quote:

ORIGINAL: combatpigg

quote:

ORIGINAL: kiwibob72

quote:

ORIGINAL: eagledancer

was told that once at work. took my 1/3 gee bee to work put the wings on fired up that 3W 150 and told them to hold on while i took it up to full throttle. the biggest guy there could barely hold it! they dont call them toys anymore!!!!!

Perception sure is a powerful tool is it not.

What I take from your post (correct me if I'm wrong), is that they classed your models as ''toys'' up until the point they understood the true level at which you entertain yourself in the hobby. Thus the term 'toy' was associated to a lesser 'play' item, almost a 'joke' item, right up until to the point their perception of what you do was changed by them trying to hold onto your 1/3rd scale aircraft while under power (ie they realized that these are no mere child's toy!).
My guess is that the term 'toy' had been dissolved through better understanding of what it is we model aircraft flyers actually have.

Now for those of you that disagree with me, apply this principal to your next regulatory meeting where the term 'toy' is still in use, and that the general view is STILL that we are just playing around with our funny little aircraft. And when you possibly lose your field as a result of that incorrect public perception you decided not to change ...... well hey, what's in a word and the perception it helps create? ..... going by the above story and it's result, quite a bit apparently!

PS - I have had the exact same thing happen to me at work before when I started flying helis, and again, once they understood just what I had, and how serious the level of model I had was, NEVER were my aircraft referred to as toys again.

Being on a crusade to eliminate the word ''toy'' from the minds of folks who see you out there flying/playing with your 40% scale toy is neither going to make nor break your legal case when it comes right down to that.
Give other's some more credit for having at least the brains they were born with.

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCKen

Over the last 10 years there are a few subjects that whenever they are brought up anywhere on RCU we can count on huge discussion that usually degrades into an all out battle. This subject is definitely one of those subjects. It's amazing to me how some people can get so worked up about a simply discussion such as this. Come on guys, this stuff is supposed to be fun. This hobby is something that we should all enjoy, and not start attacking each other simply because we disagree on the use of a simply word.

 

I've removed a couple of posts here because some members are trying to stir up trouble. this will not be allowed here. If you can't participate in this discussion without resorting to attacking those that you don't agree with then I would suggest that you simply refrain from entering into the discussion. It's just that simple. The choice is entirely up to you. 

 

Come on now, life's too short to get all worked up about a fun discussion like this. Let's all take a deep breath and remember why we enjoy this hobby. 

 

Ken

quote:

ORIGINAL: kiwibob72

The reason I do find the term ''toy'' distasteful is that it aids in lessening the level at which this hobby is seen by the public, and degrades what we do. If you are happy to have a lesser view of this hobby out in the general public, then more power to ya - me, I'll chose to push this hobby in a way where we are seen positively by as many people as possible, and if that means choosing descriptive terms carefully, then that is what I will do!
As for giving others credit, I'll continue to let others stand on their own merit, as I always do. We seem to forget at times that 'credit' and respect are things that should be earned, they are by no means a god given right.

Back to the point, as for the level at which we operate in this hobby, never as a 5yo kid did i have to get a license attaining to my skill set level and general knowledge of the wooden plane I played with before I could run around my yard with it going ''Weeeeeeeeee'' ......... as that was just a toy aircraft - end of story.
As an adult, I am required to sit a test as to demonstrate my knowledge of the electronic equipment in my aircraft, I am meant to have demonstrated proficiency skills in my ability to fly my RC model aircraft, as well as rules and regulations attaining to runway use etc etc, all before I can legally go and fly my model aircraft in a solo situation at my local club. I refuse to accept that these aircraft we fly are toys, as the use of ''toys'' by their owners are generally not governed so tightly.

At the end of the day, we will all view our aircraft in differing ways, and odds on no-one will change their view regardless of how many posts the other side puts up, as our opinions are personal and they are strong with each of us. As one of the moderators said, I'm really amazed that this thread (as well as my own interest in it for that matter) has lasted so long, so after saying all I needed to say, I think I'll go and do something productive now.

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gray Beard

My 5 year old grandson about to land his 42 inch toy RC plane. The kid has been flying indoor choppers sense he was 2 and on the sim long before that. A very understanding father and grandpapa.

quote:

ORIGINAL: MTK

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCKen

Over the last 10 years there are a few subjects that whenever they are brought up anywhere on RCU we can count on huge discussion that usually degrades into an all out battle. This subject is definitely one of those subjects. It's amazing to me how some people can get so worked up about a simply discussion such as this. Come on guys, this stuff is supposed to be fun. This hobby is something that we should all enjoy, and not start attacking each other simply because we disagree on the use of a simply word.

 

I've removed a couple of posts here because some members are trying to stir up trouble. this will not be allowed here. If you can't participate in this discussion without resorting to attacking those that you don't agree with then I would suggest that you simply refrain from entering into the discussion. It's just that simple. The choice is entirely up to you. 

 

Come on now, life's too short to get all worked up about a fun discussion like this. Let's all take a deep breath and remember why we enjoy this hobby. 

 

Ken

What he said. I tried posting earlier and was refused. I'm checking to see if this particular moderator has not allowed me to post

quote:

ORIGINAL: Luchnia

quote:

ORIGINAL: Gray Beard

My 5 year old grandson about to land his 42 inch toy RC plane. The kid has been flying indoor choppers sense he was 2 and on the sim long before that. A very understanding father and grandpapa.

Way cool! Dang toy RC planes

quote:

ORIGINAL: CGRetired

quote:

ORIGINAL: MTK

quote:

ORIGINAL: RCKen

Over the last 10 years there are a few subjects that whenever they are brought up anywhere on RCU we can count on huge discussion that usually degrades into an all out battle. This subject is definitely one of those subjects. It's amazing to me how some people can get so worked up about a simply discussion such as this. Come on guys, this stuff is supposed to be fun. This hobby is something that we should all enjoy, and not start attacking each other simply because we disagree on the use of a simply word.

 

I've removed a couple of posts here because some members are trying to stir up trouble. this will not be allowed here. If you can't participate in this discussion without resorting to attacking those that you don't agree with then I would suggest that you simply refrain from entering into the discussion. It's just that simple. The choice is entirely up to you. 

 

Come on now, life's too short to get all worked up about a fun discussion like this. Let's all take a deep breath and remember why we enjoy this hobby. 

 

Ken

What he said. I tried posting earlier and was refused. I'm checking to see if this particular moderator has not allowed me to post

MTK:

As far as I know, nothing you posted was removed or edited. Please look again.

CGr

quote:

ORIGINAL: CGRetired

I think that Stickbuilder hit the mark. What is good for a 10 year old is not necessarily good for a 2 year old. Both items may be toys, but what is appropriate for a 10 year old... well, you read what he posted, and it makes sense.

No matter if you consider them toys or not, well, it just doesn't matter. It comes down to a personal opinion.

In college, I had a professor that described ''Opinion'' and compared it to ''anything else''. ''Opinion'' is usually based on some fact. If there is no fact, then it becomes emotional response or someone's individual perception of what he/she thinks is opinion, but it is nothing but an emotional response or personal choice. Not that it is wrong, but it is not an opinion if it is not based on fact. It makes sense to me. So, where are the facts in this thread?

Toys? Ok. Whatever you think is just fine, but don't call it an opinion because everything posted here is based on personal ideas of his or her perception of the hobby and the ''tools'' used. Oh no... did I say ''tools''?

(btw... this is not directed toward anyone in particular, but, in general, to the whole thread).

Take it from there.

CGr.

PS: GerKonig : I resent the reference to ''old farts''. mainly cuz I'm one of 'em. But, hang in there.. you will be one sooner or later...

quote:

ORIGINAL: groovy67

''A toy airplane is something you wind up, and it rolls along the floor....a 'model' airplane is something completely different !''(Hardy Kruger from Flight of the Phoenix)

I feel that anything that takes six months or more to build surpasses the 'TOY' designation and falls into the 'work of art' or 'model' designation.

Toy is a derogative term used by people that just don't understand...poor things.

quote:

ORIGINAL: groovy67

''A toy airplane is something you wind up, and it rolls along the floor....a 'model' airplane is something completely different !''(Hardy Kruger from Flight of the Phoenix)

I feel that anything that takes six months or more to build surpasses the 'TOY' designation and falls into the 'work of art' or 'model' designation.

Toy is a derrogative term used by people that just don't understand...poor things.