Well, I finally purchased a Vmar ARF even though some of the posts I read recommended against it. I finally received their VAN RV-4 which was on back order for about three weeks. I must agree with folks who described a very strange odor upon opening the box. What is that smell?

Anyway, I was very excited about this ARF since it is my second plane (Tower Hobbies 40 size RTF was my first). On the very first step, where I dry fit the wing brace into the wing halves is where the trouble began. The wing brace was too long on each end by about 1/16 of an inch. No problem, I just used my razor saw to remove a small amount of material on each end.

Then when I began to dry fit both wing halves onto the wing brace, I noticed that the left wing leads (is in front of) the right wing by about .075". It's pretty obvious that the wing halves do not line up. When I called Vmar, the guy said they have a tolerance of 3% on their dimensions. That seems excessive for certain critical tolerances. Any thoughts?

The Vmar service rep did say that if I am unhappy with the kit, to go ahead and send it back. I think that's what I'm going to do. What does anyone out there think about a tolerance of 3% and about a misalignment of .075" on the wing halves? Seems like poor workmanship to me. Your opinions are greatly appreciated.