Well, I finally purchased a Vmar ARF even though some of the posts I read recommended against it. I finally received their VAN RV-4 which was on back order for about three weeks. I must agree with folks who described a very strange odor upon opening the box. What is that smell?

Anyway, I was very excited about this ARF since it is my second plane (Tower Hobbies 40 size RTF was my first). On the very first step, where I dry fit the wing brace into the wing halves is where the trouble began. The wing brace was too long on each end by about 1/16 of an inch. No problem, I just used my razor saw to remove a small amount of material on each end.

Then when I began to dry fit both wing halves onto the wing brace, I noticed that the left wing leads (is in front of) the right wing by about .075". It's pretty obvious that the wing halves do not line up. When I called Vmar, the guy said they have a tolerance of 3% on their dimensions. That seems excessive for certain critical tolerances. Any thoughts?

The Vmar service rep did say that if I am unhappy with the kit, to go ahead and send it back. I think that's what I'm going to do. What does anyone out there think about a tolerance of 3% and about a misalignment of .075" on the wing halves? Seems like poor workmanship to me. Your opinions are greatly appreciated.

This problem is just the first of many problems you are about to experience.
Your call, how much patience and understanding do you possess?

LOL,

I had a VMAR arrow 40, flew very well. However, (and this is a big however) any landing less than perfect resulted in a severly cracked fuse right behind the cockpit.

I called the VMAR distributor in Australia and told em' what happened. This guy had to be the most defensive rep I have ever spoken too. (he probably spents most of his day copping abuse and tryng to defend his crappy products).

They sent me another fuse for the hugely discounted price of half the cost on the whole aircraft and, you guessed it, the same thing happened.

The bottom line is that VMAR try to cut corners in manufactoring whilst other manufactors (like pheonix/seagull) are progressively improving.

Inter,Thats quite presumption.

Seagull/Phoenix are really no better than VMAR. Go look at a Phoenix Scanner and you'll see what I mean.

The VMAR Arrow was a piece of S#*^ anyway, but probably a better one than the long defunct VMAR Stilleto.

The new VMAR Jodel though, is a different story. Still not quite up to World Models Standard, but better than anything Phoenix/Seagull put out and certainly VMAR'S best so far.

For the record, my oldest VMAR is a Ramrod. Flown extensively and now some 5 years old. Though rather grubby and knocked about, it is still going strong.

For the $$ asked though, the World Super Sports 40 is the best ARF around. Spend a few more bucks and chose it over anything VMAR or Seagull/Phoenix put out. You won't be sorry.

Nice to know others don't learn either. I have owned three Vmar ARFs...I have nothing good to say. There we be no fourth!

ORIGINAL: Woody 51

The new VMAR Jodel though, is a different story. Still not quite up to World Models Standard, but better than anything Phoenix/Seagull put out and certainly VMAR'S best so far.

Sry mate, I don't believe that I made a presumption, rather a statement based on fact.

Here's why

1. I have recentley owned a seagull pc9, Pheonix SU 31, mainly due to recommendations, and both are well constructed, excellent arf's

2. When was the last thread you saw praising a VMAR arf

3. Nearly all other companies use ultracoat (heat treat stuff) not that crappy VMAR plastic stuff.

4. Check out the newish threads on the Pheonix SU 31, or the Seagull Edge 540.

5. What's with Vmar's new range, Jodel, Subaru, Fokker (Ben Stiller in meet the parents was hilarious).

I think Vmar might be trying a different market, maybe a different demographic. Good luck to em', its just that I would NOT buy another Vmar ARF.

Inter mate, so your experience with VMAR was bad. I too had some bad ones to in their early days, (aka the Stilleto) but I also had some shockers with Seagull. Try putting a hot air gun over the covering on their PC9, to get the wrinkles out of it. The imprinted markings just go every which way!!

Frankly though, I don't really think either are as good a World Models.

When either of these Vietnamese manufacturers get to the standard of World, I will look at buying something new from them. Until then, I will continue to fly my old VMAR Ramrod until it finally gives up the ghost and stick to my newer W.M. ARF's.

Having experienced these less than acceptable kits I can honsetly say that this company should be banned from selling these pieces of S*^$! All smart publishers should look the other way when offered the green to promote these abortions. DON'T DO IT!!!!!!