ptmac - fair point and to be completely honest I wasn't aware of some of these companies. Together with Dr1Driver your points are clarifying my thinking a bit here.

ptmac - most of these companies seem to be targeting people with considerable building experience. Many of these planes were very large - 1/3rd scale in some cases. Not practical - way too big for most people, too many legal complications (e.g. in Australia anything over approx. 15lbs is subject to strict guidelines and inspections), too intimidating to fly after you've invested a reasonable amount of time in their construction. Jets don't fit the criteria either for similar reasons.

What I'm focusing in on is whether there is a market built around a closer relationship between the kit developer and newer, less experienced builders (e.g. with ARF building experience only) to support them through the experience of building a very well designed, engineered and supplied kit, and leaving them with a plane that is entirely their own, that they could not / would not have otherwise built. Yes, the kit itself may be worth less than the asking price to someone with all the skills, tools, etc - that is a different market. These buyers are also purchasing the improved likelihood of success, the first hand support of an experienced teacher, etc. Sarcastic types would call it building for dummies. I see it as bringing building skills and the building experience back to the hobby.

Throughout this site you'll find ARF builders who lack the experience to build from the resources listed above properly. Not all will have the finances to do something like this - and its not for everyone - but my sense (question?) is that there is a market for people with the interest, time, cash, lack of building skills, desire for membership in a community, and desire for a very unique plane to do this.

I hope this clarifies my hypothesis and I look forward to your comments.


All the best,

Joel