RE: Where did all the real bulders go?
I am a builder but on hiatus. It usually takes me when I start a new build about 3 months to complete and have the aircraft airworthy. With the ARF's currently in production out there I have found it is easier on my pocket book and my time to buy one of them. If you take into consideration that a good quality arf has just about everything in the box minus engine and radio (some even come with those now) Well you do the math. 2 days or less and your flying. The downfall of owning arf's is now my collection has grown. When I was building I would own just 1 airplane now that the convenience of the arf is there, I now own 3 and will be looking for more the next week.
Oh well, I enjoy the building but I really enjoy the flying part better i.e. the social aspect of being around people with similat interest at the flying field. This also keeps me out of the house and away from the sudden "Honey can you do this". Come on you know what I mean if your married with children.
Anyway my 2 cents worth.
Glenn