Original: Stickbuilder <<snip>>I personally feel that the rise of the ARF has been responsible for the demise of the kit industry, and that this lack of buildable kits has helped to ruin the hobby. There is a great call for instant gratification today, and it is getting worse. <<snip>>
I don't look at it that way at all. I don't think the hobby's ruined, and the opportunities for scratchbuilding are greater than ever. Demise of the kit industry? The kits that are being laser cut are tops, and we can still buy plans (or SAM kits) and build 'most any model ever designed.
Instant gratification? I suppose you don't have a bandsaw, or a set of clamps, or other timesavers. Not to mention radios, we don't have to build a Heathkit...
It's a great hobby, participation is up, and the tools just keep getting better and better.
Or so it seems to me,
Dave Olson