Hoss,

Another welcome back!

Glad you were able to outline your participation and accomplishments for the newer guys. Right, we did meet at Oshkosh '73! As I recall, I got a good impression, and admired your clear and firm opinions as much then as now...

You mentioned campaigning a pair of somewhat modified models in the Classic or (potential) Super-70's eras. IF the basic models were known before 1/1/1970, they would go into Classic, under the idea we're working towards out here. If anyone objected to wheel pants, modified tips or cowling on a known Classic OR S-70 model, a dated snapshot or something like that should satisfy the Event Director. These are unofficial events, anyway: there is no elaborate appeals procedure. If a protest comes up, it is primarily the Event Director who makes the call. If the guy lodging the protest isn't satisfied by that, he can discuss it with the Contest Director. I'm confident he could get the same "second opinion" from the ED just by asking him again.

There aren't many protests in these unofficial events. The general spirit - of having an enjoyable time flying models we may have flown back then, or wished we had, or for the younger guys, trying the legendary models they've heard about - seems to have worked pretty well since OTS got its first national exposure in a MAN article in 1979. It extends to the Classic era, which is now getting a bit long in the tooth but very popular. Super- 70s may join in, in this basic spirit. It seems worth a try.

Hobbies are hobbies. We don't get big, fancy salaries for getting involved in them. (Usually QUITE the opposite, right?) We engage in a hobby bescause we like what's involved in it. Further, and this sometimes causes some stiff discussions, we do what we like, within the total range of what that hobby offers us. RE CLPA - some like to build, some don't. OK, where's the problem? OTS, and later Classic, and perhaps a Super-70s event, are based on some degree of tradition. If not, they'd be current, not named for a prior era...

Awarding excellence of workmanship and effort is a long-standing tradition. It may or may not be applied at a given contest - the organizers make that choice. It's not safety-related, so for a Sanctioned Contest, AMA is generally happy to allow exceptions like dropping BOM, provided that all advance publicity and advance entry forms spell it out clearly for everyone who might consider attending. ...Unless, of course, the event is listed as the Official CL Precision Aerobatics Event #322 - Age Classes, BOM required. Even there, it could be local option to drop BOM (with advanced notification)... But, with the Official Skill Class Events available, most go with them, instead.

Another thing some of us "enjoy" is proving the "provenance" of a design, and what EXACTLY the original model was. Gee, fellas, these are not Arabian stud stallions, or AKC pedigreed world champion bloodstock critters... For those of us who like to dig up the precise history, GREAT! - that adds to their enjoyment. For others, it is close enough to go with the first versions that got published or kitted. Why not? those are the ones we first learned about, in so many cases... And, if we remember one we modded, back then, and have any kind of snapshot of it, why not do that again?

And, when we do see a thoroughly researched and replicated original, it makes a subject for a potentially interesting discussion, at least. The builder gets an opportunity to share why that's important to him. When we see a beautifully crafted and finished model, again, there can be a lot learned in the "how'd you get that effect" area. And, again, some ego boost to the responsible party. All feel-nice stuff, all around, unless someone chooses to dump on it.

The models still have to fly. That is the payoff. That's why we build flying model airplanes! An overweight finish can ruin flying ability; engines, parts and accessories - from long before we knew how to do better - carry their own handicap. When all this stuff flies well, it is memorable - perhaps as much for the flier as for spectators...

Since it takes at least two, usually, to fly CL, we get to meet people we trust, and who trust us. Generally a great bunch!