I am new to rc airplanes. I recently ordered a 1/12 house of balsa p-51 mustang. I have many years of plastic model building experience. Is there anything I need to know about working with balsa kits. I plan on building it then buying the radio and other parts as I get extra money. I found a .10 glow engine for it at garage sale for $5 new in box. Any advice for putting this thing together would be greatly appreciated.

That's not really the best plane to start out on. I'm referring to flying it, not the building process.

You really need to start out with something intended as a trainer for beginning pilots. There is a good list at the top of the beginners forum.

Also, visit a club in your area and see what they recommend.

Trust me, you'll than yourself later for not starting out on the Mustang.

PLEASE take a look at the site in my signature.

Auctually, I flew a P-51 the second trough the 8th month of my training.
And, I'm an advanced 3D pilot and fly a 35% Extra 300L and a 42% Edge 540
I wouldnt say he would regret it.

im with ^^^^^ get a trainer and visit a club.
not trying to shoot you down but i tried to learn by myself with a plane that wouldnt fly (estarter, and it was underpowered)
i wasted about $200 not starting the right way to begin with (i did learn to fly by self when i got a slowstick, it was much more forgiving).
and thats with a foam plane that i could epoxy back together, with that balsa plane your going to have some problems, even a little mishap will be the end of the plane.

as for building skills you shouldnt have a problem at all, just read the directions and take it slow.

if you really want to advance in the hobby please start the right way, for your wallet's sake.
if you need a trainer that will work for that .10 engine this would be a much better start ( http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXE616&P=0 )
although a .40 sized trainer, with a instructor, would be the best

I appreciate the concern. There is a rather large club here in Des Moines, Ia where I live. There are quite a few instructors in the club. I have actually made arrangements with an instructor. We are going to use his trainer. But in the mean time I would like to build this model. I have a fascination with military planes. this site is a great one i am glad to have found it.

Along with starting on a trainer and working with a club and instructor, check out a simulator. You'll be in the air before you know it. Don't rush into the mustang. Warbirds are awsome, but many new pilots jump into something they're not ready for then quit when they crash their prize plane. There's a reason Trainer planes aren't the best looking birds at he field. Keep working on the mustang and send us the pictures. Fly it when you're ready and have mastered the basics. You'll be a better pilot and more likely to stick with the hobby.

Mike