I started by making my first plane, Sapphire, with a partner making an identical Ruby. These are the Flitetest Simple Cub. We started with their laser cut kit, which was a nice time save and way to start.
Current state:
Being my first, I learned on it, at first and a 3 channel. It also meant I crashed and broke it a lot. Each time wasn't too bad to fix, usually just glueing it back together. The only pieces I replaced was the vertical stabilizer and twice the motor pod.
After some time I added ailerons as well for 4 channel. I really wish I'd built it with ailerons in the first place because bank and yank is so much more natural to me.
These were great first planes, and good to learn on. I don't fly Sapphire as much now, but still fun and quite flyable today.
Construction in progress:
Later adding ailerons:
Replacement motor pod (probably the second one):
At one point I had wheels for Sapphire, but they were lost in one of my tree crashes while I was still learning.
I started with Flitetest style construction. So foam board, a hobby knife, hot glue and packing tape. The simple, low cost and accessible construction was important as a gateway for me.
I've expanded to include thin plywood, carved XPS foam, laminating film and carbon fiber tubes and rods. This is an ever evolving set of techniques. Eventually I'll try fiberglassing.
After a long period of having planes stacked around, and getting to the point that was no longer manageable, I've taken to storing them on the ceiling of my basement. It has a drop ceiling, and I used simple hooks and some ribbon as slings to mount them. This is doable notably because these models are all light.
Since building it, I often use my Pattern/Plan Projector. Even if I'm not making an existing plan, I often use it to pull up references for parts and measurements.
I've wanted to paint the planes to better fit their themes, but honestly, have simply never gotten around to it.
The collection of things I have gotten and been using. (updated as needed)
Turnigy FS-i6 transmitter. My original TX, now relegated to a student radio. It's cheap, fantastic range, and supports telemetry. The only things I've missed have been voice read out of telemetry, and occasionally extra channels or mixes. This is a hobby king rebrand of Flysky.
Radiomaster TX16S. Latest transmitter and first foray into OpenTX. A high learning curve, but I love it. The power in mixes, special functions, voice assist, it's really great. I've set it up to work as a trainer with the Flysky as a student.
Turnigy iA6 and iA6B receivers (Flysky rebrand)
Turnigy nanotech 3S batteries, 1300, 2200 and 4S 3000
Turnigy 9g servos. These are my default, and have only ever had an issue with one (stripped gear) due to a crash
I've long wanted to get into RC planes, but never did because for so long it was a super expensive and time consuming prospect. This was back when the electronics were expensive, nitro was the only practical motor, and planes were always covered stick built. Over time this changed. I was vaguely aware of advances, but it was the Maker Hanger series which really struck me and made me realize it was now possible.
Even still, at that point my life had too much stress and things going on that I didn't have time to dig in.
Eventually in early 2019 the time was right. I decided to pick up enough to build a Flitetest Simple Cub, using their cut foam kit and the rest of the parts and transmitter from Hobby King. I did this as a project with a partner, each making one. These were Ruby and Sapphire.
(This is a product photo, not mine)
We self taught to fly, without assistance. Many crashes and repairs later and I got the hang of it. One major advantage to low cost foam board airplanes like this is that they are easy and cheap to repair pretty much any crash.
Interests
My interest, from the start to now is building and flying. I don't have interest in buying commercial models, nor do I have much interest in the true modeling side of making planes look like real ones. Besides, doing that level of detailed modeling means more time invested in a plane, which will eventually crash.
Regarding planes and types of flying, I've liked gliders as well as more sport models. I've long wanted to try DLG and high start gliders. Designing and building remain a key interest, preferring to make my own rather than purchasing.
Quinn
