Model aeroplane building materials ( on a budget)

by The different designer | August 19, 2017 | (0) Posted in Tips

For as long as I can remember being involved in building and flying free flight model aeroplanes ( since I was five years old!) and radio controlled model aeroplanes, I've always bemoaned the sheer expense in purchasing expensive building materials, such as covering tissue and dope, which isn't really suitable for the harsh excesses of Ireland's climate. Even more expensive, were RTF (ready to fly) models, which gave me sterling service starting off, but overall I could not really grow my interest in the hobby with. Being  store bought models, they could not satisfy my increasing appetite to start designing and flying my own model aeroplanes. 


In 2013 I encountered Flite Test for the first time, and a few years later, began my first scratch-build project from Flite Test plans. The reason for the wait was because I had to wait until 5mm foamboard became widely available in Office Supply shops in Ireland. After a while I gained enough courage to post up my first Flite Test article, a review on the Tiny Trainer as a free flight chuck glider. LINK HERE!   

Before this, I had really gotten into my stride, evaluating a wide range of cheap materials, such as the ubiquitous foamboard and bbq skewers, and various types of covering materials. After trying a wide variety, I decided to publish my personal favourites in this video. 



I hope you find this video informative in obtaining cheap building materials for model planes. I certainly had my problems getting materials at a reasonable price starting out, and I hope my video aids you in purchasing affordable scratch-building materials. 

If you are interested in building and designing things in general, head over to my Youtube channel through my video link. If you would like me to build or design something, then please do leave a comment to my video, and I'll see what I can do! In the meantime, consider subscribing for more DIY how-to videos and some awesome up and coming projects! 

All the best, 

Finn.

 

COMMENTS

JamesWhomsley on September 2, 2017
Very nicely written and great video :)
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The different designer on September 4, 2017
Thank you very much. Truth be told I was rather inspired by your video on how to waterproof foamboard . I saw it and thought, wow, now I want to make a how-to on model plane construction! :)
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JamesWhomsley on September 4, 2017
It's great to hear that I've inspired something to be made! :)
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mikeflight on September 9, 2017
The waterproof foam-board and Flitetest waterproof kits are available in the UK, from Leeds model shop. I live in Scotland and my first FT kit, which is the tiny trainer, came from Germany. I don't think postage from the UK to Ireland would be expensive. Great video and info Finn.
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The different designer on October 5, 2017
Thanks. I'll definitely check it out. Getting a waterproof foamboard kit would be very advantageous for a flying boat like the Ft Sea Duck.
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GremlinRC on September 15, 2017
Great work Finn. Where do you fly? I've been building and flying FT planes for years in Dublin.
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The different designer on October 5, 2017
Its awesome to know there's another Flite Test fan in Ireland! I mainly fly in Co. Waterford, which has some nice places to fly in.
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Dan8311 on November 1, 2017
Great video but the back round music was too loud for me to hear you clearly.
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Peteohms on December 30, 2017
Music WAY to loud.
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Model aeroplane building materials ( on a budget)