I just finished a Cub ARF from Graupner (actually, I have to do the cowl tomorrow). According to magazine articles, the plane was supposed to go together so easily.

Well, every step was tougher than it ought to be (or so I thought). Little things that are supposed to fit right out of the box do not, and a five minute step becomes a thirty minute procedure.

So, my plane appears to have come out great. I did many Harry Higley "tricks" to make a great plane. I didn't cut any corners: I fuel-proofed, added brass tubing to the fuel pick up, etc, etc,

BUT, IT WASN'T REALLY FUN. Maybe because nearly every step was frustrating.
(plus the German instructions were translated into English).

What were your experiences building your first plane? Does it get better/more enjoyable? I love flying, but this experience was work, not enjoyment (not much, anyway)

If you want any good kits I HIGHLY recommend Sig Kits. Very good instructions and the parts fit very well. I have only put together 2 different name brands, Sig and Great Planes and prefer Sig over G.P.

Actually my Sig 4* 40(2nd kit) went together much smoother then my Tower Trainer 40(1st kti). And was kinda surprised as I would have thought the Trainer would have been easier. Also am putting the finishing touches on my G.P. Extra 300S and the instructs were kinda screwed up on that, so I put it away for 2 months, and now almost complete.


Just my .02 worth

I found myself getting a bit wound up from time to time during the building of my first kit this winter. At the end, I was glad it was over with. I think that the root of the problem for me is that although I am a fairly intelligent individual, I my complete lack of experience at anything similar to building an airplane kit left me without the ability to think my way through a few sticky spots. WHen I consulted with more experienced modelers, they usually gave me some very straightforward and simple advice to get me back on track. As once gets more comfortable with building, it will probably become more enjoyable.

I learned alot of things building my first kit. My first was an LT-40. the one pictured on the left.

First, Sig kits are the best. Quality is fantastic, instructions are great, and as far as customer support goes, they are phenominal.

Second, I don't have a workshop, as I am on assignment and am in an Apartment in DC. So, without a workshop it is a little difficult. However, the only thing I could have really used was a drill press. Everything else worked out fine.

You CAN build without all of the toys (HInge Slotter, Building Board, etc..) but it does make it SO MUCH EASIER, but more expensive.

I think it is cheaper and easier to go with an ARF, but the fun of putting the kit together far outweighs that of an ARF. I feel a real sense of accomplishment with this plane and am proud of it. I actually cannot wait to start my second kit plane, which will probably be another Sig.

Overall, even though I have not flown alot. I thouroughly enjoyed building and for the first time in my life found a hobby that I enjoy, is constantly changing, is a mental challenge, and gives me an outlet to forget about the work I do and who I work for.

You live in DC and you want to forget about who you work for-----Hey, is this Dick Cheney speaking?

Paul,
If the first plane you built was an ARF and you were frustrated, stay away from kits!

The first plane I 'built' was an ARF. (Great Planes PT .40 Trainer.) My second was also an ARF, a Great Planes Super Sportster. They all take longer than the ads say they will by the way.

The first kit I ever started was a Top Flite Cessna 182. The 81" wingspan kit. I say started because it's still not finished. I documented my time as I went, and at this point have just over 250 hours into it. It's nearly to the point where I can start covering, but I haven't touched it in a year or so. (It even has a YS .91AC mounted on the front that's never seen fuel.)

I've built a couple of smaller kits since, but they still take a lot more time and effort than ANY ARF.
Dennis-

I have never assembled an ARF, but I have three kits under my belt; a Midwest Aerostar .20 from about 15 years ago, a Kadet LT-40 and 4 Star 40, both SIG kits built within the last 18 months. As one of those who enjoys building as much as flying, I recommend trying at least one "classic" kit, the term classic referring to a box of balsa and light ply. Start with something simple, and if you begin to feel frustrated, just walk away for a day or so. Good building technique is a learned skill, usually by trial and error (especially covering..!). But these forums here at RCU contain a wealth of information that was not available even a few years ago. If you decide afterwords that building is not for you, then that's OK. Nowadays there are more ARF's available than there are kits.

Alright, I'm feeling like a wuss, but that was a tough ARF! I know I didn't have to cover, but there was a lot of customizing, including re-routing throttle linkages, the list goes on and on. I did get a lot of good experience out of this, but this CANNOT have been a typical ARF. I've got to go recharge my cordless drill, I used it so much.

Dennis, I see you are in central Mass. Whereabouts? I lived in Worcester for 3 (cold) years!

Lived in Worcester for quite a few years. Live in Holden now. (Just northwest of Worc.)

Fly out of a Westborough field. If your ever up this way again, give me a shout and we'll go flying.
Dennis-

I have 3 planes now (all ARF's) and started my first kit last week. I second the comments on SIG. I am building the Something Extra and found the instructions easy to understand, the balsa is of good quality, and the pieces go together just as designed. The main thing I have to watch is moving too fast. I am taking my time, and re-reading each instruction several times. To me if you want to build a kit this is a great one to start with. Well, I am headed to the garage to finish the sheeting on the top of the wing. Hope to turn the wing over today and start on the bottom. Here is my 1 week progress.

Sorry, still learning how to post pictures. Here it is, I think.....

Actually, Dennis, I lived in Westboro for 3 years (worked in Woosta), but I know where Holden is. My inlaws are in Worcester, so I'm up there every 2-3 months. Thanks for the flying invite, I'll keep you in mind.

Paul

Paul_c, I tend to agree with you, although I misread your post and thought you were building a kit, not an ARF!

There are some procedures that are just frustratingly and unnecessarily difficult, and as a newbie, you don't know any better. For example, Sullivan (and other brand) fuel tanks! Why the heck is it so difficult to assemble all those little pieces, bend the tubing, figure lengths of tubing, put on little wire "clamps", etc.? That's just nuts, particularly when there are plenty of fuel tanks that just have molded nipples you push the fuel hose on. The reason they build factories is so we don't have to each of us do little tedious jobs.

Another really hard part even ARFs leave for you is mounting the servos and getting all the push rods right, not to mention the different ways of connecting rods to servo arms, different control horns, etc.

The only consolation I can give you is that things are getting easier, the manufacturers are getting smarter, and you'll get more skilled after you've put a few planes together.