Ashley Warnes 1 Posted June 6, 2013 Share Posted June 6, 2013 I am doing my Gold DofE and am planning to build a RC Plane for my skills section. I am looking at doing a balsa plane from plans. As it will be my first plane, I was wondering if anyone could offer me advice on choosing the plans to buying the wood and electronics. I have a budget of around £100 but may be able to push it to £150 ( as I have no idea of the prices of the electronics) Thanks Ashley Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Warnes 1 Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 I have just bought a RC Model World Magazine, Issue 351(April 2013) which contains the plan for a "Twice Sized Mars X2 R/C Conversion" and was wondering if, as I have the plans, whether this would be a good plane to build. Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
john melia 1 Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 are you planning on flying it once built , if you have no experience of flying an rc model , then you really need to be looking towards a high wing trainer, maybe a kit which will supply you with all necessary parts to complete the build , you will still need covering , glues , and electronics , ie , receiver esc , motor , batteries if you are planning for electric propulsion , or receiver , flight pack , and an ic engine if you are planning to go that route. bear in mind you'll also need a transmitter too , if you havent already got one . there will be guys much more knowledgble than me will come along ashley and give you some advice as to what kits they think will be suitable , please take their advice also if you've never flown before i highly recommend getting someone to set up fly and trim your model for you , otherwise theres a very good chance you will convert your newly built model back to kit form very quickly all the best and good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Ashby - Moderator Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Hi Ashley, what about First Step? An easy-build first model. Edited By David Ashby - RCME on 07/06/2013 09:17:31 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Grigg Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Flair Magnatilla is a good start.A kit is around £100 2nd hand engine off E bay or go electric and 2nd hand servos off E bay. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly P Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Ashley - the other question is where in the world are you? just a town would help, as some of us might be able to either give hands on tuition, loan tools/equipment, or even donate parts/materials. Olly Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bouncebounce crunch Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Ashley ,good luck, I really do agree with Olly. those tools will be needed first and a flat surface that pins can be pushed into and they will eat your budget fast. Being a short term project I would search out someone that may give you a hand. Again as Olly suggests. bbc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kc Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 You dont need many tools to make an RC plane of moderate size. That's the beauty of balsa. One of the first things to learn in aeromodelling is how to make do with the tools to hand. Most households will have some pins, a screwdriver or two, a pair of pliers etc maybe a midget hacksaw. Then you need a scalpel (Swann Morton Retractaway is best ) and perhaps a fretsaw,or coping saw or another fine toothed saw for any shaped ply parts. Proper aeromodelling T pins are better than dressmaking pins though. Construct a woodworkers 'Bench Hook' from a few bits of scrap wood. Dont buy a building board, search for an offcut of plasterboard about 4 ft by 2 ft ( second lesson in aeromodelling is using both & imperial ! ) Builders throw plasterboard offcuts bigger than this in skips. Get a few smaller bits too for tailplanes etc. Must be dead flat though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly P Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 freecycle is your friend when hunting for plasterboard and similar! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Posted June 7, 2013 Share Posted June 7, 2013 Hi Ashley, Have you thought of building a free flight type of model or an RC boat ? There are many questions to ask before you commit not only a lot of time but also plenty of cash into RC planes. If you are part of an ATC squadron the wing or civ com may be people to talk to regarding extra info of possible help with funding. Rob Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashley Warnes 1 Posted June 7, 2013 Author Share Posted June 7, 2013 Thnaks for the advice, I will look at the "First Step" as for tools, my dad used to work on his tools so we have a shed full of them, shouldn't have a problem there. as for the power source, I think I will make it electric as it is apparently cheaper and easier. In september, I am planning on going to see a relative, who flies rc planes, to trim the plane. once again thanks to all that posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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