building first airplane

[HPI_freak]

i was wondering if i could build this: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000305804&I=LXK571&P=K and put this: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&W=000305804&I=LXFAH8&P=K to it as well as a radio. i have a 2 channel radio with 2 micro servos, so i was thinking that i could wire the motor directly to the battery, then use the 2 servos for rudder/elevator. would that be too much weight? also, could i cover it with MonoKote instead of tissue? or would that not work?

[HPI_freak]

or is it possible to get this: http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVV61&P=7 and then just install my radio gear into it?

[bigedmustafa]

Upgrading planes like the Flyzone P40F is what that Electrifly kit is designed to do. That ESC (electronic speed control) included in the Electrifly kit does a couple of things:

1) provides throttle management for electric motor
2) provides BEC (battery elimination circuit) to cut motor when voltage gets too low

You need both of these functions. Without throttle management, the plane would be very difficult to control and could climb too fast to be steerable. The BEC function cuts power to the motor but leaves power for servo control during landing.

If you only have a two-channel radio, you could try assigning 1 channel to throttle and the other to rudder. Throttle management can control climb/decent rate. On RTF 2-channel planes, there are usually two motors. Each channel controls a motor and the plane climbs by motor speed and turns by cutting out one of the two motors. A good example of this kind of plane is the Hobbico FlyZone Swiftflyer:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXEWL3&P=0

If you choose to convert a free-flight model like the Guillow's or the Flyzone P40F, you will need to craft push rods and cut out then retape control surfaces (or build up control surfaces for the balsa model).

If you're trying to find an inexpensive way to build a plane by utilizing your 2-channel radio, I'd encourage you to simply try a RTF package like the Swiftflyer. You'll spend less money and have everything you need to fly in one box.

If you've flown these kinds of planes before and you want to build a "real" r/c plane yourself, take a look at something like the Great Planes BLT:

http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXVU20&P=0

You could leave the elevator in a fixed position and simply rely on throttle management to climb or decend, with the rudder to steer. The plane would be ready for a 3rd channel whenever you could afford a more sophisticated radio setup.

GWS also makes several similar models that Tower Stocks. These types of planes are designed for radio control and will be easier to build and fly than a free flight model adapted to r/c.

Since this will be your first airplane build, that is what I'd recommend. Good luck with whatever you decide!

[HPI_freak]

well i just want something i can fly with a 2 channel radio, because i already have one lying around not doing anything and want to make use of it. so i could convert the P-40 and just leave the elevator and use throughtle for elevation? i am looking for a cheap, workable way to utilize my 2 channel radio.

[gatrgof]

Hook up the rudder to your throttle, fast left turn, and slow right turn, try that.