when building a kit does it mean that the kit comes with all the accesoris and plans

Most kits do always have the plans and all the balsa needed to complete the plane, however alot of the other things that are needed are not always in the kit. Some of the kits have motor mounts, some don't, and so it goes for all the needed accessories. Great Planes kits seem to have most of what you need however you still need to pick up other items like wheels, axles and such. You will need to purchase all the covering and glue for all kit's as well. Hope this helps, Dave

usually tells you on the outside of the box someplace. it'll have a list marked "items needed to complete kit" if you get all that stuff you can usually build it without too many extra trips to the hobby shop! i usually wait till i have everything framed up before i think of covering. that way you can get a mental idea of what you want it to look like and you can decide what kinds of covering to use also!

john

As said, it can vary.

Given that the majority of modellers now fly ARTF, I think the kit manufactures should spend some time revising their kits to meet our needs, ie the needs of dedicated builders.

I usually end up replacing most of the accessories for one reason or another, so to me it would be better if they weren't in the kit in the first place.

On the other hand, decent fibreglass cowls and spats would be good rather than the cheap ABS versions in most kits.

Some kits do indicate what else is needed on teh box, but most do not. But you will usually find a list of additional items in the manual. When purchasing a kit, always expect a second trip to the hobby shop!

You'll also find the additional items indentified on the plans. Plans are alwasy included, as well as an instruction booklet. Again, some of these are better than others!

Some kits are more complete than others. It's pretty much a given that all kits will erquire wheel, spinner, and tank. Covering is always up to teh builder, because of trim scheme, and perferred materials.

Engine and radio are never supplied. Nor building material. Although some kits do include some 'building jigs'

'Builders kits' usually leave alot of stuff out, like push rods, hinges, some screws, etc.. It's up to the builder to pick them up, or use what ever stock he's amassed over the years!

'Long kits' are kits designed for the experineced builder, one who knows how to put one together. These usually include all the 'custome cut' pieces (tribs, forbers, etc..), and most 'stick' woods. instructions, and plans are usually bought form the designer (Nick Ziroli, Palmer Plans, Wendle Holstetler (?sp)

'Short kits' are usually just the 'custom cut pieces' witheh buidler supplying everything else.

Then there's scratch buidling!!!