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Lanier was the very first American company to offer Almost-Ready-To-Fly models (ARF) in America. I remember flying an ARF Lanier Trainer back in the late 1960’s. They also produced ARF aerobatic and semi-scale models as well. These first ARFs featured foam wings and “plastic” molded fuselages. They flew very well and could be seen at almost every model airfield in the country.
In fact, many of these models were so good, that they are still available today. I think Lanier calls them “Classic ARF Models” and they fly just as well as they always did. But Lanier’s Explorer 40 Trainer is not one of the original ARFs. Completely modern by anyone’s standards, the Explorer 40 is of all wood construction with modern heat-shrink plastic covering.
 
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The rather plain box hides one of the most creative color schemes found in an ARF trainer today. The “cub yellow” background color is enhanced with dark gray, red, blue and black trim. This color scheme proved easy to see on both cloudy and clear days. This is a weak point found in most “white” trainers. The white airframe can sometimes “hide” on a bright, but overcast day. “Severe Clear” conditions can sometimes make the white color stand out too much as the resulting heavy shadows hide all the dark trim colors.
This does not happen with the Explorer 40. The yellow background color is easily seen on bright overcast days as the airframe contrasts well against the bright white background. On cloudless sunny days, the gray trim on the leading edges can still be seen against the yellow background. Besides being practical, this color scheme is about the prettiest we have seen on any ARF trainer. It certainly received a lot of good comments at the field.
 
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While ARF “kits” require more work than Ready-To-Fly (RTF) models, ARFs offer the advantage of allowing the modeler to make the radio system and engine selections. ARFs are also far less expensive than RTF models. If the pilot already has a radio system and suitable engine, an ARF is the best choice.
Most (not all) RTF models arrive with a very basic radio system installed. When building an ARF, the pilot can add a more advanced computer radio system that could increase the aircraft’s performance. The same applies to the engine. Many times, the total cost of an ARF equipped with computer radio and hot .45 ball bearing engine is not much greater than a RTF.
The Lanier Explorer 40 is proof. The entire kit, including everything needed to get airborne except radio and engine, is priced at $90.00. This is just about a steal in today’s ARF market. Adding a $110 ball bearing, high-performance .46 size engine and a mid-range, $230 computer radio system makes for one heck of a great performing trainer that costs just $430. This is not much more than the standard RTF prices of $330 to $375. But the better radio and engine have far more “future potential” as the pilot advances in the sport.
Despite its amazing low price, the Lanier Explorer 40 arrives fully equipped with quality components and very complete hardware packages. One nice hardware package feature is that all the Explorer’s parts are packaged according to their function. All the engine mount hardware is in one bag, all the control surface parts in another and so on. This makes building faster and really cuts down on misplaced parts.
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