I suggested this very thing a couple of years ago in this forum and was told by at least one kit and ARF supplier that a box of ARF parts would make a poor kit because they are meant to be jig built and that they would not compete with the very simple to build Great Planes and Sig style kits with big manuals. I think that I would be happy with a box of parts, a decent drawing and a basic build instruction set to cover any unusual details or steps needed for that particular model. I can figure out the rest myself. And I KNOW it won't fall apart during it's maiden and it will be straight and the covering will look much better than any ARF I have held in my hands. But it doesn't seem to work that way...

I even suggested bringing in built, but uncovered airframes as ARC "kits". That way, its easier to see the structure and reinforce / re-glue / modify things you don't like and it won't look the same as every other model at the field once everyone does their own thing with the covering. But that was shot down because it seems most ARF people are most afraid of the covering stage of construction. It seems there is simply no winning with the ARF hordes...

For whoever said that plans building is also dying, I disagree. I think that many people who want to build kits but are disappointed with the cost and selection available are turning to plans building. No matter what happens to kits, I believe that plans will always be there, because of the unlimited choice of subjects to model and the creative outlet it offers. It will not be the dominant form of building, but it will always be around with a core of craftsman who shun the ARF offerings.

Mark