RE: Building vs. not building
I like building, but what I really enjoy is detailing and painting/weathering. Lately I can get an ESM or CMP 70'' ws model already built pretty well for less than what it would cost to cut from plans or buy a kit and build the basic airframe. Warbirds are my main focus and I like a good ARF as a starting point. With a nice ARF I can put 20 hours into stripping the wings and fixing some of the lines and then the fun begins. I can then begin the parts of the build I really like and when it's done it's not really an ARF anyway. Best of both worlds I guess.
Latest project is a 69" KI-61 "Tony". Started off as an EasyTiger ARF. Didn't like the flatsided boxyness of the fuse so I slabbed and shape sanded it. Scratched a better radiator and fixed the rudder. I'm done with the fuse/tailfeathers and it's in it's base color awaiting camo, lettering, insignia and weathering. Right wing is fully loaded now (retracts and all servos) and ready for glassing, panel lines, base color and attaching aileron and flap. If it had been a true kit I might be beginning the sheeting in the 2 mos I've been working on it. I don't get to put in alot of hours building per week so a BARF is just the ticket (Bashed ARF). Even with all the extra balsa this ougth to come in at about 11-12lbs fully loaded.
Keep em flying!
EDIT; What is up with the Photo uploading?!?!? Still?