Hello! And question about model for first build

[LFNfan]

Hello - new member, and very new to RC aeroplanes.

I'm doing some research as my son has become very excited by the idea of real life rc aeroplane building and flying. He already has an rc plane simulator and seems to me at least quite proficient (he can take off, circle and land).

Flite Test looks like an amazing resource, with some really knowledgeable and experienced folk, and a wide range of planes and plans.

So with that in mind, what's a good first build and fly plane? I have seen quite a few posts referencing the Tutor, but I have seen and slightly prefer the look of the Simple Cub. They are both high-wing, so maybe there's not much in it, but thought I'd say 'hi' and ask.

Many thanks

 

[Mr Man]

Hello - new member, and very new to RC aeroplanes.

I'm doing some research as my son has become very excited by the idea of real life rc aeroplane building and flying. He already has an rc plane simulator and seems to me at least quite proficient (he can take off, circle and land).

Flite Test looks like an amazing resource, with some really knowledgeable and experienced folk, and a wide range of planes and plans.

So with that in mind, what's a good first build and fly plane? I have seen quite a few posts referencing the Tutor, but I have seen and slightly prefer the look of the Simple Cub. They are both high-wing, so maybe there's not much in it, but thought I'd say 'hi' and ask.

Many thanks

Welcome! Maybe check out the Tiny Trainer, it’s one of the best trainers out there. Another one would be the Slow Stick S250, but there isn’t’t a kit for that one. I’ve also heard that the explorer is nice too.

 

[Merv]

+1 on the TT

Here is a video with more information

 

[LFNfan]

Thanks Mr Man!

Tiny Trainer and Tiny Explorer look cool, but prompted some regret that I didn't find Flite Test earlier - I have a 1400KV motor and 1300mAh 3S LiPo already on their way already. I think these are too heavy for the 'Tiny' range, and I would be a bit reluctant to buy another motor and a smaller battery just now, although....

I'm expecting to do the building off plans and cutting foam board - appeals to my practical nature and am in the UK so buying kits from the US is trickier.

 

[LFNfan]

Thanks @Merv , I just missed your post.

That's several votes for the TT! I'll take a closer look....

 

[Mr Man]

Thanks Mr Man!

Tiny Trainer and Tiny Explorer look cool, but prompted some regret that I didn't find Flite Test earlier - I have a 1400KV motor and 1300mAh 3S LiPo already on their way already. I think these are too heavy for the 'Tiny' range, and I would be a bit reluctant to buy another motor and a smaller battery just now, although....

I'm expecting to do the building off plans and cutting foam board - appeals to my practical nature and am in the UK so buying kits from the US is trickier.

Slow Stick S250 uses that motor. (I'm guessing it's a 2212 1300kv) But the bigger explorer also works well with that motor. And BTW, bigger planes are often easier to fly.

 

[Mr NCT]

The simple scout is another good option.

 

[LFNfan]

Slow Stick S250 uses that motor. (I'm guessing it's a 2212 1300kv) But the bigger explorer also works well with that motor. And BTW, bigger planes are often easier to fly.

exactly - 2212.

There is a club flying field relatively near to us (not been yet) so are not particularly restricted by space that we'd need a smaller model. Interesting that bigger models can be easier to fly too.

this has been really helpful. I think I have some good options to look at with my son now - Simple Scout, Simple Cub, Explorer, Tutor. Thank you very much!

I suspect he will have the deciding vote, and the one that can be retrofitted with an FPV camera will probably take the win!

 

[Mr Man]

exactly - 2212.

There is a club flying field relatively near to us (not been yet) so are not particularly restricted by space that we'd need a smaller model. Interesting that bigger models can be easier to fly too.

this has been really helpful. I think I have some good options to look at with my son now - Simple Scout, Simple Cub, Explorer, Tutor. Thank you very much!

I suspect he will have the deciding vote, and the one that can be retrofitted with an FPV camera will probably take the win!

All of those can have fpv. @Houndpup Rc put fpv in his Simple Scout, the Explorer has an option for fpv, and I've heard of others putting it in those other planes as well.

 

[Mr Man]

exactly - 2212.

There is a club flying field relatively near to us (not been yet) so are not particularly restricted by space that we'd need a smaller model. Interesting that bigger models can be easier to fly too.

this has been really helpful. I think I have some good options to look at with my son now - Simple Scout, Simple Cub, Explorer, Tutor. Thank you very much!

I suspect he will have the deciding vote, and the one that can be retrofitted with an FPV camera will probably take the win!

Yup, Larger planes tend to be able to take the wind better, and normally more stable because of the lighter wing loading.

 

[LFNfan]

All of those can have fpv. @Houndpup Rc put fpv in his Simple Scout, the Explorer has an option for fpv, and I've heard of others putting it in those other planes as well.

Nice one. Will look into it. A long way on from my own first (and only) plane - a balsa, tissue paper and dope tow-line glider.

[ edit] I think mastering flight will come before FPV (!) but it's nice to know it's an option - even possibly just recording the view from on high sounds really appealing. [ \edit]

 

[Foamforce]

I’ve built a few Simple Scouts with that motor and battery. It’s a great combo. For some reason the Simple Cub is a little difficult for beginners. Perhaps it’s a bit easier to stall than the Scout. The Storch is a bit on the large size for that motor. But the Scout, it has plenty of power, it can go slow, barely stalls, and is super easy to take off and land. Just a lovely plane.

 

[Mr NCT]

I’ve built a few Simple Scouts with that motor and battery. It’s a great combo. For some reason the Simple Cub is a little difficult for beginners. Perhaps it’s a bit easier to stall than the Scout. The Storch is a bit on the large size for that motor. But the Scout, it has plenty of power, it can go slow, barely stalls, and is super easy to take off and land. Just a lovely plane.

+1 on the Cub being a handful for beginners

 

[LitterBug]

+1 on the Cub being a handful for beginners

add another +1 on the cub not being good for beginners.

 

[LFNfan]

Great feedback - thanks all! Simple Scout here we come!

 

[skymaster]

Everyone has good options for you the cub, the explorer, the simple scout. but if you don't want to break your props i would suggest a wing. you could build a versa wing since you already have motor for it or you could try the mighty mini arrow. and not warring about breaking props which is the first thing that keeps you from flying because all of a sudden you look at your stash and what no more props dang it. having fun is the main thing.

 

[Mr Man]

Everyone has good options for you the cub, the explorer, the simple scout. but if you don't want to break your props i would suggest a wing. you could build a versa wing since you already have motor for it or you could try the mighty mini arrow. and not warring about breaking props which is the first thing that keeps you from flying because all of a sudden you look at your stash and what no more props dang it. having fun is the main thing.

Well maybe not the arrow for a first plane.😉

 

[Mr Man]

Everyone has good options for you the cub, the explorer, the simple scout. but if you don't want to break your props i would suggest a wing. you could build a versa wing since you already have motor for it or you could try the mighty mini arrow. and not warring about breaking props which is the first thing that keeps you from flying because all of a sudden you look at your stash and what no more props dang it. having fun is the main thing.

Explorer ticks the boxes. Plus he only has a 2212 1300kv.