I'm looking to buy and build my first kit. Which manufacturers have the best products(laser cut parts, hardware), all the things that make a kit enjoyable and which companies should I stay away from?

Wow, I think that you will get too much info from this request. I would suggest that you carefully think about the type of aircraft you wish to build then choose one from the likes of Top Flite, SIG, Goldberg, Great Planes, etc.

I would also strongly suggest that you first look at the kits you have short listed and check out the instructions, plans and contents to make sure that you are comfortable that you can follow the steps. This will require a well stocked hobby store with competent staff.

Then read the instructions and examine the plans many times before starting work.

Good luck and read the instructions.

Cheers,

Colin

I'm going to assume you are speaking of a training plane. That limits your selection, if you insist on laser cut parts. The only one I can think of is the Sig LT40. There may be others. I doubt anyone will tell you to stay away from any manufacturer's laser cut kit.

If you are thinking of something other than an LT40 type plane, I encourage you to change your mind and build a training plane. The kits, plans and instructions for a training type plane are designed with the first-time builder in mind. Aerobatic or warbird type kits are not usually geared for the first time builder.

Pick one. Build it. Enjoy. Welcome aboard.
Dave Olson

Most kits have listed on the box what is included and what is not. The most complete kit I have found are SIG , or you can look at the listing and it will tell you what else you need, or a Acc kit.

Sigs and Great Planes are consistently excellent. Pica stinks as does their customer service, in my experiences.

I agree with the Sig LT40. I have built and still fly mine they are great airplanes with no bad habbits. and very easy to repair after crashes I throughly enjoy mine.... well until I get the next plane built

I'm already well established on the trainer and have a Super Sportser ARF ready to fly as soon as I get the courage to take it up. I didn't want to get into the great debate over which is a good second plane, since that question has been asked every other day. More of an input as to which company consistantly produces a good kit that comes with parts that fit well together, supplies decent and ample hardware which will limit my trips to the hobby shop, as well as supplies a good manual with minimal mistakes in printing. Sorry for any confusion. Thanks

Intheblue,
I might suggest looking at Sky Shark RC and take a look at their fantasy kit. There is good hardware included in the kit and a list on the website and in the manual for what you will need to supply. There is also another thread going on in this fourm that talks about it. I have one and the laser cutting is really good and the manual is also really good too.
As this is my first kit I have really enjoyed building it and it is a good learning experience.
John

You might go to the Great Planes site and download the manual for the Rapture. It is getting good reviews on the forum. Also the Sig 4 Star 40 is very popular. If you like to make a few modifications as you go along, then I would go with the 4*.

Good luck with your Sportster, I have one that I really enjoy.

BO

I just opened my Sig SE kit and took a look at it. Put a big ole smile on my face. Put glue in, shake it and you have a plane.

I'll second the Skyshark Fantasy. Beatiful kits. The Laser-Cut Sig kits are good also. I don't know if GP makes Laser-cut kits.
Good Luck!

I have a Fantasy and it is a great flying plane. Also, it looks great.

SIG,Goldberg,Great Planes are the best. Stay away from A&A, Pica(good planes, just tough to build),Wing manufacturing (again good planes but short kits, almost like building from plans) Global, are some of the worst/hardest to build.

Mark Shuman

Suggest that you locate the local radio control flying field. get aquainted the members. then ask questions such as you posted . most of the guys are helpful. get to know them because you will depend on them at some time in the future. I know the politics are there-- where aren't they. some of the guys have done alot of building over the years, they may not involved in your catagory but is all the same, when its in the air. dick

I will aslo recommend the Sig kits. If you are looking for a nice second plane look at the BTE Venture 60 kit. It is very similar to the 4*60 as the same guy designed both planes. Bruce Tharp is the guy's name. He took all of the great qualities from the 4*60 and made the plane better. I have two 4*'s and have flown the venture 60. They fly very similar. The venture is just a nicer kit to build.

Rick

Any of the Midwest's 'Success Series' kits assemble very well....

Jerry

The sig Somethin Extra is a great kit and is great for a first time build, the laser cutting is great nad instructions etc... , I built it for my first kit and had no problems with any of it. [8D]