IF you could only make non-flying scale planes, or, unpainted flying stick planes...

[jay flay tway]

IF, for the rest of your life, you could ONLY make non-flying scale planes (like plastic or diecast models), OR, flyable, unpainted stick planes with uncolored covering, which would you do?

This is a hypothetical question which I think is more interesting asked this way than simply asking, "which is more enjoyable: scale or flying?"

The answers to the two questions might be different for some too.

[jay flay tway]

Just for me, I think the answer might change with time as I move from one interest to another. When I was young, I enjoyed scale models and those cheap balsa gliders and propellor planes (sleek streak, etc.). Now I have no interest in scale at all. I really enjoy the "form follow function, or if not, it still flies better" philosophy.
However, I'm always changing what I'm into and probably one day I'll get into scale too.

I think this question is related to why a person is in this hobby. Maybe two of the main reasons are:
to experience full-size planes in a smaller, easier, cheaper, and more controllable way,
and
to observe the laws of flight and attempt to use them to get the flight you desire.

Any thoughts on these thoughts? :)

[Applehoney]

I wouldn't like the restriction to simple stick airplanes ..though it would be a ongoing challenge to develop better performance.

I have no interest in something that justs sits there and does nothing.

Cme to think of it, that describes me .. or so my wife says .... :-)

[John O'Sullivan]

If I only had a choice to build only non-flying planes - I would not!
Planes are only planes if they fly. It's airtime that counts.
John O'Sullivan

[John O'Sullivan]

Just struck me!!
Between Applehoney and myself, we have a combined 120 years of model flying!
And I'm getting as much enjoyment now as I ever did. Flying that is.
It's a wonderful hobby with a multitude of variations.
About the only things better, are the friendships you develop within the hobby.
Don't restrict yourself - try them all.
John O'Sullivan

[sgtdirt]

since most of my scale rubber planes don't fly that good and my stick ones tend to fly like i want, you can usually find me in my front yard tossing one of the sticks flyers around.
i do like trying to make my scales models as close to realitic as i can but....stick models are A LOT easier to trim.

[slipstick]

Neither of the above. I'd find a different hobby.

Steve

[TLyttle]

Let me add another 60 years to the total!

And right on about "don't restrict yourself, try it all". Static models are fine while you are building them, but then I can't find a single redeeming feature to them. Even building the plastic airplanes, I would find myself at a backyard pool making them "fly" in the water! I guess I'm addicted to anything that flies...

Add to that my enjoyment of slot cars in earlier years; I had ~50 of them, everything from F1 to ambulances to log trucks. A buddy just gave me an old Wrenn slot car from the early 60s with the solenoid drive, just to rub it in that I may grow old, but I won't grow up!

[jwfinn]

I have to vote for flying planes. I like scale, but only FLYING scale. If I can't fly it, what's the point? If it came to that, I'd go with endurance flying...as if that's not what I've been doing lately. :rolleyes:

Oh, and I don't paint my planes either. :D

[Applehoney]

>combined 120 years of model flying! And I'm getting as much enjoyment now as I ever did. Flying that is.

Absolutely! I was out on a hot field at Geneseo this weekend, trotting after a power model high up overhead and thinking ''"Gawd, I'm 70 yrs old, why am I doing this?" and the answer is simple .. at this point I'm also still the young teenager watching his F/F stumble around for a short while, with as much awe, pleasure and enthusiasm.

>About the only things better, are the friendships you develop within the hobby.

Again, absolutely! Still in touch with many people I flew with over 50 years ago .. and others met since ... Email has opened up a whole new group of enthusiasts, acquaintances and friends .... and the contest events are more a 'family reunion' both on and off the field for a great many flyers and their partners.

We are indeed fortunate people.

[TLyttle]

Absolutely. I became allergic to balsa, so I thought I would try to quit; huh. I tried foam (bleah), went to Aeronautics Anonymous, took their 12-step program ("I'm Terry, and I built a peanut last week..."), but nothing worked.

So here we are, some old, some young, ALL OF US having a blast! Here's to models, here's to freeflight!