Several of the guys that I fly with have figured out that the ARF is just not as good as a plane that you build. This mainly as it pertains to Warbirds. So they are building their new planes as their ARF warbirds just do not look as good and are not wearing well.

Building takes more time and effort, but you end up with a much better product in the end (if built properly). I am actually seeing many ARF's going away, and kits, and building on a slight upsurge.

I have always consider an ARF a throw away plane, while my builds last me a very long time, so long as I keep them out of the ground!

My current project, 1/5th TA 152. No ARF will have a fiberglassed, painted finish to compete with this.