Officially Starting my Journey...again after 30 years!

[ithink2020]

When I was a teenager, I learned to fly on a .40 size trainer. It was purchased pre-built from a neighbor, along with a bunch of other equipment. Back then, I completed several boddy-box flights and soloed a couple times...before crashing it trying to fly in way too much wind...
Shortly after rebuilding the plane, we moved across country and I sold everything I had, planning to get back into the hobby at a later date. Well, 30 years later, I'm finally coming back.

This past week I started getting things ready to build a Simple Scout. Printing off plans, ordering parts, a charger, finding foamboard, etc. Most things have arrived and starting my first build today.

To start, I've printed out the plans for the EZ Glider. This morning I got them taped together and started cutting out the templates, before heading out to run some errands. I'm going to use this to help learn the building techniques, before I begin the Simple Scout.

Later today, I'll get the rest of the templates cut out and start tracing them onto the foam board. Hopefully, even get started cutting foam. We have a busy day, so we'll see how far I can get.

I've have an inexpensive transmitter (FS-I6X) that I use with PhoenixRC sim. Been playing with the sim on and off for a couple of years. Recently I've been practicing to make my take offs and landings nice. Trying to get those dialed in. Oh and flying in a clockwise pattern. I'm used to flying couter clockwise, but I think they fly the opposite way at the club I'm joining.

Anyway, wanted to say hi and ask that you wish me luck!!!

 

[bisco]

i can still remember my first build, i was so lost, but had a great online mentor. all the best!

 

[ithink2020]

Just finished cutting out the templates and parts. It was rough... I had to cut out a a new fuselage, after making a few mistakes. Also did a horrible job on the bevel cuts. Just need practice.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to put the glider together.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

i can still remember my first build, i was so lost, but had a great online mentor. all the best!

I had basically nobody (Though my mom did her best) and I could have saved a LOT of money if I knew about free plans!😂

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Just finished cutting out the templates and parts. It was rough... I had to cut out a a new fuselage, after making a few mistakes. Also did a horrible job on the bevel cuts. Just need practice.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to put the glider together.

Look just fine! And if you start by practicing cutting the bevels in the wings they will be hidden! (BTW sharp razors are a must when it comes to bevels!)

 

[alan0043]

Just finished cutting out the templates and parts. It was rough... I had to cut out a a new fuselage, after making a few mistakes. Also did a horrible job on the bevel cuts. Just need practice.

Tomorrow I'll attempt to put the glider together.

Try this idea for bevel cuts. I use it all the time. Draw a parallel line 1/8" to the score cut line ( the line that makes your hinge ). This line will be for reference. Try to get your knife to follow that new line that you drew. Remember to angle back your knife. Josh does talk about cutting bevel cuts in some of his videos. If the cut line looks wavy, get a sanding block and do some touch up. I hope this makes sense. You can always use tape to repair your hinge on the other side of what you cut.

 

[ithink2020]

I ended up cutting out a new wing. I didn't like the bevels, plus I figured I could use the practice. However, I've got the glider finished!!!

It's not perfect, but it's okay. I tossed around with my son for a few minutes and was happy overall. It may never fly much, but I learned a few things about making Flitetest models. I know my first Scout may not be perfect either. Just hope it turns out to be flyable.

Try this idea for bevel cuts. I use it all the time. Draw a parallel line 1/8" to the score cut line ( the line that makes your hinge ). This line will be for reference. Try to get your knife to follow that new line that you drew. Remember to angle back your knife. Josh does talk about cutting bevel cuts in some of his videos. If the cut line looks wavy, get a sanding block and do some touch up. I hope this makes sense. You can always use tape to repair your hinge on the other side of what you cut.

I will try drawing the line next time. I have some scrap foam I'll use for practice. However, what really helped was angling the blade back! I still had wavy lines but since they were inside the wing, I didn't worry about it this time. I'll pay more attention when I cut the exposed bevels on the Scout.

 

[tomlogan1]

Great choice on the Scout. It will do anything you want and is pretty durable. Depending upon your climate you may want to investigate either covering the plane with packing tape (before assembly) or something like Minwax after assembly. Keeps the moisture out and in the case of the tape you can get creative with colors.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Great choice on the Scout. It will do anything you want and is pretty durable. Depending upon your climate you may want to investigate either covering the plane with packing tape (before assembly) or something like Minwax after assembly. Keeps the moisture out and in the case of the tape you can get creative with colors.

Though i wouldn't bother if you think you are going to crash pretty quick....

 

[ithink2020]

Though i wouldn't bother if you think you are going to crash pretty quick....

Well, I hope I don't crash right off the bat. However, you have a very good point. Maybe wait to decorate and protect until a later build...

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Well, I hope I don't crash right off the bat. However, you have a very good point. Maybe wait to decorate and protect until a later build...

It happens....Just wouldn't want to see you put a lot of work into it just to have it wasted...

 

[Mr Man]

Agreed, I used to crash a lot, never painted em. Now I hardly crash, and I paint em.👍👍

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Agreed, I used to crash a lot, never painted em. Now I hardly crash, and I paint em.👍👍

I am still okay, but I paint them and fly them Carefully!...The white ones I fly crazy!

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I am still okay, but I paint them and fly them Carefully!...The white ones I fly crazy!

Though I think there will be an exception with the Extra 300 and the Radjet! 😂

 

[Houndpup Rc]

Agreed, I used to crash a lot, never painted em. Now I hardly crash, and I paint em.👍👍

So did I...I was lucky if I could get in 5 flights!...Wish I knew about free plans in those days..It was like heaven on earth when I found them! LOL

 

[ithink2020]

I'm glad to see and hear people admitting how much they crash, especially when starting out. And the mistakes they made. 30 years ago when I crashed my trainer on a very windy day, I had no idea you should not fly in the wind. Then I was embarrassed when I told people what happened.

 

[Houndpup Rc]

I'm glad to see and hear people admitting how much they crash, especially when starting out. And the mistakes they made. 30 years ago when I crashed my trainer on a very windy day, I had no idea you should not fly in the wind. Then I was embarrassed when I told people what happened.

It happens! Just the expense of learning.

 

[Zoom Master]

I'm glad to see and hear people admitting how much they crash, especially when starting out. And the mistakes they made. 30 years ago when I crashed my trainer on a very windy day, I had no idea you should not fly in the wind. Then I was embarrassed when I told people what happened.

Same here didnt know u weren't supposed to fly in wind tried flying a foamy in the wind. It wasn't that powerful and the wind took it and it ended up landing on someone's roof. Had to knock on that houses door for a full hour before someone came and retrieved the airplane from the roof 😅

 

[bisco]

i crash a lot in calm wind

 

[Houndpup Rc]

i crash a lot in calm wind

I crash a lot with crazy powerful motors...(It's the torque roll on take that flips me upside down and then I have try to flip over and pull up with one hand before it hits the ground!)