Skip--Just a few comments---my "filter" is in disrepair: so I want you to realize I'm not terribly serious here:


First, while it certainly might be self-deprecating and modest of you to call yourself an OLD FART, it is not true, and it may give the false impression to the "masses" who read these threads without any real knowledge of you or the organization, that SPA is nothing but an organization of OLD FARTS lined up in their wheelchairs flying their OLD PLANES until the Grim Reaper comes to escort them to that "final crash site". Nothing is further from the truth. While some of the founding members are getting up there, (OLD FART is not the term I'd use to typify most), we have folks in all age ranges from teens up to folks in their 20s, 30s, etc etc, all the way up 80+ years young.

Skip, you are a debonair, "man about town" airline pilot--nobody wants to be flown around the country by an "OLD FART". Anyone with black hair is NOT and OLD FART. If you WERE an OLD FART, you would have the time to attend each contest. You have to work on that self-image problem. We were both SPA ROOKIES, "newbies" together just last year for goodness sake, and I'M NOT an OLD FART, (at least I don't think so).

Now for the real---serious comments:

If World Models uses all Eric's suggestion made when he was working with their chief designer, the new Intruder should be a real winner. As you know, Eric is one of the best Expert pilots in SPA, with extensive AMA pattern experience. He knows flying, pattern flying, and the Intruder inside and out, and made several important mods, (along with his equally talented brother John), to his old version that really improved the flying characteristics. He even took that modified Intruder to an AMA meet and won his class with it against some of the current widebody ARFs available. Hopefully they followed his suggestions to the letter. From the pictures available, it looks like they at least got the "big stuff" right. We're still not sure if the rudder is large enough, but if not, that can be easily changed. Personally, I'm really looking forward to the Intruder's release. It will make an excellent pattern trainer, and sport plane--and best of all, it's an ARF!!!

IMHO---Vintage will always remain a certain time period, back when R/C pattern began, and back before planes evolved into what they are today. That's partly what gives them their "character". I believe the time window will stay where it is. There are many fine designs from the period from 1960-1976, several are already available as kits, and more are coming out as the Classic Pattern movement becomes more popular. My King Altair will be available later this season, and other planes will be developed and kitted.

The reason SPA, (and BPA) will continue to grow in popularity is because the idea of inexpensive and simple competition never gets old. Old designs to some of us OLD FARTS, are "new" designs for the younger competitors. Any pattern plane of ANY time period flys better than most of today's sport planes.

BTW---Do you like the calendar??