I'm going to build a Great Planes PT-40 for my first RC plane. I'm just wondering how hard it will be to build this and how long it will take. I'm no stranger to building things as my dad and I have a model rail road. Also My grandpa who is an experienced flyer will be helping me with the things I can't do, such as covering the model. Is there anything I should know about this plane before I take the plunge? Also what are the basic tools needed to assemble the airframe? I'm pretty sure I have everything, I just don't know exactly what is needed because I have never done this before. I decided to go with a kit over a RTF trainer because I want the joy of seeing something I built fly and I don't have the money to purchase a RTF. I would rather take my time. thanks

Nice to hear your going to build your first plane , you`ll learn much more from building . The Pt40 will make you a great plane , and should go together fairly fast .
Take a little time and look over this build thread , it`s an Lt 40 but they build about the same . You`ll find out every thing you need to know there . Good luck , keep us posted .

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_3439708/tm.htm]LT 40 build thread[/link]

I would recommend building the B wing with ailerons. Mine has the A wing and it is a little much dihedral. Otherwise it builds fine. Great plane for me so far.

Farr301

Oh YES, do build the wing with ailerons. This is a great plane, and the one I gained all my pilot training on. My only suggestion, is to really take the time to read over the building instructions, and review the plans while doing so. This will give you the info to build a great plane, and help keep your building on track. If possible, keep us up to date as your building progress.

Rich S.

Ok, I'll build the B wing and I'm definitely going to have ailerons. I downloaded the manual and am reading it. It seems well written and easy to follow. I made a list of everything I need to put the airframe together and it was $120 for all the tools and the kit. By the time spring comes I'll be ready for an engine, radio, and all the other accessories. I will probably be a couple weeks till I am able to buy it, but once I get started I'll keep you guys up to date.

How hard is it to build a kit like this? I read the manual and there were some parts I couldn't understand, I hope the plans and more reading will solve that. So if I go slow and follow all the directions everything should go well? Right? I hope so. Also I won't have an engine or radio for a while, is it still possible for me to build the airframe with out those items? thanks for all your help.

you can build without the radio and engine just dont mount the motor mount i think it comes with the kit,also the servo install dont glue anything in place for that section until you get your radio equipment.

Alex,

PT-40 is an easy building model. When in doubt or if you have a question, just ask. RCU is a good place to get your questions answered. Most people whom answer to questions are experienced builders or have built a PT40 that has been flying. I learned to fly in a PT-40 I built five years ago.

Enjoy your build. Always wear personal protective equipment0, i.e. dust mask, when sanding balsa or any wood.

WARNING: Building model airplanes is addictive. [X(] Caution must be taken to avoid excessive hours in the shop.

My first glow build was/is the PT-60. A cautionary..The right fuse is built on the plans. no problem. The left, when you add the foremost doubler, mentions leaving 1/8" overhang with the tabs, and some mention of lining up the foreward edge of the windshield. (not overly much reference here) Do the left fuse doubler without gluing (maybe tack) then fit the two sides and see how the former at the windshield lines up ...also the motor bulkhead might skew giving right thrust. My former at the windshied ended up with some twist to it: o.k. at the bottom but with some twist clockwise at rhe top. About 1/8", but enough to pi** one. Sorry for the long thread, but that was the only screw up.


KR

Alex570, you can always come here with questions. PM me if you have to because i just recently built this and am still very familiar with how it went together. KMR1's explanation might be a little confusing, but it is similar to the instructions, but it will make sense once you get to that part and the pieces will line up fine. I would recommend modifying the landing gear to Dubro Super Strength Gear, http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXNM65&P=0 , because I crashed and it wiped the whole wire landing gear system out. The original gear seemed to be too stiff for me also. If you want to change the landing gear, let me know on this thread and i will instruct you on how to properly do it. Otherwise, good luck with the build, and if you have a question, take it here!

Have Fun!
Farr301

Great choice! I built my PT40 in 1996 I never flew it because I was afraid I might crash it. I was to attached to it.

I have now brought it out of retirement and soloed with it about 4 months ago. It's still in one piece and flies great. Make sure you build the B wing with ailerons. I didn't and had to cut them in later, it now has way to much dihedral making flying inverted really tricky.

Good luck, your going to love the build and the great flying PT40.

If you have any questions feel free to ask use here on RCU!

Happy Flying!

Hi Alex,

I also built the PT-60 (same plane, different size) and learned how to fly on it. It was also my first build and I was as nervous as you. Couple of things:

1- The airframe goes together very fast, although I spent more time re-reading the manual and trial fitting the pieces.
2- I did replace some wood that was warped, of course after gluing. I should have fit fit fit first, then glued.
3- The wing. The PT-60 has ailerons already with a single servo as control. When I finished mine, the dihedral was almost 30% more than the plan called for and it turned out fine.
4- Mine was very tail heavy using an OS 60. Needed almost 14 oz in the nose to balance.

You will really enjoy this build! Take your time and you will be rewarded with a great flying airplane!!

Hi great build, but I'm thinking you may run ito trouble setting the blind nuts for the engine if you do not have the engine. seems to me this was one of the first steps, but may be you can do it later, be sure and check this step. mounted a 46 on mine it had more then enough power, but built very tail heavy when balanced according to GP plans, had better luck balancing right on main spar, all in all a super flyer

When you have everything in front of you, some steps wll seem more clear. If you are stumped, post here, or maybe call your grandfather. He'd probably be happy to help.

You don't really need the engine to set up the firewall. The kit comes with a Great Planes 40-70 adjustable engine mount and includes a template that shows where the blind nuts need to go.

The radio can also wait.

hi ,good 1st plane, I have built 4 of them, they fly great, make sure you get someone to help you fly when your ready. seems like they just float up there and land very slow. use the 40 engine , its plenty of power.