Diamond Dust building time
Rick,
I got that story from Jeff Gilbert, the designer of the Diamond Dust. He and his son are into Fun Fly airplanes big time. Apparently at a meet his son cracked up his Diamond Dust and needed another one fast. There was a guy who offered to frame one up for him and the story goes he did it in 2 1/2 hours!
Actually, framing is the fastest part of building a Dust. Covering and installing the components is the most tedious. Realistically speaking the average builder will need at least two or three evenings to get one ready. I think it took me a little longer but I'm no hot-shot builder.
Clearly the Whiplash is the way to go if you don't want to fool around with building.
I see several other advantages of the Whiplash: a rigid, more aerodynamic airfoil, composite construction not subject to easy breakage, no covering material which can puncture or fly off, easier installation and access to receiver and servos, and integral hinging of the elevons.