The foam and plastic ARF's we had during the 60's, 70's and 80's from Lanier, Pilot, Hobby Shack, etc., didn't really "turn the corner" for the ARF's.....they were either heavier, not as durable/repairable or had marginal flight performance. The one that convinced me that the ARF had "come of age" was the Hanger 9, 72" CAP 232.....during that same time frame, the Sig CAP 232 and Extra 300 came out also.....these ARF's had the same weight, performance and duribility/repairability as any kit built plane. The constuction was as good as or better than that achieved by most modelers at the time and they were all wood construction. They had repairable covering(monokote, ultracote), fiberglass accessories and hardware as good or bettter than that used by most modelers and the flight performance was as good as any kit built planes at that time. These were the planes that convinced me that the ARF had "Come of Age".
Larry