Completing an ARF.

[Avaiojet]

My hat comes off to any modeler that has completed an ARF.  

And still has control of all his faculties.  

[john e. holliday]

My first ARF was the Top Flite Nobler.   I sat and read instructions several time before starting as well as looking at the components.  All I changed was the bell crank and lead outs.  It is still flying with its third engine I'm breaking in.   The second was the Top Flite Flite Streak.   Didn't change a thing on it other than the fuel tank and a trim tab to level the wings.   The last one was a Oriental that flew great when first done.   But, I messed something up when I put it together because after about 30 flights could not keep the wing in the fuselage.   That is when I cut into it and redid the joints and put a ball link on the flap horn that was wearing out.  Also recovered it.   It is now in the hands of another modeler.   Have an ARC still in the box that may stay there because of BOM rules.   I like to build so more ARF's for me unless someone has one they want assembled.

[RknRusty]

I had been planning on getting an Oriental kit and the thought of an ARF never crossed my mind. I was telling one of our members about my plans to build it and he said ,"You want an Oriental?, Look over there and get one." There was one in a big box and I realized it was an ARF. He is a Brodak dealer so had all kinds of stuff in the package. He gave it to me for his cost and now I'm about to start buil... putting it together. I'm glad too because lately building, cutting and sanding has been flaring up my arthritic shoulder, the one on my flying arm, so badly I can hardly walk straight, and can never sleep. Notice the time stamp on this post, 3AM. My prematurely ageing body might prevent me from doing many more major builds, I'm painfully finishing one now, so I might turn into an ARFie, one of those I used to make light fun of. I do plan to build a few 1/2As this Fall, it'll still hurt but not quite so demanding as the larger planes.
Rusty

[RknRusty]

...I like to build so more ARF's for me unless someone has one they want assembled.

John, do you mean "No more ARFS?"

[john e. holliday]

Only if someone gives me one to assemble for them.

[Mike Callas]

Guys,
I'm gonna give an atta boy to Brodak and Top Flite for their ARFs. Many of us do not have the time to build. I barely have time to fly a couple times a month.

These ARFs may not be the equivalent of a kit or scratch build. They may require some tweaking and modifying, but they are the only way to enjoy flying for many of us. And yes, I have few faculties left that I need to control.

I believe the larger Brodak ARFs are an incredible value that fly better than I ever will.

So thanks John!

[Matt Colan]

Guys,
I'm gonna give an atta boy to Brodak and Top Flite for their ARFs. Many of us do not have the time to build. I barely have time to fly a couple times a month.

These ARFs may not be the equivalent of a kit or scratch build. They may require some tweaking and modifying, but they are the only way to enjoy flying for many of us. And yes, I have few faculties left that I need to control.

I believe the larger Brodak ARFs are an incredible value that fly better than I ever will.

So thanks John!

They also work great for a kid in college trying to get some extra flying time in! I've put together two Vector ARF's at school, one with an LA 46 and one with a PA 40UL on a pipe. I messed up on a couple things on the first one and it flew good, but not spectacular. After I plowed it into the runway at KOI, I put together a new one with the PA for motivation. With a Tom Morris control system in it, and the piped engine, the plane flies fantastic! It's actually one of the best flying airplanes I have.

With a little bit of work, ARF's can definitely perform well and be fully competitive in expert

[RknRusty]

My Oriental project is still about a couple of weeks away from starting, but I think I'll start a build thread here so I can tap y'all for advice on making it a solid long lasting plane. I already plan to use CF control rods and firm up the area under the LG with epoxy and fiberglass, new wrapped leadouts, all the obvious things. This will be my first full fuse plane. Got an FP40 for power.
Rusty

[Avaiojet]

ARF completed!

[Bill Heher]

I have assembled the Top Flite ARFs, Flite Streak, Tutor II,  Score , and the Brodak Oriental and Smoothie. All got upgraded controls, ( bell cranks, ball links and CF push rods). Streak flew great w/ OS .25 FP, Tutor was perfect with an LA .46.  Score is porky, but flies fine with a ST .60 up front. All are good value if you can find them close to original price...

[Avaiojet]

Fixed this photo also.

[Tim Wescott]

I had been planning on getting an Oriental kit and the thought of an ARF never crossed my mind. I was telling one of our members about my plans to build it and he said ,"You want an Oriental?, Look over there and get one." There was one in a big box and I realized it was an ARF. He is a Brodak dealer so had all kinds of stuff in the package. He gave it to me for his cost and now I'm about to start buil... putting it together. I'm glad too because lately building, cutting and sanding has been flaring up my arthritic shoulder, the one on my flying arm, so badly I can hardly walk straight, and can never sleep. Notice the time stamp on this post, 3AM. My prematurely ageing body might prevent me from doing many more major builds, I'm painfully finishing one now, so I might turn into an ARFie, one of those I used to make light fun of. I do plan to build a few 1/2As this Fall, it'll still hurt but not quite so demanding as the larger planes.
Rusty

I'm way late here -- but get that shoulder checked.  If it's a soft tissue issue (like the bursitis in my right shoulder) then there's things that can be done.  If it really is arthritis of one form or another, even then you may be able to come back from it at least partially.

I'm currently doing all the prescribed exercises for my shoulder, plus a strength-building one specific to flying a 4-pound plane that's pulling away at 3g.  I'm getting better, and look forward to resuming my normal flying schedule.

[RknRusty]

I'm way late here -- but get that shoulder checked.  If it's a soft tissue issue (like the bursitis in my right shoulder) then there's things that can be done.  If it really is arthritis of one form or another, even then you may be able to come back from it at least partially.

I'm currently doing all the prescribed exercises for my shoulder, plus a strength-building one specific to flying a 4-pound plane that's pulling away at 3g.  I'm getting better, and look forward to resuming my normal flying schedule.

Yes, Tim, thanks, you are spot on. Very important to rehab it, but it takes willpower and much patience. I'm a veteran shoulder rehabber.

Do the homework, make the time, integrate it into your daily routine. You'll be proud of your accomplishment when it gets better. And learn your limits to avoid frustrating maddening setbacks. It's worth it. Good luck with yours.
Rusty the rehabber

[Tim Wescott]

Yes, Tim, thanks, you are spot on. Very important to rehab it, but it takes willpower and much patience. I'm a veteran shoulder rehabber.

Do the homework, make the time, integrate it into your daily routine. You'll be proud of your accomplishment when it gets better. And learn your limits to avoid frustrating maddening setbacks. It's worth it. Good luck with yours.
Rusty the rehabber

I've tried this before with knees and back and could never do it but for a day here or a day there -- but now I eat breakfast, say "I'm going to work on flying better stunt", and do my damned exercises.  It's held for over a week -- we'll see how it works in the long term.