I started out with some Flitecraft ARFs. They seemed to fly quite well and I still have all the ones I bought. A 30+ year veteran said they were the best flying planes he ever flew.
The old lanier ARFs have similar construction. No one even mentions them anymore. Their prices are very low. Lanier has down played their advertising in favor of their new ARF series.
Why?

They are heavy and they do not last very long because of cracking.

Once upon a time they were the best ARF models offered. Times change.

Once upon a time, they were the ONLY ARF's offered.

They were heavy. The parts fit was very poor. The plastic sheeting on the foam surfaces dented easily. The plastic used on the fuse cracked easily. They flew, but didn't fly too well due to the weight. I started one many years ago and gave it away after joining the wings.

John

Bo0ught this 'Lanier' airplane for 'pretty cheap' this year at a fly in. Notice that the wing panel plastic sheeting is missing. Thinking of covering with light balsa.

These ARF's are old style and technology, BUT...they fly very well! All will fly very good powered with engines one size smaller that specified. Some of the pattern style ships (Caprice, Jester) were designed when 61 size engines had less power than today's 45s.

They won't last much longer than one flying season due to plastic fatigue but for under $60- $70.00 they are a bargain. I have a six year old Jester I use as a test bed for new receivers, servos and some smaller engines. It is still going strong although I don't know what keeps it together.