The Best Beginner DIY RC Airplane

[@StephenRosenbach]

Brilliant, Troy! I am an RC newbee, and bought a Turbo Timber 1.5m on the advice of some of the old timers, then proceeded to auger it in. Having seen various Flight Test videos, I thought I'd try those, putting only $40 or so at risk instead of almost $300. I've built and flown the FT Explorer and just finished building SImple Scout. I would love to fly a big plane like the Turbo Timber again, so your video is just what I needed - I think it will make a superb project for the Massachusetts winter. Thanks so much!

[@RockymountainRobert]

I've built many of these, a good way to stabilize the wing is the join two 1/2 inch balsa rods and glue them in the wings, then join them and glue the two wing halfs together, this helps with the g force, so when flying the wings don't snap or fall apart during flight or aerobatics.

[@txdave2]

The airplane itself is awesome, but I want to complement you on the production quality and editing of the video. This is one of the best instructional videos I've watched om KZbin. Well done!

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you David I appreciate the comment. I put a lot of work into editing and filming to make good videos. I am happy you enjoyed it. I like your Mustang Scratchbuild. Nice job on the maiden flight. I hopping to build another foam plane soon. This 60" Timber is my best flying airplane I always take it out with me to fly on the weekends because it flies so well and has long flight time.

[@boxlessthinker1973]

It is very rookie friendly! I appreciate that.

[@jimmynoname4089]

I remember when flitetest was like this....

[@juanplanes3464]

Yes...

[@Rich77UK]

Yeah. It's no longer for the cheap diyer...even their old free plans are hard to get from them!

[@ludviglindh4398]

You just took foam board builds to the next level. Really nice design and the best one I've seen on the internet. When you release the files for it I'll defiantly give it a try

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thanks so much, I really appreciate that! I'm working on getting my notes in order and drawn up.

[@OskarKopecky]

Super work, really looking forward to building one. Best build ive ever seen. Thanks a lot for the possitive affect on the hobby. Great work

[@xavierorellana4798]

@@TroyMcMillan friend, i am building your aiplane desing and i consider is something wrong in the last plan of fusilage 2. I dont get dimensions there. Could you explain better or upload a New plan

[@TroyMcMillan]

@@xavierorellana4798 Thank you for building my plane. It is such an awesome plane you will have fun flying it. What part are you having problems with for fuse 2? For the 3 parts of it windshield, upper and lower fuselage parts I don't have measurements of the exact shape because I used the parts I already have. build as a guide to cut them. So if you build in the order I did in the video you will see how I started with a basic square pice and glued it in plane and used a straight edge to cut the shape I needed. So I don't cut all the pieces out in. the perfect shape and glue it all together you will need to shape and cut each part to fit.

[@xavierorellana4798]

@@TroyMcMillan oh! Thanks so much, ihave started with wing and now i was trying to build fuselage. Now i understand. I m build the half size haha, after i will build the big one you have created!!! So nice job from you, thanks again for answering

[@G56AG]

Very nice. My only negative comment would be the lack of cooling for the motor and the ESC. You need to open up the center hole, or a alternative would be to add holes on each side of the center hole for intake. Just as important as the intake is the exhaust, all the incoming air won't help without a way to get it out, rule of thumb is that the exit hole area should be twice as much as the intake, IE: if you have 2 sq inches of intake, you need 4 sq inches of exhaust. This is necessary as ESC's can easily be damaged from heat, a cool ESC works better and lasts longer. If you look on the bottom of any of the factory made electric planes you will see all the cooling holes, mostly for cooling air to escape.

[@robertgoldbornatyout]

Best BEGINNERS DIY build i've ever seen. THANKS

[@OskarKopecky]

Super work, really looking forward to building one. Best build ive ever seen. Thanks a lot for the possitive affect on the hobby. Great work

[@gryfandjane]

Excellent design and build, and great technique with molding your foamboard! If you haven’t posted this on the Flite Test forum, you really should. I did a similar project by scaling up their Simple Cub to a 50” wingspan (130%), and it’s been my main plane for quite a while now.

[@ukrainianfalcons19]

please tell me where to get a 3d model of such chassis wheels urgently

[@josephsotomayor7661]

EXCELLENT VIDEO. I will need to watch it several times though, as the instructions are a bit fast for me. I know, I have seen other videos for almost two hours, so this is the fast version. One thing I learned was how to make rounded fuselages, as mine (I am a beginner) are always kind of square. I have learned a lot from many videos. This one set them apart. Thank you!

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you Joseph, I appreciate the comment. It is alway a balance in making a video with this much step by step content between not making it two long but also trying to cover everything needed to build a full flying airplane. I hope it is helpful to you. The wing is very easy, the fuselage is a bit more difficult because of all the rounded edges but it definitely makes it stand out against other foam planes I have seen with square edges. I haven't seen anyone build one like this that is why I wanted to give it a try. Let me know if you have any questions along the way. I am happy to help.

[@shademe]

Nice job great plane. Excellent instructions thank you for sharing!

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@almosh3271]

I've been doing scratch building for the past forty plus years. Your method is spot on. She is a good flying plane. Keep up the good work and two thumbs up!

[@Monotoba]

Nice project! I've never built a foamboard plane but have built and flow 100s of balsa planes, foam, and fiberglass planes. I flew with guys in Hemet when they were out off Warren road. I see they have a new field now. Just one comment on terminology. The cross-sectional pieces in the fuselage are calls bulkheads (like on a boat) and the chordwise airfoil-shaped pieces in the wings are ribs. You mix terminology in the video.

[@bradjacobs1844]

You’ve designed and built a great training plane. Also, I like the fact the your video is not a tedious 2 hour video where the builder fumbles his way through the whole build. As was mentioned below, great editing. I look forward to more videos from you in the future.

[@boxlessthinker1973]

Excellent video! The last planes I built were balsa RC kits from many years ago. I have been looking for a cheaper and DIY type of option. You made this look achievable - thank you!

[@katanamd]

You did an excellent job with this! There are a few small things I saw that I would personally do different, but really I can't say anything as this is WAY better than I could do. Main thing I recommend is putting the rubber bands straight front to back, and then only crossing the last ones. You'll get more side to side stability for the same amount of tension.

[@IoannJWazir]

Not the hero we deserve, but the hero we need. Josh bixler in afraid of this man

[@KetilDuna]

Good looks, a clean build and seems very forgiving to fly .. I'll add it to my wish-list. Thank you for sharing.

[@TroyMcMillan]

It actually flies amazingly! It is my go-to for a chill, easy plane to take out and fly. I would definitely recommend! :)

[@grymlock13]

This is amazing! With the newly announced dual motor E-flite Timber (how many versions of the Timber can they make??) I did a search for plans for a foamboard Timber so I can make my own versions.... (tri-motor? EDF?). Who popped up in my search? My favorite scratch/3d printed plane builder, Troy! So cool man! Thanks for the plans!!

[@jps99]

looks like a winner, Troy! Thanks, my parts are all ordered. This will be my first foamie build, but you make it look easy!

[@rva1945]

Nice built. To think that I visited LV 4 times and have no idea of that nice flying field...

[@TroyMcMillan]

Yeah it is really nice!

[@planker]

Like. Now thats how to build stuff, with a knife. Excellent video, it makes my hands want to solder something.

[@MasboyRC]

Great job sir, your plane look so stable to fly. Amazing !!

[@michaelwhinnery164]

I'm really surprised that the plastic gears on those cheap servos didn't strip straight away... I would spend the extra 4 dollars on metal gear servos if it were my build. You will find that the foamboard planes won't win any flying competitions or beauty contest but they are every bit as fun to fly as the 3d printed, balsa, carbon fiber and fiberglass model's. And the best thing about them is it doesn't crush your soul when you crash... and if you fly RC ,,, you will crash. Great build and I'm sure you will have a blast flying this model.

[@zombieprinting2670]

This is awesome and I'll be building this at a later date 100% Thank You! Just building a foam cub with a 19 inch fuselage right now and the tips you provided were just what I was looking for! Great build

[@launcht6353]

Très belle avion, je vais faire le même. Je vais juste y apporter quelques modifications. - Renforcer le stabilisateur avec des tiges carbone - Changer la motorisation, moteur 3542 1000kv avec hélice 12×6. Super avion 👍👍👍

[@spacemonkeykj9496]

brilliant design and tutorial, the curved fuselage is amazing! I am very tempted to build my own to compare its flight characteristics to the "real" timber haha!! you NAILED the look though. just amazing!

[@johanopperman8039]

Excellent build thank you so much for showing us how to build this.

[@robcameron6462]

Do you have the STL for the wheels? They are OOS on Amazon and I would like to print. Thanks! Nice job on the plane!

[@tylerhunt891]

Do you happen to have the rear wheel model? Just got a 3d printer and almost finished this thing plane. Thanks for the video!!

[@FlyTimeRC]

Nice build! Looks like it flies amazing.

[@gerrymorris1698]

Troy,great job!! Please let me know where plans are available I'm a complete noob and definitely need precise guidance Please help with the plans

[@Stillsz75]

Definitely great video. Love the faces you make when your building ....

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you for the comment :) Cheers

[@shanemichaels8289]

Thanks for the help this will be my first build

[@TroyMcMillan]

This is a good first build It flies very well. Have fun with it.

[@shanemichaels8289]

Thank you I’m almost done with the build minus the electronics The windshield is the hardest part of the build to me. It’s coming together nicely

[@TroyMcMillan]

@@shanemichaels8289 Yes the windshield is a bit hard to get right. Have fun with this build let me know how it goes.

[@mikeekim2532]

Thank you for this and the plans, I will build soon☺!

[@bravosierra1856]

Great job. I was inspired with your creative mind and skill in building this beautiful creation usung foam board. Thank you for inspiring me to revive my interest in model building. God bless you more. Boy salas from the phil.

[@InfoWithheld]

Gorgeous build!

[@BillKisel]

Very nice build and she flies beautiful.

[@Rich77UK]

Great build. My only issue is the nigh impossible job of buying foam board in Europe.

[@jps99]

Mine doesn't look nearly as nice as yours, but it flies great! Thanks Troy!

[@eme4289]

Nice plane. I would like to build the same plane but with a larger wing. Do I have to make any adjustments to the fuselage to accommodate the larger wing? Thanks

[@jeffkirk9529]

Very cool build. I liked a lot of your ideas and methods I have not built a single plane yet but putting together ideas, tools and my supplies. what kid of pliers are those you used for the control rods ? Can you post a list of tools etc to help a newbie out ? thanks and I would also love to get these plans if you release them ? Oh and I am currently training at my club we use an Apprentice 1.5 STS might be a good plane to make a DIY plan ?

[@MrZeek101]

Great Build Troy Love how simple it is take care

[@alvandergoot7237]

Hello really liked the video and decided to start building the plane. Something about where you say on the plans to place the spar and were it actually goes is a bit confusing. Looks like on the plans that you have the spar 6 inches from the leading edge of the aileron but when you build im thinking you mean 6 inches from the trailing edge of the aileron. Putting the spar as you have it on the plans almost puts the front of the spar within the leading edge???? Or maybe im wrong. When i watch you measure the bottom wing skin for spar placement looks like you are maesuring 4 inches from the edge that added to the width of the aileron adds upto 6 inches. Maybe im wrong here and i did something wrong when building the wing. Let me know mich appreciated and keep the great content coming.

[@TroyMcMillan]

I think you might have done something wrong, maybe double check the plans

[@skyartrc8286]

Awesome build, I want to build a replica of the timber x

[@jonathanmayfield9218]

Looks like an armin Wing I have done a few they fly Great

[@urusai4777]

Thank you so much😋

[@andreyl2705]

amazing work.

[@alexandrpetrov1110]

Definitely great video. Really nice design.

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you

[@joshmarkobb4513]

Amazing job! I love the ingenuity, and using fusion 360 is a major bonus to have nice work sir! I would love the plans for this build

[@TroyMcMillan]

there is a link in the description of this video for this plane!!

[@turkalpkucur]

amazing work!

[@jtuttle11]

Went to the Amazon link mentioned, and YIKES! This SAME product is available from Flite Test for MUCH less and They are the ones that 'Adams Foamboard' created this product for.

[@shanemichaels8289]

Yeah it’s a cool project but will cost $200+to get off the ground

[@shanemichaels8289]

You can get white sheets at Walmart for 88 cents a piece

[@gshoaf1]

Very good video. Like your flying area

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you, Yes the flying location here is awesome it is on Las Vegas

[@juangabrielarizapico7199]

You are a genius

[@TroyMcMillan]

Thank you

[@rfly-fpv]

Oh damn, in 21st century people still do engineering in imperial system? 95% of world population speaks metric system! Otherwise excellent video! I'm FPV drone guy but now trying to build my own fixed wing. This video helped a lot, thanks!

[@zayirmohammed3475]

Great work! Is it possible to share the actual umx size plan.. I mean the 60% scale down plan to make actual umx timber size plane

[@TroyMcMillan]

You can scale the planes I made to make a smaller version if you don't want to build this large of plane. This one flies really good. The large wing makes it very stable.

[@clovedart7]

nicely done. looking forward to build one. thanks for the video and all the info required for the build. great job 👍🏻

[@grahambate3384]

Gr8 video. Can u do video of 3d Vs foam board. Easy, cost, painting and time. Cheers Graham.

[@AndresGarcia-nb2if]

Bonito diseño gracias por el plano.

[@puristpupa]

Hay Troy, thank you for your nice piece of work it give me inspiration to try to build the plane. I am totally novice in RC-flying. I have one question about the setup of the electronics, do you have a short description of the channel-setup etc.?

[@TroyMcMillan]

I am using an AR620 receiver ESC ch1, Ailerons are on separate channels and I use a Y harness for the flaps.

[@AV-14]

The fuselage is so clean😍 Great video!

[@matteomc7881]

Would this plane be well-suited for a beginner who has never flown an RC plane before?

[@TroyMcMillan]

Yes I would recommend this plane for a beginner flyer. This plane is very stable and will fly very slow with flaps down for a landing you can almost land with no ground role. There is no dihedral to the main wing but it does not need it. The wing has such a large surface area it is stable. It flies a lot better than my first airplane I learned to fly. with a 3ch RTF horizon hobby super cub. Let me know if you need any help when building the planes are in the description. Cheers

[@chuckypilotaus3962]

Thanks for making this available. I am part way through the build. Is the length of the tail critical? I note that you slice some off to make the fuse level at about 5:55 in the video. Would be great if you can please make the stl files for the wheels and front latch available.

[@bagheerasadventures]

Thank you

[@madbren]

Really nice build Troy looking forward to the documentation also if you can give the link as to where you got that particular foam board from as i don't live in the U. S. Cheers Troy.

[@TroyMcMillan]

Hey, thank you! I got the link up for that board from Amazon, it's 20x30 3/16" UCreate Waterproof Foam Board. I've heard other people saying they've used dollar store foam board and that's worked for them also. Cheers!

[@madbren]

@@TroyMcMillan thanks Troy I appreciate that actually my 1st project is a guillows B24 liberator I will be converting that to r/c so hoping that goes well but I will deffinatly give your Cub a try. It be nice sprayed in yellow.

[@ricarmay]

what kind of RC are you using. or what kind would you recommend for beginners

[@cnnlt200]

Very nice!

[@jiroup7390]

Thanks!

[@guily6669]

That's really the easiest wing profile ever :)

[@TroyMcMillan]

Exactly :) Thank you for saying that. It is an easy to build good flying cheap airplane.

[@ozcanavci5167]

Good job, thanks.

[@rva1945]

So as the ailerons are the extension of the upper surface of the wing, in order to follow the angle of the trailing edge, in their neutral position there is some canver?

[@ai2tman]

What's the motor? The link is broken

[@ardimanakimadelle7414]

Good...tell me tricks how to anticipate the gyroscope effect of single propeller??

[@digitaldimension6264]

good morning friend i just finishinh this model and it is my first model .. i have a big problem to calculate my brushless motors battery esc ... plz how to do it... because now i have 3 days search and calculate but no result ... thanks

[@TroyMcMillan]

I have all of the exact links and sizes of every single thing I used in my description of this video! Check that out! Hope it helps.

[@digitaldimension6264]

@@TroyMcMillan yes all materiel used is in link but how do you chose this motors or esc or battery i like to know how to walculate this things and thanks

[@motourge3061]

Can you give the specs on the motor as I cannot find what you used?

[@Lightshaft1]

At last a proper foamboard wing.

[@robyarnold8343]

Nice flying...brooo..

[@martinrhodes4669]

Hi again, I have the materials. What size motor did you use. I already have a 1200KV brushless Graupner.

[@TroyMcMillan]

I used a 2832 1200kv motor for my build with a 10x4.5 prop the links to the parts are in the description. Any motor similar to that size will work good.

[@65Wildkat]

I just found this build, where do I find your plans for building g this?

[@moneyacademy99]

Hi, I would like to build one, but I do not have enough materials to make one. Would a smaller one still work?

[@TroyMcMillan]

Yes you could make this plane basically any size you would like

[@lightpolebluelamaa4207]

Cool build but it was the most difficult rc plane I’ve ever made but I think it was just me

[@stylze5767]

you can also buy this foam board at the dollar store

[@justsayinit6789]

damn good build, nice work, wow

[@johnlandbeckjr3736]

Any suggestions on rounding the fuse glue joints without diminishing the strength? Thanks! John in MD USA

[@MASTER_FLYERSLK]

What is the best plane to make with 1400kv brushless motor, 30A ESC ? (for biginner)?

[@HordaGier]

I watched a few videos but still not sure how to connect the receiver. Your battery is 11.1V while receiver works only up to 6.5V. Where to you take power from?

[@TroyMcMillan]

The battery connects to the ESC that has a servo lead off it attach this to the receiver it powers the receiver with the correct voltage.

[@HordaGier]

@@TroyMcMillan Thank You !!!

[@rcstolpilot]

That looks amazing, gave me some great ideas for my next plane, amazing video, keep going man❤

[@WATCHMEGOBROKE]

Where can i get these plans?

[@Furyman325]

Description

[@showusyaguppysaustralia1515]

Hi mate is that 5mm foam board your using? the Amazon is out of stock atm

[@jagdishram6268]

Nice

[@aircolumbia4571]

Que lindo como despego ..

[@sigh_of_the_times]

Where was this filmed it looks familiar

[@bunyaminozel6289]

Do use 2212 920kv or 2212 1000kv engine instead of 2832 brushless engine.

[@TroyMcMillan]

I used 2832 1190kv brushless for it. The link is in the description to see the one I used, as well as every other item I used to build it

[@motourge3061]

Link is no good.... @@TroyMcMillan

[@johneppstv]

Skillz

[@martinrhodes4669]

Hi Troy, how do I download your plans for this great model?

[@TroyMcMillan]

There is a link in the description for the plans you should be able to click on it and download it.

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Silly me , i was thinking Jarrah ( Australian mahogany sorta ) Kinda heavy.

[@pieterpretorius1014]

would look real nice with laser cut balsa

[@scottnathan2912]

How would you put 2 pieces of foam board together, like if it takes 2 to make the length of your plane? It seem the only way to do this, with one piece is to buy a large $10 dollar piece, instead of 2 smaller pieces, for about $1.50 each. I don want to pay 10 and mess up, that piece of foam, like if I mess up.

[@rpranav2540]

The plan u shared in the description has an error. Can u send an other please?

[@starletzzang]

Can you provide the cad file? The dimensions in the image are in inches, and they are not exact. I would appreciate it if you could provide it in a4 tile or a0 size like flitetest. I am from Korea.