ORIGINAL: ChiefK
Sorry to disagree with your assertion that I meant ''original WM Intruder''....As far as modifications to the original designs goes, I agree that many, if not most, have had some modifications. That's what we did when we built kits in the 70's too. I only have trouble calling it an Intruder, or a Dirty Birdy, or a Phoenix, etc...... when the design starts becoming unrecognizable.
ChiefK
OK then I stand corrected...although the thread's title says WM Intruder, you actually DID mean the original Intruder.
The point I was trying to make is that some , (particularly 8178) feel that anything other than a "faithful" reproduction of the original should be something to look down your nose at. There is absolutely nothing wrong with being a modeler who wants to build a perfect replica, (though fiberglas and foam is also not exactly true to the original either depending on how picky we get), but vintage R/C pattern is a big umbrella, and everyone should be allowed to pursue their hobby as they see fit. I personally get tired of the constant put-downs directed toward SPA, and the fact the planes are somewhat modified. Let's just let it go and "live and let live".
As you pointed out, back in the day, planes were constantly being experimented on...actually a lot more that we do in SPA. This was even more true in the late 1960s. I have a picture (taken in 1965 when all of this was happening), of a Taurus with a swept wing flown by Howard Thombs. Nobody told Howard he couldn't experiment with Ed's design. The idea that the plane must be 100% authentic to be considered acceptable nowadays is an arbitrary standard of acceptability that some are trying to impose on everyone.
When the main emphasis is place on the
COMPETITION WITH vintage planes, rather than the
VINTAGE PLANES themselves, then people shouldn't be made to feel their WM Intruder is second class. Actually the WM Intruder is probably BETTER suited to SPA competition than Kirkland's original.