Hi - I have only flown a couple of ARTF's to date but would like to try and build a plane. I am looking for a kit (plans, parts, instructions) that is suitable for a first time builder. I am, unfortunately, not the most practically minded person around.

- I really want a model which has a completely enclosed engine and exhaust
- I also want to build something that is scale looking (preferably WW1 or WW2) and am hoping for something with character (I realise that is subjective) and history
- Size wise, a bigger model would be better - definitely something that can take a 4 stroke engine - but not a MONSTER 60-120 size say?

I hope to learn all the principles of building and finishing a plane and do have a club and friends who can help me if i get stuck. Most importantly, the kit must be available in the uk and flyable by an experienced novice/intermediate skill pilot.

Looking forward to your suggestions

What you are asking for is a nice scale kit, that is good for a first time builder. I am not sure there are any of those out there. A really good first build is a Sig 4 Star, .60 size is great, you could also try Great Planes .60 Cub, that is a more scale plane. Not sure the Top Flite series of War Birds is good for a first time build, they are much more difficult.

I've been flying an ARTF super sportster 40 for ages and was really looking to move on to something a little more realistic. However, I guess if nothing scale is available for beginners I'll have to build a 4 star or something like that

I did note that you are a flyer, but scale building is not something that you can usually jump right into, maybe some can, I have done about 10 kits, each a bit more advanced than the last one. Like anything, the more you know the better you get at something. There are many great kits to build, but they are not easy or cheap. If you really want scale, get a Ziroli set of plans or a short kit, but I am not sure that I am anywhere near up to that task yet and I am getting pretty good at building.

Good Luck!

I know Flair makes scale and sport scale kits of WWI and WWII planes, and Sussex Model Centre sells them.
http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk
I have no idea how suitable any of them are for a first build. A lot depends on how scale you want it to be. If it just needs to have the basic outline but you don't care about full cockpiits, retracts, sliding canopy, etc; it will be a lot easier to be successful.

Sussex also handles some Top Flite and SIG kits. If the decision was mine, I'd build a fairly simple kit first. That way you learn a lot without getting bogged down in fine details. You may find that you not like building. If you build a trainer or 'second plane' you can probably sell it to a club member or new guy if you are not interested in flying/keeping it.

As a first kit I try to steer people away from warbirds. WW1 means a Bipe most the time and Bipes have a few added items you need to learn before you can get one to fly correctly. Just setting the incidence is sometimes a big thrill. IF I was going to steer a new builder into a scale warbird it would maybe be a 60 size Top Flite Gold edition kit. Good plans and instructions with all the cool locking parts. If you wanted something more for stunt flying and had to have a cowl I would maybe steer someone into the Great Planes 60 size Extras or something on those lines. Again, the instructions and plans are pretty straight forward with the GP models. Some people do some of there best work on there first plane, some don't!!

dubcat,

I've never built one of these nor even seen one in person. But I've never heard/seen a bad review on one and have it in my mind to do it one day. The reason? For just once I'd like to build a kit done right...good plans, good wood, good intructions. These are repeatedly what I've heard about this kit.

A google search will turn up many satisfied owners world wide. So if a distant 3rd hand suggestion is ok you may wish to explore a Flying King.
http://www.btemodels.com/flyin_king.html

Kindest regards,

Clay

What about one of the Sig laser cut kits (Somethin Extra, 4-Star) that are awesome first time builds with a scale war-bird type covering scheme? Might seem kind of odd, but maybe a 4-Star with invasion stripes might look cool - definitely unique.

That way you'll get the experience of building a kit, yet feel you've created something "sorta scale". Hey, its an idea ...

-MA

Dubcat. You could look at a Flair Magnatilla. www.flairmodels.co.uk. They suit a .40 to .60 four stroke and are available from many uk dealers. They have stood the test of time and shouldn't be too difficult for a first build.
Chris UK.

I don't know about the building part, the Moth isn't really an easy build but I did one, a 66 inch from an old kit builder in the UK, Percision Balsa. It was perhaps one of the smoothest flying planes I have ever had. I sold it a couple years ago when I moved here from Calif. so it wouldn't get busted up in the move. It's one of the only planes I have ever had that I miss. The plane made me look like a much better scale pilot then I really am. If you have some help doing the build the plane is outstanding!!! I think the other warbirds I mentioned are a much easier build though.

If your still looking the flair kit that was noted is great! I have one and have flown it probly 500 times or more. I love the plane. Granted I live in the middle of nowhere, but I have not seen another one of these in the states. Thats one reason I like it. but if builds, flys and looks great!