FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours d'Elegance

"Rusty, why did you select the format to exclude "builder of the model rule?"

Sean McMurtry DID NOT WANT TO RECEIVE THE RUNNER-UP AWARD, HE APOLOGIZED FOR THE FACT THAT HIS MODEL WAS SELECTED...NOT THAT HIS MODEL CAME IN SECOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!

"Why" the rules for 2006 and 2007 are to exclude "builder of the model rule". Our current models are by definition, collaborations. Last year's top (5) were all built by professionals including Mr. Hester "Champion", Mr. Naruke "Runner-Up", AC Glen's model built by Raiko Potter 3rd, my Brio built by Dave Guerin 4th, oops I initially omitted NSRCA President Lamar Blair's really cool Aggressor was 5th and to the best of my recollection Rusty Fried's gorgeous Lazulite by Kenny Lauter was 6th...all were professionals. The votes were made by pilots and each pilot had (2) votes to satisfy their personal definition of "Concours d'Elegance". Incidentally, the Pebble Beach Car Show features a "Concours" which only allows factory built cars that are really detailed (washed and waxed by the owner certainly the car was not designed , painted or wrenched-on by the owner) and is generally won by the $2.4 million dollar Ferrari or Rolls Royce.

It is clear to me that many RCU members (and competition pilots in general) are not too thrilled to be competing against "sponsored" pilots, which I am one, and religiously proclaim in the interest of editorial transparency.

The event could have a Pro-Am Class and a "doing for the love of the hobby and I did it myself class", but, based on the previously shared information, have not implemented, nor do I believe my mission to share the benefits of flying with precision are enhanced.

I am absolutely fascinated by marketing and enjoy applying current " commercially successful themes" to my areas of interest in the hopes of making the world a better place to experience...I like organizing events that give people hope and opportunities to reach their potential. Last year I could not stop watching "Biker Build-Off", "Rides", "West Coast Choppers", "Orange County Choppers"...these shows built extraordinary stuff not completely alone but they COLLABORATED their creations.

The 2007 FLY RC Magazine Concours d'Elegance event will exclude "builder of the model rule". I encourage any individual, entity or organization to develop "actionable ideas"...if I believe in them and they are appropriate for my available time, I will be their advocate.


Rusty Dose
Team Futaba, Team YS Parts and Service
2007 USA F3A Fund Raising Coordinator
2007 "FLY RC Magazine Concours d'Elegance" Coordinator
2007 "JR Future Champions Breakfast" Coordinator
2007 "XYZ Flight Achievement Award" Coordinator