I was wondering if y'all would share with me your opinions of a good first warbird kit for me. I've got an Eaglet trainer and a Super Sportster 20 build under my belt, but it has been MANY, many years (as you can tell by the previously mentioned planes).
What are opinions on what kind of WWII fighter is easiest to fly (preferrably Allied for my first one) and what kit (TF, Great Planes, etc).
While I would like an easier build, I will sacrifice some simplicity for a more accurate scale appearance. The Great Planes P-51 doesn't appear very scale to me, but I could be wrong.
I will also be practicing up on ARFs.
Thanks,
J

I've heard good things about the Skyshark kits. They are fairly simple builds, and fly well. For a first warbird, I've heard a lot of people say that the TF P-47 (1/8thscale) is one of the easier flyers because of the large wing area, but a more complicated build than the Skysharks. I am still working on my first warbird build, a TF Spitfire. I've been working on it off and on for over a year (mostly off). It's been lots of fun.

Scott

The Rook,

My first warbird was a Yak-3 from Redstar (yes it's an allied). Great plane, pretty good flyer, the only things that not real scale is the bottom of the fuselage but she looks great and fly's great too!

Check out my build. http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_2502036/tm.htm

Besides, you'll probably be the only member with a Russian WWII aircraft at you're club.

Thanks for all the great info!
Can anyone give me a ballpark figure for how much building supplies and materials are going to cost for an entry warbird by TF or Skyshark, assuming I have absolutely nothing by auto tools?
Thanks

would suggest that you start with an easier model than a warbird. construction details are a lot simpler and when built fly a lot better for a begiiner, learn the basic tricks of modeling and then progress. - there are so many good ones out there. my favorite is the Play Boy, easy to build and fly. dick

I have built two kits before, but it has been awhile. The last time I built I think my total for supplies and materials was under $70.00. I doubt I could get away with that again. I'm a pretty handy, detailed oriented person, but I'll admit I'm rather ignorant on covering planes (I've just used monocote in the past). I assume the process and cost for covering scale models is much more intensive.

If you do a lot of research here you will find many suggestions about covering a metal warbird. I use 1 ounce fiberglass and epoxy.

Carl

cost of supplies is also based on size of madel and whether you use ca clue or titebond.alot of variables involved.retracts used etc.ballpark guess would be around $200 if using paint and a fiberglassed finish,less if using monokote

dick,ive invested 1400 u.s. dollars in my tf mustang cent retracts futaba 6exa radio and hardware extra servos and finishing materials i recommend glassing have you ever done that before?many of us are here to help mustang flies well mine ways 9lbs. have st.75 up front these fly alot different then your 2 previous models i recommend trying a kaos first

a Great First Warbird would be to consider a TopFlite P-39 Airacobra!! You must look for one as it is now discontinued.....You can set-it up quite easily and it builds easily.. I also recommend a Great Planes .40 Size P-51 from Great Planes...Flies Great and you can use inexpensive mechanical retracts!!
another idea is a SkyShark Avenger....Aside from the Retracts (about $50.00) It Flies Great and is all laser cut kit with great details..not many at any club,,,
The TopFLite line is diecut and in my opinion comes in 2nd place for ease of assembly to SKYSHARK...