Using RC plans to build your very own model airplane from scratch can be quite a feat, but as you’ve arrived at this page its likely that you’re determined to give it a red hot go and see this project right through to the end. Scratch-building will go a long way to improve your understanding of aerodynamics, rc engines and batteries – all of which will make you a better flyer, and the envy of many as your masterpiece takes to the skies.
Getting Started – Choose your RC plans
The logical first step is to track down some rc plans for the type/s of rc aircraft you’d like to build. They’re not usually all that expensive, you may even be able to find some free plans online that are quite suitable, but spending a few extra dollars to get quality model plans is probably wise, considering the time you’re likely to invest in the project.
Plenty of RC enthusiasts choose to build their airplanes from plans as it gives them control over the materials used, i.e. balsa or fibreglass, and offers the design flexibility that many rc pilots wish they could get from regular ARF aircraft kits.
Once you’ve decided what medium you’d like to construct your plane out of, you’re going to want to get those plans onto your building materials. You’ll want to have more that one copy of the plans (make a photocopy if you must). You could then trace the design outline firmly with a pen, or you could use a lacquer thinner method to transfer the ink onto the fibreglass or balsa.
The next step would be to carefully, both for safety reasons and because of the attention to detail required, cut out all the parts. An x-acto knife is a good choice and should be easy enough even on the smaller parts.
Kiona Publishing sell RC Plane Plans on Amazon
But this article was supposed to be about rc plans, and scratch-building rc planes seems to be a bit of a dying art so go forth and find a plane you’d love to build from scratch, track down some decent plans and dive right on in, You won’t regret it.
Our favourite site for Free RC Plans – where you can download all sorts of plans and you’re able to share what you have with the community as well.