Balsa Build Electric Trainer - Advice Needed

[robbo100]

Hi there,

I am new to RC modelling (well, I once built one when I was a kid, but it had one very very short flight!).

I have a 5 year old son who wants to learn about flight. I thought that RC flying might be a good way to do this, but I don't want to break the bank in the process.

I know he is young, but he is very bright and I really think he would learn the most from building a model from scratch rather than getting a RTF or ARTF (I want him to understand about the structure of the aircraft as part of the learning experience). So I though we could spend a few weeks slowly building a balsa model and then go to our local club together to learn to fly it together (clearly the amount of hands on flying he will be allowed to do may be limited until he is a little older).

To this end, I have been scouring websites for different balsa kits that are compatible with an electric motor. I have found this kit: Mini Moronic which looks ideal. It is small, light and relatively inexpensive (as too will be the RC components), however it doesn't have a great deal of dihedral so may not be particularly laterally stable (which will make it more manoeuvrable but less stable for a novice to fly).

Although this model a reasonable bet, the instructions are somewhat sketchy and although I would be able to follow them, it may be confusing for my son. Do any of the forum members know of any other balsa models which I should consider (either because they will be easier for him (and me) to fly, or because their instructions will make the building experience more enjoyable for him.

Finally, am I being realistic to expect a local club to let me and my son fly the aircraft? How long does training normally take (I am a pilot, so understand the principles of flight, but clearly the control strategies are different from a real aircraft to a model). Is it realistic to expect me to be learn the basics and then fly the model with my son fairly quickly or do most model clubs control novel model fliers tightly? It would be really unfair if he went through the pain of building it, if he couldn't then have a go very early on!

Thanks in advance for your advice

Robbo100

[Richard]

Nice looking kit that, I could almost build one of them myself. Take a look at this site too, just in case you did not come across them: mountainmodels

As for a plane for your 5 year to learn on why not build an EPP kit? The plane would survive a lot more crashes. I'd suggest this http://robotbirds.com/catalog/product_in...ts_id=4378 which comes flat packed for you to build.

[plummet]

When learning to fly you are better with a larger model than with a smaller one. It will be more stable, and react to controls and wind gusts more steadily.

As I understand it the mini-moronic is designed for utmost agility - and so would be a real handful for a beginner.

I would suggest a conventional high-wing trainer with ailerons might be your best bet - although most of these may be fuel rather than electric.

One small electric model that you might consider is the Piwakawaka

I have built one, it is quite easy, and it can be a nice docile model in light winds.

Plummet

[Alan H]

The Mini Moronic is not a beginners model and would have a very short life in inexperienced hands. I agree with Richard that an EPP trainer would be a much better choice, possibly the one in the link or its bigger brother http://robotbirds.com/catalog/product_in...ts_id=2025

[plummet]

Yes but...

Robbo suggested that he liked building. If you have built it - especially from plans, you can mend or re-build it. I may be unlucky, but I have found foamy models prone to twists and warps that are hard to get rid of.

Also, I found learning a lot easier with ailerons that just rudder-elevator. Somehow having to wait to see action from a rudder made it more difficult to know if you were over- or under-controlling.

Any other suggestions for a balsa kit or plan build.

Plummet

[Richard]

You need two planes... one for you (balsa with ailerons) and another for your son (the EPP Freebee, either one)...

Sorted

[robbo100]

Hi all,

Thanks for all the replies.

I definitely don't want to go down the EPP route. I know that there is a good chance that the model will get damaged, but like Plummet says, it can be fixed, and that will be part of the experience for my son (you probably all think I am crazy).

It is unlikely that I will get expenditure approval for two models from the long haired Colonel.

The Piwakawaka looks really nice, but I presume from the fact that the website is selling "Plans" means that it won't include the wood (meaning the ribs will not be pre-cut). This may be a step too far in terms of the level of complexity.

If anyone has any other balsa kit suggestions then I would be very interested.

Thanks again

Robbo100