New as in NOS, new old stock. Kit is new in respect that it is complete. One point however is it states on the box that it came with silk span. Truth is it never did. Silk span is a material, that is used to cover the fuselage and wings. I retired after 44 years of CDL driving and never found the time to build this plane. When this bird is finished, you will halve a gorgeous model of the Great Lakes Trainer. Sterling designed this kit as a control line model, but experienced builders know how to convert to radio control for total flying experience The silk span can be found at any quality suppler or send for it at Tower Hobbies. I appreciate your time, take care and be safe.