I'm on my 4th plane now, but they've all been ARF's. I want to get
a Sig SE but can't decide on the ARF or the kit. I will be using a
Irvine .53 in it, so my question is, is the ARF version built any
different than the kit? I have read that ARF's are generally lighter
and maybe even not as strong as the kit version of the same plane. Another reason for the indecision is the intimidation factor.
Not since my pre-teen days of building Guillow's kits have I put a
wood plane together, let alone cover one. I'm afraid to spend all
that time building something that will look rather bad. Maybe that
is the downfall of the ARF revolution, it makes us meek in the art
of building...

All opinions graciously accepted.

Jesse

If you want to start building kits, then a Sig is a good choice. Instructions are super-easy, and the SE is a relatively simple design. Building a kit is a lot of fun and you will find it very rewarding during its first flight. My knees shake a lot more during the maiden of a kit than an ARF .

Jesse

A kit gives You more control over weight and strength of the finished plane. And allot more to worry about"

If You have had 4 ARF's and You are still trying to decide on a kit, then I would guess that You will build a kit sooner or later.

Question

Is one of Your ARF's still flyable but needs little work? You could take the covering off and look at the construction, You may see things that You would re-do or improve. Use it to practice covering, and if You mess up You can take it off and re-do it.

It would cost a little for the covering, but it may be worth it to get an idea whether You will like it before spending money on a kit. Or You could get the ARF and still practice covering if you are worried about it looking bad. an extra $20 for trial and error?

The kit You listed I cant help You with, But kit building today with laser cutting and well printed manuals and plans is an easier experience. Depending on the kit, some are very easy and others have hundreds of pieces and lots of shaping. "Like the Corsair"

Good Luck with Your decision

Like Wornboots said, if you get an ARF you can always try to re-cover it. Maybe start with just the wing. You could even choose to put back a different scheme for it than factory and have a custom ARF. If the covering job goes well (or gets better after a couple of re-do's ) then maybe start your *next* plane from a kit right away while you fly your ARF.

Just my thoughts.

Some kits are easier than others to build. The Sig SE falls into the "Easier" category. If you are going to want to try your hand at building, this is an excellent kit to start with. If you get an ARF now, and decide to build next time, the next kit you choose may not be as easy. However, if you get the kit now, you will learn building skills and techniques that will help you get through the tougher ones later.

I would say this is DEFINITELY an excellent time to build your first kit!

Yup, if you have 4 ARF's under your belt, go for the kit. The Sig kits build well, and no one yet has convinced me that there is an ARF out there built better than I can build my own (granted, I've been building kits since the 70's). Once you get your first kit under your belt, the next, and the next... they are all easier. Also, when you have a big "Oh, No!", repairing is much easier, and less intimidating once you have built one from a kit.

Lee

KIT!!

SE Kit can be built 1/2 pound lighter than the ARF. Makes a big difference in this plane.

Tom

Go ahead and build the kit,

You should try building at least one kit. After that, you can make an educated choice where your love lies. In building or in flying.

Mace Gill
The Aeroplane Works

Lighter...probably not;
Not as strong...probably;

Build the KIT.

Go kit ! SIG kits are excellent choice for the quality, precision laser cut and fitting, superb instruction manuals, and great customer support. Good for first time builders. I am completing a 4*60 and it has taught me a lot about plane structures, how to do simple mods (although this is unnecessary), building techniques (how to assemble on a building board, what glue to use, etc), wood working skills, covering skills, and much more. I find it a great stress reliever too, as long as you build at your own pace, setting small objectives for each day (or week) ! You can get plenty of help at RCU during your build (what a great site !). You may need to get some basic tools but get them as you find the need.

Not to get too far off the subject here, but I just want to interject something. I have built virtually every major manufacturers kits, and the above statement is only true (from what I have found) of Great Planes kits, Top Flight Gold series, and post 80's Goldberg kits.

Sig still has a lot of kits out there that were designed in the 70's and do not use many of todays building techniques.

Many of their kits (4* series; SE; and many more) are excellent kits. But to say "SIG Kits" (as a whole) are excellent and easy for first time kit builders is misleading. If you don't believe me, try building one of there 1/4 scale cubs.

Minnflyer, you're right. I was referring to the later SIG kits.

I just finished a Sig SE.
It was my first kit.
I have some experience covering on my trainer, I put together a zagi and some control line planes way back when but this was my first RC kit.
It was a blast to build.
I have so much more pride in this plane than any other plane I own.
I still have yet to fly it and I know the maiden flight will be nerve racking.
But I can't wait to fly it.

Go for a kit!!!

Good Luck.

Bill

I have to agree with Minn, I am currently doing battle with a 1980's Goldberg Tiger 60. The only parts that fit the plan were the ones I had to cut. Can't vouch for the new ones. A few more kits like this, and I will be an arf man for life. LOL

OR, you'll be ready to build anything from scratch... Then you control the weight, strength, appearance, virtually everything!

Working harder does have its benefits!

BWT, Jesse, I'd go with the kit, too -- and it sounds to me like if you don't do it now, you'll do it some other time so you may as well dive in. You're goming to be wondering what it's like till you go for it and I can tell ya: today's R/C kit way easier to build than a small rubber-power kit, so much so that a good kit is actually a low-stress lot of fun way to spend some time. You know what the Nike guys would say, don't you...

I never thought of it like that Al, thanks alot. Now I have to buy more kits... LOL

I, personally, would get the kit. I'm not a fan of ARF's.

Looks like the majority is for me building the kit. As these replies
were mounting, I went and bought the SE kit and now I have a
home for the Irvine .53, thanks guys. I'll let you know how it goes.

Jesse

Way to go Jesse ! RCU is here whenever you need any help........

WoooooooooooooHooooooooooooo...welcome to kit building!