Looking for a 'Step-by-Step' guide for a first-timer with limited resources/tools

[rn_rc]

Hi everyone, I've wanted to build an RC plane for a year now but I'm completely stuck. I live in a country where RC parts/kits aren't easily available, so I have to scratch-build everything from foam.
One issue with me is that i like to learn things by doing them myself, due to that i don't feel like using someone else's plans and just printing them, i want to start from absolute beginner models that i can just see someone build or maybe from plans and hand draw them, and another thing is that i found no standard path for this hobby so i don't know what to start with. Maybe some beginner models could help me. And lastly any advice on drawing plans by hand?

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Hi everyone, I've wanted to build an RC plane for a year now but I'm completely stuck. I live in a country where RC parts/kits aren't easily available, so I have to scratch-build everything from foam.
One issue with me is that i like to learn things by doing them myself, due to that i don't feel like using someone else's plans and just printing them, i want to start from absolute beginner models that i can just see someone build or maybe from plans and hand draw them, and another thing is that i found no standard path for this hobby so i don't know what to start with. Maybe some beginner models could help me. And lastly any advice on drawing plans by hand?

Welcome to the forum! You have come to the right place when its come to scratch building on a budget😂👍

Usually we design our planes in free CAD programs like Fusion 360 or Onshape (which is easier in my opinion) but I think its totally doable to draw them by hand, though it will be more difficult, especially when first starting out.

You will definitely need a ruler to help with get straight lines and make pieces repeatable and symmetrical. I suggest trying to do a profile plane, as it will be much easier to repeat and doesn't need to be as precise👍

 

[Merv]

... i don't feel like using someone else's plans and just printing them,...

My advice, start with a known FT plan. Learning to fly is difficult, most will destroy 2-3 planes in the process. It will be far easier for us to help you in your journey if the plane is one we are all familiar with. In other words, before you try a marathon, learn to walk then run.

After you learn to fly, then go crazy with your own design. Be sure to share your creations with the rest of us.

 

[Merv]

Here is a link for getting into RC planes.

Welcome to the World of RC Flight | RC Plane Building for Beginners | Flite Test

Flite Test's Beginner Section is your guide to the world of remote control flight. Get started with RC plane building & flying in three easy steps.

beginner.flitetest.com

Here is a link for the basics of plane design

Easy Aircraft Design

Quick open ended step-by-step instructions on how to design a basic airplane with a large degree of artistic freedom

www.flitetest.com

 

[telnar1236]

What kinds of parts do you have access to? That pretty much determines what kind of designs you can build. Chuck gliders are a great place to start and you can make them out of basically anything including cardboard. If you want to make an RC plane, then at a minimum, you'll need a transmitter, a receiver, a power system (motor and ESC), a battery, and a way of controlling the plane, whether that is with differential thrust or via a servo or two. You can steal the electronics from other rc toys sometimes like RC cars so long as they're light and powerful enough, if electronics for an RC plane aren't easily available, but you will have a much easier time using a setup intended for a plane.
I would strongly agree with Houndpup's suggestion to start with a profile or flat plane design if you're doing one that's your own design. You can pretty much just trace out the shape of any straight high wing plane with some dihedral, maybe reinforce the wing with a wooden spar, put in a light power system, two servos, a receiver, and a battery, and be good to go.
If you have access to foam board, then I'd agree with Merv that a Flite Test design is a better place to start. They fly very well and have been thoroughly tested. Even building from a plan, I think most people's first design comes out a bit wonky and of course learning to fly with a plane that isn't flying well is more difficult.