Ok, I've had 2 RTF planes, but really want to try my first build, just to say "Yeah, I built it" I'm 15, and want a kit that is easy to build, cover, has good instructions, and doesn't cost too much ($50-$150, just the kit) I know about planes, but nothing about kits, can anyone here help me??? Thanks, Austin

This one is a no brainer. Sig Something Extra. This kit is so easy to build that it almost falls out of the box assembled!!! The instructions are very clear and straightforward, and explain every step in great detail. And when you are finished you are rewarded with a plane that is a great flying airplane. Kit is $84.99 from Tower Hobbies: [link]http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXFG18&P=7[/link]

Ken

Buy a Four Star 40! Cheap to buy, easy to build, easy to cover, they fly great.. what more could you want?

I agree 100%. You almost can't screw up building a Somthin Extra. Plus, once you get it in the air, it's hard to believe that an $85 kit that builds so easy flys so great.

4* and SE are both good choices. 4* flies fairly tame, SE can fly tame or hot, depending on your skills. These are both planes that seem never to get retired, people fly them for years and still enjoy them. Just to give you a third choice, consider the Goldberg Tiger, which I presume is still available as a kit. It has characteristics sorta between the 4* and SE.

Another option to look at is the Great Planes Rapture 40. I built one of these and it flew excellent. I had a few issues with the die cutting and wood quality but otherwise it was a pleasure to build and fly. The only bad habit it had was a tendancy to nose over on the ground. My rough landings that bent the gear backward didn't help this at all. I believe the kit still sells for $69 at Tower Hobbies. If you go with one of the Sig kits, you'll apppreciate the laser cutting and perfect parts fit.

Bruce Tharpe Venture 60.

I have built quite a few kits and I have a somthin extra in a box ready for me in the que, the plans are simple the instructions are clear and easy to understand the closest thing to the SSE would be a GIZMO its a high wing sport plane along the lines of a something extra

Can someone give me a list of exactly what I'll need to build the Sig SE? I'd really appreciate it, thanks.

You'll basically just need the basic building supplies....

-Straight building board
-Pins
-Hobby knife
-Razor saw or something similar
-Assorted sandpaper with sanding blocks
-Thin and medium CA glue
-Regular wood glue (not 100% necessary but it's cheap and come sin handy)
-Straight edge
-Some sort of square or triangle
-At least 2 rolls of covering
-Wheels
-Fuel tank
-Spinner
-Engine
-Fuel tubing
-Covering iron
-Heat gun (optional but nice to have in my opinion)
-Pin vise with small drill bits

There's probably something that I'm leaving out. Sig does a good job of listing needed tools and supplies on the box and in the manual.

When I first started building, I really had nothing more than an x-acto kinfe, some sandpaper wrapped around a 1x2, a ruler and an old clothing iron. It was tough but I got a kit done. I slowly added tools and supplies as time went on.

Celotex ceiling tile, 2'x4', from Home Depot makes a convenient & inexpensive building board. These are sold by the carton, but you can get one of the apron people to break a carton open for you, or do it yourself. Last time I checked they were around $5 each. Use the back side to build on.

Keep your eyes & nose away from the visible vapors of the CA as it cures, avoid the common cough/congestion problem.

I would have a hard time building anything without a bunch of little spring clamps. Also a set of round-head hex drivers, small screwdrivers (straight blade & philips). Borrow your father's cordless drill when you need it.

From Tower Hobbies tech notes
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXFG18&P=0
Radio with 5 Standard servos
Servo Extensions 6": 2 (ailerons)
Covering: Two 6' Rolls and Paint to match
Misc. Items: 2-1/4" Spinner, Two 2-3/4" Main Wheels, One 1" Tailwheel, Propeller, 8 oz Fuel Tank, Fuel Tubing, Building and Field Equipment.

Look at http://www.greatplanes.com/parts/index.html#kits and download the manual for the PT-40 or PT-60. Near the front is a pretty good listing of tools and supplies that is applicable to just about any kit.

You can't go wrong with most any Sig kit. I'd build the 4*40. It's in your price range and it's a fun plane stock that you can modify like crazy and not worry to much if it's gonna fly. ChuckW's list of building stuff is on the money, but be creative most of the things you need to build any kit are near by and cheap. Home Depot is a great hobby shop but check their scrap bin first.

If you want something more "go fast turn right" an old school, check out a Sig Kougar.

Victoryroll, What planes have you flown, and what engine, or engines do you have now? If you don't have a .40 or .46 engine, you will have that extra expense. On your kit selection you may want to go with what you have on hand and can transfer to your new plane. That can save you close to two hundred dollars including engine and radio.

Another item that Chuck didn't list above is the hot-glove. It is not completely necesary but will help seal the film to the wood. As you heat up a section of film to secure it to the wood, rub it down with the glove. It will help get rid of bubbling, air caught under film. In my oppinion, using it makes a better bond to the wood.