RE: whats the ARF that started it all ????
I'll stand by the MRC plane. I don't think most builders could have made a more beautiful plane at the time.
As for modern arf's that were of highest quality, that honor would have gone to Yellow Aircraft. They were the best looking aerobatic Arf's available when they came out. Multi colored cowls and pants with flawless paint. Much like the best from World Model, GP or Horizon today.