Welcome to the 'wonderful' world of todays ARF.

I believe many of them are produced by non-hobby people in China and elsewhere, who simply have the factory facility. Or so it would seem. Some are contracted to produce ARFs by known designers and distributers, and then reproduce, cheaper knock-offs and throw them in a no-name 'white box'. These planes are lacking all the extra good hardware, manuals, and accessories added after the distributer gets them back.

They are often 50% or less of what the name brand will cost, but are what has come to be know as 'builders' ARFs. No manual worth reading, very little usable hardware, and often structural things that need attention.

Early on, the fiberglass, paint, and clear canopies were awful on these ARFs, but these things have gotten much better, and now rival even the name brand kits.

Yes, I said Kits. Anything that needs assembly, weather in stick form or unit form, is a kit, to me, and I am also a builder of sticks.

Personally, I'm glad for the level of quality that does exist in many of todays ARFs. These little Chinese people have gotten very good with lasers and covering. Now if we could just get them to work on the gluing, wood selection, sanding, and authenticity (especially with war birds), we would have something.