Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I've built several ARF's and I would like to build a nice first kit with very easy instructions. Any recommendations? A .40 size would be ideal, probably a trainer just for simplicity sake. thanks for the suggestions.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I've built several of the Great Planes PT series over the years.  Easy to build, good instructions and excellent support.  The planes have been around for a lot of years.  I have built a PT-20, two PT-40's and one PT-60.  All were good flyers, cheap and easy to repair.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

This is a great first kit, Four Star 60. Super easy to build, lots of people here on RCU to help and flys like a low wing trainer. In my opinion, there is NO advantage to building a 40 over a 60.

http://www.sigmfg.com/IndexText/SIGRC73.html

http://www.hvrcc.com/uploads/3/5/1/1...50125_orig.jpg
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:5...u66620.jpg&t=1
http://www.hooked-on-rc-airplanes.co...g-21254645.jpg

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Hey whoareyou310, where in MI are you. Cold here in the south central part.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I really liked my SIG LT .25 build.. hung a .46 on it and I can fly for 25 mins on a tank... fun build and flies great.. Also have an LT .40 I bought from a guy that couldnt fly anymore.. it also has a 46 on it and it isnt as fast but still flies great..been up as long as 18 mins with that one.. both great stable craft!

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

+1 on the 4*
Any Sig kit is good. The 4* series have been favorites for a while for good reasons. The Sig LT 40 is the prefered trainer for our club and many others.
If you are wanting a trainer as an everyday flier ( I would not be without one) build an LT but only use 50% of the recomended dihedral for better inverted performance.
Some add a bit of rudder also. I also changed the tail shape but just because my kid asked me to :D

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

G'day

Another vote for Sig Kits.

I currently have the following planes built from Sig kits and all are great -

Kadet Senior (excellent large slow three channel trainer but lots of building in it), Kadet LT-25 (very easy build, flies really well with a 30 four stroke), Four Star 40 and 60 (nice to fly and super easy to build if you follow the instructions), Somethin' Extra ( great fun with 30% expo to tame those large ailerons).

I also have a couple of Sig ARFs but I think the kit versions are better as you can cover them better than the ARFs are.

Enjoy your build. I am sure you will.

Mike in Oz

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

scooterinvegas...........I would agree with you but I don't know if the 4*'s are available. I tried to buy a 4* 60 late last year and they were out of print with no availability forcasted. The BTE Venture 60 was recommended to me as an alternative so I bought one and it looks great. I haven't started to build it yet but as I researched this model I found out that it was designed by the same fellow that designed the 4* 40 and 4*120 and it is said by Bruce himself that he incorporated the top 10 improvements that he wanted to make in the 4* series. I can tell you that the wood and precut parts are the best that I have ever seen. This might be a good alternative if the OP cannot get a 4*

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Goldberg Tiger 2, you will love the plane, the kit is great for a first build. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXYXF7&P=0

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Scoot, the advantage is the 60 is easier to see. Other then that??? I like them both but have been using the 60 as a training aid for new builders. Last year I finally built one with a full wing, I thought the clipped wing was a floater!! I also like the two aileron servos if the new builder has a radio that will handle it. I don't like Ys but if all you have is a four channel radio then the Ys do work. The 4* isn't too far removed in flight from a trainer, a good instructor may even like it better?? I have never tried it but I think it would be nice for a change.
Lake Mead was great today. Those weeds and rocks at the end of the runway kept trying to eat my planes though. My Bad!!!!!!!!:eek:

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I can second the tiger II nice flier and a good first kit.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I took a buddy out to lake mead a couple of weeks ago to give him his first buddy box flight..... with my 26cc Ultra Stick Lite! LOL

He did two 20 min flights, and he did GREAT. Picked up the basic right stick turns (LH&RH), and made the correct adjustments when the Stick was coming toward us. He even learned to kept orientation when doing rolls and loops. Trainer???? We dont need no stinking trainer!!! :D

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

:):):):):) My thinking too. I have flown there several times over the years without problems but I really need to put some of those slower downer things on my wheels. My pattern plane just comes in too hot and it and my Extra just love to do those long roll out thinger ma jigs. There be big rocks behind them big bushes!!!:D I finally pulled out the hots and all was well until the bung got blown out or came loose. I'll look things over and make some changes. Looks like it's still going to be a while for the Lake Bed to dry out. We had a very nice breakfast at Rail Road Pass too!! No specials on weekends?? I didn't know today was the weekend?? Senior Moment.
OP, build what scooter says!!! If not then get a Stick!!
Gene:):)

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

TRy the Sig SSE, open box, throw in bottle of glue, close box, shake box, open box, there's your new plane.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I can think of one. If all you have on hand is a 40-46 engine !

rrragman

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Your looking at it all wrong. If you only have a 40-46 engine, the advantage to building a 4*-60 is you are completely justified for buying a new 95AX for it! :D

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

The "CASINO SPECIAL" at the Rainbow on Water St is only $1.89. Two eggs, bacon or sausage, hash browns, toast or biscuits & gravy. I think on the weekends its $2.25. Breakfast with a cup of joe for under $4 with tip and your ready to fly! (I know, Im cheap) :D

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Not a clue where thay is at. We do drive by the RR Pass though. Can look out the window at the lake bed to see how it is doing. The price of the breakfast wasn't bad but I was in a bit of sticker shock over the coffee and orange juice. I'm not cheap, well, OK, maybe just a bit, I'm just on a very fixed income. Where the heck is the Rainbow? Don't have a clue where Water St. is either. If it's on the way to the lake then it sounds like my new favorite. What a fantastic day!!! I should be out flying again instead of working on my messed up planes. At least I got them all back home in one piece. Some real ugly crashes out there yesterday.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Sig is usually a good build.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Their out there, you might have to look on line maybe. I bought another 4*-60 kit from my LHS 2 weeks ago.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

I like the way this man thinks.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

As of January 9, GravesRC has some SIG 40 size kits in stock; that are considered good first builds
Four Star 40 http://www.gravesrc.com/SIG_FOUR_STAR_40_p/sigrc44.htm
Somethin Extra http://www.gravesrc.com/SIG_SOMETHIN..._p/sigrc76.htm

They also have the Goldberg Tiger 2 http://www.gravesrc.com/GOLDBERG_TIG...p/gpma0966.htm

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Give SIG a call. Just before Xmas they started getting in a lot of there kits. If it isn't in stock then wait until it is before you order or it could be a long wait.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

Just a vote for the Telemaster; what a great kit with a plane that flies as good as any trainer.... a real nice project.

RE: Best first KIT PLANE???
 

SIGkits. LT-25 will not be in stock till Apr.
They have some LT-40s now, as in right now as I am typing.
and Something Extras are expected late Jan.