Hello,

I am an avid follower of ARFs since its early days but I have a question that I need some insights. Why is it that most of the manufacturers (ARF) always put out the same old stuff that have been released before. I mean how many companies put out P-51, P-47, Zero, Corsair, Cub, Cessna 182, and so forth.... Why not put out something that is interesting like Me-110, P-39, Kate, Val and so forth... Why release the same stuff over and over again? H9 is coming out a P-47 that is already released by ModelTech and KMP. I am sure people would like to see something different than the old vanilla icecream... DP

They build what sells, not what people say they want.

Because we keep buying what they produce! If P-51s and the like are left on the shelves, they will start to build something else. As long as there is a market for the existing products they don't have any reason to change.

CAPITALISM

If you see a vast, untapped market for ARF ME-110's, Kates & Val's, why not take advantage of the opportunity? Have a couple containers full built & shipped to you, then advertise & sell them. I would probably take one of each... if the quality, warranty, and accompanying service are on a par with the large companies. Oh, and the price would have to be reasonable.

There is the alternative of building from Ziroli Plans, or kits from Skyshark or Reid's... more work, of course. Apparently, the demand is being satisfied by kits & plans. Go figure.

Good luck,
Dave Olson

Hi Scar,

You are right ! I bet you if there is a company that produces scale ARFs that look RIGHT ( I am NOT talking scale here) on those I suggested, they may do well. I could be naive but my senses tell me people would jump at it. You see, there are companies that are heading this way. YT is the one comes to mind. They produce ARFs that look RIGHT with subjects that are not common such as Hurricane and upcoming Typhoon. The problem is that they are aimed at more serious modelers and that is why the construction is more complicated and with a higher price tag (apprx. 400.00 USD). I have heard a rumor that H9 will come out with a Zero next year. I mean how many companies put out Zeros at this point? Let's see WM, CMpro, Sea Gull, GP ... don't we have enough here? DP

Dai Phan,

I think you are correct. There are many modelers out there that would like to see something new. The problem is to convince these big companies that there is enough market for an item for them to produce, inventory, market and provide support for it.

We only see the item on the shelf for sale. Unfortunately, there are lots of hidden costs involved in introducing a new model to the market. It is necessary for them to see the potential sales to undertake these obstacles. They can readily see the sales of the current model offerings from their competition and more easily make the decision to produce one of their own.

Maybe you should start a poll to see what planes other modelers are wanting. Maybe some of the model companies will see it and take notice. If there is a lot of response they may be able make the right decision.

Hello,

One thing that manufacturers should consider in producing scale ARFs is that they need to pay some attention to scale profiles. I know that these are "STAND OFF SCALES" but they do not to be that "stand off"! I am not nickpicking about scale outlines like some fellows here because these planes are NOT intended to be such. However, they can really push their models to new heights if they can be more careful in the design. Have you guys seen Flying Styro WWII scale foam planes like Spitfire or FW-190 or P-51 Mustangs? These look like SCALE STATIC MODELS and they fly great too! I am not asking H9 to be at that level since the construction material is different but they can do a better job in their "scale" department. Look at GP AT-6 Texan, it is the most horrible looking scale ARF I have ever seen. Now look at Kyosho one, a VERY NICE stand-off scale I have ever seen with this bird. DP