I asked this in the scale forum and got no response, something tells me I should of come here first

I am looking for an easy to build kit of a civil aviation style airplane for this winter. I have limited kit exp and am looking forward to trying one.

I love Cessna's but it seems all you see are 150 and 172's all over. A Beechcraft, Piper or similar style would be ideal but I have no clue who makes one thats ez to build and setup. I noticed this on Tower's website but it has fixed gear, I would prefer retracts if possible.



[link=http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGZD8&P=0]Piper[/link]


any ideas would be appreciated

matt

Most of the kits I've seen are rather large and while not what I would call complex, a beginning kit builder might get discouraged. My recommendation would be to build something like a J-3 or PA-18 fromone of the many reputable kit makers (SIG, GP, Goldberg, etc. You'd have a civil aviation model, and what you'd build would be challenging but not daunting.

I'm in the middle of building a Piper Tri-Pacer with a 72" wingspan made by mosquitobiteplains. ( www.mosquitobiteplanes.com ) It is a very nicely designed kit, and I think even a beginner could handle this without any problems. The manual is very complete, and the parts are very well marked. I've been participating in another thread covering building this kit if you want an idea.

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Mosq...2297249/tm.htm Look here for the thread...

How about the RV-4 from Great Planes

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/kitprofile.cfm?kit_id=207]RV-4[/link]

I dont have any experience with it, but Great Planes makes very good kits. Looks like a nice build.

Having a preference for retracts IMHO puts you beyond the easier building kits category. I would recommend the Great Planes "Piper Cub" or the "RV-4" as suggested by John Bockman. Although I have built the "Cub" the "RV-4" is waiting for me under the work bench. I think you're better off building a plane without retracts first and then tackling that project later.

If not absolutely firm on scale, you may want to look at the Sig "4-Star", which is a very easy build and a good flier. I am suggesting this because when building we learn a lot by our mistakes and gradually improve our building skills.

Good Luck
DaveB

If you're looking for a civilian aircraft how about a Piper Tomahawk?

[link=http://www.thirdcoasthobbies.com/tomahawk.htm]http://www.thirdcoasthobbies.com/tomahawk.htm[/link]

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Tomahawk_Build_has_begun/m_2317922/tm.htm]http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Tomahawk_Build_has_begun/m_2317922/tm.htm[/link]

I have no idea what the kit is like. I just found this thread here.

Kerry

have you located the local flying field yet?? if so start asking the same question of the guys, search out the local ? hobby shop, not the discount one, and ask for help. the ads in the flyers/magizines will tell you anything you want hear, till you get one of their products. also are you in fuel or electric? it does make some what of a difference-- building procedures are close to the same, electric is lighter- more fragile generely. dick

thanks for the reponses guys, appreciate the input.

I will concede that I should not try retracts this go around. I can already see me screwing it up


Dick- I am into glow and my electric collection is rather meek so I would prefer cleaning up a gooey mess rather than wait for a charger

matt

I'd say stay away from the Tomahawk..it's for someone who has some building experience. Airsail uses a lot of plastic and bell cranks who most people don't like. I bulit one and it flew like a rock.

Hey, look what I just saw. This might be perfect. A new Piper Arrow kit from Top Flight.

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/newproduct.cfm?product_id=262]http://www.rcuniverse.com/product_guide/newproduct.cfm?product_id=262[/link]

Kerry

That could be what you're looking for Matt. It even has optional retracts.

Nice, but it seems a little pricey to me for a kit. Top Flite's Cessna is $180 and the Arrow is$ 250 for about the same size plane.
Anybody else feel likewise?

DaveB

Im with Dave on that...to rich for me!

There's a Great Planes Cherokee 40 kit for sale on eBay. I know nothing about the kit, but it seems to fit your general requirements.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...tem=5933066464

I'd like to cast my vote for the RAV4. I built one when they were first introduced and it ended up looking great and was one of my favorite planes to fly (till I clipped a tree and it went spiraling to it's end). You can make it as detailed as you want and will have it done in plenty of time for the warm weather.

Second, the TF Cessna would be good as it will take every bit of your winter-time to build. Then again I think everyone's gotta build a Cub at one time or another....please don't rip me in half you anti-Cub guys!