Model plane kits/advice

[drivin_me_nuts]

Hello all,

I am after some advice really. I want to build a model plane - something that might be considered 'traditional' build out of balsa, metal parts and canvas. I have a hankering after something old like a bi plane and on a reasonable scale, that later, I might be able to take out and fly (having learned on somethhing else). This would be very much of the marathon and not a sprint type project and I would like something of high quality.

Can anyone suggest something of the sort, or point me in the general directions of such a kit (or plans).

Thanks,

DMN

[Skodaku]

drivin_me_nuts said:

Hello all,

I am after some advice really. I want to build a model plane - something that might be considered 'traditional' build out of balsa, metal parts and canvas. I have a hankering after something old like a bi plane and on a reasonable scale, that later, I might be able to take out and fly (having learned on somethhing else). This would be very much of the marathon and not a sprint type project and I would like something of high quality.

Can anyone suggest something of the sort, or point me in the general directions of such a kit (or plans).

Thanks,

DMN

I think this might be to your liking. If not, Guillows do many other varieties. Just Google for suppliers.

balsamodels.com/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=1580

If the linky doesn't er........link, then search for Guillows model aircraft.

Edited by Skodaku on Friday 8th March 21:04

[ecsrobin]

Hobby craft do a range of balsa aircraft. I haven't looked at them properly and from your brief may be too small and not fit to purpose.

But at least you can have a browse if you have a local store. And maybe worth as a model to refresh your skills before spending a lot of money.

[drivin_me_nuts]

Thanks for the ideas. I did look at the Guillows kits and one of them will be added to my buy list.

DMN

[dr_gn]

I built a Guillows Boeing Stearman, and left it uncovered, but varnished:



It built fairly easily, but there's no way I'd want to free-fly it rubber powered as intended by the manufacturer. I'd expect it to get written off on the first launch unless I had plenty of experience of trimming a free-flight model.

There is a nice list here on RCGroups, of modellers who have converted their Guillows kits to electric power, and using micro radio control equipment:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82...

It also might be a good idea for you to pick up a copy of Radio Modeller, or one of the many other r/c aircraft magazines available these days, in which you will find dozens of kits and plans for the type of model you're after.

Good Luck.

[Skodaku]

dr_gn said:

I built a Guillows Boeing Stearman, and left it uncovered, but varnished:



It built fairly easily, but there's no way I'd want to free-fly it rubber powered as intended by the manufacturer. I'd expect it to get written off on the first launch unless I had plenty of experience of trimming a free-flight model.

There is a nice list here on RCGroups, of modellers who have converted their Guillows kits to electric power, and using micro radio control equipment:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82...

It also might be a good idea for you to pick up a copy of Radio Modeller, or one of the many other r/c aircraft magazines available these days, in which you will find dozens of kits and plans for the type of model you're after.

Good Luck.

Are the Guillows kits all laser-cut pieces or are thay printed sheets of balso etc that you need to attack with an X-acto knife - and lose finger ends ?

[dr_gn]

Skodaku said:

dr_gn said:

I built a Guillows Boeing Stearman, and left it uncovered, but varnished:



It built fairly easily, but there's no way I'd want to free-fly it rubber powered as intended by the manufacturer. I'd expect it to get written off on the first launch unless I had plenty of experience of trimming a free-flight model.

There is a nice list here on RCGroups, of modellers who have converted their Guillows kits to electric power, and using micro radio control equipment:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=82...

It also might be a good idea for you to pick up a copy of Radio Modeller, or one of the many other r/c aircraft magazines available these days, in which you will find dozens of kits and plans for the type of model you're after.

Good Luck.

Are the Guillows kits all laser-cut pieces or are thay printed sheets of balso etc that you need to attack with an X-acto knife - and lose finger ends ?

The Stearman wasn't laser cut, but IIRC, the formers and ribs etc were partially cut with just some securing tabs to cut through. The wing edges needed trimming to the paper plans (over which pretty much the entire model was pinned/assembled), and the fuselage stringers were also DIY from dozens of strips of balsa.

Sounds a nightmare, but actually it all went together very nicely, and it was an enjoyable build.