BATTLEAXE
Legendary member
Here it is I have made it! I got through all that I wanted foam board to teach me as far as requirements to fly, mostly just staying airborne. Now I feel the need to move onto balsa. One, I think the planes may last longer just because I now have confidence if the communication system. Two, I have the skills now to get myself out of most predicaments, or at least avoid them. And three I think if these are made from balsa I will be less likely to be stupid with them... that is yet to be determined.
I did a bunch of research into balsa building, although I am no stranger to working with balsa. I asked a lot of questions, then got to trying to choose a kit. There were a lot of suggestions and some very good advice. I decided to go with a kit that would be compatible with electronics I already have, that would be easy to transport, but not a trainer. I had done the usual run through google searches to find all the sites to order from and narrowed it down to three. All from SIG Manufacturing, I heard their kits have a really good reputation for quality of design and build. There was a high wing, I think a Taylorcraft from Alien, the other was Four Star 20, and the Herrs Pitts Special.
On site I was looking at everything being out of stock, not available, shipping was stupid expensive, or i would have to wait for two months to get it. I decided to see what the local hobby stores had, even though I would end up paying more I wouldn't have to wait till the new year to have it. Around the stores that I frequent there were a couple balsa kits, but not much. However one place had the Herrs Pitts Special at a warehouse across the country and just needed to bring it in for me. I did have to wait a week or so but that is what I brought home a few days ago.
This Pitts is set to be around the same size as the Baby Blender, which is an airframe I do have experience with, and enjoyed a lot my first summer in the hobby. In trying to find information on it on YouTube there really wasn't much, so what I am doing is documenting this build some to put my virgin balsa experience out there. It won't be an in depth documentary but more of a journey as a newbie in the realm of wooden planes. Here is my unboxing vid, Part 1, there will be more to come. Stay tuned.
I will be honest once I get into the build i tend to forget to stop and take pics or footage. Then before I know it I have built a bunch of the plane and nothing was documented. Being this build is the first I cant deny I am like a kid at Christmas so I will try to keep it step by step... but no promises.
I did a bunch of research into balsa building, although I am no stranger to working with balsa. I asked a lot of questions, then got to trying to choose a kit. There were a lot of suggestions and some very good advice. I decided to go with a kit that would be compatible with electronics I already have, that would be easy to transport, but not a trainer. I had done the usual run through google searches to find all the sites to order from and narrowed it down to three. All from SIG Manufacturing, I heard their kits have a really good reputation for quality of design and build. There was a high wing, I think a Taylorcraft from Alien, the other was Four Star 20, and the Herrs Pitts Special.
On site I was looking at everything being out of stock, not available, shipping was stupid expensive, or i would have to wait for two months to get it. I decided to see what the local hobby stores had, even though I would end up paying more I wouldn't have to wait till the new year to have it. Around the stores that I frequent there were a couple balsa kits, but not much. However one place had the Herrs Pitts Special at a warehouse across the country and just needed to bring it in for me. I did have to wait a week or so but that is what I brought home a few days ago.
This Pitts is set to be around the same size as the Baby Blender, which is an airframe I do have experience with, and enjoyed a lot my first summer in the hobby. In trying to find information on it on YouTube there really wasn't much, so what I am doing is documenting this build some to put my virgin balsa experience out there. It won't be an in depth documentary but more of a journey as a newbie in the realm of wooden planes. Here is my unboxing vid, Part 1, there will be more to come. Stay tuned.
I will be honest once I get into the build i tend to forget to stop and take pics or footage. Then before I know it I have built a bunch of the plane and nothing was documented. Being this build is the first I cant deny I am like a kid at Christmas so I will try to keep it step by step... but no promises.
