I've been a member for a couple years or about, basically 'lurking and learning', realized I don't think I've done an intro. I'm Hal Marshall from Fayetteville, Arkansas. I'm an IT Manager for a local Investment Advisor firm, and have served in the Army. Have been into RC for 8-9 years, but have always loved aviation, and built a lot of plastic scale models as a kid. Currently I've assembled/flown aircraft ranging from small foamies to 1/3 scale gas. Note I said 'assembled' .. ARFs, which I typically modify to suit my taste. Was bit by the building bug a couple years ago, and while I've completed a couple smaller kits, I'm actively trying to learn more so I can build out and COMPLETE bigger projects.

Really aren't many builders in my area, so its been at times frustrating just learning the basics, like the proper ways to cut, sand, fit and fabricate. Books and internet can be great resources, but doesn't take the place of someone showing something hands-on. I could still use a 'ground school' for RC building. That said, I love scale, always have, always will.. some fantastically built planes on this site, and I look forward to learning and sharing my build experiences.

Hi Hal - glad you spoke up.  It is hard to go it alone, but you do have all of us - there may even be fellow Arkansawayers (???) here on RCSB that you could get together with?  Anyone?

Thanks for the reply Jeff! Its all good. Am sure a lot of folks go through the same process. The biggest frustration was probably the kits I waxed learning. Personally, the most difficult aspect has been learning to build the fuse square and the wing straight. I'd use lasers, squares, triangles.. check, re-check, re-check, re-check again.. now glue... re-check.. dang! It twisted somewhere! Or got it straight everywhere but ended up a couple degrees off on the LE. Learning has a cost and RC is no different, be it flying or building. There's a fella or two around here I can solicit some advice from when needed.. I could say that what I need is to be apprenticed to a builder.. how sweet that would be! But certainly not practical. I figure I'll always be new to building.. so much to learn!

All that said, in the next few days I'll be starting a build thread on the Aviation Concepts PT-19A. We'll shake the box and see what falls out!

Thanks again.. Hal

Welcome Hal (Not from Hal 9000, is it?)

There is also the RCSB Chatroom: http://www.rcscalebuilder.com/chatredirect.asp

There usually is someone in there and we do talk RC once in a while

Danny

Welcome Hal. I'm glad you have become a site supporter. Best thing you can do is pick a subject, start a thread, and dive in Even if its an ARF. Its all about challenging yourself and having a good time.

Again, thanks for becoming a part of us.