sterling f4u-1 corsair

Or this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sterling-1-2A-Corsair-Wood-Kit-/300930400126?nma=true&si=vozT7rHcA4pdI8cSJ4DiF1mXF9k%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 ?

That's the later version, for either R/C or C/L.  Box mentions an .09 or .10, TeeDee .049 as bare minimum.  

In either case box or plans should recommend an engine size.

My father was an Aviation Machinist Mate in WW II. He use to work on the F-4U engines. I have a neat picture somewhere of him standing next to one with the engine cowling open. Very cool plane.

ahrma_581 wrote:Or this one: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sterling-1-2A-Corsair-Wood-Kit-/300930400126?nma=true&si=vozT7rHcA4pdI8cSJ4DiF1mXF9k%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557 ?

That's the later version, for either R/C or C/L.  Box mentions an .09 or .10, TeeDee .049 as bare minimum.  

In either case box or plans should recommend an engine size.

The later Sterling Kit makes a good looking airplane, but like it's older, larger sibling, is not a good choice for a first airplane.  If you could use another model to get in some training, either Corsair ought to fly just fine.

The main reservation I'd have about this kit...as far as a beginner would be concerned...is it's construction.  It's built using what I grew up calling "Bird Cage Construction" : a frame of bulkheads and stringers covered by silkspan or sheet balsa.  This creates a very strong and light frame, but is a major pain to repair following a crash.

I built this one back in the 1980's and flew it 3 channel with ailerons, elevator, and throttle.  I used a throttle banded Cox .09 which powered it like a sport model, and it was a good-natured airplane in spite of the heavy radio gear I had to use.  

An engine failure at launch (crappy fuel...NEVER use crappy fuel except to clean parts!) caused it to snap into the ground.  I repaired most of the damage, but it was set aside as other projects pushed it to Hangar Queen status.  I intend to finish the repairs and fly it as an engineless slope-soarer on some of our local levees.