[fsone]

Alot of good info and discussion on this topic.Keep it going guy's and thanks again.

[Cougar429]

If you're looking for a good selection, both Sig and Balsa USA have quite a few.

I just built 2 BUSA Northstars and have a BUSA EAA Bipe going on the build table this winter. Currently flying the Sig Skybolt and had their Smith Mini Plane kit, but sold that last weekend at the London Swap Meet. Too many other projects and the EAA Bipe is a better match for my 4-strokes.

Luckily, I still have a Goldberg Super Chip kit that has been in storage for 20 + years. Also sorry to see Goldberg go as they were great kits.

[Wheels_78]

HAM is not dead because you can't buy transistors, check out a site like digikey.com you can get anything you want and likely cheaper (relatively) than you've ever been able to get it before. HAM is dead because it's been replaced by the technology you used to make your post. Internet and cellular communication make HAM radio look ancient, unreliable, and tiny in scope.

When I want to write a note I don't use a bottle of ink and a feather, and it's not because I couldn't find a bird if I needed one.

We aught to be trying to see things in that light, we should realize that change does not mean we lose out on what came before (last time I was in a major hobby shop they still had a good sized section of free flight kits guyl), it means we have multitudes of previously unavailable opportunities.

[Helno]

I have bought kits from these guys http://www.stevensaero.com/ They make nice laser cut kits and don't seem to pricey.

[HalfaStrut]

Hi

We live in a world of instant gratification. People say they are just to busy to spend the time it takes to build...........anything.
I worked part time in a hobby shop for 5 yrs, 5 yrs ago. And in that short span the kit section went down by 45% and the RTR went up as much. It got to the point where people not only wanted them RTR but pre painted, pre detailed, and pre weathered as well.
I have not been back in RC aviation very long (3yrs) and I see the trend is the same, more ARFs and RTFs than kits . Hopefully there some Dads and Grand Dads out there that will try to intrest the young in the joys of building again............... HOPEFULLY !

Thanks Pat

[russ]

Originally Posted by Wheels_78

HAM is not dead because you can't buy transistors, check out a site like digikey.com you can get anything you want and likely cheaper (relatively) than you've ever been able to get it before. HAM is dead because it's been replaced by the technology you used to make your post. Internet and cellular communication make HAM radio look ancient, unreliable, and tiny in scope.

When I want to write a note I don't use a bottle of ink and a feather, and it's not because I couldn't find a bird if I needed one.

We aught to be trying to see things in that light, we should realize that change does not mean we lose out on what came before (last time I was in a major hobby shop they still had a good sized section of free flight kits guyl), it means we have multitudes of previously unavailable opportunities.

The new name for HAM guys is Geek, when you can play with something as cool as a picaxe microcontroller and get it to do things unheard of 10 years ago. Radios are fun too and there's been a bit of resurgence regarding antenna arrays because of the "evil" FPV flyers and geeky kids wanting share wi-fi with the entire neighbourhood!

As far as kits go I'm not entirely convinced the market is dead. I think custom laser cutting is causing it to change. I'm looking forward to the day when I design & build my 1st plane from the ground up using a CAD program.

[Wheels_78]

I designed a profile plane in autocad last year........ then I dropped my laptop.


Sorry OP, getting way off topic here...... but I think the thread indicates... kit building isn't dead an I think if you do some online searching you'll find there's lots out there.

[JohnM]

This is good topic - lots of hints and ideas. Personally, I have not built a plane for a few years now and am starting to get the itch back. Was surprised to learn there are quite a few "cottage industry" kit suppliers out there. Cheers

[Nuker]

Well it's swap meet season and there always seem to be some kits for sale at them. Many times the owner has too many kits and realizes they'll never get built or they just don't have enough time to spend. Some charge a great deal but others are much more reasonable; doesn't hurt to ask.

There are even several laser companies out there willing to supply out of production short kits.

With a little work and a little luck, there are still some great, hard to find, kits out there.

According to my wife, in 20 years I'll be at a swap meet selling some of my collection. (naw, she's dreaming) I'd love to see a Sportster Bipe .40 kit come back out. I have a used one and definitely one of my favorites, though it is starting to show some age, kinda like the pilot.

Don't give up on kits, they are around though the marketplace appears ot be shrinking a bit.

Bob