I agree with everyone here so far. I just want to ad a few things that wasn't mentioned. Getting in to scale competition is a whole different ball game. We had to learn or try to learn all the techniques, and try to stand out more than the competitors.

A Arf that is going to be beefed up and altered would be in the "Beginner Class" or some say "Sport Scale." The scratch and altered kit builders usually compete in the "Expert Scale." I have seen kits in the "Sport Scale" before and win, and I've seen a plain ARF win.

At one show I seen a ARF win over a well done and documented kit. I didn't agree with the judges and didn't think it was right, but who am I- right? I've competed semi-pro in the "Fine Scale Modelers Competition in 1994-1998 and won 3 trophies and 2 plaques ranging from best of show to 3rd place. I'm not talking about local shows either. At one time I was good with the airbrush and filling seams, I hope to get that skill back one day.

One thing I've learned and it seems some people just don't get it, ( including me) is the winners and loosers is all decided by the judges, and it doesnt matter how nice your plane is. Not every judge is well educated in the plane that your showing. What wins is detail, detail and detail.

You catch the eyes of the judges, your chances of winning are great.

I do disagree that the type of motor you use determines if you have a better chance of winning or not. I've seen planes with 2-strokes win before. ( Have you ever listened to the real sound of the LaRhone or Ober? They sound like a glorified pissed off 2-stroke.)

Another thing I almost forgot to mention, the judges will want you to fly your plane to scale. That means long roll take offs, realistic landings and flight etc. Hmmm, if I nose over my Fokker DR1, I just might win... right?


Pete