As in many sports, are hobby included,I have seen the average guy leave competition because of over regulation and absurd rules that eventually lead to the high cost of competing, the result is you end up with only the manufactures, and retailers racing with every one else a spectator, (i.e. drag racing, giant scale races )or the sport dies off altogether, put a cap on airframe and drive train spending, get the manufactures out of the rule makers and you know who's back pockets, and let the 424 take off, just my 2 cents worth, use the kiss rule outline( Keep it Simple Stupid )

Lash, The AMA 424 event rules have been in place for a little while now and every 2 years they are some what updated to reflect a needed change,,, IE. the all glass planes are no longer allowed in 424 and must be of Balsa and Foam construction. Most clubs limit the amount of $$$ spent for an engine of about $100 bucks. As for GSR, its a much bigger "Cluster *%#!" over there than what you might think it is here,,, so you think we got it bad, they take the cake and icecream with all the trimings hands down.

As for competitions or competing, it can be anybodies race on Raceday and it not neccesarily the one who spends the most $$$ for his plane and equipment. Sure its a nice thing to have a sponcer or 2 helping you out with your equipment,,, But does it make'm any faster or better? (As in the case of 424)

Which leads me to say,,, If you don t practice to race, then its going to reflect just that,,, on Raceday. Most of all, have a good time Racing and take a Newbie under your wing

BV

What you call "absurd" rules are not what kill pylon events. What kills racing and competition are "simple", "non-complicated", "laid back" rules that are full of loopholes.

The rules must be very specific in order to even the playing field.

Look what became of AMA428. Its original intent was for it to be an entry-level class. Now with $400 molded carbon-fiber airframes, $360 motors, and 165 MPH speeds, Quickie 500 no longer can be considered a beginners event.

Don't misunderstand me. I love 428 the way it is, and I think it should remain as the most popular racing event across the continent. But because of loopholes in the rules, speed creep and expense were inevitable.

From what I have experienced simple rules have not been the problem, as in any guide lines if you have the will and brains to find a loop hole you will, you can not make it so complicated that when the newbie reads them HE SAYS TO HIM SELF SCREW THIS SOUNDS LIKE TO MUCH TO BOTHER WITH,this is what I have heard from many newbies, as far as motors go, we in our club are allowed most with the exception of the european motors, the fast ones are the ones not avaiable come race season, want to run mds or mvvs and afew others sorry not allowed,as far as cheating I can make a motor that when inspected will pass every time but will still be faster than most and I can make a profit doing it,even if the motor is claimed,so make it complicated and It can still be gotten around if that person desires to do that, not that I approve, but you can not regulate out every thing, you just over regulate, and newbies that want simple fun just don,t want to bother with it, you have to look at it thru newbie EYEs and not you seasoned pros, by the way Bill I got a glass coke bottle fuseluge that looks to be one of the first lyle larsons, saddle looks to be for a 15% airfoil, can you do me a wing for it ? practice practice pratice, I agree with you there, so I also do it inverted, low and high, heli flying has made my airplane flying 200% better, fastlash

Lash, I would then suggest,,, Show and explain to the Newbie,,, All the In's and Out's of the Rules

Help him to understand them before,,, he's saying Screw this!

Its Human nature to fear the unknown,,, educate the newbie and his fears are gone.

BV

Gee Bill, Where would you have heard that?

Guys, I'll attest to this. GSR has been pretty bad. From what I've seen, you have it easy

Michael

Sorry Mike, I didn t mean to steal your thunder on this one

To be quite honest here, I saw a good thing go bad with politics from that lady way back when,,, lets just say back in the good'ol Madera days. I also remember the days when K. Laski was the KING of engines (and still is by my book-Thanks K. Laski for teaching me about engines) and all the bad things that were said,,, Then there was Mr. T. Easterday, one of the founders of GSR, BOY, he sure took a beating and for no reason and don t forget about the BIG GUY, K. Thorton and the beatings he took,,,

I have to say it was and always be a great memory for me flying with those guys and doing GSR stuff.

I guess when good things go bad, they really go bad or they are at the bottom of a Vicious cyle at the moment ???

So to answer your question Mike, where did I hear that?
Answer- from a big old birdie

BV

I guess I shouldn't have mentioned GSR in my post but it is a prime example of what I was talking about, I know more than a few people that walked away from that one!!!! it starts off well and good but it, ends up a mess!! , I watched a clubs pattern contests were the pros were entering the amature class's and walking away with all the goods, eventualy all the lower level classes disappeared, from lack of partisapation, then the whole thing took a dump, so guys will do any thing to feel or look like a winner? well now that I got you guys all stirred up its time to call this one quits!! what do you think Bill!!

Bill,
No stealing thunder here. Was kidding about it all. I just find all of this interesting.

Fastlash, don't worry about mentioning GSR. Since I have been involved, I like to hear what others have to say.

Michael

Lash, Hey no worries! you brought up a good point of what can happen and will if others are not willing to make the call and or teach/show the 424 Racer.

Just don t be surprized if and when your asked to move up to 428 when others in 424 are getting beat up by (you) the better 424 Racer,,, And again, by the same token, besure to pass on the knowledge to the 424 guy when you've made the jump from 424 to 428.

BV

yea when its time to do that Iam going to do the 1/2a pylon thing the 428 is just to much money, with the cost of the airplane stuff on top off the travel costs it just exceededs my fun factor, but i know what your saying, I went thru that with combat where I felt like the other guy was a victum instead of a challenge, ( not much fun )