Does anyone have experience with the previous generation Lanier ARFs, like the TR-260, Dart, Laser, or Jester? They are really inexpensive compared to other similar-sized models. Do they fly nicely? Are they easy to assemble? Do they hold up OK, or should they be avoided because of their plastic bodies and foam wings? Or are they just cheap garbage?

The older generation Lanier ARFs are a good value for the low price, however they are not long term airplanes. Even with good maintenance they will average one to two flying seasons in life. They are old technology, require a bit of fitting and fiddling to assemble but can be ready to fly in a week of evenings.

The upside is they all fly beautifully. The trainer types do that well and the pattern types ( Jester, Caprice, 260, etc.) make great pattern trainers as they groove like thay are on rails.

Even after worn out (cracks and creaky airframe) they still make good test beds for radios and engine break in. When I used to fly only glow 45's and 61's I kept them for just that purpose. I still have one in the attic that has several hundred flights on it. It looks rough but is still holding together.

They are inexpensive and you can build two or three for the price of one other current ARF. And based on the caliber of flying I see at the field today they may last longer!

A lot of work to build. POOR fitting parts. Fuse cracks in very short order ! Wings are foam core w/aeroskin covering (thin sheet of plastic) that get dented easily. These are early generation ARF's and were poor quality 15 years ago. I wouldn't build one if you gave it to me for free ! Your money would be better spent elseware !!!!!
My 2 cents
Brian

Dick T. has the right philosophy with these clunkers. They do fly well, but they wear out sooner than the old fashioned kit-built models. However, everyone needs (IMHO) a piece of crap for flying dirty work with, and these will do the job at a very reasonable price. Use 'em and abuse 'em and when the cracks start splitting apart your heart will not be broken. They're kinda like the practice uniforms we wore everyday playing high school football, keep our game suits pretty for stadium play.

Anybody with info on the Lanier RC Caprice? How does it handle (fly)? Any special or funny behavior? I would like to paint with aero gloss (spray) paint some trim lines on the wing leading edge and tip. Will aero gloss attack the plastic covering? What else would I use other than "iron on" trim and still be fuel proof?



Thank you, Terry

Don't use Aero Gloss dope, it will melt the plastic. Use polyurethane paint or enamel. Use Rustoleum paint, it's fuelproof right out of the can.

The Caprice and Jester were knock offs of a late 70's pattern plane called the Tiger Tail, so they fly like a good pattern ship. No bad habits, a stock 61 will propel it like a rocket.

As mentioned Aero Gloss will attack the plastic, use a Urethane based paint or Rustoleum. Monokote Trim sticks well, so does sign vinyl.