I would like to start building kits. I currently have three ARF's that I'm flying, but want to build a kit. I notice lots of kits say not first time builder. Any suggestions?

Thanks

FFSmitty

Since you're probably not interested in building a trainer, I'd definitely suggest the Sig Four Star 40 or 60. Thare is a really good build thread on the 60 size running right now. The person building it is a first time builder.

The first kit I ever built was a Great Planes RV-4. It was pretty straight forward and is a good flying plane.

Sig Somethin' Extra - It's a great quality kit and goes together very easily.

I second the Sig Something Extra. There is a joke running around about the Something Extra build. Open the box, throw in a bottle of glue, close the lid and shake, open the lid and take out completed plane. It really is an easy build. I've built 3 of them now and the last one I build I framed up in a weekend. Laser cut parts, nice plans, and a fully illustrated manual make this a fun kit to build. And flying a SE is something that you just have to experience. It's a blast to fly.

Hope this helps

Ken

I'm building my second SE and I would slightly dissagree about it being a good first time build. It incorperates a wing tube and that can be difficult for a first time builder. I would suggest a 4* and then the SE. If you want to build the SE I don't see why it can't be a well built plane for a beginner, but it will take some accuracy that experience will help with.

Here's a litst of a couple:

Low wings:

Any of the Sig 4 star's, they are all lazer cut and sig has some of nicest wood and hardware for their kits. Or club pylon races 4* star 40's they are quite fast with the right motor.

Sig Something Extra: Builds at least as easy as a four star, anyone who follows instructions should not have a problem building this. (this is the most aerobatic of the low wings)

Great Planes Rapture: the hardware and wood will be inferior to sig but costs a few $$$ less.

Venture 40 or 60: share the same designers as the 40 star, think of them as a revised version

Goldberg Tigers: Another laser cut kit with good wood, the 60 size is a very stable flier that can be used for sportsman pattern.

Shoulder wings: (in my opinon not quite as much fun as a the low wings.)

Probabily any big /ugly stick would do. (look for a plane with a big square fuselage and an even bigger symmeterical wing on top.) Wouldn't mess with flaps for a first time flier. Some of these planes come with huge surfaces and quad flaps ( Hangar 9 Ugly stick and Jerry's Big Boy) and are not suitable for a second plane. They are valued by advanced pilots because of their agility and ability to do some of the 3D moves.

Goldberg Senior Falcon, Sig Cavalier or GP Easy sport. (Though all three are a different size they are essential copies of each other.)

That should keep you busy for a while.

The Venture 60 is a dream to build. All hand cut by Bruce Tharpe. Excellent parts fit and builds fast. Excellent flyer also.

Really, just about anything from either Great Planes or Sig make good first kits. Well kitted, minimal 'expertise' needed, and minimal tools required. And little need to buy 'extra' stuff (except tank, wheels, spinner, & covering). Manuals are top notch with many pics, and many helpful hints. Not to mention consise & understandable writing!

As all have mentioned above, as they are all either one of these two companies!

(I'll agree with the SE & 4*)

"Our club pylon races 4* star 40's they are quite fast with the right motor. "

I'm using one for some pylon racing too, what motor/prop combination works best for you? I just put a new Magnum .46 on mine and will experiment with props once it's well-broken in.

Dan

Sig kavalier which is a older kit design and GP easy sport which is a newer kit design with better instructions.