Hi, I have recently came across an old (dated 1971) Guillows f4u-4 corsair kit.
I have most of the kit assembled and was wondering if someone might help me out on a problem I have. I noticed according to the plans that the rods that go to the aelirons and flaps do not go into the fuselage. I'm not sure how exactly this plane is flown by radio because the plans don't go into any detail on the subject other than stating it was ideal for radio control. If someone has this same kit and has outfitted it for radio flight could you give me some pointers? I know that some gliders use the elevators and rudder for control but on this plane I would think that would be different. I see that the model is still sold today, maybe the plans have been revised since 1971. If this is the case I would love to have a pdf of the plans or something of the sort.

Thanks.

When you say "I noticed according to the plans that the rods that go to the aelirons and flaps do not go into the fuselage"

this is not unusual all it means is you have 1 servo per control surface mounted under the wing ie. 1 for right ron, 1 for right flap, 1 for left flap 1 for left ron. The leads for the 2 rons and the 2 flaps are than joined via a Y lead (ron/ron, flap/flap).

a lot of earlier rc kits were adaptions of earlier free flight or control line kits and could be built as either depending on your build skills what you could aford

This is my first model plane to ever build, I might have bit off more than I could chew but it was given to me and I've always wanted to build one. I'm not 100% sure on what you mean. Do you know of a good site that has basic layout of how model planes work and the way everything is hooked up to the servos?

Thanks

I know there are many many different sources for this information, but the DIY projects page might be a good place to start. You can find it here:

http://www.diynet.com/DIY/projectInd...O_2672,FF.html

I have found RCU to be the most valuable resource for information so far. Just run a boat load of searches and keep on reading. It is amazing the amount of knowledge is contained out here!

Good luck,
TX-Deck

I could be wrong, but I'm under the impression that the Gulliows kits are designed for Free Flight, and therefor really sketchy on the how-tos of installing a radio in them. I think they expect that if you convert it to RC, that you know your way around an RC installation, and therefore would know what modifications to make, and what to do to put your gear in it.

I'm not saying not to do it, but I really think that that sort of kit Is a Huge bite for a newcomer. The chances of succesfully building, and especially flying a Corsair by yourself for your first ever model are pretty slim IMO.
It would be a far more positive experience to build a good trainer kit, join a club and learn the ins and outs from others first, before tackling the Corsair. plus you risk damaging the expensive radio gear and engine, not to mention the aircraft itself you spent so long building and converting, If you crash it trying to teach yourself how to fly it.
Just my .02...

David I will go a bit further than the other posters and say the chances of you realizing your dream of flight with that airplane are virtually nil. First off I beleve that kit was designed back in the fortys it was strickly rubber powered free flight and built very lightly which makes it a very challengeing build even when flown rubber free flight, It in no way could be considered a beginners project to both fly and trim for free flight.

In the early sixtys when the first 'mini' galloping ghost proportional systems hit the market that old kit was enlarged slightly to supposedly use those systems which consisted of a rudder and elevator which wiggled continually but allowed you to move the wiggles back and forth (ailerons were just a dream). There is a possibility that more recent years production it was improved somewhat however it remains a tough project to build, fly successfully and is, as before no way a newbie project. Also keep in mind on a ship like that for any chance of success modern micro servos (read expensive) would be required.

Do yourself a favor and built it as a neat static model and to learn building and if you really want to learn to fly do as ctshaynes and Montague intimated, get a proper trainer and build it if you like then really fly. The success ratio of most of those old Guillows models as RC is very small indeed.

John

Well put John.

Thanks for all the help guys. I'm going to go ahead and proceed building it to be a show model only. It would look nice suspended from the ceiling. I'll look into trainer kits before taking on a serious project. Not sure about a flight instuctor though (probably pricey). I think I'll try learning to fly by myself.

David

David thats another big mistake that will also limit your chances for success. As far as being pricey goes how does totally free sound? Virtually any club in the country will provide free training with the only 'price' being you become a member of the AMA and the local club. It is one on one training and can range from a standard training program to strickly a casual basis. There is that much love and enthusiasm for the Hobby/Sport that so many are willing to give freely of their time to share this.

To many folks are so insistent on useing an inappropriate airplane or not get help that most are never seen agine after they destroy their first airplanes which usually occurs in the first 30 seconds or so after launch.

I can only urge you to do it right and you will never regret it.

Hopefully, welcome to the sport.
John

David,

Don't want to rain on your parade, but trying to learn to fly by yourself can lead to quick crashes, lots of repairs and a diminishing urge to stay in the hobby. I have known a couple of flyers who taught themselves to fly, but it wasn't an easy row to hoe.

Now in this day and age, it is somewhat easier, as there are several good computer simulators available that you hook a standard transmitter into and get a fair to good idea of what you will be facing - I even believe that there is a free set of simulator software available on the internet (do a search on RCUniverse here for this info).

As far as instructors go, I know most clubs in this area (South East Texas) have members who do this free of charge - just to avoid the problem of newbies trying to get in the hobby on their own and quickly losing interest.

You need to check out your local hobby shop for contacts with local clubs. If a local hobby shop isn't available, you can find local clubs through the national organization (AMA) web page. This is a helpful resource. Also, if you join a club, odds are, you will need to join the AMA (part of their package is liability insurance in case of a plane hitting someone or something).

Didn't mean to ramble on so long.

Take care and I hope that this is helpful. Don't hesitate to contact me as I will be glad to help in anyway I can.