Build Your Own Model Plane
Making a model from a kit or plans is easier than you think!
Change in the RC model plane world typically occurs gradually. In the past, modelers built their all of their own planes and produced a wide variety of original designs. Modeling tools, building materials and techniques remained fairly static over time.
1908 rubber band powered model airplane plan
This approach to modeling started to change rapidly after 2005. A revolution in electronics technology produced practical miniature radio control sets that could fit into indoor RC model planes. Lightweight lithium polymer battery technology matured such that electric power became the standard for RC planes large a small. At the same time, manufacturing techniques permitted the sale of ready to fly models in a vast arrangement of configurations. You could purchase a complete foam RC model airplane such as the Aero Ace - to include the battery, transmitter, charger and airplane - for under $35.
The proliferation of affordable and well performing ready to fly models was a boon for RC pilots everywhere. Aviators could easily accrue a large flying fleet that would have been impossible to assemble in the days when all RC model aircraft had to be constructed by the owner. But the RTF revolution came with a small cultural cost in that many modelers entered the hobby without the necessary skills to build their own model planes.
Ready to fly RC planes
I fully embrace and support ready to fly RC model planes. I have many of these remarkable models in my flying collection. However, there is a sound benefit in being able to build your own RC models.
Nice rendition of a Fokker Eindecker
For starters, once you can make a model on your own there is an almost unlimited world of model aircraft plans available for you to build from. For the indoor pilot, many of these plans were drawn for rubber powered free flight designs. The lightweight design of these aircraft lends themselves ideally to micro RC flight. You will need to add reinforcement to a few areas, such as the motor mount and RC gear bay, to allow for electric indoor flight. These changes are minor in nature and can be made without difficulty.
Laser cut Pietenpol Air Camper in flight
There are a wide variety of kits that create pleasing indoor RC model airplanes. The combination of Computer Aided Design with laser cutting technology has produced an entirely need class of precision fitting balsa kits. The laser cut balsa parts actually fall out of their sheets. Companies such as Stevens AeroModel produce airplane kit parts, as for the Pietenpol Air Camper (picture at right) with such exactness that you literally assemble the model before everything is glued in place with CA.
The design of these ground breaking kits is unique and varies between different models. Most require an illustrated photo manual to complete. The construction sequence, while different from methods previously used, is easy to follow and results in very fast construction. For example, I built the laser cut LiddleRod in a single day and the Pietenpol over two weekends.
Micro RC gear allows practical indoor RC flight
Start at the beginning
The key point in building your own RC model plane is to just do it. It can be a daunting challenge if you have never created a model on your own. Recall that everyone has to start somewhere. For your first model airplane building project, select an aircraft that uses conventional assembly procedures. An aircraft such as a high wing trainer would be a great start. Check also that the model has an illustrated assembly guide to ensure you follow the proper procedures on this first build.
Guillows balsa model airplane kits can be converted to RC flight
If you get stuck, seek the help of a fellow club modeler to provide advice. If you do not know of someone who can aid you consider visiting the local hobby shop for contacts or check out an internet forum such as RC Groups. Experienced modelers are always available to assist new members. Remember, we all started with no experience in the hobby. A defining characteristic of RC pilots everywhere is a desire to give back to newcomers.
As you gain experience and success with progressively more challenging RC model projects, you will gain a solid foundation of modeling skills. You will find yourself making design changes in any aircraft that you build. You could reinforce a weak area, reshape a tail outline, or even add something like retractable landing gear.
Create your own design
Each project increases your modeling skills. The ultimate achievement with building your own model airplane is to create and fly your own design. This can be done by any modeler. As described here, here and here, there are several paths to designing an original RC model airplane. Consider adding foam with balsa to construct your model. Just like with learning basic construction skills, adopt the same approach with RC plane design. Start with a basic aircraft layout. Get airborne with this first effort and move on to your next project. When you have a few designs complete, send them out for publication in one of the modeling magazines!