The older generation Lanier ARFs are a good value for the low price, however they are not long term airplanes. Even with good maintenance they will average one to two flying seasons in life. They are old technology, require a bit of fitting and fiddling to assemble but can be ready to fly in a week of evenings.

The upside is they all fly beautifully. The trainer types do that well and the pattern types ( Jester, Caprice, 260, etc.) make great pattern trainers as they groove like thay are on rails.

Even after worn out (cracks and creaky airframe) they still make good test beds for radios and engine break in. When I used to fly only glow 45's and 61's I kept them for just that purpose. I still have one in the attic that has several hundred flights on it. It looks rough but is still holding together.

They are inexpensive and you can build two or three for the price of one other current ARF. And based on the caliber of flying I see at the field today they may last longer!