I live near Dayton and there are several good clubs around.

Are you sure you understand the difference between ARF, RTF, and a kit? RTF includes the radio gear installed, engine too.

For an ARF, you mostly have to install the radio and engine. Of course, a kit is a kit.

I put together my LT-40 ARF in a few weeks. Since its unlikely that it will either be warm enough (say above freezing) AND calm enough to fly here for several months, I wouldn't be too concerned with the time to complete an ARF.

Of the trainers I saw this year, I wasn't very impressed with the quality of the RTFs I saw (Aircore being one). All in all, the LT-40 seems to be the best built of any trainers I did see (Eagle II, Xtra Easy...)

Just my thoughts...

GB