Speed Build - Swappable Kits

by FliteTest | December 4, 2012 | (62) Posted in Projects

 

We are excited to introduce our Speed Build - Swappable Kits!  Laser cut foam board kits designed after our scratch build swapables. 

Our first installment is the 3 Pack Speed Build Kit which will jump start you into building your own foam board RC airplane and also offer you with a great variety of flying experiences!

Included in the 3 Pack Speed Build Kit are the following designs:

The first 100 orders will receive a 3-pack of stickers! 

In the box each kit comes individually packaged, and wrapped for safe shipment. 

Your kit will come with all of the basic hardware you need to assemble the main air frame, along with custom push rods, firewall, pre-bent control horns and more. 

Each airplane in this 3 Pack Speed Build Kit has it's very own swappable Power Pod! 

A full list of additional components and recommended electronics is available HERE.

Purchasing the recommended accessories along with your speed build kit will allow you to have everything you need to get your laser cut foam board kits in the air!

Each airplane kit also comes with a mini poster/ instruction sheet that offers complete step by step printed instructions. And we will have speed kit specific build videos which will available here on our website too!

Along with the revenue that these speed kits will provide for the Flite Test web series, we want to also offer materials to those of you from around the world who have trouble getting the materials needed for scratch builds.

We hope to also offer bulk shipments to organizations and clubs so we can help encourage more people to get involved with the RC airplane hobby and scratch building. 

These laser cut kits offer you precision cut foam board airframe designs, but we encourage you to use your cut outs as templates and make copies so you can hand cut some of your own!  

We have been working to to be able to offer you with these laser cut airframes and have an inventory ready. 

Thanks for your support and stay tuned for more!!

 

 

 

 



- Find this article & others like it at www.FliteTest.com -

Related Articles

Speed Build & Swappable - Component List

by FliteTest

COMMENTS

philip monday on February 13, 2013
and everyone should say thank you David!!!!
Log In to reply
twan1997 on February 14, 2013
AWEEESOMEENESSS AND EPICNESS OVERLOADD!!!!!! :D :D :D
Log In to reply
Jdmartin on February 15, 2013
Is it possible to place an order for the speed build kit, and then have the order filled once you have more in stock?
Log In to reply
RCmaniac on February 17, 2013
As soon as I have time I will purchase one of these kits, the look very nice!
Log In to reply
JonMackie on February 13, 2013
Also, I am eagerly awaiting the speedbuild kit/plans for that twin engine!
Log In to reply
House Of Noob on February 17, 2013
"... yeah its not really that great." LOL
You guys make my day.
Log In to reply
H!-OcTaN3 on February 21, 2013
shimmy on the postage calculator i looked at (through the FT store) said less than 1kg so not sure specifically but under 1 kg is all i can tell you.
Log In to reply
Stone on February 13, 2013
Great idea guys!! I just placed an order!
Log In to reply
iwilliex on February 15, 2013
I'm happy to support Flite Test, I ordered 2, keep up the great work. I'm thinking about creating a dual prop FPV plane from the pieces. Thanks.
Log In to reply
stevevm on February 15, 2013
Awesome guys! Please do a full tricopter kit!
Log In to reply
WizzyWiggs on February 17, 2013
You guys are amazing. It is a very smart idea and I hope it will help you pay off the CNC machine fairly quick :) The price you are asking is perfect. Here are few questions I have:
- Do you guys plan on making the kit for Baby Blender?
- When making scratchbuilds, one of the hardest and biggest pains in the backside for me, personally, is making metal or wood motor mounts. Do you guys think it would make sense for you to sell the sets of just wood motor mounts with the same universal holes positioning like in the kit you have now?
Log In to reply
shimmy on February 21, 2013
Someone told me that the box is 20 x 14 x 4 and 2 lbs. I have good Fedex Rates and overseas shipping is still outrageous. Normal price of $180, my volume discount brings it down to $88 for shipping. Too much for me. The only suggestion that I can come up with is they look into packaging it so that it is smaller. The Volumetric weight is what makes it so expensive to ship.
Log In to reply
AbeKatt on February 14, 2013
Hey guys this is so smart , got some friends im trying to get into rc and this is perfect and cheap way.
Just one thing , what do the shipping cost ? I have no problem giving you money as you do so much for us Noobs and the rc community but shipping to Sweden tends to cost quite a bit.

Log In to reply
AbeKatt on February 14, 2013
sorry didnt see the shipping estimate button.
41$ to sweden , its a bit steep but i will consider it to support you guys and your great work
Log In to reply
tramsgar on February 14, 2013
Spotting that giant laser cutter I can see why FT is expensive to run... =)
Log In to reply
Buzz Bomb on February 14, 2013
Ordered my kit to support you guys. Keep up the GREAT work. You guys are fun to watch!!
Log In to reply
Moetop on February 15, 2013
Spectacular guys! >>>>>> How long before a Baby Blender KIT? <<<<<< :)
Log In to reply
H!-OcTaN3 on February 18, 2013
Hi,
I would like to say, love the site and the vids. humor, info, reasoning, and best of all honesty with honest opinions, because of this i would like to be honest.
These kits are fantastic and such a great way to intrigue new minds into rc, sure most people can find $33 even most kids could save that in pocket money but> here is the but.... the shipping is soooooo exspensive $43 to Australia on a package that's less than 1Kg.

Would love to purchase one and support you guys but paying more for shipping on an item thats only $33 I cant justify. If you can bring the shipping down i think sales would sky rocket. Could you not Talk to Anthony from HK they have a warehouse in AU, EU, and internationally might be a path to take...

Great work PLEASE keep it up.
Log In to reply
FliteTest on February 18, 2013
Thanks for the input. We are a very small operation and we are trying our best. If anyone knows a less expensive method of shipping to Australia from the USA please let us know.
Log In to reply
WizzyWiggs on February 18, 2013
The best suggestion I might have is to go to the site like Kickstarter and contact successful projects that offer international shipping. You might find products that have similar dimensions/weight like you. I was always surprised at how low they charge people for shipping, you might just ask them how they keep their prices so low. Also contacting KIckstarter itself and just asking them how you can do international shipping for cheap might help you, also.
Log In to reply
rallyman on April 16, 2013
Got my kit and built the 3 - no chance to fly yet so I built the Bloody Wonder too. Where are the plans for the new Twin engine Flyer? And also how is the Spitfire coming David - I need plans.
keep Up the good work
Murray
Log In to reply
mvaller00 on April 27, 2013
I can't seem to find the info but I thought they mentioned it a while back... What radio setting were they working with? Expo/Rates etc. Anyone remember?
Log In to reply
cloud9photos on February 13, 2013
Awesome guys!!! placing my order. Now I want THE 3D SWAPABLE (LOL) !!

-Eric Deagle
Log In to reply
Bolvon72 on February 13, 2013
Already flying all of the swappables but just ordered anyways, I guess I'll give 'em to the next person who asks me how to get started. Great idea guys, keep 'em coming, you forever have my support.
Log In to reply
bear3103 on February 14, 2013
I would love to order a kit but unfortunatly shipping to australia is $44.60 :-(
Log In to reply
musty on February 14, 2013
Buying in bulk is cheaper on the postage. (10 boxes is about $123 postage = $45 per person... less with the exchange rate)
Can we get together and make a bulk order?
How many people from Queensland, Sunshine Coast area?
Ship to my work address and y'all can come pickup a box during work hours.
Log In to reply
NoUsername on February 15, 2013
WE LOVE SWAPPABLES!!!!!!!!!!

Low and slow is the way to go!
Log In to reply
w52620 on February 15, 2013
Thank you for all of your knowledge and clear presentation. Might I suggest that when you publish plans that you publish a full size version to be printed on a large format printer or plotter as well as tiled.

Log In to reply
FliteTest on February 15, 2013
Already started doing it. We are going back to update each scratch build. Right now the Nutball and Delta are ready...
http://flitetest.com/articles/nutball-scratch-build
http://flitetest.com/articles/DeltaScratchBuild
Log In to reply
Jimmy the Heater on February 14, 2013
Now this is a brilliant idea. I already bought some foam board but this will help me not screw up my first scratch build. Thanks Flite Test!!!
Log In to reply
p-air-o on February 14, 2013
great idea...
and I love that twin engine!!!!!!!
Log In to reply
coffeebean56 on February 14, 2013
I second p-air-o. I've built all of them this winter except the ft flyer and it just came out of the printer. Chad, I think we're ready for that gorgeous twin!
Log In to reply
batmedic on February 14, 2013
AMAZING!! I can't thank you guys enough. First for literally taking the fear out of Air RC all together. You do truly inspire. I have only been in this hobby for barely a year and have just been overwhelmed. Watching you guys has made me want to try the Air side of it. Second thing I wanted to say thanks for was making these kits. I was going to venture into these builds on my own, but was hesitant. Now you have made that decision easier as well. Thank You so much for all you do, and please KEEP IT UP!!
Log In to reply
stonekap on February 14, 2013
Really glad to hear this! Good luck!
Log In to reply
grumpyreview on February 15, 2013
Just got myself a kit, shipping is a little High, and just got twin boys so do even have the time, but just feel like showing my support.
Hope I soon get time to get a few new videos online
Log In to reply
SeanJuan73 on February 13, 2013
Great idea guys! I bought a few for a spring build project for my kids and the neighbor kids. They love watching me fly and this will be a great way to get them into the hobby! Thanks guys!
Log In to reply
NoUsername on February 14, 2013
Great idea! I have introduced my friend to radio controlled flying and he likes it. We fly ultra micros but enjoy building them also. The kits are an exciting way to build and enjoy the sport along with an inexpensive cost. We fly Spektrum DSM2 and would ke to know if Hobby King has a DSM2 receiver available for the power pod (wish I would have thought of that).
Log In to reply
chippypilot on February 14, 2013
These look great and the price is good. But, $45 postage to the UK, not so good. Are there any other mailing options?
Log In to reply
stonekap on February 14, 2013
We're looking in to it. Right now the USPS is the cheapest and it's still expensive.
Log In to reply
chippypilot on February 14, 2013
thanks for the quick reply.
Log In to reply
jhitesma on February 19, 2013
Love this! Buying precut dollar tree foam feels like cheating...but I think I can justify it with the excuse that I'm not buying plane parts I'm just helping support FT :) Now if only the component suppliers could keep the hard parts in stock :D

BTW - I just sent a message through your contact form but it appears to be impossible to order just a pack of firewalls right now. I'm sick of making my own and tried to order some but the shipping estimator didn't give me any results and when I tried to checkout paypal said it couldn't calculate shipping for my address (which is a nice "normal" US address I've never had problems shipping to.) I did a quick test and put the 3 pack in my cart and then it did give me shipping estimates. So I'm guessing the problem is the firewalls don't have a weight set or too low of a weight and the shipping calculator won't work on them unless they're ordered with something else.


Log In to reply
ITCyoy543 on February 13, 2013
if i could say awsome in 20 languages i would because thats the awsomeness of this.
Log In to reply
vanaigo on February 16, 2013
http://www.flitetest.com/planes/
Log In to reply
colorex on February 13, 2013
It's awesome to see you finally progress into this massive enterprise! Good luck!
Log In to reply
scotts on February 14, 2013
On the video you guys mentioned free plans. I'm a teacher with access to a laser cutter and would love to build these with my class. Where would I find said plans?
Log In to reply
WizzyWiggs on February 17, 2013
I think what they were trying to say is that they have PDFs available for each swappable plane they include in the kit. If you search on the site, you will find videos with detailed build process witht he links to those PDFs. I think you would need to figure out on your own how to convert PDF format to the format your CNC machine aceepts, I am not sure they would have the same file format of drawing like yours. Also, putting your own effort in figuring stuff out liek this never hurts :) Good luck
Log In to reply
rick_harriss on October 11, 2013
This is a little late but downloaf the pdf and draw over it in coral draw or your cad programe which you must have to run the laser cutter

Log In to reply
FeWolf on February 15, 2013
Got a kit, you should add the Funfer and Lightening to the swap series. Keep up the good work!
Log In to reply
FeWolf on February 15, 2013
Funder n Lightening, oops
Log In to reply
shimmy on February 20, 2013
Guys, What is the size and weight of the package. Some people have Fedex/UPS rates that are far below their quoted rate. Perhaps I can ship on my account for much less than you are charged.
Log In to reply
RobMackenzie on March 1, 2013
You boys are good... very VERY good. Got my three kits (ordered on February 14th) delivered to western Canada (Olds, Alberta) by February 28th, Two weeks! Kits are absolutely great, amazing accuracy. You included at the bits we need (except the bandaids...I build, I bleed!) for finishing.Your price of $33 is phenomenal, the postage to Canada just is what it is. All-in-FOB price to my house is $21.71 each which is a-mazing. Thanks a million!
Log In to reply
lonewolf on April 29, 2013
Well I was going to order one of these but it wouldn't let me finish. :(
Log In to reply
Adib Vahedi on February 13, 2013
hey guys great work but that is not true i am 11 years old and i bought myself a bixler 2 and a good remote and all my equipment and with all my money i did that i payed 288$ from hobbyking!
Alot of kids do rc!

Keep up the great work Flitetest and keep putting videos!!!!
Log In to reply
RCmaniac on February 17, 2013
yes that is true I'm also 11!
Log In to reply
TECH GEEK on February 14, 2013
I have a question stonekap. I just placed an order, (ID# 429) and was wondering if I placed one of the first 100 orders of the swapable? I'm assuming that it is the 429 order of the kit and therefor I'm not getting any extra stickers? Also I want to make a recommendation that you remain open to suggestions beyond the first 100 orders.
Log In to reply
twjones12 on February 14, 2013
great guys placed my order, please keep up the good work, add more and I'm sure we will but to support you
Log In to reply
cisco on February 16, 2013
Great idea!!! Just a little idea If I may. Maybe you guys should with the kit include a precut poster board with the order. Maybe for a little bit more money. I have built the delta and it's a great plane. I am a beginner in the hobby. I have also built from rcpowers.com the f-22 and mig-29. But I noticed that your plane was easier for me me learn. Thanks for the plans.
Log In to reply
Bolvon72 on February 16, 2013
Just trace these kits to poster board yourself for a good solid template. Or use these as templates and use three fresh sheets of Adams. I plan on this myself and disposing of my old printed paper templates.
Log In to reply
Bolvon72 on February 16, 2013
I noticed Josh's build had the control rods running through the servo hole. Were the servos mounted to the pod so that you could just pull the push rods and reuse the same servos for all three?
Log In to reply
Bolvon72 on February 16, 2013
Disregard, I guess he just tucked 'em because he wasn't finished. It is an interesting thought? I will think on this.
Log In to reply
shimmy on February 18, 2013
What is the size and weight of the package? There might be a cheaper way.
Log In to reply
UawFlyer on February 18, 2013
I noticed David home made camera mount and was wondering if you guys could post some better pics of it. I am getting ready to start a project on this same thing and wanted to see what you guys had done with it.

Log In to reply
ncsky on February 14, 2013
great idea! I will also have to order.
KEEP UP ALL THE GREAT WORK YOU DO FOR THE HOBBY!
Who knows how many kids you will get outside having fun.

Log In to reply
Leo82 on February 14, 2013
This is great news and idea. I wish your laser cutter can handle all those orders. I might even order one or two packs, only 112$ with shipping to Finland for 2 packs... Oh my, all my money belong to you :)

Seriously, this is great deal and good way to find that elusive foam board, never seen it for sale in local stores for reasonable price.
Log In to reply
FliteTest on February 15, 2013
Thank you all for your support! Sold out in one day! We'll be accepting new orders by Friday of next week.
Log In to reply
snowthief2 on February 21, 2013
a vid of some color schemes and how to spray your planes would be awesome!
Log In to reply
jay302 on February 13, 2013
This is big news! I doubt I'll get in for one of the 1st 100 orders, but I will be ordering a kit!
Log In to reply
coffeebean56 on February 14, 2013
jay: Since all the comments (so far) are from today, it looks to me that if you order soon, you'd be one of the first 100...
Log In to reply
strows on February 13, 2013
This is awesome guys, with out Flitetest I would have never been able to get into R/C Planes. I want to thank you guys for that. I have always been fascinated with R/C Planes but always felt it was to expensive to get into but with your swappable series it's very affordable. Thanks Flitetest
Log In to reply
philip monday on February 13, 2013
ooooo laser cutter. you guys just opened up a whole other level of coolness. if you guys make cool fpv gear for quads (turnigy talon v2.0) ill be the first one in line to buy ten. haha great thing you guys have going. keep it up
Log In to reply
SeanJuan73 on February 13, 2013
I'll be second if that happens! :)
Log In to reply
JonMackie on February 13, 2013
Looks awesome! Thanks guys
Log In to reply
Ray on February 14, 2013
Hey guys,
this is awesome. Thanks a lot.

greetings from germany
Log In to reply
muddyfox on February 14, 2013
Hi guys, absolute great. I gonna get a box with three planes and an iPhone. (Just kidding, Josh)
Log In to reply
Bubu on February 14, 2013
I have wait for this! Just saw the video and placed my order. Hopefully the delivery to germany doesn't take too long ;-)
Log In to reply
Buzz Bomb on February 26, 2013
I got my order yesterday and I am very pleased with the quality of the kits. The card that comes with each plane is super cool and is even signed by Josh Bixler. Fun stuff. I plan on starting out with the nutball and hopefully my 6 year old son is mature enough now to start learning to fly.
Log In to reply
caseol on February 13, 2013
It will be shipped over seas?
Log In to reply
cyasa on February 15, 2013
How much would you charge me to send a kit to Auckland New Zealand ???/
Log In to reply
kpl72 on February 14, 2013
Ordered a kit this morning! One for me, and one for each of my boys, perfect! Love that we don't need to do extensive cutting with X-acto. Much more doable of a task with a 6 & 9 year old now. Can't wait to see how they decorate them up. Will send photos!

Log In to reply
MIDNCOCO on February 20, 2013
You guy need to do flying wings like the like the KFM-4, which your cutters would do easy. you would sell 10x more I bet then these
Log In to reply
Chernoff321 on June 8, 2013
when are you guys going to put the FT 3D scratch build on the store for a speed build becuase i really want the speed build version so i can be able to fly it ASAP! Could you guys try as hard as possible to get it on the store as quickly as you can?

Log In to reply
UltraPigeon on July 1, 2013
Make a jet swappable

Log In to reply
arun4444 on June 15, 2013
Hey, great job on the series - what was the laser model that you guys purchased, just wanted to see if it was in my budget.

cheers
Log In to reply
jack111 on July 12, 2013
we need a swapable glider
Log In to reply
Dings on September 4, 2013
Hey,
I really like your youtube show, and i would like to spend some money by ordering a swapable kit, but I live in Germany an the shipping is very expensive. Also i can't find the foam boards anywhere in Germany. Is it possible do order some packages of the foam boards beside some kits from you?


Log In to reply
faster on October 13, 2015
Hey i am in EGYPT can i order it or no .. please reply ^_^
Log In to reply

You need to log-in to comment on articles.

FliteTest

(92)

Speed Build - Swappable Kits