MinnFlyer, does that plane have the removable powerpod? Does the "firewall" still look like it was made out of somebodies old countertop?

Seriously, on my Harvard II, it looked like they cut up some old countertop. It was a chipboard product with a wood-look melamine layer on top.

I'm wondering if they are still using that. The hardware was just horrible too. Even the nuts and bolts.

I find it certainly is hit and miss even amongst a given manufacturer. I see a lot of complaints about the TT Rare Bear, but my TT Decathlon is simply the most amazing ARF I've ever seen. Only $180, the whole thing is laser cut from quality balsa and lite ply, obviously jig built with adequate glue (hasn't fallen appart yet and I didn't reinforce anything). Two piece wing with a fiberglass tube that fits like a glove. Alumimum airfoiled wing struts with nice scale looking moulded end pieces, chromed tail braces. Amazingly detailed starburst covering using real covering, they even pinstriped around all the stars with black trim. I just can't stop raving about the thing.

When I compare it to the $150 I paid for that Harvard II, there's just no way I'd pay for a VMAR again. For me, the extra $20-30 goes a long way when you get a better brand. Heck, I had to buy all new control horns, clevises, wheels and spinner just to make it airworthy. Right there that was at least $20 just to fly it.

You really need to look around when buying ARFs. There can be MASSIVE differences within a given price range.