What would you like to see in a kit?
12-29-2005 | 01:45 PM
#26
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From: Jacksonville, FL
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
[/quote]
Damon,
do you have any ideas for a kit that you would like to see produced?
Woops
[/quote]
In general I'd just like to see more fun building/good flying sport kits. Some examples of the ones we still have are the GP RV4, Somethin' Extra and Goldber Tiger.
On the advice of friends and family, my father and I have started designing a plane with some of the good characteristics of the ones above. In about a year we're going to ask for 3 or 4 builders to critique it and who knows, we might try selling a few on Ebay and see where that leads us.
Damon
12-29-2005 | 03:01 PM
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From: California
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
Cool![sm=thumbup.gif] Do you have any pics that would give an idea to the manufacturers?
Woops
Here's another idea:
A .40LA size autogyro that has good flight characteristics for $100-$150. I've looked into buying one, but that was pretty expensive to fool around with.
Woops
Here's another idea:
A .40LA size autogyro that has good flight characteristics for $100-$150. I've looked into buying one, but that was pretty expensive to fool around with.
12-29-2005 | 03:43 PM
#28
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
I'd like to see more scale general aviation planes--just like PilotFighter said.
I don't really fly too many sport planes anymore either. Oh, I have a few, but scale is where my heart is.
I like scale aerobats mostly. But, even those get boring after awhile.[X(] (did I just say that?)
I have always had a soft spot for the Cessna Skymaster push/pull twin. I tried scratch building one--but it was just too much work and I gave up. The old Royal kit is out of production, and I don't want to spend the next 5yrs on Ebay searching for one in a rotted box. There's a company that makes one in an ARC-but it's really a laser cut kit. It's too expensive.
I'd like to see the Skymaster built for large glow or small gas. Something that I can put a couple converted Ryobi 31cc weedies on and go fly it. Or, for you glow guys--a couple Saito 150 engines. That would be the right size.
I'd also like to see a Super Cub in Giant Scale. Hanger 9 did a decent ARF of the SC--but it was too expensive and had other design flaws that I didn't like. Something that I can use a Ryobi on.
A Decathlon with a 75--80" wing. 2-piece wing. About 1100sq.in. Weight about 12-14 pounds
My warbird list:
I'd love to see an F7F Tigercat that could fly on a couple .60 glow engines.
P-82 Twin Mustang for a couple 60 size glow engines.
P-38 for 60 size glow engines.
A Mustang with a 72" wingspan for a Ryobi 31cc.
I am addicted to the Ryobi conversion engines. Cheap, reliable, and easy on the fuel jug. ANYTHING that could be built around that engine--I'd buy it.
NO ABS on any of them. It's the 21st century--fiberglass is king. No foam either. I like balsa and plywood.
I don't really fly too many sport planes anymore either. Oh, I have a few, but scale is where my heart is.
I like scale aerobats mostly. But, even those get boring after awhile.[X(] (did I just say that?)
I have always had a soft spot for the Cessna Skymaster push/pull twin. I tried scratch building one--but it was just too much work and I gave up. The old Royal kit is out of production, and I don't want to spend the next 5yrs on Ebay searching for one in a rotted box. There's a company that makes one in an ARC-but it's really a laser cut kit. It's too expensive.
I'd like to see the Skymaster built for large glow or small gas. Something that I can put a couple converted Ryobi 31cc weedies on and go fly it. Or, for you glow guys--a couple Saito 150 engines. That would be the right size.
I'd also like to see a Super Cub in Giant Scale. Hanger 9 did a decent ARF of the SC--but it was too expensive and had other design flaws that I didn't like. Something that I can use a Ryobi on.
A Decathlon with a 75--80" wing. 2-piece wing. About 1100sq.in. Weight about 12-14 pounds
My warbird list:
I'd love to see an F7F Tigercat that could fly on a couple .60 glow engines.
P-82 Twin Mustang for a couple 60 size glow engines.
P-38 for 60 size glow engines.
A Mustang with a 72" wingspan for a Ryobi 31cc.
I am addicted to the Ryobi conversion engines. Cheap, reliable, and easy on the fuel jug. ANYTHING that could be built around that engine--I'd buy it.
NO ABS on any of them. It's the 21st century--fiberglass is king. No foam either. I like balsa and plywood.
12-29-2005 | 04:02 PM
#29
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RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
I like scale aerobats mostly. But, even those get boring after awhile. (did I just say that?)
It looks to be a great plane.[sm=thumbup.gif]I agree on the Skymaster and P82 also.
The only to things that(in my opinion) should be banned from a kit are the ABS, and crunch cutting. In this day and age, there isn't an excuse for crunching instead of laser cutting.
Here's another idea: the Agcat or Agwaggon.
12-30-2005 | 09:58 AM
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TX
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
Woops--
Just a FYI if you are interested in Ag planes -- I found this site for a 100" AT502 Ag Tractor short kit and an anouncment for a new 72" 1/6th scale version coming soon. I have emailed them to put my name on the list for the 72" version. I have no idea about qaulity or anything else about the company --- but I gotta have one.
http://www.teamduster.com./pages/1/index.htm
Just a FYI if you are interested in Ag planes -- I found this site for a 100" AT502 Ag Tractor short kit and an anouncment for a new 72" 1/6th scale version coming soon. I have emailed them to put my name on the list for the 72" version. I have no idea about qaulity or anything else about the company --- but I gotta have one.
http://www.teamduster.com./pages/1/index.htm
08-31-2006 | 01:57 PM
#34
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From: Houstom,
TX
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
The plane I would like to see a kit of is the Spartan 7W Executive. Only has 1 wing but it does have the round motor, a fine example of a classic.
08-31-2006 | 03:13 PM
#37
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
I'd like to see some more easy building, laser cut sport planes that fly well. Sort of like the Sig SE. Another thing that I think would be a great idea is to offer kit versions of all the ARF's. It doesn't have to be a full kit either, just a short kit with laser cut ribs and formers. We can easily add our own sticks and sheeting.
08-31-2006 | 03:20 PM
#38
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From: Warner Robins,
GA
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
ChuckW,
That's a good idea to offer partial kits of ARF's. I built a Sopwith Pup from plans and had to cut all my wood. I could handle it.
Kraus
That's a good idea to offer partial kits of ARF's. I built a Sopwith Pup from plans and had to cut all my wood. I could handle it.
Kraus
08-31-2006 | 05:11 PM
#39
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RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
I’m most interested in the classic acrobatic aircraft from the 60s though the 80s. We are very fortunate have lots of choices in kits and the list is growing. Take a look at this list http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3053513/tm.htm The Lanier R/C ARFs on the list have been discontinued, seems to be a trend with ARFs. Some of the newest kits on the market are beautiful laser cut reproductions of the great aircraft like the Taurus and Kwik Fli III. I prefer to build from plans, but right now there are more kits available than I could possibly build in my life time.
08-31-2006 | 11:06 PM
#41
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RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
mimhoff, that Air Tractor is very cool. It seems like it's been ages since I've seen a new kit introduced! [&o]
8178, thats great that you have so many kits to choose from. Personally, the older style non-scale kits don't do much for me so I have just the opposite problem.
I have a H9 Extra 260 ARF on my bench that I would have loved to build as a kit but there simply isn't anything like it available in kit form. The modern age of computers has given us some very lightweight ARFs but the kits have been left in the dust. Pardon the pun!
Just about all of us have seen a kit build where the kit builder chopped holes in the airframe wherever possible to reduce weight and end up with an ultra-lightweight airframe - kind of like a modern 3D ARF. Remember the old saying "built to fly, not to crash?" All the kits that are currently available (with few exceptions) were designed long before the 3D craze came along.
The idea brough up earlier about offering short kits from available ARFs is great. Heck, the canopies, cowls and landing gear are already in production and the hard part of developing the wood parts is already done! I could see a manufacturer having a whole separate line of these 'short kits' sold next to their ARFs. With the choice of Yak, Sukhoi, Extras of various flavors and of course the Funtana, I wouldn't be able to decide where to start!
For something more "classic" I would love to see a kit of the Waco QDC. Only a couple real ones still flying!
8178, thats great that you have so many kits to choose from. Personally, the older style non-scale kits don't do much for me so I have just the opposite problem.
I have a H9 Extra 260 ARF on my bench that I would have loved to build as a kit but there simply isn't anything like it available in kit form. The modern age of computers has given us some very lightweight ARFs but the kits have been left in the dust. Pardon the pun!
Just about all of us have seen a kit build where the kit builder chopped holes in the airframe wherever possible to reduce weight and end up with an ultra-lightweight airframe - kind of like a modern 3D ARF. Remember the old saying "built to fly, not to crash?" All the kits that are currently available (with few exceptions) were designed long before the 3D craze came along.
The idea brough up earlier about offering short kits from available ARFs is great. Heck, the canopies, cowls and landing gear are already in production and the hard part of developing the wood parts is already done! I could see a manufacturer having a whole separate line of these 'short kits' sold next to their ARFs. With the choice of Yak, Sukhoi, Extras of various flavors and of course the Funtana, I wouldn't be able to decide where to start!
For something more "classic" I would love to see a kit of the Waco QDC. Only a couple real ones still flying!
09-01-2006 | 12:37 AM
#42
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
ORIGINAL: FlyerBry
I have a H9 Extra 260 ARF on my bench that I would have loved to build as a kit but there simply isn't anything like it available in kit form. The modern age of computers has given us some very lightweight ARFs but the kits have been left in the dust. Pardon the pun!
I have a H9 Extra 260 ARF on my bench that I would have loved to build as a kit but there simply isn't anything like it available in kit form. The modern age of computers has given us some very lightweight ARFs but the kits have been left in the dust. Pardon the pun!
Also, look at Wendell Hostetler plans:
http://www.aero-sports.com/whplans/
especially the Extra 300 (the 27% is the same size as your 260) and Giles G-202. A number of these are offered by Precision Cut Kits and other cutters as full kits, some laser cut. Some great designs on WH's site and a number of unusual offerings the ARF hordes can't touch without a building board.
Mark
09-01-2006 | 08:50 AM
#43
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From: Pooler,
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RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
Pilotfighter,
I have to agree!! I would love to see kits of todays general aviation aircraft. Like the single engine Commander and so many other GA aircraft. A wing put on a box can only look so good.
chopper man
I have to agree!! I would love to see kits of todays general aviation aircraft. Like the single engine Commander and so many other GA aircraft. A wing put on a box can only look so good.
chopper man
ORIGINAL: PilotFighter
26 years in the hobby. I can't stand planes that don't look like real planes. Scale is what I like. Scale aerobats or warbirds or civil, it doesn't matter. I wish the flying field looked like a little airport.
I flew my share of sport ships. They fly good. They are easy and quick to build, I'll give you that. But I have learned to build scale planes that perform just as well. And there is no going back to those sport ships.
The market pretty much has the warbird and aerobat segment filled. But the kit mfg'ers have really turned their noses to civli scale.
I think a 60 size Cessna 170 would be a hoot. Or a 60 size Cessna 195. A Swift, Cruisemaster, or Stinson Sedan. These were beautiful classics.
I guess Ikon tried it and it didn't do very well. But their kits were too difficult for most modellers.
I'm building a 60 size bonanza right now.
I have a 60 size Comanche and Navion, 40 size Tripacer and Champ (kits)
People go nuts when you show up with an old school scale ships. People really respond. These kits have a certain something that people relate to. Someone in the family or in the neighborhood had one. An uncle or their boss. They recognise these planes and relate some story or experience. These types are much closer to the common types people have seen. These are the peoples airplanes, built for the masses. They aren't exotics. They are common place and have broad appeal. Its like the Volkswagon Beetle. There is some emotional response to the sight of them. I don't know what I'm trying to say here. (But its in there somewhere)
And because of that, these planes are very fun to fly. Its not gut wrenching aerobatics. Its not a lean mean fighting machine. Its just a stupid grin from flying a Volkwagon Beetle. And since this type of kit hasn't had broad appeal for two decades, people just aren't aware that there another type of "thrill " to be had in this hobby.
And lets face it. A mixed fleet is the best. If you fly heavy metal every day, it looses its sense of speed and power. But if you mix it up and go fly something slow and silly now and them, the hot stuff stays fresh.
26 years in the hobby. I can't stand planes that don't look like real planes. Scale is what I like. Scale aerobats or warbirds or civil, it doesn't matter. I wish the flying field looked like a little airport.
I flew my share of sport ships. They fly good. They are easy and quick to build, I'll give you that. But I have learned to build scale planes that perform just as well. And there is no going back to those sport ships.
The market pretty much has the warbird and aerobat segment filled. But the kit mfg'ers have really turned their noses to civli scale.
I think a 60 size Cessna 170 would be a hoot. Or a 60 size Cessna 195. A Swift, Cruisemaster, or Stinson Sedan. These were beautiful classics.
I guess Ikon tried it and it didn't do very well. But their kits were too difficult for most modellers.
I'm building a 60 size bonanza right now.
I have a 60 size Comanche and Navion, 40 size Tripacer and Champ (kits)
People go nuts when you show up with an old school scale ships. People really respond. These kits have a certain something that people relate to. Someone in the family or in the neighborhood had one. An uncle or their boss. They recognise these planes and relate some story or experience. These types are much closer to the common types people have seen. These are the peoples airplanes, built for the masses. They aren't exotics. They are common place and have broad appeal. Its like the Volkswagon Beetle. There is some emotional response to the sight of them. I don't know what I'm trying to say here. (But its in there somewhere)
And because of that, these planes are very fun to fly. Its not gut wrenching aerobatics. Its not a lean mean fighting machine. Its just a stupid grin from flying a Volkwagon Beetle. And since this type of kit hasn't had broad appeal for two decades, people just aren't aware that there another type of "thrill " to be had in this hobby.
And lets face it. A mixed fleet is the best. If you fly heavy metal every day, it looses its sense of speed and power. But if you mix it up and go fly something slow and silly now and them, the hot stuff stays fresh.
09-01-2006 | 05:13 PM
#44
Senior Member
RE: What would you like to see in a kit?
I would like to see more in the way of formula one racers. There is mention of the Nemesis in the speed forums right now and I think that would be an easy building, great flying kit.
