I'll toss a recommendation to SIG's 4*. Good build & decent flying. But then - it's what puts a smile on "your" face and begs to be taken to the field when you look at it.

Funny you say that I was JUSTLOOKINGat that Kit. Currently it is outside of my flying skill But it is a nice looking aircraft! So when they say "building board" can cardboard work if it is layered or thick enough. I got a wopping 200.00 for everything to build this plane so yah on a budget.

boom bam! Edit time!

have you built of of these aircraft before? it looks simple desgin And how does it do for lazy slow flying and can it hold a camera ?

I would definately say cardboard would be way too unstable, even if placed on a very flat bench/table surface. The best type of board I've found is the back side of ceiling tile(sometimes called "Celotex"?), again placed on a very flat, sturdy suface... and do check that its flat..thats probably the most important part of the whole enchilada..

If you'd like to look and see what I'm talking about.. you can get them at any major hardware store..IE..Homey depot, Lowes, etc.. and the last one I bought was about $5.. and it comes in 24"x48" sheets. One sheet is really all you need, for most .40 size planes.. as the wing panels are usually built separately(one half, then the other).. and then joined(which you dont need the ceiling tile for).. so it gives you about 48" to build a panel that is .. say 32"...(on a 64" or so span). I easily built 80"(overall) wings on one 48" panel.

The back side of the panel(non-texture) allows T-pins to easily penetrate, but still retains them well... and you can pin your plan right on it.. then cover the plan with celephane, or wax paper(easily found in any ladies kitchen).. and another nice thing is when your done with it.. what I did is just found a little slot in the closet and shoved it in there.. I've had the same piece for years and years.

Get some T-pins from your local hobby shop.. usually around $2-$3.. and that would probably give you a good start. Alot of things needed to build one of these is usually in any garage or household... so... any other questions... just hollar..

I too like the 4-star planes.. I've not built one personally, although I've built several Sig kits.. I have done final inspect on a fellow members.. and test flew it.. They are a straight away flier for sure.. very stable.. but still a very wide flight envelope.. and knowing its Sig.. well.. they've been around longer then me I think.. so .. good luck with it..

Thats about it for me.. there are other ways to create a surface..I've heard some use drywall.. I dont' like the chalky residue though.. .. but there are other ways.. but this is my 2cents.

lynx - are you hooked up with a club in the area? I'm sure that there are some generous club members that would be willing to mentor you during your first build. Worth the effort to check 'em out. You might be able to borrow some tools to help you start out. Might be some club members that would be willing to donate some old stuff or they might know someone who is leaving the hobby.

Not currently in any club or anything, due to the fact the membership fee + AMA membership is killing me. I dont plan on buying the kit and well all the other stuff for a few months when I get the money. I just like to do my homework and plan everything out. Thanks for all the info!

Hi,

In addition to the great info from Mike in his article you will find the info on Paul's site of use as you progress.
http://airfieldmodels.com/
Welcome to the world of building,

Colin

P.S. When you have built a kit or two building from plans isn't too daunting. Just cut out everything first an then you have akit to build from

You know, I've seen people who never built anything before in thier life build some very impressive models. If you have your heart set on a telemaster, then go for it! don't let yourself be talked into something equivalent because you are being grouped into a general catagory. I remember being told that anything like a sig craftsman kit was way outside my skills. Then I bought the sig senior, when all was said and done, every person who said it was too much for me to build were astonished on how nice it turned out. If you want it that bad, then you will take your time and build it correctly, there are plenty of people here to help guide you thru the tough stuff if needed. It is true that some kits literally fall in place and there is very little sanding, but it won't be the same as the plane you had dreams of flying. Oh, btw,....the telemaster series is one of the best flying planes to not only learn on, but to grow flight time on and play around with as a fun sunday flier. I say go for the telemaster and don't look back, it's a trainer and at that, a simple design that builds fairly quick and easy. My first was a eagle II by goldberg, great flying plane, and my favorite, but I understand the visions some have when starting out and trying thier first built plane.

Iam gonna redo my trainer to a style that Ilike first then start a kit since well seems smarter to do it that way! But lord knows I am going to plant it someday

Hey at least your honest?! I remember my knee's knocking as my flight instructor said " ahh, you got it " and walked away as I was doing my first landing. But your more advanced than that I suspect, so as long as you have it in your head thatt no plane lives forever unless it's hanging from the rafters! So with that, recover your current plane, it will get you familiar with the hardest part for most, covering! the building part will seem easy after learning to cover nicely and properly. But by all means, don't hesitate to ask questions, with whatever your doing, most of us are here to help, not hinder your experence. I usually respond to most in need of help or just plain advise. Good luck and have fun, it's a hobby after all?!

My building board is made out of pinboard glued on to chipboard with contact adhesive. The pins go through the pinboard fairly easily and are held tight in the chipboard.

Technical terms are different in the USA compared with England, in motoring for example, a hood is a bonnet and a trunk is a boot! Given the situation therefore, I don't know whether pinboard is called pinboard in America but you've definitely seen it. It is used for notice boards in High School, allowing teachers to put up notices about the drama group or football team.

You could use plywood as the base for the pinboard, minimum thickness 1/2 inch preferably 3/4 inch, instead of chipboard but ply is more expensive; it would probably do a better job. To repeat what has been stated above, it has to be flat.

The 4* Series are excellent models with good low-speed flying characteristics but so are Telemasters which is one of the reasons I import them into the UK.

Planebuilder66 has 'got it right on the money' in the above post so pick your poison! As the saying goes- if you want it bad enough....! If another person designed or built it then you can, too! The 4*40 is very easy to fly and would be a good trainer. I build on a hollow core door covered with a sheet of 1" blue foam. I think another has stated that you can get damaged doors for a pittance at your local hardware store so try that. You'll just have to accumulate the required tools et al to build. Good luck!