Gsky

Posted by Caveman on 28/06/2020 10:22:32: Hi Gsky, do you gave a copy of the April 2015 article of the Challenger build? If not it's well worth reading. I can scan the article for you if you would like it. GDB Hi caveman that would be great if you could! Been trying to find a used hard copy but had no luck so far

Yes the kit comes with some square bar to jig the fuselage, i also picked up some 1/2" plasterboard and t pins to help with the rest of the build. In terms of power ive seen some used OS max 40 FP 2 stroke engines which shouldn't break the bank and are already run in which is a plus.

Made a start by dry fitting the wings, thank god i dont have any CA yet as i probably would have bonded the ribs upside down. All parts look intact so far out the box, a bit of sanding on the LE spar ends and all slots together. Some of the ply wood is a bit bowed which means it doesn't go together as nicely as the videos from Mojo (he makes it look very easy). Starting to think i will need to invest in a build board and pins.

Posted by Jon - Laser Engines on 24/06/2020 08:22:23: Yep, bigger models fly better in most cases. Its why i dont really fly any warbirds under 70 inch with most around 80-90. They just work better. At 62 inch and 8-9lbs a decent 70 or an 80 would be plenty of power. My 62 inch 9.5lb Hurricane has plenty of power on an 80 4 stroke if this build goes well i think i already know what im getting next

Thanks Gangster & David, looks like the one, i found you can get a digital copy of back issues online. Hogster, great picture, hopefully i can get my covering to look like those too. The youtube videos tutorials are one of the reasons i bought this kit. Mike, good to hear you got it up and flying again.   Edited By Gsky on 23/06/2020 23:30:03

Posted by Jon - Laser Engines on 23/06/2020 15:39:37: Posted by Gsky on 23/06/2020 14:46:41: Thanks Jon, that makes sense. im not too fussed about speed and power more interested in getting a good setup for flying and learning the ropes of an IC safely. i was looking at the 46” Spitfire Mk IX by Tony Nijhuis. i love the spitfire elliptic wings and fuselage fillet but probably the build and flying would have been a but of a mess for a first low wing. probably wont be long until i have one though 46” Spitfire Mk IX If you want to use one of the TN designs i would recommend the 62 inch version instead. Its not much more expensive but its likely to work better with more room for retracts etc. You get full house of radio and not just 3 channels like you do on the little one. If you want a small model like the one you listed then there are alternatives like the cambrian funfighter series. These have been around for yonks and are much cheaper. **LINK** If you think you want to go bigger than a 3 channel hand launch model but not as big at the 62 inch TN spitfire then cambrian have you covered with a 55 inch offering **LINK** And as a final option, Richard Wills from the forum here also does a 55 inch spitfire kit although im not sure about availability, i will point him at the thread and he can comment himself on that. Now thinking about it a 62" could be possible, was initially worried about storage but found a way to mount them on the wall without upsetting my better half. i guess it should be easier to fly with better visibility too.

Thanks for the tip Jesus, I’ve heard there are a few mistakes/omissions in the instructions. I’ll try and have a good read of them and watch mojos videos while waiting for supplies. Edited By Gsky on 23/06/2020 15:29:32

Thanks Jon, that makes sense. im not too fussed about speed and power more interested in getting a good setup for flying and learning the ropes of an IC safely. i was looking at the 46” Spitfire Mk IX by Tony Nijhuis. i love the spitfire elliptic wings and fuselage fillet but probably the build and flying would have been a but of a mess for a first low wing. probably wont be long until i have one though 46” Spitfire Mk IX

Ordered some tools/consumables to get me started. Managed to find most of the bits from SMC online which was great. Should be enough to get me started, found a nice piece of flat wood which should hopefully do as a build board. Ordered: 3in set square cutting matt permagrit sanding block (560mm) 30cm ruler pva glue - deluxe speedbond CA - zap thin CA - zap medium Epoxy - gorilla Filler - model lite hobby knife set mixing pot with spatulas latex gloves clingfilm wooden clothes pegs rubber bands Will need to do a bit more research before buying any hardware (and wait for next months plane budget). If anyone has any recommended setup for the electronics and motor in the meantime that would be great?

Thanks David, good to hear that. i was originally planning on buying a spitfire kit but was advised to fly a few more planes first and after flying the spitfire in the sim i realised why. Sounds like this will be a good first low wing to try.

Hi all, After recently getting back into the hobby with a second electric foam trainer ive also decided to build my first kit IC plane. Been wanting to do this for years but always been too busy with work however doctor has ordered to take it easy for the next few months after recovering from illness so finally can enjoy the hobby again! this is a bit of A challenge as i really am starting from scratch, i dont even have a roll of masking tape and i live in a flat (but i do have a patio for dusty jobs). ive seen a nice set-by-step on youtube with mojo but im sure i'll need some help with IC engines ect. going to order some basics today. CA , sanding blocks , build board etc.