Newbie Inheritance
 

Hi All,
I need some pointer tips. I inherited a .40 trainer that is almost complete from the wife of a friend that passed away. It's almost complete. I think all it really needs is a covering, an engine, and a radio system. The plane looks like it's been 90% put together - all glued and sanded. I just need to cover everything, bolt the wing on, mount hinges into the control surfaces, install radio and engine. Apparently the customer was working on it for a long time but never got to finish it. It came with a really old Cirrus AM radio which I'm assuming isn't legal anymore.

The wing looks like it'd rounded both on top and on bottom so it looks like a more advanced trainer capable of some acrobatics.

Anything else that I need to do before I cover it and bolt it together? Anybody know some good articles on how to coat the plane?

The wife cant find the actual engine but she found the manual for it. It's .4o so I will have to get a replacement. But what kind of prop should I use?

Can I get a cheap 4 channel radio to fly and be trained with? or would I need a more advanced radio? I dont know how much more money I want to invest in this sport.

Thanks,
Ralph

RE: Newbie Inheritance
 

Ralph I'm new also and the best advice I have from anyone is to find a club or just a rc flying field and get some advice from the people who have some experience.
Bring the plane and have someone look it over. Lots of nice people who will help you and point out all the things you might need to get started.
I'm currently building a trainer (kinda the first build if you don't count those Guillows kits) and I'm hoping to get it in the air this year... if all goes well.

Sorry to hear about your friend but the best thing you can do in his memory is to get in touch with a club and find an instructor. That way when it successfully flies, you can celebrate the moment.

RE: Newbie Inheritance
 

Ralph, welcome to RCU and our addiction, er hobby! Having a local club check out what you've got is a good idea. They will also be one of your best sources for help in finishing the plane, and learning to fly it. You could also take some pictures and post them here, some of us may be able to figure out what you've got.

Assuming you have a typical 40 sized trainer, any engine in the .40-.50 range should do well. If you're on a budget, a bushed .45 size would be a good choice. Thunder Tiger, OS, SuperTigre and others all have engines in this size range.

For a radio, a basic 4 channel will do just fine. JR, Hitec, Airtronics, and Futaba are all good. Check with the local club to see what the instructors are using. This way you'll be sure to have something they can buddy box you with.

Edit: missed a few things.

This thread has links to some great covering videos: http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=4385133 .

To find a club, visit your local hobby shop or try the AMA club locator: http://www.modelaircraft.org/clubsearch.aspx .

RE: Newbie Inheritance
 

Welcome to RCU and to the hobby.
I too would recommend taking the plane to a local club and have them guide you through the rest of the build.
Little things like what kind of connecting rods will you use and should you run them before covering?
What kind of servo setup for ailerons? 2 wing mounted or 1 center mounted.
What kind of hinges to use and how to install them properly.
There are a bunch of little things that can make that plane a great flyer that most club members would be more than happy to help you with.
Best of luck with your new hobby.