Guillows Cessna
 

I was given a R/C Guillows Cessna plane years ago. If I had to guess it has been in my closet about 15 years. It was bought at a garage sale and was old then. I have not found a date on the instructions but it looks old. It is still in the box and thought about building it several times. I am starting to get back into R/C and wanted to know if it would be worth my time to build this plane. I dont have the specs in front of me, but can get them if anyone has an opinion. I have heard that Guillows RC planes are heavy and might not be worth the time. Suggestions?

Cessna...
 

I would build the plane! I was given an old Cessna last summer. It was already built and crashed a few times. Its so old, I can't even find out who made it so I had to guess at the throw rates. First thing I have to tell you is that the plane is "not a trainer". Instead its an incedible blast to fly. I have an FX46 engine it and at full throttle the plane is almost scary fast. It will roll very fast and if you add in rudder at the same time it rolls like a bullet. I tried a stall test and it just keeps mushing forward. Landings are faster than any trainer but easy to do and flairs nicely. Its also a great flier in windy conditions due to the sym type wing. One thing with the Cessna, they don't leave the ground on their own! You have to add in elevator after they have reached enough speed. This also means that they hug the ground pretty good with no bounce once they touch down. Use it for a 2nd, 3d plane and you won't be dissapointed! Mine has created a lot of interest at our field due to its flight charachteristics. The bright color pattern doesn't hurt either. :D

Guillows Cessna
 

Thanks. I did find out a few things. It is kit no 1501 Cessna 170A. It does say it is for a novice or experienced flyer, which I am neither yet. It wants a .49, .051 or .09 engine depending on your experience. I am surprised that is calls for either a 2 or 3 channel since it does show how the optional ailerons can be setup. I finally found a date on the intructions. It is a copyright 1978 so it is not as old as I thought.

I think I will build it! Not sure if I will make it elec or glow right now, but at least I can start on it. I will make sure that I get a little more experience before I try it though.

Gillows Cessna
 

Build the plane for fun, DO NOT ATTEMPT TO FLY THIS PLANE!!!!!

It is a great kit, sorta. I build one years ago and also built the Gillows P-38. Beautiful static plane, however I would never attempt to fly these planes. After that much time building them, no way I was gonna fly it. Not those Gillows planes.

I still have the P-38. It hangs in a Hobby Shop in Houston.

Here are just a few reasons not to fly it:

Time to build. Several hours 80-100 easy.
Motor. Made for an .049. Not the best motor choice for us here in south Texas.
Size. Not allot of wing area, which means allot faster flying speed.

And the radio gear would cost you a couple of hundred.

You want to get back into R/C? Go to a local hobby shop and get a kit or ARF plane. You can do it right with top quality gear for about $300.00

If you can't find anyone to teach you to fly? Contact me, I will teach ya. I'm in the area.

[email protected]

Guillows Cessna
 

Thanks for the offer Ynot! Sounds like a good idea since I was tryign to find something to do in the offseason anyways. It will look cool hanging in the garage!

Guillows Cessna
 

I agree with YNOT, Gillows kits are by far not the easiest things in the world to build. Check out a newer kit or an ARF and you will see that they are MUCH easier. It is also advisable to train on something considerably bigger than an .049 powered plane.