ORIGINAL: jmohn
Here is the origianl post by ModeOne to start this thread:
ARFs do not directly compete against kit/scratch built models in any contest I am aware of. It's my understanding at TOP GUN, ARFs/ARCs are not allowed to compete what-so-ever. However, I also understand there are ARF/ARC divisions in Scale Masters and at AMA scale contests. If I have any of this wrong, I apologize for not having done all the homework needed.
However, how do you feel about this?
My personal opinon is there should be one venue where the ARF/ARC simply is not welcome and where personal pride, craftsmenship and artistry should take precedence! We are such a Must-Have-It-Now society that I would like to see the other spectrum rewarded for their hard work, so I don't think there should even be divisions allowing them to compete. Yes, ARFs/ARCs can be modifide (bashed) into something far beyond the everyday. However, they still were not framed up by the competitor!
I still have this question: What's the difference between and ARF and a composite model? I know there is a BIG difference with the building materials and construction methods, but still someone else made the mold, layed the glass and assembled the parts. Same as and ARF, except maybe the wings are covered on an ARF. So I guess it's alright for an ARF to compete in ProAm class then?
I'm going to answer your questions (both of them ) in the order in which you asked.
The difference between an ARF and a composite model, are just as many and varied as the difference between a Kit and an ARF. With the ARF, all the sub-assemblies are completed and finished. The wings are built and covered, the fuselage is built and covered, the tail group is built and covered, and the cowl is finished. The landing gear is complete and either installed, or is ready to install, and normally the fuel tank is included. You add your radio gear, add your power plant, and glue the wing halves together, glue on the tail group, install the hinges, and that's about it.
The Kit has been cut by someone before you got it, and most of the time the landing gear is in the box, unless it's a retract set. You punch the parts out, line them up and glue them together. Then you sand all the parts and clean them. Then you cover all the parts. Then you install the tail group, the landing gear, the engine and the radio gear.
The composite kit has the fuselage laid up. The formers have to be glued in the fuselage, and the stiffners too. The wing saddle has to be built and installed. The engine box has to be be built and installed. The tail group has to be built, and the wings too (either sheeted foam, or built up. Sometimes the wings are composite as well as the fuselage, and they must have the control surfaces cut from the mother wing. These control surfaces have to be framed up from the outside (a little different technique). Then all the moulding flash has to be sanded off the parts. You have no idea how long it takes to remove the parting lines from fiberglass without leaving divots. then after all the parts have been sanded, you have to paint on a guide coat that is sanded off. This shows you where all the low spots are as well as the voids and pin holes. After all the voids, pin holes and low spots are filled you get to sand some more. Then you get to prime the entire model, and sand even more. Prime again and sand again, prime again and sand once more. Then you get to start adding the color coats. Once the color coats are on and cured, you start strategically removing some of the finish in selected areas to, "Weather" the finish. After all the detail has been done, you get to reinstall all the radio gear, the retract systems (if required) the engine, the fuel system, and then you have a completed model.
As you can see the Composite models are far removed from an ARF, and in most cases are actually more involved than some kits.
As to whether it is okay for an ARF to compete in Pro-Am, If Frank Tiano wants to make a rule that allows it, it would be okay for you to enter a Hoyt-Clagwell Tractor* in Pro-AM. It is Frank's own Contest. He makes the rules, and can do exactly what he wants to do. The AMA, IMAA, QSAA, FFA, BSA. and the Brownies can't do anything to change it. It is Frank's own contest. He owns it, Lock, Stock and Barrel. You can't make him do, or allow anything that he doesn't want to have at Top Gun. Saying what should be allowed at that event is liike telling me what color to paint my front door.
Bill, AMA 4720
WACO Brotherhood #1
* the ficticious brand of tractor that Oliver Wendell Douglas bought from Mr. Haney on Green Acres (1960's Television Sitcom, starring Eddie Albert, Eva Gabor, Pat Butrum and others).