Thursday, 15 December 2011

A Discussion About The Significance of Purchasing The Right RC Plane Kit

By David Pareto


Beginner RC plane enthusiasts may be surprised by the variety of choices to be made. The most basic decision is whether to purchase a plane to build, or buy ready to fly. A person deciding not to plunge right into constructing their plane, may choose between a ready to fly (RTF), or almost ready to fly (ARF) plane. The final decision is among the varieties of engines available.

It is important for people considering this hobby to decide which options they desire in order to purchase the appropriate RC airplane kit for them. Traditional or experienced hobbyists may decide they want to build their own plane using a balsa wood or plastic kit. Another decision is whether one wants to purchase a ready to fly (RTF), or compromise on an almost ready to fly (ARF) plane.

Many new to the hobby will feel the best way to begin is with either a partially or completely built plane. Newer enthusiasts may wish to master the skills of controlling a plane as well as gain some experience. This will help form an opinion about the type of engine they prefer. On the other hand, some will decide they want to acquire the skill of building their own plane from a kit.

The old school manner of building a plane was a time consuming endeavor that required developing a level of skill. Plane parts were cut from balsa wood sheets, or die cuts that would be broken free from the sheet. These were carefully glued into place, and covered with either tissue painted with lacquer or a heat shrink film. Classic plane kits of this nature are still widely available.

An alternative to balsa wood planes are models built out of either plastic or molded foam. The plastic kits may be similar to the balsa wood type, but the airplane pieces are fabricated out of a plastic sheeting material called coroplast. Some model plane pilots prefer the molded foam type called foamies because they are virtually crash proof.

People less inclined to construct their own plane who nevertheless enjoy some participation in its assembly may opt for an ARF model. In these kits, the parts are fully constructed. However, they call for minor assembly of body parts, engine, and control features. While the assembly directions should be followed for best results, this is a good middle ground choice for many.

For the enthusiast who is more interested in flying than model building, the RTF kit may be the correct choice. These kits are fully constructed, and only require very minor final assembly. The buyer only needs to install the radio control features as well a few final steps to assemble the body.

The remaining choice relevant in purchasing the right RC airplane kit involves its method of propulsion. As an enthusiast advances in experience, they will want to consider the choices in the control's channel configurations. They will also consider their preferred type of motor. The old standard was internal combustion engines available in gas, diesel, and glow point engines. The new technology that continues to make advances is the electric motor. Information on the varieties of airplane kits can be found on line.




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