Kit recommendation
 

I've built 2 scratch built R/C models from AMA plans, one old kit from the 80's of a biplane and am now building a Guillows kit with my grandson. I think I am ready to build a fine 1/4 scale WWI era biplane powered by a large 4 stroke. No gas! Any recommendations on who makes a great kit? I've been looking at Balsa USA and they look pretty good. Any experience with them? Thanks! Doc

Whatever you decide to build, it's always a good idea to stick with manufacturers who always supply good instructions and plans. Sig, Goldberg, Great Planes come to mind. There are others, of course, but sticking with the established brands will assure good wood and good fit as well as plans that make sense.

Balsa USA, in my experience, has good plans and instructions. The WWI kits are basically a huge Guillows kits.

For me, the major detraction is the amount of soldering required. If you are comfortable with that, you will probably enjoy building a BUSA kit.

Be aware that although similar to a Guillows kit, BUSA kits will be more advanced, New techniques will be required. If you run into difficulties, the RCU community is here to assist you.

Thanks for your advice! I will adhere to it!

No problem soldering here! I built, from scratch, a 45" Star sailboat and made all of the fittings which req'd much soldering. Thanks! I'm looking forward to building something I can take to Muncie. I'm a little concerned about finding a big enough 4 stroke engine for a 1/4 scale without going to the $2000 in line european offerings. Oh well...I'll cross that bridge later!

HI DOC, It doesn't sound like you would have much of a problem building any ones kit, with your experience. P.K. Guillows is in my home town so I am familiar with stick and tissue models. I feel with the manual dexterity required to build one, plus your scratch building experience, you shouldn't have any problem. The biggest difference is the money, and the amount of time that needs to be dedicated to complete a large bipe. I have built several BUSA kit and bought a lot of balsa from them over the years. When I have called them on the phone, to order, fix a problem on an order or a question about building a kit, a cheerful lady answers the phone, an she quickly fixed any problem with an order, with any questions about building a kit, the call was transferred to the "shop", and the guy that answered my question sounded like he designed the kits. When I'm done with my call, I always feel they were glad I called, not just some one inconveniencing their day! Great kits, plans, instruction manuals, and support second to none. Jim

Take a look at Saito 4 strokes. The 1.50 and 1.80 singles, and the 1.82 and 3.00 twins should power a 1/4 BUSA bipe with ease.

We have almost all the 1/4 Balsa USA Biplanes in our club..

I would say the Gentlest flying are the Pup,SE5a, and N28 .....

To me best flier and also biggest is the Fokker D7

The Dr1 has issues on the ground but flies well and VERY agile....

The N 11, and 17 fly well but just don't have that much wing compared to some of the others.. I have an N11 ( electric) and like it but I find it more challenging on the landings.

We have had a Camel at our field but it had a short life..and there is a Spad being built ...so I can't make any evaluations long term on either of those kits...

At my club if its WW1 it has two wings ! hahahhaha so I can't comment on the WW1 Parasol kits much.

Also while I LOVE Balsa USA kits, never be afraid to beef up something or ask questions . Its always better to have a tiny bit more weight than this....

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/atta...mentid=2142835

If you buy a kit and have any questions don't be afraid to send a message or ask.. I love talking kit building ;)

I would like to add that BUSA has great customer support too . If there is something that you don't understand you can give them a call and they will explain things over the phone . Also if you discover anything missing or unusable they will replace it for you . I haven't built any of there bipe's yet but I have built two of there Cubs and the wood was top notch. The plans were straight forward and easy to understand .