Flying 1/2A
Although many people feel that a larger airplane is the best entry into Control Line flying, there are just as many who feel (some very strongly) that 1/2A models are better for beginners. I have mixed feelings on this. On the one hand, larger models (for me at least) are easier to fly, and the equipment (engines, lines, etc) is reusable as I move up in ability. On the other hand, 1/2A models are very inexpensive and simple to build, and a crash (especially over grass) will rarely result in permanent damage. Besides, 1/2A airplanes are just plain fun.
An excellent example of the simplicity of 1/2A models airplanes is the Sterling Beginner's Series. These airplanes are all sheet balsa models built from between 6 and 11 pieces, not counting hardware. They go together quick, fly well with a Cox Babe Bee .049, and hold up very well in a crash. Even when they break, they are easy to repair. They are no longer in production, but they show up on EBay all the time where they sell for around $20.00 (and up, depending on particular model, condition, phase of the moon, etc). Even better than the original kits (for non-collectors anyway) are the reproductions being sold by some vendors on EBay. They don't come with decals or instructions (wich you really don't need any way), but they feature laser cut parts (Sterling kits had notoriously bad die cutting) and better wood than the original kits - and they are less expensive to boot!
Now days, the main problem with 1/2A airplanes is finding an engine to power them with. In the Beginning, there was Cox. They made several really nice .049 engines, including the Babe Bee, Black Widow, Golden Bee, and Tee Dee. Prices were low and quality was high. In time though, they were bought out by another company, and quality began to suffer. Eventually, they went out of production. Later, we had Norvel .049 engines (along with .061 and .074). Quality was very high, but they went out of production as well. Brodak also had a nice .049 available for awhile, but it too now seems to be out of production. Fortunately, 1/2A engines and parts, especially Cox engines, are readily available through EBay.
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