My building & flying skills have progressed enough that I would like to try my hand at my first scale project & would like to forums expert advice concerning kits, level of detail, scale meets that are in the west. I prefer the looks of WWII & earlier planes. I need your input.

Thank,

Ken

I'm not in the west but, I can suggest the "sport-scale" category as a good introduction to scale. Scale is largely about documentation. Get your documentation together before you start guing any wood together. The idea is to replicate an individual plane as opposed to a "type" of plane.

Also, pick an individual model with very little detail and a simpel finish for your first attempt. That way you won't drive yourself to frustration trying to get all the little details right.

Also, give yourself plenty of time. Don't try to build for a contest deadline. If you're really serious about competing in scale, consider building two models. One to practice flying/ getting to know the flight characteristics of the plane with, the other to keep pristine with all the fine details for the contest.

Hope this helps....

Check out my latest scale effort

Ken, I second all of Jim's advice above. Documentation is of paramount importance if you plan to compete so gather up everything before you start to build. As Jim mentions, even airplanes of the same make and model vary from one to the next so pick a particular example of the type you wish to replicate. I also agree that choosing a simple subject is not a bad idea. However, you need something that will maintain your interest also. If you just have to have something like a WW2 fighter with the complexities of flaps and retracts and lots of detail may I suggest something along the lines of the Yellow kits. These are highly prefabbed with drop in accessories that will get you to the finish stage quickly. Unfortunately the number of scale contests has really declined on the west side of the country. You might drop by www.scaleaero.com, I think they have a list of contests and locations. Best of luck and keep us informed on what you decide. Regards, Chad.

PS- If you post some particular types you are interested in I'm sure the members could point you in the right direction.

Ken, how far have you progressed ? Are you into low wingers yet ? As Chad has said, keep it simple, and find something inherently stable. Some scale models are easy to fly, but many are not. Let us know the type of model that you are most interested in, and maybe we can comment on it.

Also, consider some simple scale fly-ins to begin with. These will allow you to look around, talk with the pilots, and check different planes performance.

Where do you live in the west ? We attend quite a few here, and maybe we can help.