My oldest son's next plane may be an ARF, but that's okay with me. He also wants to build something like a Balsa USA biplane. As for my 29% Edge, I will be able to re-use the cowl and the hatch with canopy. I've already cut the new fuse sides, and cut new formers. I just got my order in from Lonestar (last one for awhile[&o]) and hope to have the fuse rebuilt and covered within a week or so. The wings will need some repair work too, but not bad overall. My first attempt at repairing balsa sheeted foam wings, but it's not that bad. I've also got to keep going on my TF Giant Corsair.
It's great bringing young people into the hobby. I've buddy-boxed several of my oldest son's friends, and two of them can fly almost the whole flight without me taking control to "save" the plane. My twins, who are 8, have both shown an interest to try flying this next year, so a trainer will be in the works for them too (one pink and one blue!). I think one of my neighbor's kids may also start RC this year too. It's hard to describe the satisfaction with seeing someone you've helped do their first solo flight!
Sam

I began modeling in 1955 watching my Dad scratch design and build his control line models. I learned a lot from him and I've been hooked on building ever since. Here's what's happening at our field. In fact, we were just talking about it this past week end. The ARF guys are realizing they have TOO MANY airplanes and their desire for something new is becoming a problem. So guess what. They're asking me about building. Can you believe it?

Here's something I learned from a full scale builder years ago and it's a great concept to apply to model building. Treat each phase of the process as a project all it's own. Don't think about the finished product or you'll get anxious and frustrated with the time involved. Just focus on one thing at a time and before you know it, you'll have a finished airplane. Great forum guys. Keep it going.

Paul

i definitely think that some of these arfs are leaving a bad taste in some peoples mouths bad wood in crucial area's that are pre covered so you just don't bother opening it up bc its so pretty.. i got into this hobby with a used hobbico superstar then built a spad then bought another arf and i just finished with a 1/2a kit build.. i can't build kits right now due to a very small work space but as soon as i graduate college and get my house built (all next spring (spring 09 that is)) i plan to fly kits exclusively.. i can definitely see a need for trainer arfs as trainers will come and go sometimes quickly but as for advanced models i almost hate that companies even offer arfs of these advanced models bc they do become cookie cutter.. but for now i am sticking with these cookie cutter arfs as i have no time trying to work my way through college and the tiny workspace all i can do is build a 1/2a kit from time to time but they sure are the cutest things i cant wait to get my kit built 20" ws piper cherokee in the air next week!

Been in the hobby 4 yrs. Mostly ARF's and anything the club memberas wanted to get rid of. Because of my hands I am going to build a very large aircraft. be easier for me, I think. There is a kit manufactuer in Oregon someplace in the valley. Anyone know the address of the manufacture. This will be my first build and looking forward to it. I believe` the name is Thorpe or something like that. Saw the add in High Flight sometime ago. Have not been able to find it again.

Bruce Tharpe Engineering. Located in Rogue River, Or.

[link=http://www.btemodels.com]www.btemodels.com[/link]

Hope this helps

Ken

Thanks Ken: We'll see what happens next.

Realizing I could be stiring up a hornets nest with these political issues but oh well here it goes. I for one find the inevitable decline of the ARF a good thing. Guilty of this myself; we Americans seem to be closing our eyes to the questionable human rights of the people that build these planes in other countries. Often underpaid, underfed, overworked and even underage children in some cases are forced to wok in intolerable conditions by US standards. Why? So we can have a plane to fly on the weekends! Should we as consumers feed our insatiable need for things at their expense to save a buck? I don't think so. When so many companies with products we come to love move to these countries to take advantage of the cheap labor it leaves us little choice but to buy the products. I know some choose not to buy any items from countries like China due to the poor human rights and work conditions. I don't know I sure don't have the answers but awareness is a start I think. Buying made in the USA is the only real guaranty or build it yourself food for thought.

Good point sticktickler.


I buy a lot of misc. parts from DuBro and Sullivan so I can read
the "Made in the U.S.A." on the package. I build btw.


Bob


dignlivn

[8D] Building is back in. Here in New England, it is COLD! [sm=cry_smile.gif] But thats good for the building. I know about 30 fellow NEDS members are building more because of the season. Also, there seems to be a swell in the people in my area of Connecticut, (Manchester), wanting to get into the hobby; and build of all things! In addition to that, they need help, so i guess it is up to us to give the helping hand. Anyone agree?