Newbie

[benburf]

Hi Im new to modelling and ive got sum great plans for a spitfire 1:8 scale mk FXIVE that im waiting to be printed off

Can someone tell where the best place is to buy all my modelling supplies?
Also is there any modelling dvds that i can buy?

Ben

[Christopher Berry]

Hi Ben

Not wanting to dampen your enthusiasm, but you are better off leaving the Spit for a while and going for a training aircraft, to try and learn to fly on a Spit is like learning to drive in an F1 car.

If you havent already, it is advisable to join a local club and the BMFA http://www.bmfa.org/faq/rc/index.html
On their website you can search for your local club and get general beginner info.

Your club will help and advise you, as will the BMFA.

Once you can fly competently, then go for the Spit. Not trying to put you off our great hobby, but dont want you to fall at the first hurdle.

cheers
CB 2912

[Glen Shelley]

Hi Ben
I am in exactly the same position
Want to build something nice but need to find out more details supplies etc
I am going for the sky 120 and whilst building with the advice of the LMA I hope to join the local club and with
the help of a simulator learn to fly the models
kind regards
Glen

[Christopher Berry]

Glen, Ben,


These days an ideal way of understanding how a model is built and the way to fit it out and source materials etc. is to buy an ARTF trainer, something like a ripmax trainer, or seagull boomerang.

By doing this you will learn the basics, how to mount the engine, install the RC, tail and wing joining, control surface hinging, undercarriage and crutially the c of g check! etc, and by being in a local club, you can learn from others, see their models at the field and understand the basics, they are more than likely to also have a club trainer and buddy box system for you to learn to fly on, whilst sourcing your own model. Whilst the internet is good, its no substitute for physically seeing models and talking to people face to face in a club environment. As with many others 20 years ago at the age of 11, I learnt to fly without a buddy box, just the 'grab' from the instructor method. Buddy box systems are brilliant, ive taught a number using them and they are invaluable!


What part of the country are you both in?

Hope this helps

Kind Regards

Chris

[Bob Thompson1894]

Hi guys- I totally agree with Chris, the most important thing to do is to join a club, even if it means travel, the wealth of information you will have access to will pay dividends. Before you even consider what sort of model to build, get a ARTF trainer (you could likely purchase one from club members very reasonably) and learn to fly. You may find then that you will have specific aims in flying, maybe scale, aerobatics, 3D, even helis! That way you are not spending time and money on something you will not make use of. Good luck in the future, its a great hobby! Have a look for the nearest one- http://www.bmfa.org/clubs/clist.php

[Dave Parry]

I have emailed Glen at length on this very subject, the advice I gave him is back up here by Chris and Bob, I did say to Glen (and I am sure he will back me up) that I was talking it could take a couple of year not months when it comes to learning to fly safely and the plane to use would be a 40 size glow engine trainer at your local flying club.

Glen also want to build large models so I suggested the Sky-120 as a easy build, it would then serve as a good platform when he has progress enough to start looking at flying a large model. A large model Spitfires and the like (as much as we all aspire to fly them) would be a disaster and dangerous in the hands of a complete novice, so please heed the advice these experienced modellers are giving you.

Go and learn how to fly before jumping in at the deep end, you won't regret it and you will get hooked I can assure you.

[benburf]

Hi guys sound advice i will buy a trainer to learn to fly, however im still going to build my spit i made a mistake in my last post its not a 1:8 scale its a 1:5 scale. You see i was given a book for me birthday two years ago the book is called Learn to make models that fly by Kelvin Shacklock. Its a great book and in it is this beautiful spitfire with all the plans and how to build it, i had a phone call today to say my plans are ready to pick up so ive made my mind up its got to be built. I know it wont be a easy build and it will probaly take me best part of a year maybe longer but i dont care its all fun.

I live at malvern which is in worcestershire, my father is a farmer so ive got plenty of space to learn how to fly.

Glen, ive found a good site i dont know if anyone agree's with me called slecuk.com which supplies a good range of kit and the balsacabin.co.uk.

kind regards
Ben

[Christopher Berry]

Ben, I have an 81" spitfire, it took me about 3 years to build from a kit, and had many modifications from the plans and instructions in order to fit the engine, radio and a lot of lead (4.5lbs) to balance.

Plans and instructions are really only a guide as are final weights and radio/engine...ideally you need to have knowledge of drawings before you take a project like that on.

Ive found that even if you build from plans, they will not always be accurate. A Spit of that scale is very difficult to get right if you are a novice even if it flys nicely, they are pigs on the ground. Before you attempt to start building it, get to grips with several other models first. With most warbirds you need to get the c of g absolutely spot on, if not they will become a big box of matches in seconds!

In terms of learning to fly, nice to hear your dad has a farm, model aircraft are harder to fly than they look. Flying with an experienced person will save you time, money and heartache!
There are so many things you wont even know or have thought about until you've built a few basic models.

join a club,
join the BMFA who provide third party insurance,
buy an ARTF trainer
then buy a small kit 50"/60" span and build it with advice from others, using plans, instructions and pre-cut parts.

Dont try and go it alone. You wont learn to build and fly from a book, dvd or website.

Chris

[Glen Shelley]

Hi Guys
Just to say thank you for your sound advice,it is really nice to know that you guys are willing to pass on experience
i would like to keep in touch and report my progress
thank you once again

Glen

[Bob Thompson1894]

Nice to know you are listening, guys. Remember, if it was easy, we wouldnt do it!