Advice wanted on what equipment needed to build from a kit

[Darwil]

As above, I've not built anything from a kit for over 40 years and would like to know what tools I would need to build this:
[url]http://www.evolution-models.com/evolution-fun-fly-model-aeroplane-kits/the-new-electric-fusion-fun-fly-radio-controlled-aeroplane-kit.html[/url]
I'm looking to get it early in the new year so need to know what tools I need so I can ask for them for Christmas pressies.
Also having no experience of using new covering materials doesn't help any advice on the above would be most welcome.
Thanks
D

[Si_B]

I built one of these this year which I flew at Hop Farm. You will not need anything special, but a razor saw is really useful for cutting all the strip material. I use a perma grit sanding block which is a bit over the top, but you can make something just as easily by sticking sandpaper to a hard backing etc. I built mine with Alphatic resin which isn't the fastest method, but gives strong flexible joints. You could use cyno, but be careful around the Depron ribs or they will disappear in from of your eyes.

There is no plan with the kit, but it fits together so well, you don't really need one (instructions are very clear). Unlike building from a plan, you don't really need any specail tools to build this kit. You will need a good soldering iron or small blow torch to do the soldering on the undercarriage though.

[IMG]http://i569.photobucket.com/albums/ss132/Si_B_photos/fusion.jpg[/IMG]

[Si_B]

Just saw the second part of the of message. My model is covered in Solafilm, which can be tricky but just takes a bit of practice. I used to use my Mum's iron as a kid and covered loads of models, but a dedicated covering iron is a lot easier to work with. I have a heat gun, but very rarely use it, I just tend to use the covering iron to shrink everything.

Covering iron [URL="http://www.sussex-model-centre.co.uk/shopexd.asp?id=5151"]here[/URL]

When I built my model, it is much easier to get everything built and covered and then assemble it like a ARTF. This makes covering a lot easier as the horizontal and vertical stabs are a lot easier to cover before they are glued into the fuz.

If you have any problems just ask. I fly with the guy who designed and sells the model.

[Darwil]

Thanks, useful info there - how do you actually apply the covering, the last time I did this sort of thing it was glue the tissue or silk on and then dope it - so I've not really got a clue how you do it now. I understand the need to heat shrink the stuff so as to do the same thing as doping tissue or silk; can't wait to get started, really do like this sort of plane, I've got a Freeair Blast at the moment I'm having fun with - thought it was a good idea while I'm still learning to fly - EPP bounces well doesn't it and it's easy to fix.
Anyway thanks again will probably be in touch when I start the build.
I've already spoken to Gavin and have to say he's a good bloke - on the end of the phone if I need help that's great! The Plane itself - well what can you say, I was looking at the Weston Cougar but when I saw how much the electric version costs rapidly lost interest, plus the Fusion kick ass out of the Cougar you only have to look at the competition results! Can't wait to get started :rofl:

[Cagey]

Hi Darwil,If you're still intersested on Solarfilm application techniques, PM me your address and I'll send you a Solarfilm DVD which really explains all you need for a pro finish.

[Darwil]

That would be really great, thanks fot the offer - pm you my address.
I put this same topic on RCMF yesterday lunch time; plenty of views but no feedback, so can't be ar53d with that lot - signed out PERMANENTLY!!!
Stick to the forum where people are prepared to help!!!
I'm making no secret that at the moment the dark side seems to have taken me over a bit, but I shall never give helis up, they are too interesting.

[Si_B]

Both sides of the hobby are great fun for different reasons. I'm amazed at how far some go to slag of parts of the hobby they don't participate in. You will have a great time with that model, just make sure you build it straight !!!.

I bought a SLEC fuselage jig, which is a great piece of kit for keeping things straight. Never used one before, but wouldn't be without it now !!

[Darwil]

I'll have a look at those I can see me needing one if I want to build something else, a glider perhaps...who knows?

[bikerflier]

Great to build something but they are so expensive compared to ARTF. Glue, covering, servos electronics when so much of this comes with the ARTF these days.
Have fun, build it straight and make sure you make a left and right wing if they are separate. Favourite mistake of many when two halves to wing.
Practice covering on spare balsa before you do the model, watch the heat, nothing more frustrating when nicely finished and you give it one last touch and you go through it.

[Si_B]

I agree with the upfront cost of an ARTF until you have your first accident. With a model you've built yourself, you know how its made and the best way of repairing/replacing parts, you will probably have left over covering for the repairs etc.

I see so many ARTF's thrown away after the smallest bump, as the cost of repairing them is not worth it. This is where I think a kit or plan built model comes into it's own, plus the fact it will be something you have built..........you just don't get that with a ready built model.

[Darwil]

I have learned that the hard way with my ST Discovery trainer, about a month ago it did a soil hardness test courtesy of the bloke who way buddying me - it was inverted about 50' up and he throttled up to flip and it dived into the dirt full tilt! When we got to it it was beeping so the esc/bec were suspect, when I got the remains home the battery only had 10.4 volts in it (3S 2200 25C Gens ace lipo) so me not being an expert thinks I smell a rat; but I can't do anything about it can I?

[bikerflier]

The satisfaction of building is great, I agree, but the dismay and heartbreak when it's in a Sainsbury's bag is far worse.
ARTF are such good quality these days you just can't match them without considerable effort which makes the crash even worse.
So mush easier with heli's, undo a few bolts, put some new bits on and it's like new. Not so easy with self built planes.

I certainly enjoyed my time building, lot of satisfaction but Oh the time taken up when I could have been flying.

Enjoy the build, nice winter project.


[QUOTE=Si_B;757501]I agree with the upfront cost of an ARTF until you have your first accident. With a model you've built yourself, you know how its made and the best way of repairing/replacing parts, you will probably have left over covering for the repairs etc.

I see so many ARTF's thrown away after the smallest bump, as the cost of repairing them is not worth it. This is where I think a kit or plan built model comes into it's own, plus the fact it will be something you have built..........you just don't get that with a ready built model.[/QUOTE]

[Darwil]

Well, since I'm not that good yet I got a 3D foamy slow fly (Freeair Blast) and am really enjoying playing with it! Since seeing a couple of guys at our club flying Weston Cougars and Limbodancers I know that this is the sort of thing I want to do with planes - to cut a long story short the Fusion costs less than the others electrically powered and is a better plane.
I want to build something for the satisfaction of having done it but also it will give me time to improve my skills.
p.s. I'm doing reasonable 3D now on Phoenix without many crashes.

[Darwil]

[QUOTE=Cagey;757401]Hi Darwil,If you're still intersested on Solarfilm application techniques, PM me your address and I'll send you a Solarfilm DVD which really explains all you need for a pro finish.[/QUOTE]
Thanks mate, got the DVD today will be boning up on how to do it as soon as I've got access to the TV, bl&&9y soaps!!!
Can't thank you enough for this, have a really good Christmas & New year.
Darrell
p.s. atually the kit is going to be my 60th birthday present, and it's probably the best birthday present I've had for years; hey ho....joining the old farts brigade!!!