and start building...
Michael (madmoe) Moe
(I used to fly extensively online and my 'online' name was madmoe ... not because I got angry... well... long story some other time...[8D])
Well, you people went and done it. Not only did my interest in RC get re-ignited after reading posts to the various forums on this board (beginner's in particular), RCKen got me interested in building my first plane. I now have a brand new box, an LT-40, still in the wrapper, sitting in my living room while my wife and I discuss where the build will take place. I have found and contacted a local RC Flying club and will start training once the weather improves. I love to build things, so I figured that building my plane was a natural extension of that. My local club informed me that no one else in the club builds, so my help would have to come from elsewhere, namely in these forums.
I have been inspired by the many successes as well as the failures I have read about. The main thing was the tenacity of the average RC'er. Even after seeing the state of some of the crashes and other problems, most brush themselves off and dig in and either rebuild or start a new one. I love that kind of group, and want to be a part of it.
So, I'll let you know when I manage to get a space cleared and start building...
Michael (madmoe) Moe
(I used to fly extensively online and my 'online' name was madmoe ... not because I got angry... well... long story some other time...[8D])
