Hi vrhoward1122.

I was just reading your post and thought I'd chime in here. I work in the R&D department at Great Planes. Although I didn't work on the Skybolt (ARF or Kit), both were developed in the shop where I work and I've worked on many other GP/TF kits/ARFs, so I think I can answer your question.

Actually, Kirk RC already hit the nail right on the head; the kit was developed quite a while ago--back before lightweight construction was more of a priority than it seems to be these days. In addition to the demand for lighter-weight models, ARF construction demands a higher level of simplicity for mass production. The combination of demand (for lighter models) and simplicy gives you a lighter model.

Tim