? on Kit i got for free!

[rc/guitarman69]

Ok i got a top flite p-51d mustang kit for free! I have no expreince in rc air plane building. But i have run rc cars and built them for years! So do you think i can build it? I have the most of the tools and will be willing to buy them and so on. I have always wanted a air plane and now have it but its a kit. So let me know if not i guess i can mybe find some one to build it. Also i have built guitars to. So i have wood working know how!

[CDNshy_guy]

planes are easy to build.
You will need to buy covering for it.
the kit is the cheap part of RC planes.
you probably know the cost of the gear.

I say give it a shot.

[loveshotmary]

well.. i am just finishing up on my first plane.. (well the first one without any assistance anyway. and i did most of the watching on that one).. i only have a little bit of covering to finish and install the radio and its done.. and i can say that i really enjoyed it i also have been doing rc cars for a while built a few. building a plane is a bit different but not that hard .. you just gotta take your time and do it right..

there was a couple times when i felt like i was getting in over my head. but luckily my lhs guy was a wealth of information and always was ready to help me when i needed it..

have fun

[CDNshy_guy]

I learned alot from reading up on wites and this forum

[WWIIBIRD]

I would hold off on building that kit as a first plane. Try somthing a little easier, then do the p51. I myself would not want to ruin or subpar build big expensive plane free kit or not.

[phone_archer]

Building a plane is quite a bit different than building a car. Your guitar and car building skills will certainly help you, but IMO that is too much of a plane as your first kit.

BUT even more importantly, a mustang is NOT a trainer. I'm assuming you are planning on learning to fly r/c planes and are thinking on learning on this one. PLEASE DON'T - I'd hate to think of that big pile of wreckage that would be sure to result. Especially after you'd put so much work into the construction. A mustang is not a trainer and shouldn't even be flown by someone until they have moved up thru the ranks of aircraft. It would be much better as a 3rd (at the minimum) or 4th or even 5th plane.

My suggestion would be to buy a trainer kit such as a SIG Kadet LT40. You can fine tune your building skills and when you learn to fly it (with an instructor) you will understand why the mustang would be a huge mistake as a first plane.

Best of luck,
Bill

[rc/guitarman69]

Yes thanks for your help guys. Iam looking at buying a trainer soon. Any ideas what a good tranier is for cheap? I dont want to spend much. Can you guys give me ideas on what other planes i should by before i fly this one like after the trainer? Ill be takeing lessons as soon as i can!

[Fafnir]

Do you have access to someone who can teach you to fly? If so something like the Kadet (previously mentioned) or an Aerostar .40 would be a good choice. If you do not have an instructor, something like a Gentle lady or other 2M sailplane would be a good choice. They have no engine and you can start by tossing it off of small hills and getting the hang of straight and level flight. These smaller sailplanes are rather light and flying it on level ground or off of a small will will minimize the amount of damage you can do to the plane if you crash it. Also the kit usually sells for around $30 and goes together much like airplanes with engines.

--Chad

[rc/guitarman69]

Yes i do there is lots of them around here. FL Orlando and places to fly to!

[Dave Robelen]

Hi R/CGUITARMAN69,
Why not finish up the mustang and keep it in a prominent place as a reminder that it is waiting. My first serious scale model was a Neiuport 17, and it hung on the wall for almost a year while I built my skills. Result? A very pleasing first flight with the Neiuport (and many more). Patience pays off.
Regards, Dave Robelen

[Fafnir]

Great, glad to see there are a lot of places to fly and people to help you out. I had help from a large number of people to get me started. Enjoy your new hobby-


--Chad

[rc/guitarman69]

Hey Dave Robelen i will be building it soon. Just got to get the money together. Iam the kinda guy that has to buy everything together at once. Plus i want to get a radio that i wont have to upgrade later. So any ideas on a good radio? I also have a hobby shop that will help me out to the guy does nothing but planes. My dad said he would help. Cause him and his dad used to build them to. But it will get done. Ive wanted to fly a rc airplane since i was 3 and now iam 20. But if you guys want email me for ideas or? I would like to get some of your screen names on aol or msn or? So i could talk and get so help and info. Email me your screen name or my aim is Probumguitarman or msn is probumguitarman@hotmail.com. So let me know and thanks for the help!
Kevin

[Fafnir]

Here is a really good buy on a 6 channel Heli radio

http://www.airtronics.net/Garage_sale.htm

they sold out of the 4 channels that they were selling which was a really good deal as well.

You really can't go wrong with either Airtronics or Futaba both are really good companies, just make sure you get at least a 4 channel radio. With your P51 if you are planning on putting retracts on it you will want to get something with more then 4 channels.

Take a look at tower hobbies and see what they have:

http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-cat-j.html

--Chad

[Dave Robelen]

Hi Kevin,
Welcome to a wonderful hobby. Personally, I fly with a lot of Hitech equipment. There are quite a few choices but my reccomendation would be to head for at least 6 channels and a basic computer function. This is excessive for now, but you will grow into it quickly and it will have good resale value. Another important feature to me is the downright excellent service that Hitech provides. I am fortunate to never have needed it personally, but both my flying buddies and many on the computer lists have given testimony to the fine service. My only contact was a phone call to help me sort out the new computer radio and the Tech was plenty helpful in basically pointing out that what I was asking was right in my manual. It pays to read!
Regards, Dave Robelen

[Fafnir]

Oh I forgot about Hitec, they would get my endorsement as well, I think they make the best servos for the dollar, cheaper then Airtronics and a lot cheaper then Futaba and they work great.


--Chad

[orian_m42]

Hi i have to agree i have the Hitec Eclipse 7 the last radio ill ever need it does everything you can think of and more a little tough to get the programing down but when you get the hang of it its great.
Also the Sig LT40 is a great choice to train on i have one and its vary forgiving and easy to build just please dont try to fly that mustang until your ready it wont take long for your hard work to be a pile of sticks.
............................Welcome to the hobby Paul