I agree with the time constaints, these days I just dont have time to build the kit forms of these planes. I do agree with some posts though that everyone should at least build one kit.
I have a 4*60 that I started building last year, it is still not complete and to be honest Im not sure when I will get the time to finish it. I can tell you that I enjoy doing it and have started working on it right after work and on through the night many times. Im sure a lot of you know the feeling when you look up at the clock and realize its 5:00am in the morning. Not good when you cant keep your head off the desk in the office...lol

It is an unfortunate thing but I just cannot afford to have nights like that on a regular basis and that seems like the only time I have to really sit down and put the time in.
What I end up doing is putting in 20min here, and 20min there but not much gets done.

There is also the aspect of space, ARF's usually dont require a garage or work room to build in, it can be done on the porch or in the living room with limited space and tools. After a session it is fairly easy to put everything away until the next time. Kits on the other hand I feel need a large open area where glued parts can be left out to dry and accomodations for all the tools and such.
This is very difficult in a apartment, especially with a wife and kids.

Some of us also have financial restraints and kit building costs more initially than it does to build an ARF. To do it right we all know that certain tools are required to put a Kit together. Once you have everything it really is no big deal, but with my first kit it was back and forth to the hobby shop because I had to get this and that. My slot cutter just came in a couple of weeks ago, now I need the covering, a heat gun, and other covering accessories. I was not able to buy everything required all at once so I bought the kit, then later the motor, then the servos and so on and so on. I still have a few things to get.

The 4* has been sitting on my bench for more than a year now and 1 ARF has come through and was flying in a few days, I have a second ARF in the works and this one is taking a little more work but should be done in a few days. If I waited for the kit to be complete I probably would not even be in the hobby, for certain I would have nothing to fly.

For those of you that have the time and resources to build kits, you are the lucky ones. If I could I would fly all day and build all night, but for me that wont bring a paycheck.


Dbow