There is nothing quite like building an object with your own hands. Modelers understand this very well. They are able to recreate cars, ships, and planes with an iconic status. They come to understand how each part fits in to form an impressive whole. Take RC planes, for example. Many of them come completely built and ready to fly right out of the box, but some require a bit of assembly from owner. The latter is ultimately more satisfying as one gets to know the inner workings of the unit much better. How it functions will depend on how well the elements are pieced together.

A lot of modeling kits are for static structures. The planes won’t fly but are more for display. These can be quite intricate with some reaching nearly full size and may take quite a long time to build. Others are more dynamic like ARF planes (Almost Ready to Fly). These require a bit of assembly and the finished product is not only good for display. It is sturdy enough to be flown in a wide open field and controlled via radio transmitter. Rather than imagining how the model might have flown in the past, one can actually see and experience it personally. This brings the object to life and provides countless hours of enjoyment.

The Aero Works 35cc Extra 300 ARF in a fine example of this. It is based on the well-known Extra 300 monoplane that came out in the late 1980s. It dominated the aerobatic scene at the time. The world’s best show pilots used it to entertain crowds everywhere around the world. The Extra 300 could withstand 10G with the pilot and 8G if there is another passenger. There have been many variants of this plane, among them the 300S which was owned by aviation legend Patty Wagstaff. It is a single seat version with slightly tapered wings and much bigger ailerons.

There was a previously produced 50cc version of this model but the company realized that there was room for a smaller version in the lineup of aeroworks radio control planes. After all, not everyone had a ca big enough to accommodate a huge model plane. They knew that some would appreciate having a unit with more manageable size and weight. Hence, they settled on a robust 35cc version to accommodate a smaller gas engine. This would make the product more convenient and affordable while still providing an adequate amount of power for most needs.

Modelers will love the quick build system. Much of the work has been done at the factory but owners will still have to piece the critical parts together and ensure that everything is in the right place. Most people with experience should be able to get everything all fitted in a matter of hours, not days or weeks. It means that the plane can soar on the same day it arrives on the doorstep. It’s a great incentive to finish building the kit early, especially on a beautiful summer day.