I beg to differ with "none of which fly worth a flip". Certainly vintage pattern planes do not fly like modern pattern planes, however, there are some fine old fliers. There is a bit more pilot work required, and it depends on the pilot's skill as to whether they can do today's maneuvers.

The electric experiment has been conducted once, so far, within the Senior Pattern Association. Jamie Strong of Prattville, AL, converted a Daddy Rabbit last year. Because it was an existing airframe, weight was a problem. We're trying find a setup which is comparable to the current power setups used in SPA so as not to obsolete current planes. Electric is being considered so that we have the technology available in the future if needed.

I currently fly a 7 lb 3 oz Curare taildragger powered by an OS91 pumper. It's not a rocket and flies much better than I do. I find about an 8 oz difference between my current power and an electric system. I would not hesitate to fly my current plane with the additional weight as two previous Curares have been a bit over 8 lbs and flew well. I also believe I can loose most of that 8 ozs and will attempt to do so late summer or over next winter.

Be very careful in condemning older designs outright. Certainly 30 years of advance make current planes fly better, but the old designs are still good, too.