I am curious how the ARF consumer defines ARF for themselves. I wanted to make a survey to this effect but I have not figured how to yet.
So, please comment on these possible definitions or make your own. Your responses will help me correctly market a product.

An ARF model is defined by:

A) How long it takes to complete the assemly ( _ number of hours - you fill in the blank)
B) The specific tasks required to complete the model. In other words, do you care what you are asked to do to finish the model, or as long as your done in X number of hours and it looks like it is supposed to you are satisfied that it is an ARF?
C) A combination of A and B, but one is more important than the other (which?)
D) Something else




Thanks,
ScaleMe

Pre- built, Pre-covered, minimal assembly(comparatively speaking!). I know alot more assembly goes into a warbird than say a trainer. You are more apt to add details to a warbird!

I have been building ARFs for years. Some are much, much, much better than others-- but I think of an ARF as something with covering applied. (Then along comes Composite ARF and blows that away)

The bottom line is that there is no clear definition of "ARF." Like deputydog said, they are pre-built and covered; beyond that, it varies greatly depending on the manufacturer.

With an ARF (generally speaking again) you can count on most if not all components to be covered already, but there will not be any engine nor electronics installed. All of the components required to complete a flying model will be included in the packaging with exception of aforementioned engine and electronics.

I'd say that if you didn't build the framework, whether it's composite or bulkhead/longeron, it's an ARF.

Some noteable examples of High-end ARFs are;

For example,

Composit ARF,

BVM...with all the molded in panel lines...,

Aerotech.

There are also those few planes in the ARC catagory, although finding them is nearly impossible. (Almost ready to cover) I'd prefer these, I can do my own color scheme, I like covering (not building), and can reinforce/check everything as needed.

anyway, I agree with the opinion ARF's are built and covered, nothing more, nothing less. I would rather have it this way for most of the planes, at least you can do your own rigging and know it is done right. (or at least my version of right! [8D])

I agree with this as well. if its built up and you didnt have to glue in spars or ribs etc and its covered then its an ARF

And as hgiles said: All of the necessary components to complete and fly the model are included in an ARF kit, except the radio and engine.

Included: Engine mount, fuel tank, landing gear (including retracts) wheels, pushrods or control cables, control horns, clevises and ALL of the hardware required. (It may be junk, but it's all there.)

Not included: Engine, muffler, fuel lines, propeller, spinner (sometimes), servos, servo arms, extensions, receiver, switch and battery.

No finishing is required of an ARF other than the application of trim stickers.

Jim

First, thanks everyone for all of your input - very useful. P-51B, regarding your quote above, does the fact that the Aerotech and Composite Arf models take about 50-100 hours of assembly and painting to complete (perhaps BVM too), put these into a separate category? I believe the broad range of ARF offerings on the market makes this title a loose way to categorize models and if you all believe as P-51B does that Composite ARF and Aerotech are also ARFs then perhaps there is sufficient consumer latitude with using this title. I just don't want to be in a situation where I produce something, call it an ARF and then get flak for falling a few degrees away from the norm. From a marketing perspective, the ARF label is huge although I am curious if a title such as Quick Build is more appropriate for some ARFs on the market. Would you guys be turned away from a model labeled Quick-Build as compared to ARF?

Thanks
ScaleMe

I think you will find that alot of people disagree with me. Heck, look at top gun, a BVM jet was allowed to enter...and won. Granted, the owner did a nice job of finishing the plane, but that makes him artist in my book, not a modeler. Frankly, its a shame that someone can buy a plane with the detailed molded in, and get higher static scores than someone who builds the plane, and adds the detail.

The composite arfs come pre-finished. Or you can choose to paint it, still the same in my book. Heck, I have an H-9 73" cap, it started off all white, I added covering to produce a unique trim scheme, and painted the cowl and wheel pants...does that mean it isn't an arf....nope, still an arf.

As far as time to assemble, a friend of mine has had both a Composite Arf extra and a BVM kingcat (advertised as an arf by the way). He had both assembled by someone else. I don't recall how long it took to get the Comp arf done (not long), but the kingcat, the guy finished it up to ready to paint in about a week - week and half, working on it a few hours after work.

Your idea of "quick build" may be a good one, since I have seen at least one thread recently where someone was complaining a company labeled something arf that took him a week or two to assemble. Not sure how much effect it would have on marketing though.

As always, just my two cents, which we all know isn't worth much these days!

I would say this doesn't go quite far enough. One only framed up we typically call an ARC (almost ready to cover). I would say an ARF is anything built, even if it's only in components, finished (paint and or covering, and ready for assembly.

If its pre covered its an ARF in my opinion.
No sanding? ARF.

If it says ARF I expect all major components built and covered with only minimal assembly required, such as joining wing halves, glueing tail features, glueing hinges, installing radio and engine, and applying any decals.

Here is my definition:

1. Wing(s) completely framed in either 1 piece, 2 halves or 2 ends and a center section.
2. All wing sections covered.
3. Fuselage built up and covered (if applicable) and painted (if applicable).
4. Tail components built, covered (if applicable) and painted (if applicable).
5. Remaining work largely assembly and finish detailing.

Certainly not a binding topic but a fun one. To me, it doesn't make a difference how long it takes but what steps are already done for you that makes it an ARF.

If it's not a box of wood it's an arf.

ARF in my words is the model being built (wings fuse and tail feathers) and then just insalling the motor mount, motor, radio gear and any thing else that needs filling in.

ARF means it is "90%" complete on the box top [sm=lol.gif]

Jerry