is anybody else sick of arfs
10-11-2005 | 05:45 PM
#26
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From: Sierra Vista,
AZ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
There is a time and a place for everything but ARFs arent my bag ! I recently completed a Somethin Extra kit and debuted it at the field. It turned out much nicer than any ARF and most of the guys were amazed that somebody actually built a kit. I'm one of 2 or 3 builders at the field. As an experienced builder I got more personal satisfaction out of rolling out a new plane than I did flying it.....What bums me out is it's more expensive to kit build VS. an ARF and there are less and less kits becoming available. Oh well, as long as plans are still available I can still build !
10-12-2005 | 12:03 AM
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From: Payson,
AZ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
There is no shortage of plans or balsa, Cya and covering for those who really like to build but aren't all that fond of the quality of the kits any more than the ARFs or RTFs. Building from plans just reqires a bit more cutting of the wood than a kit. There are plans for almost any type of aircraft the you could ask for. Just be careful which ones you buy and be sure they are from a reputable builder.
Until the advent of laser cutting the die cutting of balsa sheets was pretty crude. This is still true of most of the plywood. If you really want to build - buy some plans. The John Pond collecton is now available from AMA.
For all you ARF or RTF pilots who just like to fly but can't, or won't, build, pay your club and AMA dues and go to the field and fly and have fun.
Until the advent of laser cutting the die cutting of balsa sheets was pretty crude. This is still true of most of the plywood. If you really want to build - buy some plans. The John Pond collecton is now available from AMA.
For all you ARF or RTF pilots who just like to fly but can't, or won't, build, pay your club and AMA dues and go to the field and fly and have fun.
10-12-2005 | 02:32 PM
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From: BLOEMFONTEINFREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I posted a reply to"is building going dead" else where, what I would like to add here is have you noticed that all the arfs boxes
from china state that the contents are made by"WOOD" he must one heck of a busy fellow jokes aside nothing beats a home built model.
from china state that the contents are made by"WOOD" he must one heck of a busy fellow jokes aside nothing beats a home built model.
10-12-2005 | 03:06 PM
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From: Blythewood,
SC
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
Hello,
Forgive me for being straight but I think that there are many narrow minded people in this hobby. I know some flyers who simply think that the ONLY way for a quality plane is through BUILDING from a kit. Infact, last week a patient of mine said that "I would never touch those ARfs with a ten foot pole!!!!". I explained to NO AVAIL that ARFs construction and quality have advanced so much that nowadays, they are as good as kit built. But he kept putting ARFs down as "no good, junk...". It is suprising but everynow and then, I keep hearing these narrow minded old timers saying bad things about ARFs. So the moral of the story is that if you think ARfs are bad, then think again. I think you will be treated to a rude awakening. I personally think that ARFs are wonderful as they allow me to fly a plane that does not take months to built. DP
Forgive me for being straight but I think that there are many narrow minded people in this hobby. I know some flyers who simply think that the ONLY way for a quality plane is through BUILDING from a kit. Infact, last week a patient of mine said that "I would never touch those ARfs with a ten foot pole!!!!". I explained to NO AVAIL that ARFs construction and quality have advanced so much that nowadays, they are as good as kit built. But he kept putting ARFs down as "no good, junk...". It is suprising but everynow and then, I keep hearing these narrow minded old timers saying bad things about ARFs. So the moral of the story is that if you think ARfs are bad, then think again. I think you will be treated to a rude awakening. I personally think that ARFs are wonderful as they allow me to fly a plane that does not take months to built. DP
10-12-2005 | 06:35 PM
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From: Essexville MI
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I like to do both! All my warbirds are from kits and my stunters are now mostly ARF's. Having built for 20+ years I really enjoy it and build the airplanes I want to make to my satisfaction. Stuff thats just for drilling holes in the sky is where ARF's for me fit right in. As example in the last six months I built a TF P-47 1/5 kit and assembled a GP Little Toni and Skyshark Christian Eagle. I now am building a TF P-51B 1/5 and assembling a glider ARF. Frankly, I dont buy the "I dont have time to build", the real point is that for many building is not a priority use of their time as we all make time for what we really enjoy. The big difference I see, not always but often, is when most people crash an ARF the agony is minimal, which is fine, and with a call to Tower can get right back into flying within a few nights or so. When my Toni splats on the ground at 120mph I will cuss one time then laugh, when the P-47 augers in I will need half a dozen Martini's and a visit to the shrink. The other big difference is that most people that havent built a few planes couldnt come close to duplicating an ARF in quality or looks never mind price. So for many of the folks "raised on ARF's" building would be a big step down, and unless they want to really commit to learning to build they have no reason to do so. ARF it, build it, buy it RTF who cares as long as you enjoy the hobby.
KirkRC
KirkRC
10-13-2005 | 11:18 AM
#32
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
Sorry Dai but the quality of an ARF may be good these days but it will never be as good as A home built if the builder does his or her job correctly. Just yesterday I had to straighten out the tail feathers of A nice little trainer for A fellow, it was very warped.
On any of the ARFs I have assembled for people I have to reinforce the fire wall and landing gear block just to make them hold up for A while. Even then I have seen what passes for ply wood peal apart too often.
I have one 1/4 scale Extra ARF and although A great plane in the air it took A lot of beefing up in too many areas and I still ended up replacing the LG block after it split.
The wood in A kit may not be up to par either and I often replace A number of parts with wood I have stock piled from plans built planes I have made over the years.
By building myself I have the option to see any problems and make changes as I see fit during the build.
I don't mind the ARFs they have out today but I do think the ARCs are A better choice just because I can see things and get to them for repair or replacement. That and it's easier to get in there to fuel proof things, something that is still lacking in the ARF industrie. I also like to change the control rods and sometimes the complete system they come with. The ARC is just A better choice to be able to do this.
I have seen more ARCs these days and the quailty is quite good and with A little extra work they come out almost as well as A built model. Almost!!
JMHO
On any of the ARFs I have assembled for people I have to reinforce the fire wall and landing gear block just to make them hold up for A while. Even then I have seen what passes for ply wood peal apart too often.
I have one 1/4 scale Extra ARF and although A great plane in the air it took A lot of beefing up in too many areas and I still ended up replacing the LG block after it split.
The wood in A kit may not be up to par either and I often replace A number of parts with wood I have stock piled from plans built planes I have made over the years.
By building myself I have the option to see any problems and make changes as I see fit during the build.
I don't mind the ARFs they have out today but I do think the ARCs are A better choice just because I can see things and get to them for repair or replacement. That and it's easier to get in there to fuel proof things, something that is still lacking in the ARF industrie. I also like to change the control rods and sometimes the complete system they come with. The ARC is just A better choice to be able to do this.
I have seen more ARCs these days and the quailty is quite good and with A little extra work they come out almost as well as A built model. Almost!!
JMHO
10-13-2005 | 11:29 AM
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From: New London,
OH
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I enjoy both types of airplanes. I can remember way back when if you built from a kit it wasn't a real model, real modellers scratch built everything. It is really relative to the technology present at the time that skews your views. Personally, I'm going to scratch build one this winter because it has been a few years since I scratched one up. And I'm not going to use a kit cutter because that is not really scratch building is it? just kidding.
10-13-2005 | 11:36 AM
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From: Billings,
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I prefer to build, when I started in the mid 80's, all ARF's were pretty much Junk. I learned to build from the get go, BUT I have built and flown the snot out of several ARF's over the last 5 years. Sure they needed some going over, but all flew and held up very well. I love to build, but I will always have an ARF or two in my hangar. 
Either way it boils down to the individual "having FUN", ARF or Build.
Either way it boils down to the individual "having FUN", ARF or Build.
10-13-2005 | 01:29 PM
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From: Payson,
AZ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
If you enjoy ARF or RTF go for it. If you enjoy building from a kit or plans go for it. There is no real argument if you get to go out to the field with a bunch of friends and enjoy a day of flying a model airplane and BSing with the other pilots and club members. There are good and sufficient reasons why every modeler does it in one preferred way. Criticising another pilots airplane because he did or did not build it or buy it demonstrates no respect and sure doesn't add much to the friendship of clubs and fellow modelers. If importing ready built models, or selling kits, or selling balsa and building supplies keeps the the sport going I'm all for it.
10-13-2005 | 01:32 PM
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From: Blythewood,
SC
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
Hello,
I think that for SEASONED builders, no ARFs can come close to kit built because the ARF engineering is based on SIMPLICITY so factory workers can crank these out by the hours with very few exceptions. 3 Sea Bees is one. Their ARFs are more correctly called "custom built". However, with the majority of us (>80%) are not seasoned builders so ARFs are are better than we built themselves. I have examined Pacific Aero Models Tiger Moth, GP DR-1 and I say that I can't built better than what I see. So whether or not ARFs are better than kit built depends on who buys it. For the pros, ARFs are junk, substandard products (because they can built better) but for me, ARF are built better than I can do it. So the views on ARFs differs pending whether the flyer is a pro or an average modeler. I totally agree on ARFs should be also offered in ARC form so we can make chages as needed. The problem is ARC is not much cheaper than fully covered/decorated version. I am building now an FunAero Albatross DIII and I am enjoying the process because I like the plane and no one makes ARFs. Other than that, ARFs are what I do nowadays. DP
I think that for SEASONED builders, no ARFs can come close to kit built because the ARF engineering is based on SIMPLICITY so factory workers can crank these out by the hours with very few exceptions. 3 Sea Bees is one. Their ARFs are more correctly called "custom built". However, with the majority of us (>80%) are not seasoned builders so ARFs are are better than we built themselves. I have examined Pacific Aero Models Tiger Moth, GP DR-1 and I say that I can't built better than what I see. So whether or not ARFs are better than kit built depends on who buys it. For the pros, ARFs are junk, substandard products (because they can built better) but for me, ARF are built better than I can do it. So the views on ARFs differs pending whether the flyer is a pro or an average modeler. I totally agree on ARFs should be also offered in ARC form so we can make chages as needed. The problem is ARC is not much cheaper than fully covered/decorated version. I am building now an FunAero Albatross DIII and I am enjoying the process because I like the plane and no one makes ARFs. Other than that, ARFs are what I do nowadays. DP
10-13-2005 | 02:59 PM
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From: New London,
OH
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I don't think ARF's are junk. I think the new ones are up to the standard of kits. However, as someone stated earlier, there is a certain amount of pride when you take a plane to the field that started as a box of sticks. The only thing I do not like about ARF's is the inability to customize the look of your plane. For example, when I covered my SU-31, I spent 2 days looking on the web for a color scheme that didn't have a pink or power blue color and a star. When our float club gets together, the guys with seamaster's have to fly one at a time. The most popular sea plane only comes in one color scheme. This is the biggest drawback to ARF's that I can see. I think for quality, ease of assembly, price and flight characteristics ARF's are hard to beat. I do still enjoy building however and it still is an important part of the hobby for me.
10-13-2005 | 03:12 PM
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From: Omaha,
NE
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I love to build kits and I love to fly planes. When I was young I would build airplane kits. I had lots of time and no money. Now that I am older I have the money and not the time. [
] The quality of ARFs have advanced with time and I see precision made models that I wish I could say were kit built.
] The quality of ARFs have advanced with time and I see precision made models that I wish I could say were kit built.
10-13-2005 | 03:37 PM
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From: Billings,
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
With my experience in the 80's, and I am sure a lot of you will agree, most were junk. I think that is where a lot of the ARF bashing/hating comes from. People tried them, they didn't like them, and now hate them, and would never try one. I was the same way, until several years ago, I said, "what the heck and bought one". I was very pleased with the quality and flight performance. ARF's keep getting better and better.
I agree with other's that I get tired of the people who put down a guys plane or him because he does ARF's. As I said before, it is all about having a good time.....flying, building, ARF'ing, socializing, etc. [8D]
Keep your wings level...........
I agree with other's that I get tired of the people who put down a guys plane or him because he does ARF's. As I said before, it is all about having a good time.....flying, building, ARF'ing, socializing, etc. [8D]
Keep your wings level...........
10-13-2005 | 05:05 PM
#40
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I can't say I care much about what people chose to fly. But, what miffs me most about ARFs is that they have taken over the vast majority of space in most of the magazines at the expense of the construction articles, three-views, columns, and historical pieces I enjoy so much. How many reviews can you write about the three varieties of ARFs there are out there?
10-13-2005 | 08:28 PM
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From: Holladay,
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I was building and flying in the early eighties when most of the planes at the fields I flew from were kit built. AND MOST OF THOSE PLANES WERE JUNK! Almost any decent contemporary ARF is better built and finished. There were a lot of people building kits then, and still some now, who have no craftsmanship whatsoever! Yet they would proudly claim and show off their planes. Totally clueless! (Sorry, but I felt the need to inject some objective honesty.)
That being said, I don't like or buy ARFs. In fact I have never owned an ARF. ( Except for my "toss in the trunk, knock-about" plane, a Hobby Lobby Miracle.) In part I don't like ARFs because, as others have said, they fill up hobby shops and magazines. Look at Hobby Lobby's adds, "We have taken the work out of the hobby." Well not for many of us! For many of us Hobby Lobby has taken at least 50% of the fun out of the hobby! If I could no longer build the planes I fly, I would leave the hobby permanently. To me -- and I don't mean this in a deprecatory way -- just flying ARFs is just playing. Not that there is anything wrong with that -- I just want more out of the hobby than ARFs have to offer.
ARFs also fill up the flying fields -- with owners some of us have little in common with. They bring out their shiny new ARFs and talk about how difficult a "build" it was. Then they ask about your kit or scratch built plane and look at you like you are an idiot when it dawns on them that you spent 100 or more hours actually "building" it! Some even try to convince you that building from scratch or a kit is a waste of time when, "Look at this ARF you could have gotten."
The predominance of ARFs seems to have taken the need for craftsmanship, and respect for excellent craftsmanship, out of the hobby. And I think maybe that is really what many of us don't like about ARFs.
That being said, I don't like or buy ARFs. In fact I have never owned an ARF. ( Except for my "toss in the trunk, knock-about" plane, a Hobby Lobby Miracle.) In part I don't like ARFs because, as others have said, they fill up hobby shops and magazines. Look at Hobby Lobby's adds, "We have taken the work out of the hobby." Well not for many of us! For many of us Hobby Lobby has taken at least 50% of the fun out of the hobby! If I could no longer build the planes I fly, I would leave the hobby permanently. To me -- and I don't mean this in a deprecatory way -- just flying ARFs is just playing. Not that there is anything wrong with that -- I just want more out of the hobby than ARFs have to offer.
ARFs also fill up the flying fields -- with owners some of us have little in common with. They bring out their shiny new ARFs and talk about how difficult a "build" it was. Then they ask about your kit or scratch built plane and look at you like you are an idiot when it dawns on them that you spent 100 or more hours actually "building" it! Some even try to convince you that building from scratch or a kit is a waste of time when, "Look at this ARF you could have gotten."
The predominance of ARFs seems to have taken the need for craftsmanship, and respect for excellent craftsmanship, out of the hobby. And I think maybe that is really what many of us don't like about ARFs.
10-14-2005 | 10:28 AM
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From: Yardville, NJ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I'm sure this is going to rub some people the wrong way but that is not he intent.
<SoapBox ON!>
The way I look at it, ARFS are a great thing. Beofre ARFs got popular going to the local hobby store to find airplanes or parts meant that you had to cram your way into the far back corner behind all the RC Trucks and Cars, Trains etc... And most likely they did not have what you wanted. Running a Hobby Store is a hard business and you can only stock what sells. Today I walk into my LHS and it is crammed with Airplanes. Mostly ARFs. But more Kits as well because the LHS owner says that more people are interested in airplanes lately so he can risk a bigger stock of Kits.
ARFs bring in new people to the Hobby. Not always the kind of people that you think of when you think of modelers. These are the same annoying kids that think Frozen Food takes to long to make and nobody else knows anything but them. But I watch these people walk out with an ARF (which they probably promptly crash and buy another). ARFs are stimulating the Hobby Economy. They are also stimulating genuine progress in the hobby. RC plane technology has lacked FAR behind everything else because it was a niche market. Not a main focus. Look at Battery technology now! It progress so fast you cant keep up.
Here is the part that will ruffle some feathers.... being a Niche is EXACTLY why builders loved it. Just like computers before the era of Windows, model building was a small club. The only people in it were people you knew. And it made you feel special. Now, at the field, the annoying kid down the block is flying to, and HE NEVER WORKED TO GET THERE. Just like old time computer users were upset the Grandmas were using the Internet!! My GOD! The Sky is falling!
ARFs can only be a good thing. Because builders will always build. Only a few SO CALLED builders dropped building and totally went to ARFs. Most (like me) still build because we love it and I always will. Also, a small number of ARF flyers will become builders because they want better planes.
People feel threatened by ARFs because their Niche Hobby is going mainstream. Well brace yourselves because you can't stop it. In the end, the Hobby wil be better than ever.
Building a plane is still an art and it will always be. Its the same thing as comparing an Old Master painting with some print knockoff. Flying a Kit Built plane is an amazing feeling that most ARF pilots will never know. Thats OK. There is room in this hobby for everyone. Just keep buying planes!
<soapbox off!>
my 2cents...
<SoapBox ON!>
The way I look at it, ARFS are a great thing. Beofre ARFs got popular going to the local hobby store to find airplanes or parts meant that you had to cram your way into the far back corner behind all the RC Trucks and Cars, Trains etc... And most likely they did not have what you wanted. Running a Hobby Store is a hard business and you can only stock what sells. Today I walk into my LHS and it is crammed with Airplanes. Mostly ARFs. But more Kits as well because the LHS owner says that more people are interested in airplanes lately so he can risk a bigger stock of Kits.
ARFs bring in new people to the Hobby. Not always the kind of people that you think of when you think of modelers. These are the same annoying kids that think Frozen Food takes to long to make and nobody else knows anything but them. But I watch these people walk out with an ARF (which they probably promptly crash and buy another). ARFs are stimulating the Hobby Economy. They are also stimulating genuine progress in the hobby. RC plane technology has lacked FAR behind everything else because it was a niche market. Not a main focus. Look at Battery technology now! It progress so fast you cant keep up.
Here is the part that will ruffle some feathers.... being a Niche is EXACTLY why builders loved it. Just like computers before the era of Windows, model building was a small club. The only people in it were people you knew. And it made you feel special. Now, at the field, the annoying kid down the block is flying to, and HE NEVER WORKED TO GET THERE. Just like old time computer users were upset the Grandmas were using the Internet!! My GOD! The Sky is falling!
ARFs can only be a good thing. Because builders will always build. Only a few SO CALLED builders dropped building and totally went to ARFs. Most (like me) still build because we love it and I always will. Also, a small number of ARF flyers will become builders because they want better planes.
People feel threatened by ARFs because their Niche Hobby is going mainstream. Well brace yourselves because you can't stop it. In the end, the Hobby wil be better than ever.
Building a plane is still an art and it will always be. Its the same thing as comparing an Old Master painting with some print knockoff. Flying a Kit Built plane is an amazing feeling that most ARF pilots will never know. Thats OK. There is room in this hobby for everyone. Just keep buying planes!
<soapbox off!>
my 2cents...
10-14-2005 | 10:38 AM
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From: Billings,
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RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
GeneG, Very well Said!!!!! 
ORIGINAL: GeneG
I'm sure this is going to rub some people the wrong way but that is not he intent.
<SoapBox ON!>
The way I look at it, ARFS are a great thing. Beofre ARFs got popular going to the local hobby store to find airplanes or parts meant that you had to cram your way into the far back corner behind all the RC Trucks and Cars, Trains etc... And most likely they did not have what you wanted. Running a Hobby Store is a hard business and you can only stock what sells. Today I walk into my LHS and it is crammed with Airplanes. Mostly ARFs. But more Kits as well because the LHS owner says that more people are interested in airplanes lately so he can risk a bigger stock of Kits.
ARFs bring in new people to the Hobby. Not always the kind of people that you think of when you think of modelers. These are the same annoying kids that think Frozen Food takes to long to make and nobody else knows anything but them. But I watch these people walk out with an ARF (which they probably promptly crash and buy another). ARFs are stimulating the Hobby Economy. They are also stimulating genuine progress in the hobby. RC plane technology has lacked FAR behind everything else because it was a niche market. Not a main focus. Look at Battery technology now! It progress so fast you cant keep up.
Here is the part that will ruffle some feathers.... being a Niche is EXACTLY why builders loved it. Just like computers before the era of Windows, model building was a small club. The only people in it were people you knew. And it made you feel special. Now, at the field, the annoying kid down the block is flying to, and HE NEVER WORKED TO GET THERE. Just like old time computer users were upset the Grandmas were using the Internet!! My GOD! The Sky is falling!
ARFs can only be a good thing. Because builders will always build. Only a few SO CALLED builders dropped building and totally went to ARFs. Most (like me) still build because we love it and I always will. Also, a small number of ARF flyers will become builders because they want better planes.
People feel threatened by ARFs because their Niche Hobby is going mainstream. Well brace yourselves because you can't stop it. In the end, the Hobby wil be better than ever.
Building a plane is still an art and it will always be. Its the same thing as comparing an Old Master painting with some print knockoff. Flying a Kit Built plane is an amazing feeling that most ARF pilots will never know. Thats OK. There is room in this hobby for everyone. Just keep buying planes!
<soapbox off!>
my 2cents...
I'm sure this is going to rub some people the wrong way but that is not he intent.
<SoapBox ON!>
The way I look at it, ARFS are a great thing. Beofre ARFs got popular going to the local hobby store to find airplanes or parts meant that you had to cram your way into the far back corner behind all the RC Trucks and Cars, Trains etc... And most likely they did not have what you wanted. Running a Hobby Store is a hard business and you can only stock what sells. Today I walk into my LHS and it is crammed with Airplanes. Mostly ARFs. But more Kits as well because the LHS owner says that more people are interested in airplanes lately so he can risk a bigger stock of Kits.
ARFs bring in new people to the Hobby. Not always the kind of people that you think of when you think of modelers. These are the same annoying kids that think Frozen Food takes to long to make and nobody else knows anything but them. But I watch these people walk out with an ARF (which they probably promptly crash and buy another). ARFs are stimulating the Hobby Economy. They are also stimulating genuine progress in the hobby. RC plane technology has lacked FAR behind everything else because it was a niche market. Not a main focus. Look at Battery technology now! It progress so fast you cant keep up.
Here is the part that will ruffle some feathers.... being a Niche is EXACTLY why builders loved it. Just like computers before the era of Windows, model building was a small club. The only people in it were people you knew. And it made you feel special. Now, at the field, the annoying kid down the block is flying to, and HE NEVER WORKED TO GET THERE. Just like old time computer users were upset the Grandmas were using the Internet!! My GOD! The Sky is falling!
ARFs can only be a good thing. Because builders will always build. Only a few SO CALLED builders dropped building and totally went to ARFs. Most (like me) still build because we love it and I always will. Also, a small number of ARF flyers will become builders because they want better planes.
People feel threatened by ARFs because their Niche Hobby is going mainstream. Well brace yourselves because you can't stop it. In the end, the Hobby wil be better than ever.
Building a plane is still an art and it will always be. Its the same thing as comparing an Old Master painting with some print knockoff. Flying a Kit Built plane is an amazing feeling that most ARF pilots will never know. Thats OK. There is room in this hobby for everyone. Just keep buying planes!
<soapbox off!>
my 2cents...
10-14-2005 | 11:01 AM
#45
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
It's not so much the proliferation of arfs that bothers me but what they are doing to the hobby. As stated before, the pride in building and flying your own is dwindling. I have to laugh when I bring one of my creations to the field and the astonished crowd asks "Did you build that !!!!?". As though it's an impossibility. The other factor is what arfs have done to the model magazines. Building and "How to do it" articles have taken the back seat to "assembly" and flying reports about arfs. The author wouldn't say this is a piece of garbage if he had a mouth full, for fear of irritating the manufacturer and loosing his advertising business. Instead he avoids the facts and talks about the pretty box it came in. Lately I can go through a model magazine in about 15 minute because it has very little of interest to me. On a rare occasion there will be a good building article I can read.
It's not about cost and no time to build, It's about pride and satisfaction and I won't give that up.
It's not about cost and no time to build, It's about pride and satisfaction and I won't give that up.
10-14-2005 | 11:40 AM
#46
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From: New London,
OH
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
ON THE SOAPBOX: Unfortunately we live in an instant society. The younger crowd of today wants everything now. Please don't take that statement wrong, but due to family commitments and work requirements it often leaves no time for personal time and space. The hobby industry is only selling what the market wants. Obviously we that build are in the minority. So I do not feel that we have the right to criticize another flyer if they want to fly ARF's. Just be glad that they are flying. If someone at the field is astonished that you built your model and wonder why you would do that instead of buying an ARF, perhaps instead of getting mad you could offer to share your building knowledge with them. In that way we can propagate model building instead of criticizing those that assemble ARF's. After all we are all modelets at heart and should be helping each other. Perhaps we can show some others the joy of building and gluing yourself to your wing!! OFF THE SOAPBOX
10-14-2005 | 12:03 PM
#48
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From: Yardville, NJ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
I second that opinion mscic-RCU!
I am confused about all this "Losing pride in Building" talk that I am hearing (or reading!). Why would you lose pride in building because the LHS and your field is filled with ARFs? The pride (and sheer terror) that I feel when maidening a new plane I built has never diminished from the first time I did it. Thats my blood, sweat and tears up there at the whim of nature. You better be darn sure that I am proud of it. I'm proud that I was able to do create something from sticks. I'm proud that it is airworthy. Darn right I am proud of it. If I am the last guy still building kits in a world of ARFs I will still be proud of them. Why (or how) can a world of ARF planes take that away? Its MY pride, not the opinion of somebody else that makes me feel that way.
Think about this...The next time a father with two kids and no time flys and lands an ARF for the first time at your field ask him if he is proud! I'll bet he feels just as proud as you do. He wouldn't feel like that without ARFs and now you both have something in common.
I am confused about all this "Losing pride in Building" talk that I am hearing (or reading!). Why would you lose pride in building because the LHS and your field is filled with ARFs? The pride (and sheer terror) that I feel when maidening a new plane I built has never diminished from the first time I did it. Thats my blood, sweat and tears up there at the whim of nature. You better be darn sure that I am proud of it. I'm proud that I was able to do create something from sticks. I'm proud that it is airworthy. Darn right I am proud of it. If I am the last guy still building kits in a world of ARFs I will still be proud of them. Why (or how) can a world of ARF planes take that away? Its MY pride, not the opinion of somebody else that makes me feel that way.
Think about this...The next time a father with two kids and no time flys and lands an ARF for the first time at your field ask him if he is proud! I'll bet he feels just as proud as you do. He wouldn't feel like that without ARFs and now you both have something in common.
10-14-2005 | 12:05 PM
#49
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From: Yardville, NJ
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
Hi Scar,
Its appropriate when people talk about leaving the Hobby because of ARFs. Its important because EVERY builder has an opinion on it.
Its appropriate when people talk about leaving the Hobby because of ARFs. Its important because EVERY builder has an opinion on it.
10-14-2005 | 12:47 PM
#50
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From: Billings,
MT
RE: is anybody else sick of arfs
Building is and will always be alive and well. Sucks that the mags have to pitch ARF's all the time, they have to keep going , and survive, I guess. Look at RCM, we lost an Icon there.
I think the builders will keep building, and the ARF guys will keep flying. I feel even the die hard ARF guys down the road will want to try a build when they have the time, see what it is all about, and might like it! Building is alive and well, in my opinion. Maybe we all should keep an open mind when it comes to ARF's, and embrace the new blood in this hobby. I am all for it! Now I think I will go work on my Midwest Super Hots kit as I look in the distance at my Hangar 9 Funtana 90 covered in Balsa Dust.............
One thing we can do is support the kit companies out there, and keep buying kits. We all do our part in making this hobby so great!
I think the builders will keep building, and the ARF guys will keep flying. I feel even the die hard ARF guys down the road will want to try a build when they have the time, see what it is all about, and might like it! Building is alive and well, in my opinion. Maybe we all should keep an open mind when it comes to ARF's, and embrace the new blood in this hobby. I am all for it! Now I think I will go work on my Midwest Super Hots kit as I look in the distance at my Hangar 9 Funtana 90 covered in Balsa Dust.............
One thing we can do is support the kit companies out there, and keep buying kits. We all do our part in making this hobby so great!
