The Right Kit
 

well, the past couple of weeks I've read through the forums, and have decided that i really want to try to build a kit. Don't get me wrong, I like a RTF as much as the next guy, but I just want to have the satisfaction of knowing that I built the plane. So, what would be a good kit for a beginner builder? I don't want anything complex, and it needs to be something I could fly as a second plane. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Austin

RE: The Right Kit
 

Also, it needs to be electric.

RE: The Right Kit
 

Trainers are good for first kits, because the instructions and plans are for beginners, with lots of tips and extra instructions. Sig makes good kits, and the LT-25 or LT-40 might be good to convert to electric. Likewise the Goldberg Eagles, and I believe Hobby Lobby has a kit version of the electric Telemaster (or one that could be converted.)

If you don't like those, I'm sure others will have good suggestions.
Best wishes,
Dave Olson

RE: The Right Kit
 

Austin,
Look at the 4 Star 40.
There seem to be several 40 size electric motors available.
A little pricey when all said and done but available.
The kit and ARF both have great reputations.
Good Luck,
KW_Counter

RE: The Right Kit
 

Not to chase you off but try looking here:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_106/tt.htm

or at another site created by RCU just for electric fliers:
http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/

This forum (RCU Beginners) does lean toward nitro but we try to help as much as we can whenever we can. :)

I hope this helps. I simply don't know enough about electrics to give much more assistance myself.

Dirty Harry once said " A man has to know his limitations". :D

RE: The Right Kit
 

If you're looking for a smaller electric, the StevenAero RV-4 is recommended. Laser cut, low wing, semi-sym airfoil. Big wing area like a 4-star. I'm building the Great Planes version- I would not recommend that one as a first kit however.
[link=http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/product.php?productid=16491&cat=248&page=1]StevenAero RV-4[/link]
Andy

RE: The Right Kit
 

Also, check out the Kit Building forum. The people who hang out in there may know of good "beginner builder" kits, as well as kits that are already electric or good subjects for conversions from glow to electric. Again, not chasing you off, but you may get better help in other forums that are more specific to your questions. ;)

I have a personal recommendation though. Check out the Great Planes Spectra motorglider:
http://www.electrifly.com/largeelectrics/gpma0540.html <---this page only mentions the ARF and RTF, but there is a kit also.

It was my first kit build, and I built it completely stock. Even stock, it flew quite well, and was able to get my first slope lift and catch my first thermal. It is however, a bit outdated in terms of the electric set-up, if they ahvent updated it. It comes with a 540 size brushed motor, but the set-up consists of a fuse, and servo-activated throttle switch. In other words, they made no provisions for an ESC; it required a seperate reciever battery pack. [&:] If I were to build another Spectra (which is a good possibility because I liked its design a lot, and I wrecked mine a little too early in its life...:(), I would go for a brushless motor, with appropriate sized ESC and Li-Po battery. I would also use a small reciever, and mini metal-geared servos, and even modify it for ailerons. Hmmm....I'm starting to convince myself of a new project....:D :)

Or, theres also the GP Electric Piper Cub: http://www.electrifly.com/largeelectrics/gpma0156.html ;)

RE: The Right Kit
 

What about this: http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/prod...cat=256&page=1

or this: http://www.stevensaero.com/shop/prod...56&page=1#tabs

These seem like decent beginner kits, cause like I said, I've never built a kit, let alone put together an ARF.