First kit...am I crazy
01-19-2010 | 09:12 AM
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From: BROOKSVILLE, FL
First kit...am I crazy
Hey guys,
I just bought my first kit to build. Its a GP extra 300. Currently I fly a GP escapade and I felt like I needed something to do after work. I have some people from my local club that build planes for support. Here is the list of items I bought with it. Do i need anything else that would aid me with the build? Any comments on the plane? I was also looking at an uproar but the wing does not come off the plane and will not fit in my car. I also thought about the supersportster but the extra looks nicer.
Heres the list of stuff I ordered:
Great Planes Extra 300S 40 Kit .40-.51,58" In stock, shipping 1 $99.99
LXL456 Hobbico Builders Triangle Set In stock, shipping 1 $6.99
LXL494 Hobbico Steel T-Pins 1" (100) In stock, shipping 1 $2.49
LXPT38 Tower Hobbies Build-It CA Thin Glue 2 oz. In stock, shipping 1 $5.99
LXPT39 Tower Hobbies Build-It CA+ Medium Glue 2 oz. In stock, shipping 1 $5.99
LXL490 Hobbico CA Applicator Tips (6) In stock, shipping 1 $0.95
LXLJ20 Zona 4 'n 1 Razor Saw Set In stock, shipping 1 $8.49
LXK302 Great Planes Pro Epoxy 30-Minute Formula 9 oz In stock, shipping 1 $8.99
LXWBJ0 Revell #1 Light Duty Aluminum Handle Knife w/Blade In stock, shipping 1 $2.99
LXKY49 X-Acto #11 Blade (15) In stock, shipping 1 $6.19
LXL482 Hobbico HobbyLite Balsa-Colored Filler 8 oz In stock, shipping 1 $4.99
LXLDP5 Constructo Sanding Tool w/Sandpaper
01-19-2010 | 09:41 AM
#2
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
When it comes time to cover it you will need a covering iron, heat gun, and trim iron along with a can of balsa rite. I am hearing that Ultracote is much easier to work with if it's your first covering job. If you have any swap meets coming up that is a great place to pick up building tools. 
01-19-2010 | 09:49 AM
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From: BROOKSVILLE, FL
RE: First kit...am I crazy
ORIGINAL: ArcticCatRider
Yah...a flat building surface and something that will accept your T pins. Probably the most crucial tool you'll need.
Yah...a flat building surface and something that will accept your T pins. Probably the most crucial tool you'll need.
What are you guys using for a flat surface that will accept T-pins? I do have a iron but I guess I will get the other two when it comes time for covering..
One more thing.. I've been looking for some plastic clamps. What are you guys using and where did you get them
01-19-2010 | 09:57 AM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
Drop ceiling tiles are pretty good for pinning. You can get them in 2 foot x 4 foot pieces....and they tend to lay flat under their own weight.
The building surface itself is up to you. Just make sure it's flat. Get a straightedge, a level, a laser...whatever you need to do to make sure it's straight. Your wing will only be as straight as your building board. Not kidding when I say this...this is tough for a first kit...better stack the deck as high as you can in your favor.
In the past, I've used kitchen tables, countertops, laundry room countertops, etc. Stay away from stuff like big sheets of plywood because they're typically warped. Or...build a work bench of of plywood..just make sure it's straight!
The building surface itself is up to you. Just make sure it's flat. Get a straightedge, a level, a laser...whatever you need to do to make sure it's straight. Your wing will only be as straight as your building board. Not kidding when I say this...this is tough for a first kit...better stack the deck as high as you can in your favor.
In the past, I've used kitchen tables, countertops, laundry room countertops, etc. Stay away from stuff like big sheets of plywood because they're typically warped. Or...build a work bench of of plywood..just make sure it's straight!
01-19-2010 | 10:07 AM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
For my building surface I'm using a damaged hollow core door sitting on a fold up table with a 2x4' ceiling tile on top. Its flat, easy to move around and easy to put up since I live in an apartment.
For your next order, and you will be making more orders when the building bug bites you, order 100 #11 blades and many, many more CA applicator tips. Also I have learned that a product called "Paint-n-Patch" lightweight spackling compound works better than Hobbico HobbyLite Balsa-Colored Filler. You can find that at Home Depot.
Welcome to kit building. [&:]
Edit: The door only cost $23.
For your next order, and you will be making more orders when the building bug bites you, order 100 #11 blades and many, many more CA applicator tips. Also I have learned that a product called "Paint-n-Patch" lightweight spackling compound works better than Hobbico HobbyLite Balsa-Colored Filler. You can find that at Home Depot.
Welcome to kit building. [&:]
Edit: The door only cost $23.
01-19-2010 | 11:03 AM
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From: Oroville (Molson),
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
Sanding blocks, bars of every length, lots of sand paper 80-320 oxide or garnet and 320- 600 wet/dry. Clamps of every kind, spring, bar and C-clamps. Sources are yor local LHO, on-line, hardware, Grizzley.com, Rocklier, wood working supply stores, even the dollar store.
01-19-2010 | 03:13 PM
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From: BROOKSVILLE, FL
RE: First kit...am I crazy
Another question...Its probably stupid but I have no experience with this..
When glueing joints, don't you want glue that takes a reasonable time to cure so that you get everything lined up correctly with pins? In that case wouldn't wood glue be better than CA? Best example I can think of is gluing the wing together. You want everything lined up perpendicular but how do you do that if using CA? Or do you pin everything together at 90 deg angles and the add CA to soak into he joint?
When glueing joints, don't you want glue that takes a reasonable time to cure so that you get everything lined up correctly with pins? In that case wouldn't wood glue be better than CA? Best example I can think of is gluing the wing together. You want everything lined up perpendicular but how do you do that if using CA? Or do you pin everything together at 90 deg angles and the add CA to soak into he joint?
01-19-2010 | 03:28 PM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
ORIGINAL: ciscovet
Another question...Its probably stupid but I have no experience with this..
When glueing joints, don't you want glue that takes a reasonable time to cure so that you get everything lined up correctly with pins? In that case wouldn't wood glue be better than CA? Best example I can think of is gluing the wing together. You want everything lined up perpendicular but how do you do that if using CA? Or do you pin everything together at 90 deg angles and the add CA to soak into he joint?
Another question...Its probably stupid but I have no experience with this..
When glueing joints, don't you want glue that takes a reasonable time to cure so that you get everything lined up correctly with pins? In that case wouldn't wood glue be better than CA? Best example I can think of is gluing the wing together. You want everything lined up perpendicular but how do you do that if using CA? Or do you pin everything together at 90 deg angles and the add CA to soak into he joint?
01-19-2010 | 03:36 PM
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From: Oroville (Molson),
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
There are a number of ways to build and several to bond wood to wood or wood to glass, etc. The "old school" method is to use titebond laying out your spars, glueing and adding ribs and pinning as you go. Another option is to use CA glues, laying out and pinning and then come back and glue once everything is straight and plumb. A tight fit between parts is a must when using CA.
A preffered method is usually given in in your plans and building instructions.
The use of titebond or other simular glues will usually result in a heavier finished product and the drying time is signicantly longer.
I always use epoxies anywhere that fuel, castor or oil could reach or contact.
A preffered method is usually given in in your plans and building instructions.
The use of titebond or other simular glues will usually result in a heavier finished product and the drying time is signicantly longer.
I always use epoxies anywhere that fuel, castor or oil could reach or contact.
01-19-2010 | 04:03 PM
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From: Oroville (Molson),
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
I'm old school and I don't mind the wait. You still need to test fit all parts.
Don't use more glue than you need and wipe off the excess.
Don't use more glue than you need and wipe off the excess.
01-19-2010 | 04:14 PM
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From: BROOKSVILLE, FL
RE: First kit...am I crazy
But wouldn't CA dry so fast that it would make lining things straight very difficult? I personally don't mind the wait as long as I get things straight
01-19-2010 | 04:24 PM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
Actually, some kits are designed for assembly using CA. These kits are set up so that you layout your structure and pin it to your board before applying CA. They were designed from the start to use CA and using wood glue is sometimes difficult to do. Knowing which kits you can sub out CA for wood glue is really an experience based decision to know if you can safely to do, and the best method to do so.
Like so much else in this hobby knowledge is gained with experience, and this is definitely true for kit building. You'll learn with every kit that you put together. Because of this you should start on easier kits that are well documented to help step you through the building process. Of the best "first build kits" that I can recommend is the Sig Something Extra. This kit is well engineered and the instructions leave no doubt in building the plane. It's a great kit to get you started with.
The GP kit that you want to build isn't a bad kit to build either.
Ken
Like so much else in this hobby knowledge is gained with experience, and this is definitely true for kit building. You'll learn with every kit that you put together. Because of this you should start on easier kits that are well documented to help step you through the building process. Of the best "first build kits" that I can recommend is the Sig Something Extra. This kit is well engineered and the instructions leave no doubt in building the plane. It's a great kit to get you started with.
The GP kit that you want to build isn't a bad kit to build either.
Ken
01-19-2010 | 04:29 PM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
Titebond Trim and Molding glue sets pretty fast. I first started using it after reading an article last year in Model Aviation. The author used it in construction of an SE5 and highly recommended it, he was right. I use it alot when gluing in stringers, wing ribs,and joining sheeting together. It's an aliphatic glue and can be easily sanded. Good if you have a lot of sheeting to join together. Just comes down to what you like though I guess.
01-19-2010 | 04:50 PM
#16
RE: First kit...am I crazy
Of course everyone has his favorite glue, but I use gorilla white glue from walmart. It dries pretty fast. And as far as a flat surface I have used the hollow core door for big projects. For smaller projects I have a piece of glass about a foot by four foot long. I bought some blue foam insulation from lowes. That makes a flat surface that is easy to pin to. Good luck with your first build and ask any questions and look for other build threads on here for your kit. There are lots of questions that have been answered on them for sure.
Alan
Alan
01-19-2010 | 05:32 PM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
If you have a Harbor Freight close by, I have bought a bunch from them.
http://harborfreight.com
Search keyword "clamps"
Bob
http://harborfreight.com
Search keyword "clamps"
Bob
01-19-2010 | 06:12 PM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
I have a few questions right now. No answers. Sorry.
Have you decided on a covering material yet? Or, if fabric, the method to seal and paint?
How bout radio, servos, Control rods, linkages, engine size and type?
You definatley seem to be on the right track so far. I just know if you have had thoughts about the detail work in building your own. What you need to know (if you dont already) Is that the larger structures will go together kinda fast in comparison to the detail stuff. And how long that goes depends on answers to the previous questions.
Another question. Have you tried any flt sim? I have RealFlight and I love it. I am not at home right now so I cant confirm it but I think the base software has the Extra as one of the standard a/c available to practice on. Flying that a/c on my sim is a blast. Definatly makes me want one. I need to get better as a pilot before I try my hand at a plane with those aerobatic capabilities.
I start my model build with a written checklist of everything I can think of that I will need to buy or build, in order to complete the project. I then inventory available stuff already in my shop. From there I can actually set a budget. But I dont. HAHaHa. Im gonna buy this stuff. All I try to do is find the best deal on whatever I am looking for. If I had a real budget I could not stay within it!
I do use the checklist tho just to understand the scope of the job.
Looking forward to reading your answers. and I hope you intend to build thread with pics. See ya.
Have you decided on a covering material yet? Or, if fabric, the method to seal and paint?
How bout radio, servos, Control rods, linkages, engine size and type?
You definatley seem to be on the right track so far. I just know if you have had thoughts about the detail work in building your own. What you need to know (if you dont already) Is that the larger structures will go together kinda fast in comparison to the detail stuff. And how long that goes depends on answers to the previous questions.
Another question. Have you tried any flt sim? I have RealFlight and I love it. I am not at home right now so I cant confirm it but I think the base software has the Extra as one of the standard a/c available to practice on. Flying that a/c on my sim is a blast. Definatly makes me want one. I need to get better as a pilot before I try my hand at a plane with those aerobatic capabilities.
I start my model build with a written checklist of everything I can think of that I will need to buy or build, in order to complete the project. I then inventory available stuff already in my shop. From there I can actually set a budget. But I dont. HAHaHa. Im gonna buy this stuff. All I try to do is find the best deal on whatever I am looking for. If I had a real budget I could not stay within it!
I do use the checklist tho just to understand the scope of the job.
Looking forward to reading your answers. and I hope you intend to build thread with pics. See ya.
01-19-2010 | 07:44 PM
#19
RE: First kit...am I crazy
Congratulations on your Kit! Now the addiction starts.
A couple things have helped me building in the past, CA and an old cork board.
First the old cork board (just like those used to post messages) lay flat on a solid work bench and it works great for holding wing ribs, stabilizers, whatever in place until you can glue it.
Lastly, for me CA has plenty of time before it sets, my concern has always been how slow it actually takes to set on wood, but how quick CA it sticks to ones fingers! Once the ribs are set, aligned and pinned in place, a drop of CA at each junction, follow up with a shot of CA accelerator, it works like magic. CA is great for bonding the main wing balsa ribs to hard wood spars, webbing, etc. For the joining of wing halves, firewall attachment, and any high stress joints, I recommend using 30 minute epoxy.
Steve
A couple things have helped me building in the past, CA and an old cork board.
First the old cork board (just like those used to post messages) lay flat on a solid work bench and it works great for holding wing ribs, stabilizers, whatever in place until you can glue it.
Lastly, for me CA has plenty of time before it sets, my concern has always been how slow it actually takes to set on wood, but how quick CA it sticks to ones fingers! Once the ribs are set, aligned and pinned in place, a drop of CA at each junction, follow up with a shot of CA accelerator, it works like magic. CA is great for bonding the main wing balsa ribs to hard wood spars, webbing, etc. For the joining of wing halves, firewall attachment, and any high stress joints, I recommend using 30 minute epoxy.
Steve
01-19-2010 | 11:43 PM
#20
RE: First kit...am I crazy
Ask the salesperson at Home Depot or wherever you shop if they have a damaged door core,
they usually keep them out of sight.
mine was delaminated on one corner so they let me have for eleven bucks!
they usually keep them out of sight.
mine was delaminated on one corner so they let me have for eleven bucks!
01-20-2010 | 03:13 AM
#21
RE: First kit...am I crazy
The door is a great idea but in addition throw a sheet of 1/2" drywall over it and pin into that. The pins push easily into it and they hold very nicely. Works like a charm!
01-20-2010 | 06:49 AM
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
Welcome,,, When I am building a kit or when I am thinking of a new kit to build, I always check for a build thread on that particular kit. There is one for the 60 size GP 300 extra here on RCU. It is great to see real world building that goes beyond what the instructions show. There are some amazingly talented builders that can guide you through the rough spots. Have fun...
01-20-2010 | 09:24 AM
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From: BROOKSVILLE, FL
RE: First kit...am I crazy
ORIGINAL: stevenmax50
I have a few questions right now. No answers. Sorry.
Have you decided on a covering material yet? Or, if fabric, the method to seal and paint?
How bout radio, servos, Control rods, linkages, engine size and type?
You definatley seem to be on the right track so far. I just know if you have had thoughts about the detail work in building your own. What you need to know (if you dont already) Is that the larger structures will go together kinda fast in comparison to the detail stuff. And how long that goes depends on answers to the previous questions.
Another question. Have you tried any flt sim? I have RealFlight and I love it. I am not at home right now so I cant confirm it but I think the base software has the Extra as one of the standard a/c available to practice on. Flying that a/c on my sim is a blast. Definatly makes me want one. I need to get better as a pilot before I try my hand at a plane with those aerobatic capabilities.
I start my model build with a written checklist of everything I can think of that I will need to buy or build, in order to complete the project. I then inventory available stuff already in my shop. From there I can actually set a budget. But I dont. HAHaHa. Im gonna buy this stuff. All I try to do is find the best deal on whatever I am looking for. If I had a real budget I could not stay within it!
I do use the checklist tho just to understand the scope of the job.
Looking forward to reading your answers. and I hope you intend to build thread with pics. See ya.
I have a few questions right now. No answers. Sorry.
Have you decided on a covering material yet? Or, if fabric, the method to seal and paint?
How bout radio, servos, Control rods, linkages, engine size and type?
You definatley seem to be on the right track so far. I just know if you have had thoughts about the detail work in building your own. What you need to know (if you dont already) Is that the larger structures will go together kinda fast in comparison to the detail stuff. And how long that goes depends on answers to the previous questions.
Another question. Have you tried any flt sim? I have RealFlight and I love it. I am not at home right now so I cant confirm it but I think the base software has the Extra as one of the standard a/c available to practice on. Flying that a/c on my sim is a blast. Definatly makes me want one. I need to get better as a pilot before I try my hand at a plane with those aerobatic capabilities.
I start my model build with a written checklist of everything I can think of that I will need to buy or build, in order to complete the project. I then inventory available stuff already in my shop. From there I can actually set a budget. But I dont. HAHaHa. Im gonna buy this stuff. All I try to do is find the best deal on whatever I am looking for. If I had a real budget I could not stay within it!
I do use the checklist tho just to understand the scope of the job.
Looking forward to reading your answers. and I hope you intend to build thread with pics. See ya.
Thanks for all the tips guys, right now I havent really thought about what i'm going to put in there. I imagine I will run w/ a .46 and a ar6200. Servos I will probably use futaba 3004's. I am no where close to thinking about a covering material. I did see some fabric on the tower catalog. I have never seen a fabric covered RC plane.
I did see 2 beutiful schemes from searching these forums. One was a scheme based on someone named Patty with a triblade. The other scheme has the plane covered w/ black and yellow and a smoked canopy. Really looks bada**. I plan on having my builder friend help me on this
I also see that the motor can be mounted sideways. I also see that someone built up the fusalage to fit the cowl. I hope on doing that too.
I do not have realflight but fly an escapade. I am also pretty proficient at flying helis. In fact I flew the escapade as my very first plane.
I've always liked putting things together..can you say erector sets. So I am really excited. Now if tower would mail me my stuff I would be even more excited. Its going on 2 days now...
Will debonder remove CA that you have already glued at a joint? Say you screwed up and glued the wrong pieces together. Do you just smear some debonder on it and it comes off?
01-20-2010 | 02:40 PM
#24
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RE: First kit...am I crazy
ORIGINAL: ciscovet
Will debonder remove CA that you have already glued at a joint? Say you screwed up and glued the wrong pieces together. Do you just smear some debonder on it and it comes off?
Will debonder remove CA that you have already glued at a joint? Say you screwed up and glued the wrong pieces together. Do you just smear some debonder on it and it comes off?
Don
01-20-2010 | 05:10 PM
#25
RE: First kit...am I crazy
Tower has always been very good about timely shipping for me. If you ordered online you should have gotten an e-mail with a UPS tracking number so at least you know where it is in transit, if not call customer service, they will get you dialed no problem.
UPS has sometimes been frustrating as I had a large order sit at the local warehouse two miles away from my housefor four days (long weekend) before making it to me.
What really torqued me was there was someone there the whole time!!
Good thing I have no hair I woulda pulled it out!!
UPS has sometimes been frustrating as I had a large order sit at the local warehouse two miles away from my housefor four days (long weekend) before making it to me.
What really torqued me was there was someone there the whole time!!
Good thing I have no hair I woulda pulled it out!!
