ORIGINAL: ram3500-RCU
I for one, am a little tired of the nit-picking over this subject.
assemble............ To fit together the parts or pieces of: assemble a machine; assemble data.
build................... To make something by combining materials or parts.
Please notice either word can refer to essentially the same process.
Yes, starting from scratch rather than sub assemblies can be and usually is more work, but both types of KIT aircraft require BUILDING. In fact, some planes call ARFs REALLY need "BUILDING" and should be called "BUILDERS ARFs if anything. I have a bigger problem with the acronym ARF. How many of these planes are truly "almost ready to fly"? VERY VERY FEW !!!!!!!!!! I have spent anywhere from 15 to 300 hours on most "ARFs"!!!!! And I have built some "kits" in less time.
We know the terms, we know the processes. Lets just get over and on with it, please.
Personally (and I am sure that you don't care), I'd rather call those who assemble ARF's Flyers, and those who actually build, modellers.
I've yet to see an ARF that is a model of anything. It's a flying machine, or miniature aircraft. There is too much that is not scale with them.
Bill, Waco Brother #1