Topic
Build Guides
Guides and reviews focused on build guides, filtered directly from the article feed.
RC Plane Foam Types Explained: EPS vs EPO vs EPP
EPS, EPO and EPP are three different foams with three different ways of failing. This guide explains how each behaves, how to glue and paint them, and which real models use which.
RC Plane Painting Guide: Foam and Balsa Finishing
A researched guide to finishing foam and balsa RC planes: how to test paint on scrap, which products makers say suit foam, how to mask and spray in thin coats, and when covering film beats paint.
RC Plane Hinge Guide: CA, Tape and Pinned Hinges
Foam, balsa or giant scale, the hinge method follows the airframe. A researched guide to CA, tape, silicone, pinned and pin-point hinges, with maker-documented install tips and the failure modes that matter.
Flite Test RC Planes: Foam Board Kit Guide for Builders
Flite Test sells airframes you glue together, plus matched power packs. This guide maps the lineup from EZ planes to Master Series warbirds and explains what you still have to buy.
Best Foam Board RC Planes for New Builders
A foam board kit is an airframe you glue together, and the electronics are a separate shopping list. This guide lays out what each popular kit needs, how long it takes to build and which power pack fits.
3D Printed RC Planes: Files, Materials and What to Expect
A printed RC plane comes out of your printer one thin layer at a time. This guide covers the main design families, what the designers say about materials and settings, and what to expect in terms of weight, heat and repairs.
RC Plane Glue Guide: Adhesives for Foam, Balsa and Carbon
Foam, balsa, carbon and plastic each want a different adhesive. This guide matches glues to materials using airplane manuals, maker catalogs and a safety data sheet, then covers accelerators, debonders and safe habits.
Foam vs Balsa RC Planes: Which Material Suits You?
Foam and balsa are two different ways into the hobby. This guide compares them on repair, assembly time, covering and what each box leaves for you to buy, using manufacturer manuals and specifications.
Vintage Balsa RC Kits You Can Still Build Today
Foam got a lot of people flying, but some pilots miss the smell of wood glue and the plan table. This guide covers classic balsa RC kits that makers still list, with their published specs, and how to pick one.
RC Plane Wiring Guide: Connections, Order and Checks
There is no single wiring diagram for every RC plane, but the same few connections repeat on every electric build. This guide walks through them using maker manuals and datasheets.
RC Plane Covering Guide: Applying MonoKote and UltraCote Film
Covering is the step that separates a clean airframe from a wrinkled one. This guide uses Horizon Hobby's MonoKote and UltraCote documentation for temperatures, sequence, trim and repairs.
Beginner RC Plane Kits: What Is in the Box and What You Still Need
A beginner kit is rarely a complete plane. This guide separates foam, balsa and ARF kits, lists what is usually missing from the box, and compares real kits using the makers' own specifications.
Balsa RC Plane Kits: How to Choose, Build and Power One
Balsa kits are the slow, satisfying road into RC flying. This guide explains kit types, how to read wing loading, compares the SIG kits that are currently listed, and walks through the build stages.
How to Build an RC Plane From Scratch: Foam, Balsa or 3D Print
Building your own RC plane is realistic for a first-timer if you pick the right method and a proven design. This guide compares foam board, balsa and 3D printing and walks through build, setup and first-flight checks.
RC Plane Landing Gear Guide: Fixed, Tailwheel and Retracts
Landing gear decides how an RC plane behaves on the ground, and retracts add a layer of complexity most builders underestimate. This researched guide covers gear types, hardware that is actually in stock, and what the retract maker manuals specify.