I've always built. It is the most enjoyable part of the hobby for me. I have couple ARFS that I'll fly around for fun. But my first love is to take a pile of balsa and ply and create a plane either from a kit or plans. I haven't got into the fiberglass plug(except for a cowl but would like to attempt).

I have friends that enjoy the flying aspect of the hobby and usually will got toward the ARFs. When they liked one of my planes I would build them one if I had the time (we were both happy). The other plus for building is that you know how it's put together and can avoid structure failure( nothing hidden).

I understand the builders side that they spend a year plus building a very nice plane and lose to an ARF in a peoples choice competiton. I have to admit the detail on some of these ARFs are really good. I prefer to follow the built up model competition. Top gun and other events have added ARF sections not to alienate the other people in our hobby but there is a building aspect of the competition.

I think we all have a spot in this hobby. We're all here to have fun right?


My 3 cents(inflation)

Bill