Yes, this is an ARF. Direct to me from a Chinese workshop somewhere over there, I assembled her and mounted a brand new SK50 2-stroker. I installed my radio, connected the controls and it was off to the field I went.

This was 15 months ago. About all I accomplished was to get 2 tanks of fuel through the SK. After 30 minutes of taxi trials and running the engine rich, the gear blocks gave way and the gear wires were flopping all over the place.

Disgusted, I brought the Chipmunk home and hung it from the rafters in the basement. I don't recall draining the tank nor wiping the airframe down I was so ticked. bad practice and childish, I know, (heck, I'm only 52).

Anyway, Dad, who's 79 wanted to fly the dang thing so down it came last week and I finally have it ready to go again. New rock maple mounts, 5-ply birch ribs and basswood triangle stock all over the place, the gear wires appear to be solidly secure at last.

My point is this: buy an ARF, (from almost ANYbody) and you had better look 'er over REAL close. The Ultra Stick 60 I bought was so light, it scared me to start the engine I had installed! That Corsair isn't a cheap model. Granted the photo may be dated but the 1000 words it represents, STILL ring true.

Here's my Chipmunk, ready to give it another go: