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newbie wants to build a foamie this winter
hi all,
i'm learning to fly a couple of rtf foamies, and would like to build my own this winter to keep busy. any suggestions for a newbie? i have seen the dollar tree foam, and will need plane ideas, techniques, and sources for everything, including the innards. tia! |
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In scratch building , as well as in flying RC airplanes .... I recommend starting with simple and easy , learn to walk before you learn to run .
![]() The simplest/easiest scratch build I know of ( suitable for a beginner ) is the Super Easy ( SE ) . The SE looks like a big paper airplane and protects your motor/prop if crashed nose first . It can be built in an hour or two without downloading/printing plans . Here is my SE , flown by my son in this video :
The second simplest/easiest I know of is the NutBall , which can also be built without downloading/printing plans . Here is my NutBall :
The third simplest/easiest I know of is the Smart Dart XS , which can also be built without downloading/printing plans . Here is my Smart Dart XS :
If you would like to build one of those planes , let me know which one and I can recommend electronics etc . ![]() |
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Last edited by balsa or carbon; Sep 07, 2020 at 03:53 PM.
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You are in the correct forum for all your requested info.
Folks here have all the answers that you will need. As for my portion of the answer ... I've been here since 2005 offering a CNC cutting service for various designs. 15 years later, Most similar services have thrown in the towel. I CNC cut JUST THE FOAM parts from Model Plane Foam for numerous designs. From trainers to whimsical Flying guys to witches on a broom. Each design has a unique "Thread" here on this forum where everyone who has built one offers their experiences and advice to those who follow . Ultimately it will be your choice but there will always be someone here on RCG who will be willing to advise and assist with your effort. While you are researching may I offer my services here ... https://www.hoosiercutoutservice.com/ Best Regards, Bob @ Hoosier Cutout Service |
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are any of the parts interchangeable, or will i have to invest in motors/receivers/batteries etc. for each? |
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If you propose building a foamie over this winter, it may be worth considering something fairly complex.
Some foamies can be built in just a few days, even hours. See if you can find a model that requires a fairly built up fuselage, and full airfoil wing, perhaps some nice curves, something that will stretch what you feel your ability currently is. The build will last longer and hopefully you will get greater satisfaction from the finished model. Even if you don't end up flying it, scratch building is a great way to learn and stretch your interest. I have been scratch building models since starting in model building back in the 50's, first control line models, then free flight, single channel, and then multi-channel. Once you're hooked, you're hooked ![]() Ray. |
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i have never built a foam plane, so there will be a serious learning curve. we'll see how it goes this fall, and if i am enjoying it and feel capable, i will advance to something more complex as my skills grow. |
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Do you have a full range transmitter ? If not , I'll include that in the list of components . Here is the list , all from one online store for convenience . Transmitter : http://www.valuehobby.com/radio-syst...ky-fs-t4b.html this is a very basic full range transmitter , if in the future you want to upgrade .... I can show you some transmitters that will work with the same receiver protocol . Motor : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...0kv-motor.html ESC ( Electronic Speed Control ) : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...alker-12a.html Servos ( at least two ) : http://www.valuehobby.com/radio-syst...cro-servo.html Propellers : http://www.valuehobby.com/accessorie...ive-10pcs.html and http://www.valuehobby.com/accessorie...low-flyer.html Battery : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...0mah-3s-t.html get as many as you can afford for multiple flights . Connector for ESC to battery : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...male-5pcs.html will require soldering and heat-shrink insulation . VERY important to have correct polarity : wires red-to-red and black-to-black . Connectors for ESC to motor : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...r-10-sets.html also requires soldering and heat-shrink insulation . Battery charger : http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...er-supply.html there are less expensive chargers available elsewhere . Connectors for pushrods : http://www.valuehobby.com/accessorie...connector.html In the photos below are the instructions for building a Super Easy . Here is a video showing how the controls should work on your Super Easy :
ImagesView all Images in thread
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https://www.walmart.com/ip/24-x-36-G...g-Mat/39752313 https://www.walmart.com/ip/AdTech-Mi...Pack/147699873 https://www.walmart.com/ip/AdTech-Cr...ticks/17404370 |
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Do you believe you will stay in the hobby and will eventually have multiple airplanes ? Will you have planes with retractable landing gear , navigation lights , bomb bay doors , etc. ? Do you need mixes , dual/triple rates , expo , etc. ? Do you have a tolerance for a steep programming learning curve ? If yes to the above , get a 8+ channel programmable computer transmitter . If no , get a simple full range TX like the one I listed from Value Hobby . The very simple radios are available in up to 6 channels ( that I know of ) . Here is a 6 channel simple TX : https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-...en_us_products |
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P.S. you can fly multiple planes with a simple TX , but it won't retain the settings for each plane in its memory like a computer TX will .
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Thread OP
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2) no 3) i don't even know what they are ![]() 4) i doubt it ![]() 5) i expect that i will enjoy building and flying foamies, maybe a balsa kit again, slowly learning about electronics, and maxing out with a nice plane that can handle the wind. maybe some bnf's like eflight. if it goes beyond that, i'm not adverse to investing in a better tx at that time. the idea of buying a highly flexible transmitter right now, with all kinds of options is just beyond me 6) multiple planes in memory, rechargeable batteries, low battery warnings, those sound good to me 7) no more rtf's, i don't need anymore cheap transmitters |
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Last edited by bisco; Sep 07, 2020 at 07:09 PM.
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https://www.horizonhobby.com/product.../SPMR6655.html The Spektrum computer transmitters have a mild learning curve . The least expensive Spektrum non-computer transmitter is the DXS , which is programable if you connect it to a PC or mobile device that has the app downloaded . I had a DXS ( 1st gen DXe ) , and I could only get the programming to work with a PC ( USB cable ) .... I could not get the programming to work with a mobile device ( audio cable or BlueTooth ) . I ended up giving the DXS to my nephew . https://www.horizonhobby.com/product.../SPMR1010.html Almost everything is capable of using rechargeable batteries . You can get onboard low voltage alarms , but I prefer to use a timer to warn me when it's time to end a flight . Some transmitters have a built in timer , or you can use the timer on your smart phone ..... if you carry it with you all the time . http://www.valuehobby.com/power-syst...age-alarm.html |
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