2025 Flite Test Forum Challenge: Build-ruary Contest

FoamyDM

Building Fool-Flying Noob
Moderator
View attachment 241604

February is Build-Ruary Month!

Hi All, Let's welcome another flying season, ready to go!
Once Again, I challenge all here to turn February into Build-Ruary

So Many Planes So Little Time:

I, like most folk in this community, have a LONG build list of planes I would LOVE to build. Since I have become involved here in the forums and this challenge in 2018, there has been in incredible influx of new Classic Balsa designs turned Foam , fantasy Planes, Plans, builds and ideas/inspiration with the Bloody WWII Baby! forum thread and and the FTFC WWII Design & Build Challenge or the updated 2025 Flite Test Forum Challenge: WWII Design Build , and the FTFC Fantasy Aircraft Design & Build Challenge the FTFC Classic to Modern Challenge , as well as any plans listed by SPONZ and other forum members. and this last while with Covid-19, has brought in a number of new designers and designs.
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Challenge: Spend February building at least 4 functioning RC Foam, Balsa or 3d printed planes. Make a list and Build-log for each plane on the list. This will be scored out of 100 pts . ( 2 pts for each entry, and 23 pts for each Build)

TO ENTER:
Be sure to post your entry below:
Must have a Declaration of participation with a link to your Build Thread
a list of your four(4) planes.

Build Thread Summary (8 pts):
Start a Thread - "FTFC25: Build-ruary by (Builder)" with your linked build list. Include your estimated Build Skill and Piloting Skill (1=New, 5=Expert)

Bonus (+10pts)
10pts for each Additional Completed Builds (up to 4)

Example:
FTFC24: Build-ruary by FoamyDM (Build Skill: 4 Skilled, Pilot SKill: 3 Novice)
  1. FoamyDM - Disc Plane
  2. FoamyDM - Disc Plane
  3. FoamyDM - Disc Plane
  4. WindCatcher RC Gladiator
BUILD POSTS: ( 23pts each)
Set aside Posts 2 - 5 and title them "FT-Build-Ruary: ( plane ) Build by ( builder )"
Each build post will be scored as follows on March 1st 2022 Midnight EST (-5GMT) :
  1. 5pts Picture of the plane with Plans link and/or Forum link (for other community members to find them) and your reason for choosing this plane.
  2. 8pts Build-log: A brief explanation of your build process, and note difficulties, changes and tips along the way. Be sure include your build pics and a estimated build time. Include your take on how the build went (1 Simple -5 Complex ) and how it flew (1-easy to 5-Hard). [2 pts basic, 4 pts helpful, 6pts detailed and helpful, 8pts article ready.]
  3. 4 pts Color Scheme - A decorated plane is more fun .
  4. 4pts Maiden Video *Due before March 8th*
  5. 2 pts Post-project reflective statement. (Summary of Do's, Don't and tips)
*Planes started prior to February 1st will take a 10 pt. deduction.*

The Build Challenge Begins February 1st and Ends on the 1st of March 2022!
Maiden Videos must be posted before March 8th 2022.

Parts 1, 2 and 3 posts as of March 1st will not be judged
Parts 4 and 5 dated as of March 8th will not be judged
*That means You will have 1 additional weeks to get your maiden flights edited and posted*

The Winner will receive (Supplied by FoamyDM):
Runner Up will receive
  • Full Size Printed Plans*
Allowed prep: The plane kit make be prepared to a Speed Build Kit Level. or 3d printed but not assembled. (if you like - even a Balsa Kit.)

Good Luck FT Community, Get your plans ready and Happy Building!

-FoamyDM
 

FoamyDM

Building Fool-Flying Noob
Moderator
1. FTFC25: Build-ruary by @FoamyDM (Build Skill: 4 Skilled, Pilot SKill: 4 Not Crashing all the time)
  • Gladiator by Windcatcher
  • Ringlet - Micro Wing plane powered by an eachine drone.
  • A powered Mara
  • FDM - Quickie Q-200
2. FTFC: Build-ruary by @Mr Man, Build Skill:4Skilled, Pilot Skill:5Not crashing all the time)

- FT Goblin, Plans.
-@DamoRC Gee Bee R3 with wing mod. Plans without wing mod.
-@Grifflyer Hotliner, Plans.
-Scaled down @Mr Man Speedwing, plans in discussion. Resource.

3. @LitterBug
1) EZ Slow Stick
2) EZ Nutball
3) EZ Intruder
4)

4. FTFC25: Build-ruary by @AgentC (Build Skill: 3.5 Skilled, Pilot SKill: 1.5 (Crashing all the time)
  1. EZ Domino's Plank - @BadAir's thread is looking for Pizza box EZ plane options. I'm going basic and testing out the Plank with a Domino's pizza box instead of foamboard.
  2. EZ Sparrow - Going to update my design to see how I can get it working best with the v2 Power Pack. And then potentially have a skin made for it. Based off the FT Mighty Mini Sparrow.
  3. EZ Glider, based on a micro version of the Wonder Glider. I made one for the 3-channel years back, but need to rework this to get it balanced properly for the 2-channel EZ pack.
  4. One or more of the FT EZ Fantasy Pack, with plans from the FTCA resources.
  5. Bonus Builds, if time permits:
5.FTFC25: Build-ruary by @Flying Cherokee (Build Skill: 2 been around the block, Pilot SKill: 4 Not Crashing all the time)
  • FT Edge 540
  • FT Duster
  • A 3D Plane (don't know which yet)
  • EZ flying wing
6. FTFC25: Build-ruary by @Patriot Rc (Build Skill: 4 Skilled, Pilot skill: 3 Medium)
7. FTFC25: Build-ruary by @FlyingTyger (Build Skill: 4 Skilled, Pilot Skill: 4 Experienced)
  1. Proctor Antic Restoration (previously started)
  2. Sioux Bipe (previously started) - Full build thread here: Linky
  3. TBD
  4. TBD
Build-ruary thread here: Linky

8. FTFC25: Build-ruary by Spitifire76 (Build skill: 4, Pilot skill 3)
  1. 3dlabprint Hurricane (printed, assembled but needs electronics installed)
  2. Eclipson Model B XL (almost finished but needs some bench testing and of course a maiden)
  3. Eclipson Spitfire (printed, assembled but needs servos for control surfaces)
  4. Eclipson Horten 229 (currently printing)
9. FTFC25: Build-ruary by Jo's squadron (Build Skill: 5 Expert, Pilot skill: 5 Expert)

 
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Houndpup Rc

Elite member
Afraid I can't join..........just put two out of my five motors in a Master Series P - 38.............NOT ripping them out lol
 

FoamyDM

Building Fool-Flying Noob
Moderator
Afraid I can't join..........just put two out of my five motors in a Master Series P - 38.............NOT ripping them out lol
I wouldn't either.
But you seem up to the Challenge...
:unsure:If you made a swappable pod and build airframes for the pod... you would only need - 1 motor. :)
No need to reply, just enter. it's fun. There is a 75% chance you won't get the 4 planes done. based on the past 7 years results
 

Houndpup Rc

Elite member
I wouldn't either.
But you seem up to the Challenge...
:unsure:If you made a swappable pod and build airframes for the pod... you would only need - 1 motor. :)
No need to reply, just enter. it's fun. There is a 75% chance you won't get the 4 planes done. based on the past 7 years results
"There is a 75% chance you won't get the 4 planes done. based on the past 7 years results" That sounds like a challenge to me! lol 🤣😂
 

Houndpup Rc

Elite member
I wouldn't either.
But you seem up to the Challenge...
:unsure:If you made a swappable pod and build airframes for the pod... you would only need - 1 motor. :)
No need to reply, just enter. it's fun. There is a 75% chance you won't get the 4 planes done. based on the past 7 years results
That's a good idea, I might have to try it!
 

FoamyDM

Building Fool-Flying Noob
Moderator
That's a good idea, I might have to try it!
at least with one of those motors...
I look forward to seeing your declarations and building with you. The Aviation RC Noob Podcast Discord server will be open this month for Some build nights. Now I have to get rid of some planes to make room. :)
 

Houndpup Rc

Elite member
at least with one of those motors...
I look forward to seeing your declarations and building with you. The Aviation RC Noob Podcast Discord server will be open this month for Some build nights. Now I have to get rid of some planes to make room. :)
Am I right in thinking that they don't have to be FT planes?
 
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Mr Man

Elite member
I wouldn't either.
But you seem up to the Challenge...
:unsure:If you made a swappable pod and build airframes for the pod... you would only need - 1 motor. :)
No need to reply, just enter. it's fun. There is a 75% chance you won't get the 4 planes done. based on the past 7 years results
I’d feel bad about tearing apart a perfectly good plane.
 

LitterBug

Techno Nut
Moderator
I will take the EZ route to Builduary and build a few EZ planes for indoor flying. I have some brushed ESCs and a ton of whoop motors, plus a handful of linear servos and nano receivers. Going to look at the options out there, make a plan, and update this post. I think a nano Slow Stick would be a good "scratch" design to work on.

1) EZ Slow Stick
2) EZ Nutball
3) EZ Intruder
4)
 

AgentC

Elite member
I had knee surgery slap bang in the middle of Feb last year, taking me out of the fun. I'm back again this year, though!
As usual, I'll focus on sub-250g designs, apart from one. Potentially...

FTFC25: Build-ruary by @AgentC (Build Skill: 3.5 Skilled, Pilot SKill: 1.5 (Crashing all the time)
  1. EZ Domino's Plank - @BadAir's thread is looking for Pizza box EZ plane options. I'm going basic and testing out the Plank with a Domino's pizza box instead of foamboard.
  2. EZ Sparrow - Going to update my design to see how I can get it working best with the v2 Power Pack. And then potentially have a skin made for it. Based off the FT Mighty Mini Sparrow.
  3. EZ Glider, based on a micro version of the Wonder Glider. I made one for the 3-channel years back, but need to rework this to get it balanced properly for the 2-channel EZ pack.
  4. One or more of the FT EZ Fantasy Pack, with plans from the FTCA resources.
  5. Bonus Builds, if time permits:
    EZ Flerken
    - Create an EZ version of the FT Nano Flerken.
    or
    EZ Legacy - Create an EZ version of the FT Legacy
    or
    FT Mighty Mini Explorer, with plans from the FTCA resources.
 
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Houndpup Rc

Elite member
Unfortunately I won't be able to join this year, I caught lymes disease earlier this year and am still in recovery, so I think all the building would be a bit too much for me:cry: Hopefully next year! My brother might join though!