Quick build or Slow
I have the slow build RV-7 kit, although I did get pre-built fuel tanks. The RV-7 is one of the latest models, so it has the pre-drilled holes and a lot of stuff pre-done that I guess you had to do in the earlier models. I'm roughly halfway through the project -- 1000 hours -- just about to rivet together the lower fuse.
When I made the slow build decision, dollars were the major factor, but also, Dan Checkoway made some points on his page about the matter that were compelling to me. Like someone else mentioned, I wanted to build a plane. Also, as someone else has pointed out, by going the slow-build route, you know every single inch of your airplane, and learn an incredible amount.
I still feel I made the right decision for me. That said, as you get into the project, and learn how great these planes are, and see how much fun others are having flying them, there are moments when you wish you were flying your RV instead of endlessly drilling, deburring, dimpling and riveting. The building experience does start to get old after awhile. You wonder if you'll ever get done.
If I were to be a repeat builder, I'd go QB without a second thought. The Slowbuild is fine for the first time, but afterwards, it's "been there, done that". My mentor is a multiple repeat offender and upon delivery of the QB, he is flying in a year.
To sum it up, I see it as a spectrum:
- Slow Build
- Slow Build with pre-built fuel tanks
- QB Wings, SB Fuse (or vice versa)
- QB
- Buy a used, flying RV
Each individual chooses their spot on the spectrum depending on the various factors: time, money, desire to build/learn, etc. It's all good.