Foam RC airplanes
Electric foam rc airplanes, or 'foamies', have become very popular as first-time models simply because they are very robust and lightweight, and can handle rougher landings that are all part of learning to fly radio control. Production costs of foam planes are much lower than balsa/ply ARF ones too, which means they can be sold cheaper than their wooden kit cousins.
Above: ParkZone make some great foam planes like this Corsair
There are many manufacturers producing foam planes these days, such is their popularity, with names such as HobbyZone, ParkZone, E-flite, Art-Tech and Multiplex (to name just a few) all leading the way. ParkZone foam rc airplanes are probably some of the most popular and best value models out there, although only a few of their planes are truly suitable for beginners. HobbyZone have reduced their range of foam planes recently but their Super Cub LP remains one of the best selling electric trainers to date.
Above: the hugely popular HobbyZone Super Cub LP foam trainer
The durability of foam planes is a big attraction to them. Different manufacturers use different types of foam and give their particular type a fancy name (ELAPOR, Z-Foam, EPO...) but generally speaking all foams can withstand a hard knock much more than a balsa/ply construction. And if something bad does happen then repairing a foam plane is much easier and quicker than repairing a wooden one.
With that said though, it's very important that you select your glue wisely! Many glues commonly used in rc airplane building and repairs will dissolve most types of foam and CA (cyanoacrylate or 'super glue') glues are some of the worst offenders. If you intend using any glue on your foam plane make sure that it's 'foam friendly' or 'foam safe' glue, it usually states this on the label. If in doubt, test a small drop on an inconspicuous part of the plane first!
The majority of RTF (Ready To Fly) rc airplanes are foam these days but a downside to flying foam rc airplanes is that they more adversely effected by the wind, because they weigh less than an equivalent sized balsa/ply airplane. So on windy days a foam plane is going to get knocked around the sky more than a balsa one, making the pilot's life at the transmitter sticks a little harder, this being much worse if you're just learning to fly!
One type of foam that's become very popular with rc gliders is EPP foam (Expanded Polypropylene Particle). EPP was developed in the car manufacturing industry and is commonly used in moulded car bumpers because it absorbs impacts so well. This absorbency makes it great for the 'combat' gliders where the idea is to try and knock your opponent out of the sky.
EPP gliders are virtually indestructible and as such can take a large amount of abuse. I've had a couple myself and they're great!
Another foam that's very popular with home-builders is Depron. This is widely available to buy in sheet form and many aeromodellers have thrown away their balsa wood in favour of Depron! Almost anything is possible with this versatile foam and it's perfect for building planes that need to be ultra light in weight, such as the indoor 'shock flyers'. Depron isn't as strong as balsa but when glued together and reinforced with carbon fibre spars where necessary it does make for a very strong and light airframe.
Foam rc airplanes (and gliders) of all types are certainly here to stay and the range available is huge; it's probably fair to say that there are more foam models on the market now than balsa/ply ones but that's not to say that traditional kits are disappearing; they're not and if anything are making a comeback. One possible reason for this is that foam planes have brought countless new people to the hobby of radio control flying and these once-beginners now want to build their own planes and move across to balsa/ply construction.
But for instant, convenient flying at a lower cost you can't beat an electric foam plane!
Browse a big selection of foam rc airplanes (and balsa ones)
(use code RCAPW for $5 off any order )
Related pages
Beginner rc airplanes - some suitable examples.
Electric rc airplanes - an overview and examples of non-foam models.
HobbyZone rc airplanes - popular beginner planes.
ParkZone rc airplanes - great quality RTF foam airplanes.
