Joy in the journey
 

When I got into this hobby, thought I'd only want to fly and tweak engines. Met a lot of people who praised the four star, and being that it wasn't available in an ARF, I decided to build. I wanted the least amt of build time, so that I could get back up and fly ASAP. Dreaded the thought of putting 75-100 hrs into an airplane, I was apprehensive in the approach, and almost stuck it into the closet/post pone it.

But alas, I decided to tackle the project. Two things I learned, it's damn easy, and I actually like building. The 4*120 is straightforward and builds quicker than I thought. Each wing took an evening (with the 2nd wing building within a few hours), and the fuselage snapped together literally in minutes.

Went into this build thinking it won't be perfect, being my first build. So, I didn't sweat the details. It would be a 95 percenter. I didn't have high expectations of my work.

<u>Notes/Hints/Things I learneed regarding build</u>
<span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); ">Instructions on wing build needs updating</span> - my second wing went together in less than half the time of the first wing. Puzzlingmost of the wing pieces together first made it go quick. Once everything was set up/pinned up, I was in glue heaven/fume heaven.

It was enjoyable thus far. I imagine coating it would be equally rewarding. <br type="_moz" />

RE: Joy in the journey
 

I think that's what holds a lot of people back from building kits. They think it is too hard, too time consuming and just not worth it when you can buy an ARF. You found out that building can be a very enjoyable part of the hobby as much as flying. I wish more people would do like you and take the plunge. We need to keep kit building a part of the hobby.
I hope you move on to more challenging kits and maybe scratch building from plans or even drawing your own plans.
Good luck and keep it up.

Bill

RE: Joy in the journey
 

If you can find someone who covers to teach you to cover - I think you'll find it equally rewarding. If not Minnflyer has some online instructions that will help.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=67
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...article_id=726

Some other interesting instructions from Minnflyer. Installing CA Hinges
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...?article_id=55
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1180

Installing a tank.
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/a...rticle_id=1068

Have fun.
John

RE: Joy in the journey
 

And don't forget this enjoyable read!

[link=http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=1196]Kit Building 101[/link]

RE: Joy in the journey
 

Opps missed one. :D
John

RE: Joy in the journey
 

Youtube can be another good resource!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1N96v_xwi4c

RE: Joy in the journey
 

Baldeagle, that's one of the videos in my article in one of the links above.

RE: Joy in the journey
 

Builing is what I really love. Even though it can be frustrating at times depending on the kit, I still get a huge amount of joy and satisfaction from it. I don't get a chance to fly much, but I always find time to build. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/js/f...eeth_smile.gif

RE: Joy in the journey
 

I only looked at the first link :D All of those videos are in my favorites on Youtube!

RE: Joy in the journey
 

WindGap-

Welcome to the Dark Side!!!

Muwah Ha Ha HA HAAAAW!!!!
(Visualize the evil hand gesture of contemplation.)

Brian