1st build

redalb2253 · 25 July 2006, 02:29 PM

I've got 1 school year to start thinking and saving for my first r/c build my second son will be going in the service (army or marines) after this school year and I'm thinking about building a 1/4 scale alb d3 or d5 from arizona, my question is this is this a good first? I'm going to be setting up in his old room(my other son is in the navy and his old room is for all my plastic.

Lucky Dog · 25 July 2006, 03:38 PM

Hello Redalb2253,
While I do not have any first hand experience with building an AZM kit, I do know that they are incredibly detailed and perhaps not a likely a good candidate for a first build. Of course, this depends entirely upon your skills. Some first time builders can probably do better than me any day.

I have heard that AZM kits sometimes leave a lot to be desired when it comes to the instruction manuals. While an experienced builder could work around this, it might prove frustrating and disheartening to most new builders.

You don't mention your RC flying experience. If you are a seasoned pilot with ARFs, and have experience with tail dragging, low wing loading, fly on the wing type of planes, you probably won't have any trouble.

Hopefully some more fellas with first hand AZM experience will chime in with there .02 worth as well.

Stay in touch!

jtisch · 25 July 2006, 03:44 PM

Well, it depends. What other models(if any) have you built so far? If you haven't built any other models,I don't think the Albatros would be a good starting point as it is a rather complex build.I like your taste in aircraft, though! I have two Albatri waiting to begin construction (Proctor DVa and DJ's DIII).

J

JohnFitz · 25 July 2006, 06:27 PM

I agree with J. I am the last one to listen to reason and have been in the same place you are. My opnion is you should do what makes you happy but If you want a good flying and pretty easy build you should consider a Balsa USA kit. They don't have an Albatros but I think everyone would agree It wouldn't be a mistake to build a DR1. No rigging to fiddle with at the flying field so it would assemble quickly also. Just my two cents worth. Good luck.

deljon · 26 July 2006, 12:57 AM

I agree with John, I just finished a Balsa USA Dr.1 this past spring, easy build and a great flyer.

Del

papermache · 26 July 2006, 01:13 AM

redalb,
If this is your first build, and you want it to be a WWI bird, let me suggest a BUSA Eindecker E III 90. While not exactly 1/4 scale, it's big enough. It's a monoplane, which means you don't have to worry about aligning two wings. It's close enough on scale outline to look the part. Mostly, though, it's a simple, straightforward build with very few difficult spots. The instructions are well written and if you follow them, you won't go far wrong. Build the scale landing gear, add some elastic cord rigging, a pilot and a few of your own details, and you'll be surprised at the outcome. It flies very well on a .90 4-stroke. For covering, you can't go wrong with Solartex. Good luck.

papermache

redalb2253 · 26 July 2006, 01:38 PM

Thanks everyone for your insight it helps I went to Balsa's website and looked and the Tripe looks pretty good and is probably the one I'll do, I've got the Balsa free flight triplane and nieuport in my hobby room flying from the ceiling so I'm at least familiar with Balsa.

stefanP · 26 July 2006, 05:46 PM

I will agree with everybody on balsausa planes fly good.But they are lumber yards in the wood dept.90% of the time you need a gas engine to achive proper balance.You might take a look at www.srbatteries.com offering of the eindecker at 100"w.s. Larry designs a nice plane & they build fast and straight.Good luck ,
stefanP

12 August 2006, 07:31 AM

If you decide to go with an AZM or Proctor or any high end kit, i recommend you find and look over as many different plans as possible. Sometimes technics and details that are needed may not be clear on one set of plans but stand out on another. A good example is the D.Va, I have Proctor, AZM and Pepino plans they are all so close that you could almost inter change parts! I have found that some designers just emphasize some areas more than others. So whether building from a kit or plans I try to get as many sets of plans as possible. E-Bay is a great source for plans.