ORIGINAL: jmohn
It's not just time too. Some of us don't have the space or want to invest in the tools required to build from scratch. If there's a nice ARF I tend to purchase that kit rather than build a kit. I would rather spend my free time on flying than building. I only have a limited amount of time free each week/month to fly so building would eat up that time. My choice is to spend more time flying and less building because that's what I like to do with my free time.
I also prefer to work more, make money and spend it on ARFs. Maybe when I decide to retire or cut back on my work hours I will find more time to build. ARFs have their place for many RC people. Give me more flight time any day!
jmohn,
Not trying to pick a fight here, but this is the kit building forum. That being said, and this is a circular argument, all having been gone over time and time again, but what are you guys going to build when you retire? The kits will probably all be gone, and most of you will have never learned to build, because you won't take advantage of we old farts, who have offered to teach you what It took us a lifetime to learn, plus what was passed along to us. When we kick the bucket, who will you learn from? The Internet? There won't be anyone there who knows any more than do you. Theory won't cut it. My advice (and it's worth exactly what it cost you) is to find an old model building geezer, and pick his brain. You might be surprised at what you can get out of him. If nothing else, we need someone to leave all our neat stuff to....You know.....someone who would use all the tools and equipment, and the planes, engines, radio's etc.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1