I've been waiting for a thread like this. Ive been thinking about this for a while. I agree - buiding is my hobby and flying is my sport - two very different things in so many ways.

I have taken pictures of every plane I've ever built. I keep them in a nice album and show anyone who asks. Funny thing I've never taken a picture of any of my ARFs. I've bought ARFs for the explicit purpose of flying when I didn't have a plane to suit .

I build airplanes for the extreme satisfaction it brings on so many levels. It's the process mostly and not the product although it is great to get compliments at the field. If I crash a pride and joy it doesn't bother me that much because I just remember the countless hours I spent building and looking at it. Then I grab an ARF and continue flying until the next build is ready.

I'm to the point where next winter I intend to build a Carden kit that costs as much as an ARF - you just can't get the same quality. Oh and by the way - how many of you are sick of reading RC magazine articles that talk about how easy this ARF was to "build" or this ARF is the best plane I've ever owned, or this ARF was an easy build. Sorry but you don't "build" an ARF, you assemble it. Something the workers at the factory could have done in 10 mins. for about $2.00.