RE: Is this a good plane for a beginner?
 

One big advantage with the Sig LT-40 is you can get the kit, ARF or RTF versions. I like to build and have been building control line models for many years but my son expressed an interest in RC (he flies CL on a regular basis) so I bought the LT-40 kit.

We had a great time building it and I know the integrity of every glue joint in the model. I covered it with yellow MonoKote and even tho I chose to use the kit decals to finish it off, it looks different that everyone else's ARFs.

We didn't skimp on power. A ball bearing Thunder Tiger .46 Pro powers our LT-40 around with ease. I had to evaluate all the engine choices out there, what I needed to fly the LT-40 for training as well as advancing into basic aerobatics a bit later. I also didn't skimp on a radio. I got a good buy on a Futaba 6XA Super with 4 S3004 ball bearing servos. Sure, you don't need a computer controlled radio to start out but now I have a system which I can also fly our SomeThing Extra.

The kit built LT-40 was the best choice for me. A ball bearing .46 sized engine was the best choice for me. A 6 channel computer radio was the best choice for me. And finally, Ken's and other's on this forum experiences and recommendations worked out to be the best for me. The bottom line purchase price wasn't the determining factor. A highly regarded package which my instructors also felt comfortable with was equally important.

My son and I both soloed over 2 years ago. Our LT-40 still flies today and has over 200 successful flights on it with no damage other than a knicked prop on a forced landing early in the training phase and a broken rear corner of the elevator when it blew off the top of my truck canopy while packing up all my gear.

There is no single best trainer for everyone but I'm still confident the LT-40 kit was the best for my son and I.

RE: Is this a good plane for a beginner?
 

Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun with that project. Unfortunately I really don't have time to build and have had to take a month or so to build an ARF due to my work schedule. My neighbor has built from kits for years and has some really nice looking planes. We also have a lot of guys in our club that scratch build. My hat is off to them. Some of the things they turn out are amazing. As for Ken and the other guys on here, you're right, their expertise and experience is priceless. I only wish I had known about RCU when I started. I could have saved a lot of time and money on electric junk that never really flew. LOL