I'm not disputing the fact with you that turbines are magnificent flying machines one bit. The airplanes themselves are impressive, what with all the complex plumbing and all. And the flight performance is really amazing. To see one fly sure is neat, and I have seen them fly on many occasions, as my cousin owns one, and some friends of mine own them. So yes, I agree with you there. I also agree with you about how some of the older style pattern planes are awesome themselves. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to say that you don't have a valid opinion because you prefer pre-turnaround style. I would like to get one of those airplanes and maybe do some SPA contests with it.

The only thing that I am disagreeing with you regarding is, at least in my interpretation of what you are saying, pattern is worse now with the new airplanes and the newer, more complex schedules. Yes, most people won't pop for a full 2M plane today because of the price tag associated with them. Most people want an ARF, but want a scratch-built wood airplane price. I can see why people don't fly pattern nearly as much as they used to. I think it would be awesome to see people in regular clubs to fly pattern, which is what you said happened in your club in the early 90's. It would be great to see pattern come from being almost the black sheep of the hobby to the forefront again. And I actually think that the 3D revolution might help it. Some 3D flyers are beginning to recognize that their skills aren't quite up to par as they think they are and are being told more and more that pattern is the way to go. Now that their heads are a few sizes smaller, they are beginning to listen and embrace the "lameness factor" of pattern.

Anyway, my intent was not to start a pissing contest into the wind, which I hope you didn't think was going on. I respect your opinion and I imagine you do too. I don't want to see you get mad at me over something trivial, like me having a big mouth. You certainly are an asset to the forum with your experience, your building skills, and flying stories.




And as a side note, there are turboprops that are in use in larger models. I saw a video of a GS Turbo Raven with one and that thing screamed. Pretty impressive. I think that it would be neat for a turbine to come out for 2M planes, certainly the constant speed prop would help the airplane in downlines, and there wouldn't be any need for extra power on uplines. Damn, that would be really cool now that I think about it. There is a guy on here that's building a 35% Carden Extra with a turbine. Looked like an impressive project.