Hiya, very interesting thread but I haven't read it all yet...

I've been an aeromodeller for 15 years on and off, but in the last year or so have found the time to get back to it seriously. Aerobatics of some form felt like the way to go, but which type?

One thing that hasn't been mentioned here (in the bits I've read) is the relation to full-size, which I think has a significant influence on some people (me included). I go to full-size air displays and see guys doing fantastic things with extras and the like; the challenge of making a model perform the same manouvres with the same appearance & presence is just irresistable for me. This is what is driving me toward IMAC style rather than pattern.

Until recently I raced motorbikes (circuit) - we have a similar problem in the UK with numbers dwindling in 125 and 250 two stroke championships, the feeders for motoGP. Everyone (me included) wants to run in the larger displacement four stroke classes because these are the bikes they see around, are familiar with, see most racing on telly etc. The fact that they get there asses kicked by the riders who have come up through 125 and 250 classes and therefore developed excellent setup and riding skills isn't enough to stop those classes dwindling.


If its any consolation, I have just bought a 70 size pattern model because I can see the benefit in using one to really understand trimming and practice the "disciplined" schedules; but I'm doing it with a view to making my IMAC stuff more aesthetically pleasing.