The ARF Paradox !!
04-24-2013, 12:11 PM
#53
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: yorba linda,
CA
Posts: 595
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: The ARF Paradox !!
Look at an ARF just like buying and flying a used airplane off RCU. Somebody did a lot of hard work getting it to where it is all painted and pretty but there is always some work to do. Fuel Clunks get stuck, there are bad glue joints, loose connections, sketchy servos, CG's out of whack, pipes ready to break loose ...
Take it for what it is. We are essentially flying one-off prototypes. There are lots of possibilities for problems. It's our job to go through all the systems as best we can so we dont crash due to mechanical issues.
Even after we've got a good flyer there are still maintenance issues, things work loose, slop develops parts crack ..
But's it's all part of the excitement of the hobby, man against machine and the forces of gravity. That's why we all get an adrenaline rush with a hot maneuver and a great internal Ahhh! with a greased landing.
If this was an easy for sure kind of hobby all of us type "A" guys would get bored and move onto something more challenging.
Most of all "There's no crying in Model Jets"
Flame on! Happy Flying!
Take it for what it is. We are essentially flying one-off prototypes. There are lots of possibilities for problems. It's our job to go through all the systems as best we can so we dont crash due to mechanical issues.
Even after we've got a good flyer there are still maintenance issues, things work loose, slop develops parts crack ..
But's it's all part of the excitement of the hobby, man against machine and the forces of gravity. That's why we all get an adrenaline rush with a hot maneuver and a great internal Ahhh! with a greased landing.
If this was an easy for sure kind of hobby all of us type "A" guys would get bored and move onto something more challenging.
Most of all "There's no crying in Model Jets"
Flame on! Happy Flying!
04-24-2013, 11:10 PM
#54
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Leeds, UNITED KINGDOM
Posts: 1,449
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
8 Posts
RE: The ARF Paradox !!
ORIGINAL: Jack Diaz
I feel that I should clarify a couple of issues:
-I have nothing against ARF’s. In fact, I think they are a great addition to our hobby. I have several.
-I never meant to differentiate between good and bad modelers based upon whether or not they are willing to build a kit.
My point is:
Although contradictory at first, building a ''safe'' ARF requires more skill and knowledge than building a good kit with good instructions.
An ARF built by a non experienced modeler could result in a dangerous flying object.
Jack
I feel that I should clarify a couple of issues:
-I have nothing against ARF’s. In fact, I think they are a great addition to our hobby. I have several.
-I never meant to differentiate between good and bad modelers based upon whether or not they are willing to build a kit.
My point is:
Although contradictory at first, building a ''safe'' ARF requires more skill and knowledge than building a good kit with good instructions.
An ARF built by a non experienced modeler could result in a dangerous flying object.
Jack
Examples are tanks held in with selotape, wiring that could short out as it was uninsulated, a flap horn that had been extended with 1/16 " ply and held on with a single bolt, and a 12" plus unsuppurted elevator linkage made from coat hanger wire!
Unbelievable! sadly some of these people are "experienced" modellers.
Some individiuals have taken umbridge at being grounded temporarily and left our club. That is fine by us. Others receive "special attention" from the safety officers.
John
04-25-2013, 09:31 AM
#56
My Feedback: (1)
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Mercedes,
TX
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
RE: The ARF Paradox !!
Oh my god..here we go. Let's not forget about an un-proven/tested design that hits the streets to show it's weaknesses. A big deal is just because the larger turbine will fit in the space as the smaller recommended one, doesn't mean the airframe can handle it. An on and on!!
Jack
Jack
