Looking for a good first scale project that will not 'overly' frustrate.

Would really like to do a DC3/C-47, Corsair or Stuka, but realize that these can be a bit overwhelming. Have 4 kits built, so you have some idea of skill level.


Thanks.

What are you hoping to accomplish, do you wish to campaign this aircraft, is this for your own satisfaction, or is this a "stepping stone" project?

Excellent question.

My current thought is that it is a stepping stone. I have not committed myself to scale competition yet, but out of all the areas I would probably be most interested in this aspect of model competition. Any suggestions on getting started in the scale competition as well?

Probably an important factor to consider is.......pick a scale model that you really like. In other words if a P-51 is the most "beautiful" plane to you then you would most likely stick with the project to the end. Your enthusiasm should stay high and you would be willing to spend more, add more details, improve your flying skills more, etc, just to maximize the experience.

But if you pick a subject that is just OK you might loose momentum and quit. I have on some of mine and realized that they were an impuse purchase at the time, etc.

Also a kit that has a lot of scale fidelity right off of the shelf might help speed things along.
My 2cents.

I was hoping you would ask.
[link=http://www.rcscalebuilder.com]Here's a good read[/link]
also try [link=http://www.strictlyscale.com]Strictly Scale[/link].

Competing in scale is not about modelling a "type" of aircraft but accurately replicating a particular instance. Documentation is very important. Picking an aircraft that you have good access to (say, in a local museum or airport) makes life much easier.

As a "stepping stone" project, I'd suggest picking something that appeals to you, is relatively "clean" (not too many "warts" to replicate), flies well in real life and has a low wing loading. The latter is important as you will likely add a lot of weight while adding detail until you learn better ways to add detail while adding as little weight as possible (the "trick").

There are several things to learn like how to provide proper cooling to a fully cowled engine behind a dummy engine. How to hide access to glow plugs, radio switches, charging jacks etc. etc.

Be aware, scale aircraft have scale size control surfaces, not the barn doors seen on sport-scale aircraft... and air molecules don't scale. [X(]

If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask, if I can't answer them, I'm sure someone will.

Jim McIntyre
MAAC Scale Chairman
2002 Canadian Scale Team member

Might, but be careful in your selection that the outline matches your chosen aircraft. I've been burned twice well into a build, resulting in enough re-design, I wished I'd drawn my own plans.[]

Picking an aircraft that inspires you is also good advice, I have several projects in rather abandoned looking states.[&o]

Ok, so do you have some suggestions on the kits for a Stuka or DC3/C47. I don't think I want to start by building from scratch.

I read that topflight DC3 does some significant changes to 'enhance' engine out flying.

Try the SkyShark Stuka. They are good kits. I'd stay away from the DC 3 unless you have some twin experience.

I'd pick a simple subject , like a Dehavilland Moth Minor (there are many others) , from Jerry Bates plans , as an example. Why? Fixed gear , one engine , good flyer. And don't think you can't do well with a simple design. Kim Foster has done really well in competition with a beautiful example of a Moth Minor, and Jeremy Fursman has done extremely well with a Tiger Moth. One advantage of Jerry Bates plans is that most (I'm not sure if all do) of his designs come with a three view that Jerry used or drew in designing the plane , which means his stuff is accurate in outline to a three view.

A simple subject is a good first choice for scale, and can be flown regularly, which means you will get to know your airplane well. The general rule in flying scale competition is that if it can go wrong, it will. Easier on the nerves when flying competition not to have to fiddle with stuff between rounds.

However, as Gary SS says, it's always wise to pick something you are passionate about.

Dorin Luck

Browns fan There are quite a few kits out there that would make a good scale kit its up to you on what you want to add to make it scale Like making more scale control serfaces,bombay doors, retract gear,navigation lites, landing lights, and the list will go on and on and on and on its up to you on how commited to your project that you decide to build. But do get more flying experience with multi engine planes before you start one for a scale project.

I agree with dorjes about Jerry's Moth Minor.

However, given the short list of what interests you, I would think about a Stuka. Tom Crump is right about staying away from a twin as your first scale project. The Stuka is noce because you don't have to mess around with retracts on your first scale project. The gull wing (although gentle) on a Stuka will be enough of a challenge to get your feet wet.

Mace Gill
The Aeroplane Works
http://www.theaeroplaneworks.com
(732)-356-8557

Another question about the competition aspect of scale modeling. How many competitions do you attend in a year? I assume the list of events is on the AMA site? Probably not many in the North this time of year. I was reading through some other posts about documentation and it appears I had better decide if I want to try scale competition before building the model. That way I can have a good set of docs to build/modify/paint to. This is starting to get interesting.....

Also I would have to say the short list was the limited starting range. I enjoy watching any WWII planes. Especially multi-engined (C47, B-17, B-25, etc..) Don't worry I know that is a project for later..... Our field is grass, and a couple of reviews of the Stuka have indicated that the wheel pants limit the use on grass runways. I guess I should do some more soul searching for 'practical' as well as 'passionate' projects. Not sure now. Is there a simple WWII project/kit that would be better for flight of of grass? What about Retracts and grass? Have heard very mixed comments on that as well. Most of my practice flights will have to be off the local field.


Thanks to all for the suggestions.