CARF-Models
Jay Smith
"People who buy CARF airplanes make an investment and it is our goal to make sure the customer is successful with his or her airplane."
Knowing that warbirds would be the theme of this issue, I was interested in telling the story of CARF-Models because the company has some beautiful World War II fighters in its lineup. The 1:4.5-scale F4U-1D Corsair stands out as a true beauty. Its high level of detail and the folding-wing option puts this model over the top.
CARF-Models began producing models in the early 1990s. It is owned and operated by Andreas Gietz who designs the aircraft and runs the factory located in Thailand. Although Andreas occasionally visits the US to attend large modeling events, the faces of CARF-Models in the US are Andy Kane and Ray Labonte.
If you have ever met Andy or Ray, it's obvious that both are passionate about our hobby. Andy started flying at the age of 12 with a Senior Falcon and a Heathkit radio. He built models with his dad in Washington, D.C., and continues to be a member of the DC Radio Control club.
Andy has competed in the Don Lowe Masters and Top Gun and enjoys flying International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC), Scale, and jets.
Ray learned to fly RC at age 10, and was involved with CL and rockets before that. He would go on to fly Boeing 727 jets for Continental Airlines and later opened Ray & Robin's Hobby Center in Falmouth, Maine. Ray has competed in Top Gun and is a self-proclaimed airplane nut.
I have seen both Andy and Ray fly CARF-Models aircraft at events and have seen some of the airplanes and many parts in Ray's hobby shop, but didn't truly understand their role with CARF-Models.
Andy shared with me that they became sales representatives in 2002, and stressed that they are not dealers. The consumer still purchases the aircraft and parts directly from the manufacturer, but the items are shipped from the US to prevent higher shipping fees and import duties. Ray refers to their position as facilitators to help ensure people get the right model and they are available to answer questions.
The bottom line Andy shared was the following: "People who buy CARF airplanes make an investment and it is our goal to make sure the customer is successful with his or her airplane."
Between the two of them, Ray and Andy have built and flown every aircraft that CARF-Models sells and they use that knowledge to provide technical support and insight before, during, and after a customer purchases a model.
Although supporting the products is important, it all starts with the design. Because Andreas is a modeler and an accomplished pilot, he takes into consideration the modelers' point of view, making sure that each release provides straightforward assembly, is easy to transport, and exhibits good flying characteristics.
To maintain the high level of quality for which CARF-Models is known, each new aircraft is flight tested and refined until it is ready for release. Typically, only two or three new models are released each year.
Ray pointed out that assembling a CARF model aircraft is no more difficult than a conventional balsa-and-plywood offering, but it is slightly different working with hard, molded components. Most intermediate builders and pilots can easily be successful and if a question arises, Andy and Ray are only a telephone call or email away.
Andy's and Ray's involvement with CARF-Models spans more than 10 years, and I was curious to know what they are most proud of. Both echoed that they were appreciative of the opportunity to be involved with CARF as well as generally promoting the hobby. Andy even reflected that if people are successful in our hobby, it keeps them flying, which in turn helps keep flying fields and clubs successful.
Looking forward, CARF-Models is soon to release a new P-47 and promote its partnership with Skygate Collection, which has brought Stephan Voelker's Hawk, Albatros, and Viper back to market. Additional models are likely.
Although not previously mentioned, CARF-Models has more than 30 aircraft including warbirds, aerobatic aircraft, and jets. To support the company's lineup, more than 5,000 parts are stocked in the US so that they can quickly find their way into modelers' hands if the need arises.
Reflecting upon the separate telephone conversations I held with Andy and Ray, what struck me most was their enthusiasm and focus on providing a successful modeling experience for their customers. Ray looks at it this way, "I would talk someone out of buying a CARF aircraft rather than them getting in over their heads buying something they are not ready for."
With the goal of creating lifetime customers, not one-time purchasers, it's no wonder that CARF-Models has found a successful niche in the US marketplace.
—Jay Smith [email protected]
SOURCES: CARF-Models www.carf-models.com
Ray and Robin's Hobby Center 65 Gray Road, Falmouth ME 04105 (207) 797-5196
Andy Kane (301) 785-3022 www.carf-models.com/public_carf/pages/salesReps/persons/repandykane.html
Ray Labonte (207) 329-7713 www.carf-models.com/public_carf/pages/salesReps/persons/repraylabonte.html
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
