ORIGINAL: SDCrashmaster
I'm all for the "whatever floats your boat" but a turbine in a CL plane. What's the freekin' point of that. But hey, I don't see the point in CL anyway.
To me, it was an old school step to flying RC. Simulators have replaced that step, except the knowledge gained in engine tuning and control surface setup, etc.
I realize that there is a very large control lone contingent, as MA pages are generally monopolized with this "exciting" facet of the hobby[:'(]
I do support every facet of this hobby, as what's good for one, is good for all. But, CL and the rubber powered peanut stuff never ceases to just boggle me.
Not me, I still build everything from indoor on up. There is something very cool about CL, you are actually connected to the plane. Also, it is VERY competitive, CL stunt is. Guys take it VERY seriously from a competition standpoint. I do only one CL contest a year, and it's not a very serious one, it's for Walt Musciano Scientific designs from the fifties and sixties.
MA may deceive you as far as how much CL goes on...not THAT much...but there is quite a bit of coverage in MA, Bob Hunt, the editor, is a serious CL guy. But, also...where else would you read about that stuff if MA did not give it some pages?
Free flight, well, it can be awesome. I will say flat-out that the very best modellers I have ever seen are FF guys, and some of the nicest, too. I've seen peanut jobs that took more time and thought than any jet.
But, hey, it does not move everyone as it does me.