Strange to say but once you have mastered the
basics of building a model airplane and have a few spare bits lying
around your workshop or garage it becomes very easy to produce your
very own design of RC model airplane. Simple Plastic Airplane Design
(SPAD) is really cheap and fun alternative to constructing expensive
remote controlled model airplanes kits.
The concept of SPAD started in the late 90's and
has evolved into a highly detailed and solid method for building RC
model airplanes. While using traditional building materials and
techniques can take weeks or months to put an airplane together,
applying the SPAD concept can reduce the build time down to days, or
even hours.
SPAD materials are widely available and are less
expensive than those used in standard balsa model airplane kits. Plans
and help for building a SPAD can be found online and are completely
free. The best part about flying a SPAD is its survivability when it
comes to the inevitable crashes as your enthusiasm gets away from you!
The basic RC model airplane SPAD concept revolves
around using inexpensive building materials that can be found at local
hardware stores and sign shops - or even picked up for nothing from
builders cast-offs. While the materials required for constructing a
SPAD vary from one design to another, the basic materials used include;
PCV downspout pipe for the fuselage, CoroPlast(corrugated platic) sign
material for the wings and controls surfaces, HDPE cutting boards for
firewalls and landing gear blocks, and CA (superglue) to hold
everything together.
Because of the simplicity involved in putting a
SPAD RC model airplane together, even an inexperienced modeler can
complete the job in a single weekend. A basic fuselage made from PVC
downspout can be made in a matter of minutes, CoroPlast wings and
control surfaces in just a few hours, and all the miscellaneous parts
to complete the project in just a few hours more. Acquiring the
materials needed for a RC model airplane SPAD project may require no
more than a trip to the local hardware store and a few phone calls to
local sign shops.
Aside from these readily available materials,
there are a few other items that you will need; self tapping sheet
metal screws, zip ties, a utility knife and a few wood
sticks(4mmx27mmx1m Pine lathing/lattice). Other items needed to
complete your RC model airplane, such as wheels, landing gear and
control arms, will need to be fabricated or purchased from your
favorite hobby store.
Plans for building a SPAD RC model airplane are
available online, free of charge, from many different sources.
SpadToTheBone.com, the original home for the RC model airplane SPAD
concept, has plans to suit just about anyone. From the ever popular
trainer called the Debonair, to the more sophisticated Coro Edge 540
sport/funfly model. A community has been built around the RC model
airplane SPAD concept at SpadWorld.net where model builders from all
over the globe help each other learn better and more exciting ways to
make SPADs.
One of the greatest benefits to building with the
RC model airplane SPAD materials is just how tough they are. Whether
you're trying a new aerobatic maneuver and just can't seem to pull out
of it, or just learning to take off for the first time and cartwheel
your airplane down the runway, the chances that your plane will survive
are very good. Compared to easily breakable balsa, plastic is a very
forgiving material that can survive higher impact speeds without damage
- and is easily fixed when broken.
Ease of construction, low cost and survivability
all add up to a package that encourages modellers to experiment with
design concepts and methods that extend the envelope of their
experience and knowledge. Why not give it a go yourself?
Article Source: http://
www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/model-
airplanes-from-builders-castoffs-26127.html About the Author
Bruce Bird makes it easy for the beginner to
quickly get a grasp of the broad range of exciting activities that make
up airplane modeling. Visit his website to receive his FREE 5 part
mini-series and to find out more about rc
model airplanes. | 