ORIGINAL: Red Scholefield
ORIGINAL: Stickbuilder
Red,
I think that you are right on the money. Today's entry level model airplane enthusiasts are expecting instant gratification, whereas you and I expected to build whatever we flew, from rubber power, right on through spark ignition, and then to glow. From free flight, to control line, and finally the big step to Radio Control. But we dop remember how to build, and more importantly, how to trim a model.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
Bill,
Yep, and our first couple of dozen models didn't fly worth a crap, but we kept on learning.
Can you really fault the newbie today for these changes? Go to the local high school and find a modeler flying there. if you do, my money says it will NOT be a Cl flier or someone with a tissue covered framwork with rubber strands inside.
Drive through the countryside and if you find fliers, my money says it will be RC fliers mostly with ARFs, and NOT a FF modeler flying an old timer style model, but a screaming short engine run for almost straight up power flight, if you should be so lucky as to even find a FF modeler.
Go to the LHS and try to find build-up FLYING models of any kind. Darn few if there are any of any kind. Almost no builder's supplies in the LHS, just ARFs, a few radios and engines, small parts, all which are what sells which the LHS has to do to stay in business -- that is stock and sell what customers want.
Now go to the auto showroom. How many are there that have no moving seats, no air-conditioning, no cruise control, no fancy radios, no computer operated ignition/fuel system (i.e. an engine system that YOU can still work on, like changing the plugs, setting the valves, etc) and actually no creature comforts in the seating arrangements?
Only on my 4th NEW car did I obtain the luxury of air-conditioning.
The points here is that modeling changes with the times. People change with the times. Everything runs its life-span and shot happens. What we old razor blade balsa cutters and cellouse cement sticker-together folks remember is like remembering the $2000 NEW V-8, the $2 steak with all the trimmings and the 25 cent glass of beer. Folks, it is all just MEMORIES.
Like back when I was preparing to go to a contest featuring all the disciplines and I was NOT a RC flier. I might love to do this again, however the motivation is'nt there.
