Is it a state of the economy, waning interest, sweat shops out of business, or what? In years past - especially this time of year - there used to be lots of ARFs available across the board from scale to sport to even some niche markets like racing, pattern, and sailplanes from the big three (HH, HP, TH) When I say ARF, I mean a traditional built up and covered structure or glass fuse and perhaps some plastic/glass parts and accessories. A lot has disappeared and I see existing stuff but nothing really new except a .60 size Kaos, some foamies, and quadcopters. Now, I do see new stuff from what I consider "supplemental" mfg's such as Phoenix, Seagull, etc. but not much from mainstream like GP, TF, H-9, etc. Perhaps I'm too focused on .25 to .60 size aircraft and need to expand my horizons...

Is it just me or does anybody else get this sense?

ITS YOU !!! LOL

Naw, just kidding with you. But if I were you I might as you say expand your horizons and do some more research for ARF in the larger size engine categories. Seems like these ARF manufacturers are putting out larger models to supply the fliers that are moving up the larger aircraft.

Personally, I am partial to Great Planes. I probably have assembled at least one model from every other manufacturer. Notice I said assembled. I got tired of the assembly process and went back to kit building. Presently getting ready to cover my Balsa USA Eindecker.

Personally, I would stay away for H-9's ARF's. I am not pleased with them at all.

Good luck with your search, but I am sure that you will be able to find a model that you will be happy with.

I think the change from several years ago, when there were many ARF importers occurred when the price of Chinese labor increased. The result was a much greater out of pocket cost to buy the minimum number of kits in a container. The result left only the big importers like Great Planes, Hangar 9, etc. able to front the cost.

Too bad, as I would love to get another Clipped-Wing Monocoupe!

Just thought of one model that you may make you very happy. I have had three or four of them and can highly recommend them and that is the Great Planes Revolver's. They now have I believe three sizes of them. I have run mine with an OS 55 AX, Saito 91 and DLE-20. I still have the smaller version with the OS and also the next size up with the Saito, but one day Mother Earth rose up and ate my Revolver that was powered by my DLE. Went in so hard and deep that it took three of us to dig it our of the soft ground. I also have another Revolver 70 still waiting its turn to be assembled.

You can also find other forums here in regards to the Revolvers. It's a great flying, quality ARF and that is my " personal " opinion.

Just a casual observation from the outset - not really shopping. Also wondering if this perceived trend is responsible for the decreasing demand of new glow engines though. The Revolver looks like fun and the Kaos interests me some as well as the large Escapade but that's a gasser and I need a new ARF like I need a hole in the head. H-9 .60 size Me-109 and P-47 shown on backorder for what seems like a year now. You can't have 'em all otherwise I think one can go crazy. My impulsive buying habit slowed a bit which is a good thing and I think building is better for creative well-being in the long run anyway.

I think what used to be mainstream RC used to be the .25-.60 glow powered stuff, but that's shifted a little (IMHO).

With the huge changes we've witnessed in the last few years of imported stuff at unheard of pricing (which has drawn a LOT of guys back into the hobby!), seems like there's been a major shift in interest towards electric and gas powered stuff, the likes of which we've never seen before. Yes, this started off with some pretty tacky product (junk), but has now evolved into something much more worthy. The thing is, much of it is smaller (sub .40 size), and bigger, some much bigger - like the 55cc and up gassers we see so often any more.

The 3D development/evolution has also been a big deal. That's caused a level of development that has now raised the bar regarding very light weight, though still sturdy air frames to a very high level. These seem to be completely ignored by the big 3 importers, much to some smaller importers delight.

On a personal level, when it comes to bucks spent for bang received, product I'm interested any more must perform at a much higher level that it would have even 5 years ago.

That said, my 20cc Revolver is still flown frequently. I'm guessing they had no idea how well this plane flies on 20cc when they designed it. Kind of an accident that turned out really well - but that's wandering off topic. -Al

I think what used to be mainstream RC used to be the .25-.60 glow powered stuff, but that's shifted a little (IMHO).

With the huge changes we've witnessed in the last few years, of imported stuff at unheard of pricing (which has drawn a LOT of guys back into the hobby!), seems like there's been a major shift in interest towards electric and gas powered stuff, the likes of which we've never seen before. Yes, this started off with some pretty tacky product (junk), but has now evolved into something much more worthy. The thing is, when compared to the older mainstream, much of it is smaller (sub .40 size), and bigger, some much bigger - like the 55cc and up gassers we see so often any more.

The 3D development/evolution has also been a big deal. That's caused a level of development that has now raised the bar regarding very light weight, though still sturdy air frames to a very high level. These seem to be completely ignored by the big 3 importers, much to some smaller importers delight.

On a personal level, when it comes to bucks spent for bang received, product I'm interested in any more, must perform at a much higher level that it would have even 5 years ago. I don't fly glow any more. Everything now electric (39 to 48") or gas (.40 size and up)

That said, my 20cc Revolver is still flown frequently. I'm guessing they had no idea how well this plane might fly on 20cc when they designed it. Kind of an accident that turned out really well - but that's wandering off topic. -Al

Thread resurrection and nice to see at least someone's listening... keeping the option of "traditional" sport .40 glow alive with an attractive design and color scheme, low wing (60" span/>500 sq in area), narrow control surfaces for speed rather than 3D maneuverability, and tricycle gear to boot!