Yaho

Hey there! I’ve had good luck with the HobbyKing Balsa Wood Trainer for something like that. It’s a decent size for IC engines and fits in my 4x4 with room to spare. Plus, it’s pretty affordable for a hack project.

I’ve covered a few floats with fiberglass cloth and epoxy resin before, and it worked out great for me. I tried brown paper and PVA glue once, but it was a real hassle with all the shrinkage and didn’t last as long. If you’re aiming for something durable and smooth, the fiberglass and epoxy method is definitely the way to go. Just be sure to get all the bubbles out and let it cure fully for the best results!

If soldering isn’t your thing, you might want to go with the BUSA Camel instead of the MR kit. It’s easier to work with and less fiddly, which might save you some headaches. I had a similar issue with a detailed kit a while back, and switching to a simpler version made a big difference for me. For the DR1, I’ve heard the BUSA kit’s ground handling can be a bit tricky, so just be prepared for that. As for SE5s, there are tons of options out there, so you’ll find something that fits your needs. The DH2 and M1 are cool, but they’re a bit of a logistical nightmare for storage and transport. I’ve had my fair share of struggles with those kinds of models. Pups are similar to SE5s in terms of options, so just check out reviews for the best one. I haven’t seen any Eindeckers in 1/4 scale, so they might be hard to find.

I've used DaVinci Resolve before, and while it's a powerful tool, I found that I preferred Movavi for its simplicity and ease of use. For a straightforward and cost-effective video editing solution, I recommend trying out Shotcut or DaVinci Resolve. Both of these programs are free and offer a wide range of editing features that should allow you to delete unusable footage and keep the closer shots of your flying model. Interestingly, I read an article about The Top 9 Final Cut Pro Alternatives for Windows in 2024, and it mentioned both Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve among the best options but the best one is Movavi. You might find it helpful to check out the full list of alternatives here: https://www.movavi.com/learning-portal/final-cut-pro-windows-alternatives.html

Hey, I had a similar issue with an old RC plane I inherited. I found some great help in RC plane forums and Facebook groups. The enthusiasts there often have old manuals or can offer advice for hard-to-find models like your Olympian 40. Also, don't underestimate local model aviation clubs—they're usually full of folks who are happy to help with repairs.