Howdy,
I am looking for something to do during the winter and am looking at building an ARF. I want something challenging, yet not to complicated that I get frustrated. I have done tons of regular models out of plastic etc. This would be my first balsa model. I currently have an Alpha Trainer with 2 MAJOR[:@] crashes. After about 16 hours the first time and 9 more the second it still flies great. Most of that was fixed by myself and my brother. Any suggestions you have should be a full kit (minus radio engine servo's). It should include the monokote and all balsa (maybe precut, maybe not). Of course I have the CA and epoxy
Thanks

Lefty [sm=thumbup.gif]

Left Thumb,
your post is a little confusing. Do you want an ARF (almost ready to fly)?? these usually come with most of the major assemblys built and you just "assemble" them to finish the plane. plane comes about 80-90% built and all assemblies come already covered.

your post says that you want the balsa (maybe precut) included. This makes it sound as if you want to build a kit. most kits come with all the balsa/ply wood that is needed to finish the kit, with the major pieces die or laser cut. The amount of hardware included with the kit depends on the manufacturer. some come with everything needed, minus radio and engine. some come with almost no hardware, but have a list of what is needed to finish the kit. I don't know of any kits that come with monokote, as you will need to purchase this seperately as every person has a different idea of what color scheme to use on their plane.

I'm not sure what level of airplane you are flying now, and what you want to fly next. But if you are looking for a kit that will be good one to learn to build on I would recommend the Sig Somethin Extra. This is an incredible kit. Very good instructions, laser cut parts, a fuselage that is easy to build straight and true, and most hardware included. And the plus of this plane is that is a total blast to fly.

hope this helps.

I too am confused... An ARF appropriate to your flying skill is going to be no challenge at all to assemble.

If you want a good first kit for what I would GUESS your flying skill to be... (able to fly solo, do some loops, basic stall turn... safely take-off and land.) I'd say get a Four-Star 40.

If you've had to do major repairs and had it turn out well... you have adequate skill to build this one.

***
I re-read your original post... what you want is a PACKAGE DEAL on a kit. Several of the mail order places would gladly set you up. An example would be, go to Tower Hobbies website. Look up the Four Star 40 kit. There is a button to click for "Accessories needed" get everything listed except the engine and radio system. (its not a bad way to make your shopping list...) You would have to pick your own colors on the covering.

If you are looking to build something, look at the Somethin extra too. It rocks. You have to buy the kit, and then the covering and stuff like that seperate, but that is normal for almost all the kits.

I just build a 4* as my first kit. It wasn't hard at all. Time consuming though, that may just be cause I'm slow. But it wasn't difficult at all.

The Somethin' Extra will probably be too much for you skills. Although it can be fairly docile when set up right, it's actually a "Fun Fly" which is meant to be flown quickly with a lot of loops and snap rolls, etc.

I'd second the 4 Star 40, or a Great Planes Super Sportster, or one of the other "kits" you'll find recommended on this site.
Dennis-

If you want a challenging ARF that will almost take as long as a kit... LOOK NO FURTHER!

Get a Tiger II ARf!!! Be prepared; have extra drill bits, cub yellow ultractoe, PLENTY of debonder, and a REALLY GOOD covering iron to get all those wrinkes out!

Albeit the fact that my Tiger II was a PITA to build, everyone says it is a blast to fly (Not flown yet)

Thanks everyone,
What I was looking for was a kit, not an ARF, I miss spoke (typed). What does everyone think about the Sig something extra RCken talked about? I have the G2 full from Realflight and have been flying that for about 2 years. I used to fly the electric fighterbird, then before that the firebird XL for two years also. I just bought an Alpha trainer and have flown about 14 times, (only 12 successful, hence the two crashes and repairs). I have a good feel for the airplane and am improving every time I fly. I would like to be able to fly the "kit" some time in the spring, by that time my skills would have improved even more. Hope this helps my earlier post.

Lefty [sm=thumbup.gif]

If you set up the control throws for minimum, the Somethin' Extra might be okay. But keep in mind, it's a "fun fly" type plane is is normally flown in fast twitchy manuevers. Not a very docile plane, and there are others that would be better. (Like the Sig 4*, or the Great Planes Super Sportster.)
Dennis-

You might be better off with something like the 4*, the Tiger II, or Great Planes new Rapture