Like so many of the kit builders here, I started in the hobby a couple of decades ago. I don't mind that most of the fliers now don't build their own aircraft. That's up to them and their art.

Our club has some exceptional pilots, who don't build their aircraft. I've also seen some exceptional builders who can't fly worth a damn.

For me - I am not willing to compromise on the building of my aircraft. I don't like cowls that strap over the front of the fuselage. It reminds me of something obseen. Similarly, I don't like canopies that seem to be slapped on as an afterthought. I like to do my hinges the way I do them - streamlined. If there were ARFs out there that were built the way I build, I'd buy.

It's starting to bug me the way some bring ARFs to a club meeting to show them off and people fawn over them as if they've done something remarkable.

What really irritates me is that I keep running into those who are calling ARFs "Kits". I've been in more than one store where I've been shown the new Kits, only to find a stack of nothing but ARFs.

I would like people to know that even though my aircraft isn't finished in a saggy but dazzling color scheme, it was built entirely by me. I think that deserves a little more respect. I know that is asking too much. It would really be nice for modelers to at least know the difference between a Kit and an ARF.