gumhead -- glad your with us. I got my last post deleted, thought it was funny (but I guess threatening -- wasn't intended to be -- so sorry). Kit building is definately not coming back. Sure there might be a bunch of new "kit" suppliers coming out with stuff, but most of the new stuff is foam or small. Kits in the 60-90 size are definately on the decline. The instant gratification group that needs ARFs and only ARFs are missing out on part of the best of this hobby.

Now, I do have an ARF and I fly it a lot, my dad has a couple but we still build. Personally, I think that both have made me a better flyer. I fly within my safe zone when flying my kit built planes and I push my skills with my ARF. This is a great way to improve and yet still keep flying.

At our club, we have a member, a great guy and nice as the day is long. He started flying about 2 years ago. Just ARFs. I don't think he has a set budget (hint on his economic well being). Well in the last 2 years, he has gone through about 15 aircraft! He is constantly buying stuff that he is not ready for, and because he has little sweat in his aircraft, he fly's them (usually once).