Newbie needs advice

[chadthedad]

I'm so new to this hobby that I haven't even purchased anything yet.

After doing online research my plan is to start learning to fly with a foamy super cub and then after I get that down moving to a .40 or .60 trainer.

My ultimate goal is to build and fly a 1/4 scale Piper J-3 Cub.

I've never build a balsa model before. I've read that the 1/4 scale cubs are fairly straight forward to build. I would like to start building it over the winter but I'm not sure if it would be a good fit for my first build.

My question is.... Should I first build a few smaller planes before trying the larger cub or is it easier to build a larger plane to start with.

Any info or suggestions would be great.

Thanks,

Chad

(If I posted this in the wrong room please move to the appropriate spot)

[askforplanes]

Welcome to Flying Giants! If the foam cub is the parkzone cub, that is what I learned on and it is a nice plane.

JP

[BobPhx]

Hi Chad and Welcome!

Here is my advice, worth every penny you paid for it:

1. While you are flying your foamy, build a Sig Kadet or a Goldberg Eagle II. They are both great trainers, and they are good kits for a first build. This way you get your building experience started, and if you ever pile one in (that never happens, of course) you are well prepared to make the necessary repairs. Maybe even make it a tail dragger so you can get that flying experience as well.
2. Regarding a scale cub, the rule of thumb for almost any scale plane is that the more scale it is, the more complex and challenging the build will be. So you might think about a less-than-exact-scale cub for starters.

Large planes are not harder to build, they can even be easier (more room to work) so I would not let that deter you.

Good luck!
Bob

[flyingfoam]

I just started flying and I bought the super cub lp and it has been an awsome plane. It can also handle alot of crashes!!!

[tomascratchbuild]

are you thinking of building off of plans, or scratch build? i would build a balsa kit first. if you go to my page i have an album of a mini 36'' glider that i scratchbuilt, with my own plans. its a simple build, yet the smallest wrong cut will somewhat warp the fuse. but a few mini balsa's like a balsa cub just to learn certain tips and tricks to build; beveling, sanding, tapering, all that good ol' crap. i think it takes 1 balsa kit to learn how its done, and 3 to get good at them. hey, best wishes, and hope to hear bout some kits, and see some pics! oh yeah, if your goin 1/4 scale, pretty expensive, so get a sim, and practice youre but off!
tomascratchbuild