What did a Prophecy kit cost, I was flying a curare at the time in Sportsman. I'm going to assume that the kit cost didn't make much difference over what I bought my Emotion for. With inflation, I would assume they cost about the same. Look at your servo's, and other stuff, the technology has all changed, costing more. The technology for motors has changed, costing more. Yes, I am including size, but you are also paying more for new technology. Again, back to the servo's, same size, new technology, more cost. That's never going to change. Any change in design, or even a part number change (example say, Hacker C50 -14XXL) would cost more. That's just the way this society is. We pay to have the latest things out.

The price of inflation since the (Prophecy era) and the cost in the lighter materials used in current designs, doesn't make for an even dollar for dollar comparison. Heck, I was paying like $1.50 for gas back then vs $3.00 now and a loaf of bread cost......... and so on..

I just don't see that heavier is going to cost more unless FAI changes their rule. I could think of many things I could buy that cost less but weigh more currently. This could and may change and become the opposite. I can't see into the future so I'm trying to have an open mind as to your side also Dave. Yes, if we increased the size of the planes to say 80" the cost will go up tremendously. How much bigger can a fuse get and why would it become larger for AMA classes? I don't know, I haven't been around like you Dave.

BTW, when I get the money, I am buying a 26% Pilot RC extra 260 for $419. And I can get it with motor for $699. Or I could get the Extreme Flight Vanquish for how much? $850 if you do the Euro to dollar conversion. Both wood arfs, both similar in size, both good quality. My 74" Extreme Flight Yak cost in the $400's also. I don't see comparing pattern planes to a 35 or 40% as being apples to apples. Comparitavely, if you scaled pattern inches, to IMAC inches, I'm guess IMAC 35% or 40% is cheaper.

Now in Ryans breakdown, comparitavely size wise, pattern is much more expensive. Think about it like this comparitively. Ryan brings the 126" to the table at 7300. That's $57.93 per inch. Now bring in the pattern cost Ryan discusses, 78" at 5200. That's $66.66 per inch. Now this is apples to apples comparison size wise.

Thx,

Chris