“2007 FLY RC Magazine Concours de Elegance” Achievement Award

When: 2007 AMA Pattern NATS in Muncie, Indiana, July 17 – 21.

Purpose: To recognize, reward and inspire state of the art precision aerobatic design, model construction, finish including interior, exterior and graphics and control system innovation and execution by awarding a “Champion” and a “Runner-up”.

Overview: Each 2007 AMA Pattern NATS pilot will nominate two models which they feel meet or exceed the above mentioned criteria using a paper ballot included with their competition packet. The models may be viewed on July 17th and July 18th during the Official Pilot's meeting, open practice or actual competition. The ballots will be turned in by 4:00PM on July 19th and the awards will be given during the July 19th evening banquet.

Basic Guidelines: * The builder of the model rule will NOT be in effect
* There is NO cost to enter
* Only “declared” models, either pilot’s “A” or “B” are eligible
* Only registered pilots may vote/nominate
* Pilots will nominate two (2) models

Prizes: The prizes will consist of “Champion” and “Runner-up”. Each winner will receive a gift certificate donated by a Central Hobbies of $100 for the Champion and $50 for the Runner-up. Additionally, FLY RC Magazine may chose to feature the model in an upcoming issue of the magazine as they did for the 2006 winners. (See FLY RC MAgazine February 2007 "Departure" column.)

Sponsorship: The event will be managed by the National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA), a respected organization, whose members are recognized as being leaders in the development of precision aerobatic designs, model engine optimization, construction methodology, construction material innovation, control system set-up, flight trimming, precision aerobatic coaching and precision aerobatic competition.

Event Underwriter: “Fly R/C Magazine 2007 Concours de Elegance”

Prizes: Central Hobbies, $100 “Champion”, $50 “Runner-up”

Contact: Rusty Dose (800) 876-7741 or [email protected]


Rusty Dose
Team Futaba, YS Parts and Service

FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours D'Elegance

The photo below is of Mike Hester, receiving the FIRST FLY RC Concours d'Elegance"Champion" plaque. Mike's model's represented my vision of the event perfectly. The craftsmanship, the fact that they were of his design, quality of construction, finish, use of graphics AND he had (2) of them!

Maybe Mike would take a few moments to talk about his well deserved award, the special Michael Ramsey photo shoot, the positive impact on the awareness and interest in his models?

The precision aerobatic community, has been one of the leaders for decades in model design, construction techniques, control system development and I believe this event is an excellent opportunity to "share" the USA's current ideas and concepts with the rest of the world...(Euro/Eastern...yes this is just for my friend bla, bla, bla or is it bla, bla)

Please consider posting photos of your 2007 Concours d'Elegance entries on this thread and expect a glorious photo shoot of the top finishers!

Rusty Dose
Team Futaba
Team YS Parts and Service

Sure, why not

Well, my thoughts.....to a true builder, designer, whatever, the Concourse trophy is potentially as big of a deal as winning the nats is to a more pure pilot. What it means is that your peers acknowledge your hard work and dedication to taking the road less traveled. I think it's very nature inspires the modeler in us all. Because a lot of us started out as modelers before we became pattern hounds, and some of us still get much more satisfaction seeing our modeling dreams come to life.

And let's face it, most pattern guys fall into 2 distinct categories as far as thier equipment: to one, it's simply a tool to be used to get the pilot to his or her end. To the second group, it's all about the bling baby! As in who has the coolest toys.

So, really I want to make sure I say again and clearly, THANK YOU!!!! You guys ARE the best there is.

Winning this trophy was the highlight of my nats experience, as far as that goes. yep I had a fantastic nats, placed second to Brett (that kid is a monster!) barely squeaked out my friendly arch rival (Mark) and got to meet a LOT of people and made a ton of new friends. But I'm a designer/builder at heart, so winning this trophy meant a lot to me.

The photo shoot was cool, but it would be cooler if I had any of the photos I was under the impression that Fly RC was going to do a 3 page spread, but I am guessing it never materialized for whatever reason. Still, getting a spot on the back page was pretty cool. it doesn't matter one way or the other to me, I got the plaque and that's very cool. The $100 at Central was cool too.

But at the end of the day, I took it as a bit of recognotion from my peers and friends that they understood what I was doing, and what it took to get there. I am not alone. just look around, we're all over the place and we're growing in numbers. Modelers!! I love it! Nothing makes me happier than seeing home built Black Magics, Pentathlons, Insights, Patriots, popping up and doing well against some of the more top end expensive ARFs. It's certainly not that we feel it's any better or worse either way, but the fact that we have the options again to do things like this is what matters. We always have, but it had gotten pretty one sided. I'm glad to see it coming slowly back into balance.

The additional exposure surely didn't hurt me....it almost killed me! I had no idea what to expect when I got back home. I literally had to change the way I do everything, and hopefully, it will be for the greater good of pattern as a whole.

To anyone who doesn't either home build or take the time to "bling out" thier planes, this trophy doesn't mean much. But to those of us who enjoy this side of pattern, this trophy is the holy grail. So much so that if anything ever happens that threatens the existance of this prize, I'll step in and sponsor it myself. (Excluding myself from the competition of course). That's how strongly I feel about it.

I won't have a horse in the show this year, because I have spent all of my time designing and building for other people. A couple that we build might be in the running though. And with Bryan Hebert back in the mix, it's going to be tough. However, I did decide to take this upcoming fall and winter to build 2 matching show planes for next season. I intend to have them at Toledo and of course doing what they are meant for.....competing!! I'm pulling out all the stops for those two....

Probably the best time for a post like this is in the fall, when people are working on next year's planes. But I'll say this: there are 4 national champions for flying pattern. For the Concourse, there is only one champion. To me, that makes it special right there!

Here are a few shots of some stuff I have laying around.....

-Mike

Wish I could make it to the Nats this year. If I could, this would be my nominaton... the crafstmanship on this prototype are unparalleled on any pattern aircraft I have ever seen.

I've said from day one, in the US, Bryan Hebert is THE benchmark for this prize. The only reason I won it last year was because Bryan had some bad luck and wasn't in attendance. I've seen that plane up close and personal, it's going to be hard to beat....by anyone.

I know that beating Bryan will take me everything I have and then some for next year, which is why this year....I'm not worried about it, I'm flying the prototype in monokote....

However next year, what Bryan is flying I may have a hand in, and what I'm flying Bryan may have a hand in, so next year, who cares! My money says that Shinden takes it this year. So far, it has my #1 vote.

By the way, I've heard some speak of a "builder of the model" rule for this prize, what are the opinions on that?

-Mike

Personally i think it should be a builder of the model rule. You shouldnt be able to just pay someone a lot more money than someone else can to buy a really great looking plane and enter it in this contest. I have no problems with buying beautiful airplanes, but this should be about the builder. I can see the spread now in Fly R/C. "So, tell me about the plane." "Well, first I paid my builder 5000.00, then I wait a couple of months and I drove and picked it up." Doesnt really seem right. There are some incredible builders out there and this should be their reward. I am certainly not a builder and dont think this one should be won by the pilots. The NATS themselves are reward enough for the pilots, lets let the builders have some fun. Think of how much more impressive you might see some of these planes get if it gets the builder only more recognition,

Arch

FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours d'Elegance

"Builder of the model rule" or "Rusty, why did you chose this format and structure?"

The following will provide background, various formats and specifically address why I ultimately chose to not require "Builder of the model rule".

My influences:

Number One:

Many years ago, the 70's and early 80's, the Pattern NATS actually awarded some kind of "Concours d'Elegance" award. I know this because my mentor and top F3A pilot at the time, Doug Ferguson won the award with his T2A-MKII. Based on my memory and what I was told, his model was selected NOT because he designed it, not because it was "scratch" built, not because it had a complex (20) color mirror paint scheme, not because of the construction materials...it was selected because of the EXECUTION of the details. The model was all Monokote including the fiberglass engine cowl, unheard of at the time. Not only was it Monokote, I think it had a black canopy and a stripe or two on the wing and it was all white!...but I think that people just couldn't find seams...He also had one of the first adjustable stabs used in a competition model (Doug was involved with a special NASA project and provided E-U!A's with a variety of nifty control/adjustment variations)

Number Two:

Control line stunt has an appearance component which contributes/subtracts to their over-all score and defines "builder of the model rule". Curent AMA and FAI precision aerobatics does not provide "explicit" points for appearance although one would assume design, component selection and appearance provide "frictional" judging bias.

Number Three:

A R/C precision aerobatic model is composed of a design, source of kit, type of materials, construction technique and execution, hardware, control system installation, locomotion selection, finish, graphics and the quality of execution. Each of the aforementioned could be entriely produced by AN individual builder or an infinite number of items/services could be outsourced or purchased AND what about the innovation, set-up and execution? Were the graphics/paint mask produced by a computer or were they hand cut? Was the finish silk and dope or paint "X"? Where and how would you draw the line? Should one consider how the R/C scale event organizer's divide the implied skill sets?

I believe that the current models are MOSTLY a collaboration of skilled individuals based on the "vision" of the owner.

Number Four:

One could make a pretty strong case that radio control, as we know it, would not have evolved absent the profound influence of precision aerobatics which began as pattern. Further more, you could also say that Bill Bennet's Tournament of Champions was the catalyst to evolve and improve EVERYTHING in order to compete. The consumer was very interested in attending the event, the personalities, the toys and the technological advancements and innovation. Innovation was not just the products, it was also the evolution of the "media". Everyone played together very well and flourished.

Based on my discussions with the model airplane industries most influential businesses and fellow modelers, I came to the cruel reality that Pattern needed to redefine it's relevancy...make it important again via some kind of event, or collection of events. We (the pattern nuts) have been very fortunate that Don Lowe, Dick Hansen, Dean Pappas and Eric Henderson (sorry if I left you out...) have written hundreds of thousands of words educating and promoting our cause.

Number Five:

Create an event which is simple to judge, has a memorable name, is consist with the values of the NSRCA (National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics) and would have enough commercial appeal to meet the most fundamental goal which is to promote precision aerobatics, the NSRCA and it's very talented members.

FLY RC Magazine, Central Hobbies and the NSRCA have expressed their support to the extent I will be executing the 2007 event.


Rusty Dose
Precision Aerobatic Ambassador
Team Futaba, Team YS Parts and Service

Yeah, but that doesn't really answer the question or explain "why".

Don't worry, I "get it", but it's still sort of vague.

-Mike

Mike, I definitely see where you're going with the "builder of the model" rule, but I also agree with the points Rusty made in that many of the models we see flying these days are a collaboration of many different variables. That's why individuals vote. If one person thinks the modeller should have to build his own model to qualify, he won't nominate a model that wasn't. Since, from what I understand, anyone participating at the Nats will be able to vote for (nominate) whatever 2 planes they want, their own personal opinions are able to come into play. They can give greater consideration if the model was a one-man project from concept all the way through execution (which I believe is the ultimate level of crafstmanship) just like your Black Magic, or Hebert's prototype Shinden. Rusty just doesn't want to remove from consideration an airplane where the owner may not have been completely involved in the contrsuction or finishing. This way the voters decide what they want rather than being forced to choose from a narrowed field. It's my belief that the award is fine the way it is, let the voters decide. I know being from Dixie in Baton Rouge, I'm biased towards the Shinden, but even if it wasn't Bryan's design or build, it's a really cool airplane. The little details he threw in there like the "exhaust" pipes coming out the side of the fuse behind the cheek cowls or the "wire mesh" on the air intakes just show the attention to detail in a project like this. That's also not to say that next year maybe someone could get a composite (or wooden? ;-) ) Shinden kit and come up with something else to take what Hebert did and kick it up another notch. Would you want to preclude one of those composite aircraft from consideration because it wasn't completely built and painted by the owner?

My 2 cents,

It's not my award, and I really have no position, other than one: I don't think someone should be able to straight out "buy" this award. How to avoid this or even if it matters isn't up to me at all, I don't want to exclude anyone. Ever seen what some people can do with an ARF? I can tell you, it's on the same level with some of the scratch builts I've seen, so that wasn't my main point. Just because someone doesn't actually build the model itself doesn't mean his time and energy going into the details shouldn't be considered. Because if he can do more with the inside of an airplane than I can, that SHOULD be considered.

But....what if you just paid a professional builder even overseas to turn key your plane with this specific intent? What if you had really deep pockets and money was no object? My question, in the form of a question, (Alex?), is should THAT be considered?

I could care less personally, because if I'm building a plane specifically for this event/award (wait until next season), I'm going to make sure no matter how deep someone else's pockets are, I can give them a run for thier money.

But what we had last year in the first place and runner up was 2 entirely different situations. My plane for instance, was concieved, built, and totally made from scratch by me only. I had no idea this prize even existed at the time, or I would have spent more time on the details. I just needed planes. The runner up plane was professionally built in Japan, and chosen by Sean. Yeah it was an awesome plane!!! Yet I read the report in Fly RC, and maybe I read it wrong, but it looks almost apologetic to Sean that his plane didn't win. So, it's confusing. At least to me. I can only guess that the decision was made based on the overall big picture? Maybe?

And even after reading the clarification, I'm still utterly confoozed.

I hope any of that makes sense?

-Mike

FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours d'Elegance

"Rusty, why did you select the format to exclude "builder of the model rule?"

Sean McMurtry DID NOT WANT TO RECEIVE THE RUNNER-UP AWARD, HE APOLOGIZED FOR THE FACT THAT HIS MODEL WAS SELECTED...NOT THAT HIS MODEL CAME IN SECOND!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!

"Why" the rules for 2006 and 2007 are to exclude "builder of the model rule". Our current models are by definition, collaborations. Last year's top (5) were all built by professionals including Mr. Hester "Champion", Mr. Naruke "Runner-Up", AC Glen's model built by Raiko Potter 3rd, my Brio built by Dave Guerin 4th, oops I initially omitted NSRCA President Lamar Blair's really cool Aggressor was 5th and to the best of my recollection Rusty Fried's gorgeous Lazulite by Kenny Lauter was 6th...all were professionals. The votes were made by pilots and each pilot had (2) votes to satisfy their personal definition of "Concours d'Elegance". Incidentally, the Pebble Beach Car Show features a "Concours" which only allows factory built cars that are really detailed (washed and waxed by the owner certainly the car was not designed , painted or wrenched-on by the owner) and is generally won by the $2.4 million dollar Ferrari or Rolls Royce.

It is clear to me that many RCU members (and competition pilots in general) are not too thrilled to be competing against "sponsored" pilots, which I am one, and religiously proclaim in the interest of editorial transparency.

The event could have a Pro-Am Class and a "doing for the love of the hobby and I did it myself class", but, based on the previously shared information, have not implemented, nor do I believe my mission to share the benefits of flying with precision are enhanced.

I am absolutely fascinated by marketing and enjoy applying current " commercially successful themes" to my areas of interest in the hopes of making the world a better place to experience...I like organizing events that give people hope and opportunities to reach their potential. Last year I could not stop watching "Biker Build-Off", "Rides", "West Coast Choppers", "Orange County Choppers"...these shows built extraordinary stuff not completely alone but they COLLABORATED their creations.

The 2007 FLY RC Magazine Concours d'Elegance event will exclude "builder of the model rule". I encourage any individual, entity or organization to develop "actionable ideas"...if I believe in them and they are appropriate for my available time, I will be their advocate.


Rusty Dose
Team Futaba, Team YS Parts and Service
2007 USA F3A Fund Raising Coordinator
2007 "FLY RC Magazine Concours d'Elegance" Coordinator
2007 "JR Future Champions Breakfast" Coordinator
2007 "XYZ Flight Achievement Award" Coordinator

It is very hard to use the builder of the model rule in todays market being that 95%(LoL) of the planes available are pre fab to some degree, even mikes two versions of the bm in kit form has some prefab work done granted not alot but some (just ask melissa) a woman after my own heart(LOL! mike), unless you have the molds in your work shop and are laying up the fuse, cutting the wing cores, yada yada yada all yourself, are you the builder of the model? arguments of good substance can be made on both sides.


I think the concurs D what ever is a good thing and the builder of the model rule invites to much crap to a contest conceived with good intentions!



for the record my plane started as glue and fiberglass cloth,nomex and foam blocks and yes my hands did the work on 90+% of the build under lamars watchfull eye. having said that the fact that I was involved in that much of the build is the reason my plane will not win, just a fact of life!!!!!!

gary

That is slightly more clear than your first answer, if a little edgy

Solution? Owner must have had a hand in the job somehow. Done. But it's not up to me, it's just a suggestion.

If Sean was apologizing for getting second, why did he even enter it? And that's not how the article reads AT ALL, so somehwere, something got lost in translation. At the pilot's meeting, we were told to go get our models and bring them if we wanted them to be considered. I'm sure you don't think I'm holding anything against Sean or anyone else over this, or even suggesting that Sean did anything wrong whatsoever? I'm just trying to make a point, but I think it may be lost. Read Arch's post again, because that sums it up.

I suppose I could be defined as a professional now, (although I never thought of myself that way.....you DID meet me right? LOL) but back then, hmmmm....well, ok if you get technical about it, then yeah. I don't think there's necessarily anything wrong with that, or being sponsored. I suppose maybe it's in the execution....but my plane wasn't a collaboration, unless you include Ed Skorepa who laid up the landing gear, or the Japanese guys who assembled the radio guts or something. But again, that's getting pretty vague.

I can't see where you've been criticized in any way, only supported and a couple of opinions offered. This award is your baby, and you've been thoroughly heralded for it. I think it's the best idea/incentive to come down the pike in a very long time. Been pretty clear about that too. I simply believe the criteria is fairly vague at this point, but hey, I already made a suggestion and that's all of the input I have. You asked, and I thought I was both supportive and made a suggestion, using clear examples to illustrate my point. I guess maybe I don't get it after all.

I'm going flying.....

-Mike

Oh and Gary, Melissa didn't lay up the parts for my planes for last year. I did. I tought her how after I realized I couldn't keep up best move I ever made!!!

-M

my bad mike, still got to love a women that can lay up !!!!!!!!


watch out for lamar I think he wants to kidnap her!!!! I don't think he could keep up with her if he did LOL!!


not questioning your build mike just raising point of the true 100% (scratch) of airplanes available on the market today!



gary

By definition, true 100% scratch builds are the #1 most available planes in the world. Got balsa?

Anyway, gotta run, I'm late and the field is a LOOOOOOONG drive...

-M

true true !!!


gary

oopps, realized my smart ***** comment has a carbon fibre aries canopy. n/m

chuck beat me last year at the nats with mark hunt design( i think) "insight"



gary

what about the new aXial by Patrick Lemonnier ?

what about it ?



cool looking!!


builder of the model rule?


gary

FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours d'Elegance

A few potential models to look for at the 2007 AMA Pattern NATS...

Mike Dorna of Menomonee Falls, WI is one of the nicest and most popular pilots in D-5 AND is an excellent modeler. The photos show Mike's new Piedmont Models Brio which he built from the ARC kit, assembled, painted, covered and personally designed AND cut the graphics. The canopy features a "brain" peel away (fancy term describing effect of showing what is under the color) and a very cool rudder faux (pronounced fake) diamond plate detail. YS DZ 1.60 powered, Futaba electronics with Monokote and PPG (?) paints.

Top quality effort by a fine individual and in the interest of full disclosure is a YS Parts and Service Team member.

Rusty Dose
Team Futaba, Team YS Parts and Service
2007 FLY Concourse d'Elegance Coordinator

At first I didn't understand what the whole "contest" was about. I was one of the many drooling over Seans new plane (even though I'd seen it before, or at least one like it) knowing he didn't build it. I was admiring all the cool glow stuff that I had just bought the month before in Japan. When it came time to vote, I voted for Mike's plane cause I knew he did the work on it. I didn't think Sean actually entered his to be voted on, I think he was just proud of his plane.

That being said, I know I am about as far away as it comes to being a builder... but I'm actually assembling and painting my 2 new planes (with help, but my hands are getting dirty... really dirty). I will enter them in the contest, but going up against the likes of other real builders, I'm pretty sure I won't win. But I, like Sean, will be proud of my planes and will want to show them off.

Jason

What no monkey wrench and blow torch???? LOL that's really cool though!

Yeah I'm thinking about this a lot, and I think maybe the rules are (were) just a little vague. If it's just the "coolest plane" prize, I'm fine with that too! We should all be proud of our models whether we buy them or build them....but it's hard to beat the pride of doing it yourself, and that means scratched OR ARFed. I am pretty confident that the votes will come out the way they "should", whatever that is. That's why I don't and never did have a problem with Sean's Astral winning runner up, I just took notice of the utter and complete difference in the planes. Mine wasn't the coolest plane last year, but I like to think what made it the winner was the whole and total package, maybe the fact that I designed it and did those planes from a blank piece of paper. So I'd hope things like that would be considered, but if somebody else just rocked it with coolness, that is the plane that should win. We love our toy planes. And pattern guys have the coolest toys.

maybe there should be another prize in addition that applies to the builder of the model? I'd be more than happy to sponsor it myself. Maybe not this year, but certainly next year, if there's any interest. I know there's a LOT of builders out there. Not trying to steal or take anything away from the Concourse, just thinking it might be a good addition to the line up of options and things to shoot for? Whatcha think Rusty?

-Mike

FLY RC Magazine 2007 Concours d'Elegance

Concept of offering additional "Recognition" categories...

Yes, I support and would encourage additional "Recognition" categories be added for the 2008 event. It makes sense, is the right thing to do and must be done to innovative and be relevant for the future. Many of you may have seen the recent FLY RC Magazine, specifically the coverage of the large Florida, Frank Tiano designed events (he is the best of the best in promoting our hobby). FLY RC was a major sponsor because of their mission/marketing demographic. The Concours d'Elegance event was specifically designed to "fit" their format/my self proclaimed mission of the NSRCA and am confident the event can be offered as long an R/C precision aerobatic enthusiasts "lead" the event.

I like to apply the rules of creating a business to creating and executing events for our modeling activities. Typically, the small business entrepreneur (owner) who has the vision and courage to start a business should select a manager to "manage" the business going forward as soon as possible. The manager will optimize production, bring in additional individuals to execute the next phase of the business, allowing the entreprenuer to develop additional products or services to fuel future growth.

Okay, Rusty, what does this have to do with the "Concours" or the JR Future Champions Breakfast" or the "Futaba Flight Achievement Award" or the "USA F3A Team"...everything.

Each of these events need passionate individuals to step forward and begin the process of "owning" them, establishing a tradition of recognizing the qualities unique to Pattern competition...my mission. For better or for worse, the market place, each of you and your interests will determine if any or all of the events/activites are relevant by your votes in the form of participation, feedback and commitment to lead them forward.

The NSRCA, the precision aerobatic pattern special interest group is the symbolic "owner" of the events because they are "host". I look forward to sharing all of my notes, experiences and ideas with the FUTURE LEADERS of the aforementioned events...as soon as possible.

Please consider getting involved, living out of your comfort zone and become a leader of one of the listed activities, (800) 876-7741.

Proud and honored to be involved,

Rusty Dose
Volunteer
Team Futaba, Team YS Parts and Service