How to Build Radio Controlled Airplanes from Plans

The building of radio controlled airplanes from a plan, is somewhat different, as compared to building from a kit.

The RC airplane plans will be more detailed than the assembly drawing that is usually supplied with most kits. It must show every part, full size.

For the best selection of scale aircraft plans we recommend Jerry Bates Plans. All of Jerry's plans are of excellent quality and of proven performance. Click here or on the logo to the left to visit his website.

If you prefer, you can make your own kit, by cutting out all the parts, or you can use our Custom Laser Cutting Service-please click here for further information.

Transferring the Part Shape .

If you decide to produce your own kit, then you must transfer the part shapes to balsa and ply.

Carbon paper can be used (If you can find some-does any one use this stuff any more?) I have also used a pin to pierce through the plan into the wood, but this does mark the plan.

There is a product called SEE TEMP that is especially useful. It is a clear, stiff, plastic material, that is laid over the plans and the part shape can be traced or scored onto the plastic. This material is now available from Dynamic Balsa-click here to visit there website.

You can also cut the part shape directly from the plans and use a glue stick to adhere the paper to the wood. If you do not wish to cut the original plans the you can photo-copy the relevant parts. Please ensure that the copies are the same scale as the original.

A tip I learned from Top Flite is to have a small scale version of the plans available for reference. If you are building from a set of my plans then I will make a set of small scale plans available to you. When you have parts being built over the plans it is very useful to be able to refer to this small set. Use the form on the "Contact us" page and I will make sure you receive a set.

The best way to approach the project, is to make yourself the "PRIME CONTRACTOR."

If you have decided to use our laser cutting service then order the parts. Click here for more information.

Take a look at the hardware requirements-if you need to purchase parts, then start a list. (Wheels, tank, control horns, etc.,etc.,)

Please note that stock size balsa and hardwoods need to be obtained, as well. The advantage you have now, is that you can choose the best balsa for the job at hand!

Never use the rock-hard balsa, that a lot of hobby shops seem to stock. The nice medium grades will do well, in most applications, and the softer grades will bend easier, without splitting, making them good for sheeting.

Please realize that the final weight of the complete model is, to a large extent, determined at this stage. Select the wood carefully and for its application!

If other parts need to be made-to-order, then now is time to get them organized and on order.

Before starting construction it is necessary to protect the radio controlled airplane plans from glue and adhesive. Wax paper has been used for this purpose and works well.

Adhesives to Use.

For all the balsa to balsa joints there is really only one glue to use. I refer of course to the CA glue. CA is an acronym for CyanoAcrylate. The most popular form is "Crazy Glue", but do not use this for radio controlled airplane construction.

The local hobby shop will stock a wide range of CA glue. Hot Stuff and Zap are examples of glues that are especially formulated for model construction. They are available in three thicknesses- thin for general construction, medium and thick. The thicker grades will dry slower and fill larger gaps than the thin.

An accelerator is also available, but be careful, too much use can make the joints brittle and weak.

Thin CA must have tight joints to allow the glue to "wick" and penetrate. Under these conditions the set time is almost instant.

Please use in a well ventilated area. A small fan is a great idea to blow the fumes away. Some people find themselves allergic to the fumes. There is a grade of CA that is odorless. It is primarily used for joining foam parts (regular CA will melt foam) If even the odorless type is a bother to you then I am sorry to say that CA is not for you!

The alternative glues to consider in the construction of radio controlled airplanes are the ALIPHATIC RESIN glues, such as Titebond and Elmers. Before the CA glues were available this and model airplane glue were the only glues available for constructing  radio controlled airplanes.

For hardwood and plywood joints these white glues are the way to go. As these joints will not allow the adhesive to penetrate, CA may not be the first choice. The drawback is drying time. White glue can take up to 24 hours to set completely! During this time the parts must not move and some form of clamping is required.

One use for the white glues that may be unique is that of laminating by using heat. A thin coat is applied to both surfaces and allowed to dry. (Thin with water to a  cream like consistency) Now use your iron to activate the adhesive and bond the two surfaces together.

I have successfully used this technique for the following applications-

1. Bonding 1/16 inch sheeting to a foam core.
2. Applying 1/16 inch sheet to a wing leading edge, over ribs.
3. Laminating balsa to make "balsa plywood"- e.g. 3-layers of 1/16 inch balsa to replace 3/16 inch balsa sheet. Lighter and much stronger!

The final adhesive to consider for use in constructing radio controlled airplanes are the EPOXY RESINS. These are used where maximum joint strength is required. Attaching the firewall bulkhead to the fuselage, joining wing panels, gluing the tail plane to the fuselage. These are examples of where to apply epoxy.

Epoxy resins are usually supplied as a two part mix. Mix equal amounts on a plastic or disposable surface using a spatula. Use rubbing alcohol as a solvent to clean-up. They are available in different drying times.

5 Minute Epoxy is used the most in my workshop. This is the weakest of the epoxies, but still more than strong enough for the majority of applications.

30 Minute Epoxy is the highest strength glue I use. It is also used, thinned 50/50 with rubbing alcohol, to fuel proof all wooden structures within the engine compartment.

Finishing Resin is also an epoxy that is easy to sand and is primarily used for surface finishing of radio controlled airplanes. If there are sheet covered surfaces that will later be painted then some form of primer or under surface is required. Finishing resin, thinned 50/50, can be applied direct to balsa surfaces or used with light (1/4 oz.) fiber glass cloth.

When the framework of your radio controlled airplane has been built from the model airplane plans, it probably requires covering with some type of fabric or film-click here for more details of the methods available.

If you would like to add details to your model, such as rib stitching and rib tapes, or apply a realistic aluminum finish, or apply panel lines and rivets-please click here.

To finish off, your pride and joy, add that finishing touch-those special decals-click here for more information.

Of course, all parts of radio controlled airplanes are critical, but maybe the wing is the most important. For detailed information on wing building-click here.

For details on fuselage construction-click here.

For info on tail surfaces-click here.

If you would like a complete, laser cut kit of parts, for your project-click here.

To return from this page-" How to Build Radio Controlled Airplanes from Plans" to the Home Page-"RC Airplanes Simplified"-please click here.

Please note that RED ROCKET is an on-line hobby shop with a huge selection of planes and now offer International Shipping. They guarantee to have the lowest prices and have excellent customer service. Why buy anywhere else?

Companies That I  Can Recommend When Building Radio Controlled Airplanes

For aluminum landing gear and wing tubes- www.tntlandinggear.com

For scale mufflers, particularly for 4-strokes-http://www.keleo-creations.com/

For excellent 2-stroke and gas engine mufflers-http://www.bissonmufflers.com/en/index.html

PLEASE NOTE.

Many (if not all), of the links mentioned in the text above, are not yet active! Please be patient!-This is a NEW site and I have not yet written those pages! Check back often, to see my progress.