GALTECH MODELS - R/C Planes, Helicopters, Cars, Boats & more

No! Balsa model airplanes are not difficult to build by someone who can master a few basic woodworking skills-primarily the use of a modelling knife and a sandpaper block. A typical kit includes all of the parts to build the basic airframe of the model, plus step-by-step instructions for putting the parts together. The radio, engine, fuel tank, wheels, covering material, and glue are purchased separately. Construction time for a typical trainer model will be about 50 to 75 hours.

A few basic tools are needed for building balsa model airplane kits:
· FLAT BUILDING BOARD (You can push pins into, large enough to build half of the wing)
· MODELING KNIFE (any sharp craft knife will do)
· RAZOR SAW (Dubro or similiar)
· NEEDLE NOSE- PLIERS
· SMALL SCREWDRIVERS
· T-PINS
· DRILL and a set of TWIST-DRILL BITS (1mm thru 6mm dia.)
· SANDING BLOCK and assorted SANDPAPER
· SOLDERING IRON and rosin core SOLDER
· HEAT SEALING IRON for applying iron-on coverings.
These tools are the start of a typical model builder's workshop. While you can build most model airplane kits with these few basic tools, there are other tools that can make the job easier-a Dremel tool, jig saw, disk sander, razor plane, different size modelling knives, etc. If you stay with the hobby, you will eventually want to add other tools to your shop.

GALTECH MODELS is a good place to start asking questions. We know about the R/C activity in the area and can get you in touch with the local flyers and model club. As we run a nationwide mail-order service we can also give you contact names and phone numbers for just about anywhere in New Zealand, and being active modellers and fliers ourselves we will ensure you talk to the right people.
R/C MODEL CLUBS can also be of great help to the newcomer. Go to their flying field and talk with the club members. Don't be shy! Tell them that you are thinking about getting started in R/C and ask for advice on a suitable first model for yourself. Learn from their experience! MODEL AIRPLANE MAGAZINES are also excellent sources of information. R/C has its own language of terms and nicknames, and reading model magazines will help you learn the terminology.

Like any leisure time activity, R/C has some one-time start up costs. The initial investment might seem high to the newcomer, but once you are established with a model, engine, and radio, the costs stabilize and can be as much or as little as you want to spend. Engines and radios last for many years. With a little maintenance they rarely wear out. In fact, you can build and fly several different models and use the same engine and radio in them all. So the question "How Much Does it Cost?" will depend on your future goals in the hobby. To start, let's take a look at the cost of a typical beginner's package. You will need:

Link here to the special Package Deal.

Modern radio control systems have a range of I to 2 kilometres. However, it is very rare that a model airplane is ever flown that far away. A model with a wingspan of 1.5 - 2 metres will become a small speck in the sky at 1/2 kilometre out, so you will rarely fly at that distance because it is almost impossible to see what the model is doing. Most R/C flyers keep their models within 200 or 300 metres of themselves.

A typical trainer model usually flies in the neighbourhood of 80kmh (50mph). More advanced stunt models will fly a little faster, at about 120 to 160kph . And for the real expert, R/C racing models often fly at 200kph. or more. With the advent of gas turbine power jet aircraft speeds in excess of 300Kph are easily achieved.

A common misconception among the general public is that control of the model is lost if the engine quits in flight. That is not true! The radio system will still function normally since it is powered by its own on-board battery. If the engine quits in flight you simply glide the model in for a landing.

Yes you can, these are called ARTFs (Almost Ready to Fly) and their popularity has grown hugely since the mid 90's due to the convenience and quality. However a percentage of the models that you see at the flying field were built from a kit by the flier himself. Balsa wood is the primary construction material in model airplane kits because of its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio. There is an old saying in the R/C hobby that "Balsa Flies Better!"