Why EPP?
Most indoor planes are made of EPP foam (expanded polypropylene). EPP is light, flexible and remarkably tough: where a plane made of rigid foam breaks, EPP often just bends back. That makes it ideal for learning 3D manoeuvres close to the floor and the walls.
RC Factory makes its kits from EPP sheets with the parts already printed and cut out. A typical indoor model has a wingspan of around 80 to 90 cm and weighs only 150 to 220 grams, ready to fly.
Which kit should you choose?
RC Factory offers dozens of indoor models, from aerobatic planes to scale biplanes. A few examples from our range:
- Cap 10 Indoor Kit (810 mm, about 220 g): part of the robust Backyard Series. Forgiving, and a good choice to learn 3D flying.
- Edge 580 PRO Indoor Kit (840 mm, about 160 g): a light, agile 3D aerobatic plane with large control surfaces and thrust vectoring via the rudder.
- Crack series (Pitts, Fokker Dr. I, Camel): biplanes with plenty of character that fly slowly and look great in a sports hall.
Browse all RC Factory indoor kits in our shop. Good to know: these kits include the airframe only. You'll need to add the electronics yourself.
What you need: the complete list
Electronics
- Motor: a small brushless outrunner, typically 22xx size with around 1,800–2,300 KV (for example 2206/2300 KV for the Cap 10). See our electric motors.
- Speed controller (ESC): around 15 A is enough for most indoor models. See our speed controllers.
- Servos: usually three micro servos: two for elevator and rudder, one for the ailerons. RC Factory recommends servos such as the Volta D10M.
- Propeller: typically 8x4 or 9x5 for indoor 3D. Check our propellers.
- Receiver: a light receiver with at least 4 channels. See our receivers.
- Battery: a 2S LiPo of around 300–600 mAh, depending on the model. See our batteries and read our guide to RC batteries.
- Transmitter and charger: a transmitter with at least 4 channels and a LiPo charger.
Tip: RC Factory also offers matching equipment sets per model, with the right motor, ESC, servos and propeller in one package. That way you're sure everything fits together. Ask us about availability, or take a look at our motor combos.
Glue
EPP is usually glued with medium CA glue (superglue) combined with an activator for a fast, strong bond. Some builders also use a flexible foam glue for joints that need to absorb impacts. Always follow the glue recommendations in the manual of your kit. You'll find everything you need under glues & fillers.
Tools
- A sharp hobby knife with plenty of spare blades
- A steel ruler and a cutting mat
- Fine sandpaper or a sanding block
- Small pliers and a small screwdriver
- Clear tape or fibre tape for hinges and reinforcement
- A soldering iron, if you need to fit connectors
- Optional: a servo tester, to centre the servos before installation
See our full range of tools.
Building your indoor plane, step by step
1. Read the manual and check the parts
Every RC Factory kit comes with a detailed manual, often with build videos. Read it from start to finish before you begin, and check that all parts are there. Plan your build time: RC Factory states more than 16 hours for models like the Cap 10 and Edge 580, so take your time.
2. Prepare the parts
Carefully remove the parts from the EPP sheets. Sand away any rough edges and bevel the hinge lines of the control surfaces, so they can move freely.
3. Assemble the airframe
Glue the fuselage, wing and tail together according to the manual. Fit the carbon reinforcements exactly as shown: they give the light airframe its stiffness. Keep checking that everything is square: the wing must be perfectly perpendicular to the fuselage, and the stabiliser parallel to the wing. A plane that's built straight flies a lot better.
4. Hinge the control surfaces
Make sure the ailerons, elevator and rudder move freely without play. A smooth, full deflection is essential for 3D flying.
5. Install the servos and linkages
Connect the servos to your receiver and centre them using your transmitter (or a servo tester) before fitting the servo arms. Then fit the control horns and pushrods. Make sure every control surface is exactly neutral when the stick is centred.
6. Install the motor, ESC and receiver
Mount the motor on the motor mount, then connect the ESC and receiver. Keep the wiring neat and light. Attach the battery with a strip of Velcro, so you can move it to adjust the balance.
7. Set the centre of gravity and control throws
Balance the plane at the centre of gravity (CG) shown in the manual by moving the battery. Then set up the control throws in your transmitter. Start with low rates and some expo for your first flights, and keep high rates for 3D manoeuvres. Always check that each control surface moves in the right direction.
8. Your first flight
Look for a sports hall or a large indoor space, and check the local rules first. Do a final check: are the controls moving in the right direction, is the battery fully charged and secure, and is the propeller tight? Start with gentle circuits to get used to the model, and build up from there. Practising on a flight simulator beforehand will help a lot.
Our advice in a nutshell
- Choose an EPP kit that suits your level, such as an RC Factory Backyard model to start.
- Buy electronics that match the kit, ideally as a set.
- Use the right glue and fit all carbon reinforcements.
- Build straight, set the CG correctly and start with low rates.
- Take your time: a carefully built plane flies better and lasts longer.
Need help choosing a kit or the right electronics? Come by our shop in Bruges or get in touch. At Aerobertics, we're happy to help you get ready for the indoor season.
