Freetrading Articles

There are many different routes open to you if you want to fly RC airplanes, you will be able to decide which route is right for you after reading this article; or at least you will know the various options.

There are many different routes open to you if you want to fly RC airplanes, you will be able to decide which route is right for you after reading this article; or at least you will know the various options.

My first suggestion is the fast and easy route of buying a ready built secondhand plane from a local club member or ebay. Athough this can be a great idea, you do need a little luck, as not all airplanes are built by experts!

Ready to Fly

One of the best routes for beginners is "ready to fly" or as its often known RTF. These are often simple park flyers that you can buy from your local toy shop, to the more serious airplanes that you will be able to find at your local model shop (most good model shops also have great websites). These RC Airplanes always come with radio control equipment supplied.

Almost Ready To Fly

Next is also a firm favourite with beginners who are a little bit more hands on, its known as "almost ready to fly" or ARTF sometimes called ARF. These airplanes are in kit form but much of the hard work has already been completed by the manufacturer, and only simple assembly is needed, often in the order of a few hours. They generally come supplied with radio control equipment. These simple assembly tasks are easily completed by the typical DIY enthusiast.

Kit Built

The Intermediate to expert builder will probably buy a true RC Kit. These consist of a kit of parts some pre-cut or formed that enable the enthusiastic model maker to complete every element of the build. All parts that are needed to complete the airplane will be included, so this is a very satisfying way of building your model. The airplane will only need basic hand tools to complete. The time the airplane takes to build will largely depend on how complex the project, and the spare time availabe to the builder.

Scratch build

The final route is scratch built, either from plans, or designed by the builder. Clearly this is the route taken by the expert modellers out there who will probably have completed many projects and will have a well set up workroom. Many plans are available on line as pdf's and some are given as free gifts within specialist magazines, the sky really is the limit and you are only bound by your own imagination.

So we have a multitude of choices in this great hobby, I wish you luck with your flying!