I've been patiently waiting for jets to become a mainstream part of the RC hobby and I would like to jump in at this point. However, I've come to a point in my life that I can no longer build from kits.

I realize that jet ARF's are still in the early stages of release but I would like some suggestions from the people know. Should I consider purchasing an ARF, should I purchase a used jet or should I wait until more jet ARFs are available to choose from.

The problem I have with used jets is that I live in Canada and jets are few and far between up here. In addition, I'm leary of purchasing a jet that I can't see in person.

In any case, I'm looking for a jet (like an F15,16 or 18 - my favorites) . Ducted fan or prop pusher that is either an ARF or an insanely fast building kit (if such thing exists).

If you have suggestions, I would appreciate an approximate cost as well.

I have search the forums but I haven't found the answers I'm looking for....ie. most are referring to kits.

Thanks.

Seafury

If you wouldn't mind settling for a jet trainer, Dl Aero (Canadian) has an ARF MB 339 that's apparently pretty decent. It's identical to the Cermark ARF. I saw the kit version fly at last year's Bay of Quinte event. That seemed to fly very well. I'm considering buying either the ARF or the kit myself. Here's the web page address:

http://www.dlaero.com/MB339%20ARF/MB339%20ARF.html

It ain't heavy iron but it is a jet!

Dennis

having one built for you is also an option ... think about it , if you will be spending 5 - 10 K on a jet, whats another $800 - $1500 ??

there are also a few good ARF jets (like the one mentioned in the above post) or the composite roo, which is pretty much an ARF, or some of the yellow ARFs ..


Wojtek

you got to be kidding..someone builds for that??

hello!
have you considered comissioning a pro-modelbuilder to build one jet for you?
as for me, i charge 1,500 to build the hotspot or roo, i believe that in your country you can find the same service!
just check if the builder has the necessary knowledg to build jets!
good luck
fred/brazil

check out Tams ARF prices on the Roo and the amirachi .. www.tampipes.com ..


and yea .. under $1500, you will find a builder ... and a good one at that ..


Wojtek

Depends.

I've built for a lot less... depending on whether its a kit that I want to build or not. For me, building is a relaxation and a change of pace after a day of bashing a keyboard at the office, so I will often take on kits for the enjoyment of it rather than for profit.

The first kit I ever got paid for building was a Giant Scale Ohio Ultimate. I charged the guy $100, and that only was about 7 years ago. After that, a Midwest Pitts for $75, an Ultrasport 40 for $50, and so on. Hey - hang on a minute - those prices are on a downward spiral - gotta do something about that !!

However, I will only build for people whose skills I know (last thing I need is someone dumb-thumbing their airplane and then claiming that the problem was a builder error!), and I point blank refuse to ever commit to a completion date (coz of that thing called a day job).

Despite this I seem to have plenty to build. Right now there's a BVM Mig 15 on my building board (now THAT's an entertaining build!), my 4th Bobcat waiting in the wings, a BVM T33 also waiting, plus two Super Bandits whenever BV releases the kits, then a Don's Hobby Shop 120" Cessna 152 to finish (ugh - after being spoiled by BV quality, the Cessna kinda sucks !).

If you can find someone who enjoys building, the price may well be quite low.

Later,
Gordon

So guys --

What is the going price on a bandit build job?

Antony

This is great stuff!

I actually haven't thought of having someone build a kit. I guess I thought it would be extremely expensive. I would definitely pay $1500 to have a kit built. Do kit builders refer to kit builders? How do you find the good ones?

Also, I've never seen the Aermachi. Its not the particular jet that I was looking for, but it looks very good and a great price too.

Denis did you see the turbine or ducted version fly? Do you know if you could fly it off grass?

Y/A has a nice looking F18 on there site but I haven't been able to find out anything about this ARF?

The one I saw was a D/F kit version. This can apparently be converted to Turbine if desired. With the straight wing, low speed performance seemed to be good. Apparently, this translates to good grass field ability.I fly at a grass field, hence my interest in this particular aircraft.

Dennis

Antony,

The going price on a Composite Bandit build is from $2800 to $3500 depending upon the paint job that you want. A scale Jet like a Phantom, or F-100 will cost you $5000 and up, depending upon the amount of detail you want on it. I am like Gordon I will tell you an anticipated completion date but will not say it will be done by this date. You can get jets built cheaper but some of the so called professional builders do not do professional quality work.

David Reid

Seafury,

Take a look at the Yellow Aircraft ARF's. The finish on them is very good and they have an F18. DL, Cermark & JHH also have scale type ARF's.

Mark M.

Hello , Gordon
please, donīt get our profession(modelbuilders) wrong!
we charge much higuer prices because we do that for living, and believe me i LOVE my job, thatīs not the cause i charge high prices.im graduated in tourism and i still donīt think of changing my profession, even after 4 years at university.
besides that, if the prices are too low, we will get a lot of job that we canīt do, this way we filter a little more our clients.
if anybody here is interested in seeing my job, search for "fredīs rafale" and check out.
all the best / fred

Hey Fred,

I understand that, and would charge enormous fees if I was building for a living too (I don't think you could afford to have me build you something if I charged the hourly rate that I get in my day job! ;-)

Later,
Gordon

Hi Seafury

Why don't you check out our website at www.greatnorthernmodels.com. See if there is anything your interested in. If not, drop me a line at [email protected] and we'll see what we can find for you.

Ed

cheers Gordon!!

would you like to change your job for mine:-)??
unless you work for mafia!!
see you/fred

W all have to deal with the Mafia already, its called the AMA


Wojtek

you are great guys!
if you want to be out of that mafia, move to brazil!
plenty of flying fields, nice weather, beatyful beaches, low living cost, nice drinks(caipirinha is wonderfull) and BEATYFUL other things walking around..:-)
only problem is that you can loose your interest in modelling after a while here....
see you!