John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 any advice you guys can give new builders? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Pretty vague sort of question, how about take your time, enjoy the build, don't accept 'near enough', use slow settling glue, sharp knives, and plenty of sandpaper. I've been at it 40 years and that's about the total of my experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 thats fine dave i just started the thread to get as much information for new builders like my self Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Hi John, In view of the pleasure I have had, and continue to have, from model building, I am more than happy to help anyone interested in breaking out of the ARTF mould, so please don't take my apparent impatience too seriously - just home from a long day at work, so if you have anything more specific to ask, please go ahead. We all had to start somewhere; I had the good fortune to go to a school at 11 at which one of the teachers was a competition free flight modeller and keen to encourage us youngsters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 im still in school i had a day off and started to fix up my new workshop do you have any tools you would use a lot and what tools do you recomend for startin out? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I would say that a decent modelling knife, with some spare blades, a razor saw, a sanding block, and a steel ruler will prove to be the most used tools in your workshop. I still use single edge razor blades for quite a bit of my cutting. What are you planning to build? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 thanks! i dont realy know to be honist a free plan from rcme i suppose Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Plenty to choose from, then! Ask away when you have any more specific questions. Building your own model is very rewarding, I promise you that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 will do dave heres one do you need a building jig or just pin and try to stay square? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 I've made do without a jig these last 40 years and the models still fly straight. You don't need to buy much if you have the patience to make sure you do everything properly. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 thanks if you think of any good tips plans or advice dont be afraid to post ok? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Sure, good idea to read through some of the build threads on here, plenty of good advice & some nice pictures, too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin Harris - Moderator Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 An old chestnut but true, nevertheless...measure twice, cut once. Really, the only way to learn aeromodelling is to get on and do it! Pick something that interests you but is fairly straight forward to build and fly. The 1/4 scale Constellation can wait a while! Spend a LONG time poring over the plans, visualising the construction and building it in your head before starting. Talk to clubmates - most of the insoluble problems will have been encountered by them before - although I've seen the most experienced modellers scratching their heads over some plans. If the designer hasn't made things clear it may be worth trying to contact them - most are only too pleased that someone is interested enough to be building their design and will be delighted to assist. And don't forget a note of thanks to him and a short report on the finished article! When you start building, don't lose heart when you make a mistake. There is virtually nothing you can't undo and/or remedy with a little thought and it is these moments that provide you with the basics of being a model builder. Don't hesitate to ask for help either locally or on the forum. There are very few real modellers who don't enjoy helping others. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 a measure twice cut once learnd that first day in wood work thanks martin tho in my club its all artf im the only one who likes messin round way plans Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ramsey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 HELP I cant find a substitute for hobbylite filler the material I intend to use to streamline my Parkzone Radian foamy plane I intend to then cover with a lite film thus killing time till better weather and haveing a unique finish on my model. I know that pollyfiller may be used but I wanna know if anyone has any knowledge they can pass on I have allready contacted ICI. Many Thanks Brian ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 * sigh*..... Brian please join the band of thousands who never read the instructions and check this please. Incidentally, polyfilla light is what you need - if you pick the tub off the DIY shelf and it feels empty...thats the one . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brian Ramsey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 "Achem" ...... ok ta Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 hi timbo any advice? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 about what?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stephen Grigg Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Life Timbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 9, 2009 Author Share Posted February 9, 2009 building models of course Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 9, 2009 Share Posted February 9, 2009 Well as Dave said, its a bit of a wide question, but for what its worth ( and I am not a prolific builder I must confess ) I would start of with a kit first, rather than an out and out scratch build from plan. The Chris Foss kits remain some of the best and comparatively easier of these, and they all build into lovely models that fly really well too. This is surprisingly important as after many weeks of cutting and shaping and fitting and covering etc, the joy of seeing your creation actually ROG and fly is un-forgettable. Then after a couple of these kit /plan types - progress to one of the magazines easier plan builds - how about the Alex Whittaker bushwacker for example ? You could build that entriely from plan rather than the plan pack version...then move up to a full scratchbuild. Dont try to run before you learn to walk, in both building and flying terms.... and expect a little frustration and problems along the way. Dont expect any plan build to not require some degree of builder interpretation and improvising. Choose a nice warm place to work in - dont rush things, and keep things tidy and in good conditiuon as you go. Aim to finish a specific part of the job by the planned end of session, and come back to anice clean and tidy fresh start the next session. Good luck... and consider blogging your work on here too - lots of help will be forthcoming. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Whoriskey Posted February 10, 2009 Author Share Posted February 10, 2009 can you recomend any good kits?? lowing preferablely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave S. Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 Not so many kits sold these days, if you want a good low wing kit to start on, then the Chris Foss Acrowot is worth looking at, but there is not much building in one as it has foam wings, so only the fuselage is 'building'. I would recommend the Sig Four Star 40, that is an all built-up kit and flies well (mine is at least 5 years old now) but I am not sure if you can buy them in the UK now (I live in Finland). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim Mackey Posted February 10, 2009 Share Posted February 10, 2009 John - I already did in the post above! As re-iterated by Dave.S - Chris Foss kits Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.