OK great.

First off I have nothing against Rick Delten. Sometimes I think he's a little wishy washy, but hey it's who he is, so be it. I have no vendetta against anyone, nobody, life's too short.

Rick and I have had discussions in the past about copyrights/skins etc. I posted threads before, no reason to go over it. I explain to him what he can and cannot do, very simple stuff. It was quite clear and he thanked me for the information. The conversations were good and case was closed. I thought that was the end of it.

Now in regards to the models. You guys are right, the wireframes are very hard to replicate and copy. The word trademark does not come into play in this matter like cwherner said until you use trade names. But ... copyright does. It's grey and it can go either way. There are many factors, but if it's questionable when dealing with copyrights all you have to do is give courtesy and ask permission. If you read copyright laws you will see the word permission many times especially when matters are grey/loose.

For instance: Right now American Aircraft, Republic and others are suing die cast companies/hobby companies for use of their shapes. This is a huge controversy because these planes were paid for for the taxpayers. It's a big mess. Yes, this is all for profit, so the rules are a little different. But for profit or free does not matter copyright violation is copyright violation, the only difference is the size of the award you get if you lose in court.

Now in regards to the skins. The Giles, the Mower and the Shockflyer and perhaps more where 3 viewed from AFPD model editor. Rick knows it, IPACS knows it, I know it. This is a no no. 3W/Compostite ARF owns the copyright on whats on their plane. I already know that IPACS got permission from these companies to use the trims they use on the commercial sim as I was told from the top. IPACS now owns the copyright on the models for AFPD, no and's if's or but's. IPACS is not thrilled and they are not going to sue Rick, but they are trying to get in touch with him to let him know he cannot do that.

In regards to the mower. I asked Rick very nicely to plug FTZ for use of the model which I knew he 3 viewed from AFPD from the get go. No problem Rick ... go for it, just plug us so the Chinese know where it came from. Rick did not like my request and wanted to do things his way. This is when I started looking into other matters and I will not in any circumstances let Rick do what Rick wants to do without permission or simple request. I know I'm not cybercop, but Rick did effect my livelihood personally. When you own your own company and work hard for you livelihood you want to protect it. If he wants to put the URL on the mower and get it out there ... then god bless him.

Now, Rick is a grown man and so am I. Neither of us our kids. I do not want this drama, but I want Rick and everyone else aware that you can under NO CIRCUMSTANCES 3 view planes from AFPD. If you want to create your own skins take them form other sources, plain and simple. Now why Rick has stopped modeling is just the role he does. He will be back, he just making you guys all fall into his drama play and it's working well.

Anyhow ... Rick get your butt back to modeling and that's that.

Respectfully,
DC