Foam Board RC Trainer Plans PDF: Everything You Need to Know
# How to Build Your Own Foam Board RC Trainer with Free PDF Plans
If you are looking for a fun and easy way to get into the hobby of RC flying, you might want to consider building your own foam board RC trainer. A foam board RC trainer is a simple and cheap airplane that you can make from common materials and components. It is designed to be stable and forgiving in the air, making it ideal for beginners who want to learn the basics of flying.
In this article, we will show you how to build your own foam board RC trainer with free PDF plans that you can download from the link below. We will also explain the features and benefits of this model, as well as the tools and materials you will need.
## What is a Foam Board RC Trainer?
A foam board RC trainer is a type of RC airplane that is made from foam board, which is a lightweight and rigid material that consists of a layer of polystyrene foam sandwiched between two layers of paper. Foam board is also known as Readi-Board, Dollar Tree Foam Board, or Depron.
Foam board is easy to cut, shape, and glue, making it ideal for DIY projects. You can use a hot glue gun or any other glue that works with foam to join the pieces together. You can also use tape, paint, or stickers to decorate your plane.
A foam board RC trainer has a simple design that consists of a fuselage, a wing, a tail, and a landing gear. The wing is usually mounted on top of the fuselage for better stability and visibility. The tail has a horizontal stabilizer and a vertical stabilizer that control the pitch and yaw of the plane. The landing gear is made from steel wire or bamboo sticks that support the plane on the ground.
The plane is powered by an electric motor that spins a propeller at the front. The motor is connected to an electronic speed controller (ESC) that regulates the power from the battery. The battery is usually a lithium polymer (LiPo) battery that provides high energy density and long flight time.
The plane is controlled by a radio transmitter and receiver that communicate via radio waves. The transmitter has joysticks and switches that allow you to adjust the throttle, elevator, rudder, and ailerons of the plane. The receiver has servos that move the control surfaces according to your inputs.
## Why Build a Foam Board RC Trainer?
There are many reasons why you might want to build your own foam board RC trainer instead of buying a ready-made one. Here are some of them:
- It is cheaper. You can build your own foam board RC trainer for less than $50, while a ready-made one can cost more than $100.
- It is fun. You can enjoy the process of designing, building, and flying your own plane. You can also customize it to your liking and experiment with different modifications.
- It is educational. You can learn about aerodynamics, electronics, mechanics, and physics while building your own plane. You can also improve your skills in cutting, gluing, soldering, and wiring.
- It is rewarding. You can feel proud of your accomplishment when you see your plane take off and fly in the sky. You can also share your experience with other hobbyists and inspire others to try it.
## How to Build Your Own Foam Board RC Trainer?
To build your own foam board RC trainer, you will need the following tools and materials:
- Foam board (3 A1 sheets)
- Hot glue gun or any other glue
- Steel wire or bamboo sticks for landing gear
- Common wire for push rods
- Plywood of 2mm or 5mm for reinforcements
- Soldering iron
- Exacto knife with blades
- Tape
- Other home tools (drill, pliers, scissors, etc.)
You will also need the following components:
- Flysky i6 radio transmitter and receiver
- Motor, ESC and propeller kit (Choose 1000KV motor)
- LiPo battery 3S 2200 mAh
- LiPo battery charger
- X6 Servos (cheap but not very recommended)
- X6 Servos (Better quality)
- Propeller for 1000KV motor
- Wheels
- Control horns
- Servo extensions
- Y servo harness
You can find these components online or at your local hobby store.
The first step is to download the free PDF plans from this link: [foam board rc trainer plans pdf](https://joyplanes.com/en/homemade-rc-trainer-airplane/). These plans are based on a Flitetest design called FT Simple Storch, but modified for better performance and durability.
The plans include templates for all the parts of the plane that you need to cut out from the foam board. You can print them on A4 paper and tape them together to form an A0 size plan. Alternatively, you can use a projector or a large screen to trace them on the foam board.
The next step is to cut out all the parts from the foam board using an exacto knife or scissors. Be careful not to cut yourself or damage the foam board. You should peel off the paper from both sides of the foam board before cutting it.
The third step is to assemble all the parts together using hot glue or any other glue that works with foam. Follow the instructions on the plans and make sure everything is aligned properly. You should also reinforce some parts with plywood or bamboo sticks for extra strength.
The fourth step is to install all the components on the plane using screws, zip ties, tape, or glue. You should solder all the electrical connections between the motor, ESC, battery, receiver, and servos. You should also attach all the control horns and push rods to the control surfaces.
The fifth step is to test all the components before flying. You should check if the motor spins in the right direction and if the propeller is balanced. You should also check if all the servos move in sync with your transmitter inputs.
The final step is to fly your plane! You should find a large open field with no obstacles or people around. You should also check the weather conditions and avoid flying in strong winds or rain.
You should start by doing some ground tests and taxiing on low throttle. You should adjust the trim settings on your transmitter until your plane moves straight on the ground.
When you are ready to take off, you should gradually increase the throttle until your plane lifts off smoothly. You should keep your plane at a safe altitude and distance from yourself and others.
You should practice some basic maneuvers such as turning left and right, climbing up and down, and leveling off. You should also practice landing by reducing throttle gradually until your plane touches down gently.
You should always keep an eye on your battery level and avoid flying too long or too far away from yourself. You should also respect other flyers and follow any local rules or regulations regarding RC flying.
Congratulations! You have just built and flown your own foam board RC trainer!
foam board rc trainer plans pdf
## How to Fly Your Foam Board RC Trainer?
Flying your foam board RC trainer is not as hard as it may seem. However, it does require some practice and patience. Here are some tips and tricks to help you fly your plane successfully:
- Before flying, you should always do a pre-flight check. You should inspect your plane for any damage or loose parts. You should also check your battery voltage and transmitter settings.
- You should always fly in a calm and clear day. You should avoid flying in strong winds, rain, fog, or low visibility. You should also avoid flying near power lines, trees, buildings, or other obstacles.
- You should always fly with a buddy or a spotter. They can help you keep track of your plane and warn you of any potential dangers. They can also assist you in case of an emergency or a crash.
- You should always fly within your skill level and comfort zone. You should not attempt any advanced maneuvers or aerobatics until you are confident and experienced. You should also not fly too fast or too slow, as this can cause your plane to stall or lose control.
- You should always follow the basic principles of flight. You should use the throttle to control the altitude and speed of your plane. You should use the elevator to control the pitch and angle of your plane. You should use the rudder to control the yaw and direction of your plane. You should use the ailerons to control the roll and bank of your plane.
- You should always maintain a good orientation and situational awareness. You should keep your plane in sight at all times and avoid flying behind yourself or into the sun. You should also be aware of the wind direction and speed, as this can affect your plane's performance and flight path.
## How to Maintain Your Foam Board RC Trainer?
Maintaining your foam board RC trainer is not very difficult or expensive. However, it is important to keep your plane in good condition and prevent any problems or failures. Here are some steps you can take to maintain your plane:
- After flying, you should always clean your plane from any dirt or debris. You should also check for any damage or wear and tear on your plane's parts and components. You should repair or replace any broken or faulty parts as soon as possible.
- You should store your plane in a cool and dry place. You should avoid exposing your plane to direct sunlight, heat, moisture, or dust. You should also remove the battery from your plane when not in use.
- You should charge your battery properly and safely. You should use a compatible charger and follow the manufacturer's instructions. You should never overcharge or discharge your battery, as this can damage it or cause a fire.
- You should lubricate your motor and servos periodically. You should use a small amount of light oil or grease to reduce friction and noise. You should also check for any loose wires or connections and secure them with tape or glue.
- You should upgrade your plane if you want to improve its performance or appearance. You can add some accessories such as lights, cameras, or decals to your plane. You can also change some parts such as the motor, propeller, battery, or servos to increase the power, speed, or flight time of your plane.
## Conclusion
Building and flying your own foam board RC trainer is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy. It is also a great way to learn about aviation, engineering, and physics.
With this article, we have shown you how to build your own foam board RC trainer with free PDF plans that you can download from this link: [foam board rc trainer plans pdf](https://joyplanes.com/en/homemade-rc-trainer-airplane/). We have also explained the features and benefits of this model, as well as the tools and materials you will need.
We have also given you some tips and tricks on how to fly and maintain your foam board RC trainer successfully.
We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Happy flying!
## Conclusion
Building and flying your own foam board RC trainer is a fun and rewarding hobby that anyone can enjoy. It is also a great way to learn about aviation, engineering, and physics.
With this article, we have shown you how to build your own foam board RC trainer with free PDF plans that you can download from this link: [foam board rc trainer plans pdf](https://joyplanes.com/en/homemade-rc-trainer-airplane/). We have also explained the features and benefits of this model, as well as the tools and materials you will need.
We have also given you some tips and tricks on how to fly and maintain your foam board RC trainer successfully.
We hope you have found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below.
Happy flying! b99f773239
https://www.clicklms.org/group/mysite-200-group/discussion/5f2942b7-8e40-498a-95e7-e0d3d7484ac7