Few questions.
1) Can this setup be used as a beginner's plane? I need a small plane as all I am going to have available is a tiny field much smaller than a football field.
2) Would these components go together satisfactorily or should something be changed?
3) What TX system would I need?

[link=http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=001058804&I=LXK595&P=K]Guillows Cessna Skyhawk 172 [/link]
[link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=5358]18-11 2000kv Micro Brushless Outrunner (10g) [/link]
[link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=4204]TURNIGY Plush 10amp 9gram Speed Controller[/link]
[link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=663]HXT500 5g / .8kg / 10sec Micro Servo (qty 2)[/link]
[link=http://www.allerc.com/product_info.php?cPath=3_4_69&products_id=1245]7.4 VOLT ETEC 450 MAH HIGH PERFORMANCE LIPOLY PACK[/link]
[link=http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/store/uh_viewItem.asp?idProduct=7510&Product_Name=Corona _4Ch_Single_Conv._Rx_72MHz_(Incl._10_Rx_Crystal)]Corona 4Ch Single Conv. Rx 72MHz (Incl. 10 Rx Crystal)[/link]

Hello. The plane is a good trainer. as for myself I like Nitro motor, Electric just don't do anything for me, I fly a trainer with a 75in upper wing with a .61 engine and the field I use is also smaller than a football field. Trainer have a low stall speed they float in for landings, so I don't see a problem with the plane you want, Happy flying......

I suppose it might work if the experience of building it was part of your goal but I wouldn't recommend it and here's why.... It is a free flight or control line plane so converting it to RC, while not impossible by any means, will take a little modification. Even then it may or may not fly well due to certain design issues that may be present (can't say for certain on this particular plane). It also doesn't appear to be intended as an RC trainer and likely doesn't possess any of the beneficial trainer characteristics. Considering all that, I'd save it for a later project after learning to fly and getting a little building experience.

Based on the needs you mentioned, I would recommend a ready to fly package such as the Hobbyzone Super Cub or even their Mini Super Cub. They'd be a good fit for the flying area you described. Then as you get comfortable and advance you could look into building something. Even then, I'd do something like one of the Herr kits for a first build. Most are small, some are made specifically for electric power and others can be converted. After that, then consider doing the control line to RC conversion.

Super Cubs: www.hobbyzone.com
Review: http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1003
Herr kits: www.sigmfg.com

I built a few Guillows models when I was younger. They're fine for what they are - - scale-like models for static display. The wood is always marginal and the designs aren't really meant to be good flyers. You'd have to be a patient, careful builder to know which bits of wood to junk, how to modify the tails for control surfaces, and how to install all of the power system and servos. None of that will be on the plans. The wing doesn't likely have enough dihedral for it to work well as a three-channel model, so you'll either have to increase the dihedral or figure out how to build in ailerons.

In the end, you'll have a very marginal model. Far better to buy something that is actually designed to be flown RC. Just because it is a Cessna doesn't mean it will be a good RC trainer.

If you're flying in an area smaller than a football field, you'll want to look at indoor models. That's just too small of a space in which to fly anything else, particularly as a beginner.

MikeL hit the nail on the head here. With what you've listed you're actually making things harder than they need to be. I know that you've built at least one trainer, and if memory serves me correctly you've built more than one, why not use that for learning to fly instead of continuing to build trainers??

Ken

Agreed, take this over to the 1/2a forum, you'll find that as a rule no one makes a guillows model into rc..the wood is heavy and brittle, if you want to build small because of your flying area,and go electric, than go with GWS or some other co. like parkzone, the hobbyzone super cub is nice, I bought one for a friend,,but if you have already built a plane than you already have a Tx and only need a rx battery and servo's for the GWS the pico stick or tiger moth fly pretty slow.....Rog

Multiplex EasyStar and HobbyZone Super Cub generally seem to be regarded as 2 of the best self taught beginners planes.
get yourself a Simulator as well and fly that for a week before trying a real plane, it'll help massively with orientation and be one less thing to think about on the day.

If you can though the best route is still to find a local club and have an instructor help you !!!!!

The Parkzone Slo-V is a $99.99 Ready-to-Fly airplane that can be flown inside of a gymnasium or outside in calm wind conditions. Spare parts are readily available through most any hobby store, and the almost-four-foot wingspan is easy to see.

http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Def...ProdID=PKZ1300

There is a full review of the Slo-V by Greg Covey right here on RCU:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=426

Another good "trainer" aircraft for smaller spaces would be one of the many fine Co-axial helicopters on the market like the E-Flight Blade CX2 RTF or the ESky Lama V4 RTF packages. They run from $69.99 to $199.99 with everything needed to fly included in one box.

Here is a review of the Blade CX2 here at RCU:

http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=824

The Slo-V would be better than a coaxial helicopter in breezes above 5 mph, but either option would be fun indoors or outside.

Good luck and good shopping!

shd3920 -

ChuckW's steering you in the right direction. The Super Cub is a great plane to start out with. Then, as he mentioned, take your honed skills fully nimble 'thumbs' once you are ready, nab that gear, and build something you like! (Of course within reasonable power of what the electronics can handle) It's all a part of the hobby - just take your time learning because once you've gotten the basics down, the rest becomes a lot more fun and challenging (in a good way).

flyinrog - WHAT!?[X(] "...you'll find that as a rule no one makes a guillows model into rc..." I feel a challenge coming on . I just purchased on Sunday (no joke) a Guillow's SBD-3 Dauntless and have every intention of building it into a fully working rc model. It's my winter project. I looked at the box and saw massive potential and one heck of a sweet looking ride. I'll have to shoot you a pic when all is said and done.

Either way, bigedmustafa is right too. You might want to think about some alternative park fliers that Horizon Hobby sells since your space is so limited. The Slo-V he's talking about is a nice ride, as is the Ember. Check 'em out!


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