Has anybody come across a "bootleg" or counterfeit ARF? I just acquired a NIB Kyosho (suposedly) ARF secondhand, and neither the box or manual have "Kyosho" on them. On the decal sheet, all "Kyosho" decals have been cut out.

I am very familiar with what the box and manual should look like, as this is a replacement for an identical Kyosho ARF that I just crashed. The box on my original plane had all kinds of detailed photos and descriptions *printed* on the box. The new box has only a very basic label stuck on the box.

I find this very odd. I wonder if this is a factory reject, or the manufacturer for Kyosho is selling the design as a "no name". Any ideas?

John

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And so it begins.

I guess this means that the ARF market has hit a critical mass!

Very interesting, please keep us posted.

I bought an Kyosho bipe from a guy several months ago at a pretty cheap price. It was listed as NIB. When I got it it looked new but the packaging did not quite look like Kyosho's and the box appeared to be real old and faded or either poorly printed. I later found a damage repair slip stuck inside the box. I noticed this same person kept posting Kyosho products pretty constant for a long time after this. I always wondered if he was either bootlegging or selling returns & 2nds.

However, I must say the plane went together fine and I never had any problems with it until I forgot to take off the glow plug starter and met the ground due to radio interference.

Are the color schem and specifications identical to the original Kyosho? If so, they are from China. I found the original manufacturer of Kyosho kit in China. The company build what appears to be Hangar 9 Mustang (60 size), several Kyosho warbirds, and others.

Some Chinese guys get them directly from manufacturer with a little different or plain box with out stickers or company names removed. Most of time, the manuals are identical.
So far thats what I know of some ARFs of well known companies.
I don't remember where I put the link to the company. If I find it, I will post it here.