[Randy Brown]

Incase you never head the announcement yesturday

Mrs Bennet has decided not to carry on the TOC anymore

Sure a sad day for sure

Randy

[JimMcIntyre]

Just read this elsewhere.... seems to be confirmed.

Is it just me or does interest in competition appear to be on the downturn.

I blame it on ARFs and the instant gratification crowd. Very few willing to put the effort into perfecting the craft (just want to occasionally bore holes in the sky). They're turning this sport into just another hobby.

[JimMcIntyre]

Above post somewhat tongue-in-cheek.

[Randy Brown]

Originally Posted by JimMcIntyre

Above post somewhat tongue-in-cheek.

McIntyre.. give yourself a slap

FYI.. The said the figures are Bill Bennett has put out more then $9,000,000.00 over the years for the TOC

Randy

[JimMcIntyre]

Originally Posted by Randy Brown

FYI.. The said the figures are Bill Bennett has put out more then $9,000,000.00 over the years for the TOC

Randy

Don't let Kenair find out.

[beto9]

I think ARFs have induced many new fliers into the Hobby that never had the inclination, time or ability to build their own planes...
Many ARF's are a disgrace, many more are excellent products. And when you are in the middle of the season and no plane to fly an ARF will come to the rescue in no time.
I am a purist and enjoy building (except hingeing, it gives me the heebe-jeevies!) but I also have bought ARF to try them ASAP!!!!
Also, psycologically, you mourn less and ARF that a built-up when it encounters earth at a non-landing speed!
Albert

[JimMcIntyre]

Originally Posted by beto9

I think ARFs have induced many new fliers into the Hobby that never had the inclination, time or ability to build their own planes...

Disclaimer:
I've had this debate many times and don't want to launch into again.
It's my opinion and I'm not trying to convert anyone else to it, nor am I adopting some "holier than thou" attitude.

Soapbox:
Modelling to me is as much building aircraft as it is flying. "Buying and flying" is not modelling in my books, it's playing with model airplanes. People who take this approach are missing more than 50% of what the hobby is about.

You may "mourn" the loss of an ARF less but you also miss out on the positive side of the roller-coaster emotions of the hobby.....

[AJCoholic]

Whether or not ARF's are good/bad for the sport/hobby of model airplanes is irrelivant. I am sure that has nothing to do with the descision to can the tournament.

The TOC has surely had some direct influence on the flying styles, advancement of equipment and the trickling down of new technology for the masses. There are still plenty of high profile contests, scale, aerobatic and more that allthough willnot be as prestigious as the TOC and have the big $$ prises, are still doing "their job" promoting the hobby.

Its too bad it will not be around any more, but thats a LOT of cash to give away, whether you are a millionare or not!

Andrew

[nony]

Don't let Kenair find out.

[Airnut]

I agree with you 100% Jim ! You don't learn much about the hobby with an ARF. but I do agree that it gets "Newbies" into RC. Every hobby needs them to survive.