Bill, First off let me say that I will be joining the D7 guys this year. I plan to hit at least 4 contests. In the 30+ years I have been in flying I have seen pretty much the same progression and eventually demise of just about every aspect of R/C. When I was a teen I raced Q500. Back then it was a wood and foam kit, sport 40 engine. Then everyone pushed to go faster. Eventually to be competitive you needed a moulded airplane and a 400.00 engine. Q500 almost died. Now look how it is coming back, wood and foam ARF airplanes with TT .40 engines. Sailplanes was the same story. Can you beleive that a competitive open class sailplane kit averages 1,200.00? Don't get me started on IMAC with everyone NEEDING a 40% airplane to fly basic through unlimited.


This brings me to pattern. Airframe..........2,000.00 to 3,000.00 Power system, YS engine 800.00 or electric with multiple batteries at least a grand. Not to mention that at present new pattern airplanes are being developed at a rate that most are under the impression that they need a new one every two years to be competitive.


I guess the point I am getting to is that we R/Cers tend to get a good thing going and then progress it right into the ground, both complexity and price.